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.