Decorating
8 Inspiring Projects to Use up Tester Paint Pots
Find a creative use for your stash of tester pots and you'll reclaim some valuable storage space at the same time
So you’ve tested the paint colour with a smallish patch on the wall, but now what to do with the rest of the 50ml or 100ml pot? Stash it away with the other tester pots of course, and let them gather dust. Well, the life of these pots doesn’t have to end there. You can put them to good use with these eight make-you-smile craft ideas that can all be achieved with just a small amount of paint and an even smaller amount of effort.
Look around for other items of furniture that would benefit from a lick of paint – this is an easy way to change its look and feel in an instance. Here, the dash of pink on this desk adds an energetic touch to this otherwise neutral corner.
Add pattern to furniture
A tester pot isn’t going to cover an entire piece of furniture, but it will be enough for you to paint on a surface pattern, like the chevron design above. Use decorator’s tape to mark out your design and make sure your tester pots can go the distance.
Got an old chest of drawers? Here’s how to transform it
A tester pot isn’t going to cover an entire piece of furniture, but it will be enough for you to paint on a surface pattern, like the chevron design above. Use decorator’s tape to mark out your design and make sure your tester pots can go the distance.
Got an old chest of drawers? Here’s how to transform it
Makeover your stairs
What a genius idea for using up random paint colours. This easy-to-implement decorating idea is sure to add a playful edge to your hallway, while doing your bit for the environment by not sending any paint to landfill. Just be sure to work out your colour combinations on paper first.
What a genius idea for using up random paint colours. This easy-to-implement decorating idea is sure to add a playful edge to your hallway, while doing your bit for the environment by not sending any paint to landfill. Just be sure to work out your colour combinations on paper first.
Let the kids get creative
One way of using up tester colours that you no longer like is to donate the pots to the kids and let them experiment with them – you could then display their artwork on the wall. Or contact schools in your area to see if they’d like to use them in their art departments.
One way of using up tester colours that you no longer like is to donate the pots to the kids and let them experiment with them – you could then display their artwork on the wall. Or contact schools in your area to see if they’d like to use them in their art departments.
Paint a pot
Have you recently discovered the perfect front door colour? Then continue this loving feeling by using the tester paint to jazz up nearby flower pots. If you don’t have enough paint to cover an entire pot, experiment with asymmetrical designs that will still make an impact.
Have you recently discovered the perfect front door colour? Then continue this loving feeling by using the tester paint to jazz up nearby flower pots. If you don’t have enough paint to cover an entire pot, experiment with asymmetrical designs that will still make an impact.
Dip your chair legs
Add interest to your dining chairs by painting on socks in a process known as ‘dipping’. This works particularly well with Thonet-style chairs, as seen here. Simply add tape to where you want the paint to reach to, then dip the bottom of each leg into the tester pot.
Add interest to your dining chairs by painting on socks in a process known as ‘dipping’. This works particularly well with Thonet-style chairs, as seen here. Simply add tape to where you want the paint to reach to, then dip the bottom of each leg into the tester pot.
Jazz up some shelves
Transform plain shelves by painting the back wall of the unit. This creates a backdrop for your treasures and works particularly well if you pick a bold, contrasting shade that allows your collectables to pop out.
Bored of standard shelving? See how to turn it into a feature
Transform plain shelves by painting the back wall of the unit. This creates a backdrop for your treasures and works particularly well if you pick a bold, contrasting shade that allows your collectables to pop out.
Bored of standard shelving? See how to turn it into a feature
Colour a frame
Makeover a traditional picture frame with a vibrant, contemporary colour and you’ll create an intriguing mix of old and new styles. Try combining various types and sizes of frames in different primary colours to make a striking display that packs a powerful design punch.
How have you used up your old tester pots? Share pics of your nifty projects in the Comments below.
Makeover a traditional picture frame with a vibrant, contemporary colour and you’ll create an intriguing mix of old and new styles. Try combining various types and sizes of frames in different primary colours to make a striking display that packs a powerful design punch.
How have you used up your old tester pots? Share pics of your nifty projects in the Comments below.
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Create a cute wall display with a collection of old drawers. Choose a cheerful paint colour that will add to the whimsical feel and only paint the edges so you can make the tester pot last for two or more drawers. Then line the base of the drawers with some wrapping paper or a wallpaper sample for added charm.