a tale of tails, tenacity, and tedium, as told by me, usually barefoot and bellowing

Friday, December 18, 2015

The Paint Department

In some stores they have a discounted section of returned paints and stains.  Strangely, but not really for me, I check this section in every store that sells paint.  Through the years I've found some bargains.  I've acquired stains, interior and exterior latex and even Dry Lock for sometimes a quarter of the original price.

I'm not sure of the return policy for each store regarding paint. I thought if you chose it, bought it, and opened it, you were stuck.  Not so.  A stranger's dissatisfaction becomes my bargains such as the latest Rustic Red (five gallons) exterior stain for under ten dollars a gallon.
Recently I have gathered pieces of cans and mixed all the latex.  Green, lavender, and red makes this color!  Quite a pleasant color and will soon be the painted shelves in our basement...or maybe the floor.  It is a partly finished basement that was Mom's laundry room, the food storage room and the storm safe room when needed.
My oldest daughter, Melissa, is gonna hurt me for posting this photo but had to show how well the Dry Lock is going on the block walls.
Big difference!  Melissa is cleaning every thing with vinegar and a wire brush so there's a nice healthy underlay.  The walls were painted pink long ago when it was built.  We even have the original pink and gray tiles in stacks.  I think we may just paint the floor.

The ceiling is tongue and groove pine from who knows how long ago. It will be clear coated after it's deep cleaned.  The wood is too pretty to cover.

As for my waiting Rustic Red...we'll just have to see what it tells me to do.

13 comments:

Lynne said...

Leave it to Gail and she will find a way, save some dollars and bring a smile into the mix too!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I didn't know you could return paint either. Smart to look for it as paint is really expensive.
Basement is looking good.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Now that looks like a great inside project! I have left over paints and nothing to paint...at least not today:)

Farm Girl said...

Wow Gail, what a big job. It is going to be great. I love the sound of that wood floor too.

Debbie said...

oh gail, that's a great way to save some money!!!! you sure are ambitious!!!

MadSnapper said...

well this is new to me, i thought paint was not returnable. the room is looking good and if you disappear we will know Melissa killed you;

Gorges Smythe said...

Many years ago, a neighbor wanted to paint the old house where he was raised in the country, which, by that time, was used only as a hunting cabin. He got whatever was on sale dirt cheap and mixed it all together and painted the building. When it dried, it the SICKEST shade of purple you've ever seen. Considering that an interstate had gone right by the place since in years past, hundreds of thousands of people have probably gotten a good laugh from the purple house.

Sketching with Dogs said...

Great bargain!
Lynne x

LindaG said...

Basement looks good you are both doing a great job.
Hope you all have a blessed weekend, Gail. ♥

Martha said...

I've never heard of returnable paint. That is pretty cool! I'd be checking that for sure if it was available here. A great way to get bargain prices for projects that require paint!

Lee said...

You are quite wonderful; quite amazing, Gail...an inspiration. :)

Country Gal said...

I guess it runs under the rule of one persons garbage is another persons treasure and heck why not nothing wrong with it so why waste it ! Good indoor project especially on gloomy days ! Thanks fro sharing , hope all goes well ! Have a good weekend !

Anonymous said...

It all seems to be coming together nicely. It looks good, too. Good thinking on the paint. That can be so costly!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...