What a nice paint job! Now your friends will want to copy your color choices. And you yourself may need to touch up a room with the same colors in the future. Today’s creative paint names (Seafoam Pearl, Ballet Slipper) are so easy to forget! Here’s what to do…
To ID leftover paint cans: The labels on paint cans often are either not very informative or get covered up by drips of paint. On a 3-x-5 index card, write the paint brand, color name, color number, sheen name (such as flat, semi-gloss or eggshell) and the room you used it in—you might even want to paint a color smear on the card. Then attach the card to the paint can or laundry-detergent bottle (see below), sticking it in place with transparent tape.
To catalogue paint choices throughout your home: While you’re at it, paint a sample on an additional index card or dip half a Popsicle stick into the paint. When it is dry, write the paint brand, color name and the room you used it in on the card or stick so you will have the color handy for matching and decorating purposes. Keep your index cards or Popsicle sticks in a small photo album with plastic sheathings and, bingo, you’ve got a portable decorator’s helper.
Great way to store leftover paint: Cleaned-out plastic laundry-detergent bottles make great containers for leftover paint—much better than the original cans with their gooped-up, difficult-to-open metal lids. Laundry-detergent bottles have dripless pouring spouts and handy handles and, if you close them tightly, your leftover paint won’t dry out.
More help with home upkeep…
- 8 Common Mistakes Home Owners Make
- Home Repairs You Shouldn’t Ignore and Which to Fix First
- DIY Appliance Repairs That Save You Money
