Don't Bin It! 10 Creative Ways to Upcycle Leftover Paint by Numbers Supplies
Article Summary
You have finished your masterpiece, but the little pots aren't empty yet. Instead of letting them dry out or throwing them in the bin, discover 10 creative, sustainable ways to use your leftover paint by numbers supplies. From custom picture frames to "dot art," give your materials a second life.
Good acrylic paint is too valuable to waste. Here is how to use every drop.
You have just applied the final coat of varnish to your latest Paint by Numbers masterpiece. It looks stunning on the wall.
But when you look at your workspace, you see a stack of little plastic pots, each half-full of high-quality acrylic paint. It feels like a waste to throw them away, doesn't it?
Good news: You don't have to. Our high-pigment acrylics are versatile, durable, and perfect for mini-projects. Here are 10 creative ways UK artists are upcycling their leftovers.
Creative Upcycling Ideas
- 1. Paint Your Own Picture Frame: If you have bought a plain wooden frame (or one of our DIY Frame Kits), why leave it bare? Use your leftover colours to paint the frame in a shade that complements the artwork inside. It creates a seamless, custom look.
- 2. Create "Dot Art" Mandalas: You don't need brushes for this. Use the ends of your brush handles or toothpicks dipped in leftover paint to create stunning dot mandalas on stones or coasters. The thick consistency of our PBN paint is perfect for holding that 3D "dot" shape.
- 3. Plant Pot Makeovers: Terracotta pots are boring. Acrylic paint sticks wonderfully to clay. Use your leftover greens and floral pinks (from your Flower Kits) to give your houseplant pots a vibrant makeover. Just remember to seal them with varnish afterwards!
- 4. Abstract Bookmark Art: Cut some thick cardstock into strips. Use your leftover paints to create abstract smears, splatters, or geometric shapes. Punch a hole at the top, add a ribbon, and you have handmade bookmarks, perfect personalised gifts for book lovers.
- 5. The "Freehand" Challenge: Feeling brave? Flip your canvas reference sheet over to the blank side (or buy a small blank canvas). Try to paint something simple using only the colours you have left. It’s a great way to practice colour theory without the pressure of lines.
💡 Quick Tip: The "Swatch" Notebook
Before you close your pots for the last time, paint a small square of every leftover colour into a notebook and number them.
Next time you need to touch up a scratch on a painting or need a specific shade for a craft, you’ll know exactly what you have in your stash without opening every single lid.
Practical Uses & Donations
- 6. Touch-Up Household Items: Acrylic paint is surprisingly durable. Have a chip on a white skirting board? A scuff on a black picture frame? Check your leftover pots. You likely have a shade of white, black, or grey that creates an invisible fix.
- 7. Decorate Your Brushes: After a few kits, you might have a collection of similar-looking brushes. Use bright leftover colours to paint the wooden handles. Colour-code them by size or just make them look pretty in your jar.
- 8. Donate to Schools: If you truly won't use them, don't bin them. Local primary schools, Scout/Guide groups, or community centres in the UK are often desperate for art supplies. A bag of half-full acrylic pots is gold dust for a kids' craft afternoon.
- 9. The "Negative Space" Canvas: Cover a small blank canvas with masking tape in a geometric pattern. Paint the spaces in between with your mismatched leftover colours. Peel the tape off when dry to reveal crisp white lines.
- 10. Seal and Store (Properly): If you want to keep them for later, add one drop of water or Flow Improver to each pot, create an airtight seal with cling film under the lid, and snap it shut. Store them in a cool, dark place (not a sunny windowsill!), and they can last for months.
Empty Pots? Time for a Refill.
If you have used up every last drop and are ready for a fresh start, browse our latest collection of premium kits.
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