How to Save Big with Budget Paint: Tips for Finding the Best Deals

There’s a fantastic money-saving tip for your next home improvement project: budget paint! Once you see how easy it is to save up to 85% on paint, you’ll never buy it any other way.

A fresh coat of paint can make any room look new. Whether you like to repaint often or your home needs a facelift, repainting is a quick weekend project. Painting is already an inexpensive way to brighten up a room, but what if you could make it even cheaper?

What Is Budget Paint?

Most home improvement stores have a reduced paint shelf. This “oops paint” or “mistint paint” includes paints returned by customers, dented containers, or paints mistinted in the machine. Stores drastically reduce these paints to clear them out. Visit early in the week for the best selection, as weekends are busy with homeowners buying, returning, and mistinting paint.

Oops Paint at Home Depot: How Much Can You Save?

Prices vary, but at a Midwest Home Depot, “oops paint” costs $9 a gallon, $2 a quart, 50 cents for a sample size, and $20 for a five-gallon bucket. Even Behr Marquee Paint & Primer, which retails for almost $50 per gallon, is included. This means savings of 65%-85% on gallon sizes, depending on the brand and type you find.

Types of Paint Available

You can find a variety of paints, including flats, eggshells, semi-glosses, chalk paints, cabinet paints, stains, concrete paints, primers, ceiling paints, and exterior paints. Many colors and hues are available, often with more than one gallon of the same color. This is perfect for large rooms. You may also find several gallons in similar shades, which you can mix in a five-gallon bucket for consistency. Just be sure to mix the same finish, like all eggshell or all flat.

Budget Paint at Lowes

Lowe’s also offers a great selection of budget paint. Their “mis-tint paint” section is well-stocked, especially on Mondays. Prices are similar to Home Depot, and you can find a range of finishes and colors. Look for high-quality brands like Valspar and Sherwin-Williams.

Walmart’s Paint Deals

Walmart has a smaller selection, but it’s worth checking. Their budget paint section often includes main brands like Glidden and Kilz. Prices are competitive, and you might find unique colors or finishes.

Best Budget Paint Options

When shopping for budget paint, Behr paint is a top choice. Known for its quality and durability, Behr paint is often found in the “oops paint” section at a fraction of the cost. Other brands to look for include Valspar, Sherwin-Williams, and Glidden.

How to Use Cheap Gallon Paint Effectively

Mixing Paints for Large Projects

If you find multiple gallons in similar shades, mix them in a five-gallon bucket. This ensures color consistency for large areas. Remember to mix paints with the same finish to avoid texture issues.

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Accent Walls and Furniture Makeovers

Quarts of budget paint are perfect for accent walls, small cabinets, or furniture makeovers. These small quantities can transform a room or piece of furniture without breaking the bank.

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Tips for Finding the Best Budget Paint

Visit Early in the Week: Stores restock after the weekend rush, offering the best selection on Mondays.
Check Multiple Stores: Each store’s selection varies, so check Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart.
Ask for Discounts: Sometimes, stores will offer additional discounts on already reduced paint.
Look for High-Quality Brands: Even budget paint sections have top brands like Behr and Valspar.

Additional Tips for Painting on a Budget

Preparation is Key

Prep your surfaces well to ensure the paint adheres properly and lasts longer. Clean walls, fill holes, and sand rough spots before painting.

Use Quality Brushes and Rollers

Investing in good brushes and rollers can make a big difference. They provide better coverage and a smoother finish, even with budget paint.

Store Leftover Paint Properly

Seal leftover paint cans tightly and store them in a cool, dry place. Proper storage extends the paint’s life for future touch-ups. I’ve used Oops paint that was 10 years old on recent projects and it’s tuned out perfectly, like this front door I painted last September with paint I bought in 2013.

Conclusion

Finding budget paint can save you significant money on your next project. Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart all offer excellent deals on “oops paint.” With a bit of planning and effort, you can transform your home without spending a fortune. Make it a habit to check the discounted paint section regularly, and you’ll always have the best budget paint options at your fingertips.

For more tips, check out my guide on painting rooms fast and my pick for the best paintbrush for easy cutting in. Happy painting!

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