Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Paint Storage Organization {how to...}


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{after}



It has been at least 16 years that I have put this project off. That is major procrastination! And you know what? It took less than an hour to get it done. Maybe I should have baked one less dessert or dinner or skipped a load of laundry somewhere over the years.

Please tell me I am not the only one that has had issues with nasty, dirty, bug- infested, rusty, old paint cans. PLEEEASE! Wanna know the straw that broke the camel's back? We had paint cans all over including ones that were stuffed under my hubby's work bench. I needed a color to touch up some spots. No, it wasn't in the closet or anywhere handy. It was jammed way behind the work bench. I have no idea how we got them under there because of the lip on the bottom shelf. Anyhoo, I had to use a rubber mallet to bang it out at an angle. Now you know why I had to get this project done ASAP.

Here is the tutorial: {fancy schmancy name for how to...do it!}

What you will need:

*a label maker, a sharpie pen, or adddress labels

*mason jars and platic screw lids OR clean plastic food storage containers {Cash and Carry}

*free paint stir sticks...Home Depot gives them to you!

*3x5 index cards

*an envelope to keep 3x5 index cards in

*hanging file folder for your files


Directions:


1. Stir paint thoroughly with stir stick and pour into new container.



2. Make label for top of paint container. If you are over 40, Do this right away! You don't want to forget what is what...unless you are only doing one can...then you shouldn't have a problem. :)




3. Take a 3x5 index card and write down all of the paint info. Where you bought it, color code, type of finish ie. satin, flat etc. If you are super organized, you could staple the info to a card. File the info away into an envelope.










NOW, that you are all oganized or thinkin' about it, be sure to do this every time you get new paint. It will make your hubby swoon and it will keep your knuckles from bruising up the next time you are digging for "that color"!


GOODBYE, NASTINESS!




HELLO, little beauties!





Happy Spring Cleaning to YOU!

Linked to:

Tidy Mom



, at the picket fence

9 comments:

  1. Yay spring cleaning! I started mine last night. Great tips! I've never thought to compress remaining paint into smaller containers! BRILLIANT :)

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  2. what a great idea! I have so many almost empty paint gallons sitting around in the garage for touch ups that take up way too much space! I'm a new follower from Making the World Cuter, and love finding new blogs to read for inspiration and ideas. Hope you'll follow me back at http://copy-cat-crafter.blogspot.com!

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  3. hiya i am visiting from make the world cuter and i am following too ,what a great idea , i always label mine(well write on them with marker !!!) but ptting them into smaller pots i did not think of that , thank god for linky parties ..lol hope to see you at mine sometime and i am off for a wander around your blog now tfs
    xmaggiex

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  4. Love this idea. I am totally going to do this. We have a cash and Carry in Vancouver that I'll hit up! I have so much leftover paint and this will make touch up easy too.

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  5. Kirstin, Emilysnan, Jessica, and Nicole...Thank YOU! Hope your friends don't think "you have lost it!" It does border on OCD, but my hubby LOVES it!

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  6. I think it's great. I have a few cans myself underneath the basement steps. I would have to figure out where to store them so that if they got knocked over they wouldn't spill. Maybe the mason jars would work better for me. We actually have several more painting projects we are in the mist of now, so going to use your suggestions!
    Thanks for linking it up to Organizing Mission link party.

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  7. I love your blog! I love your birdcage, faith, and your smart organization ideas (also your "Goodbye" and "Hello" to the paint :)! What's funny is, I just went to Wal-Mart this past week and bought pint-sized and half-pint-sized jars and printed off some round labels from justsomethingimade.com and am transferring my paint to the jars. I saw your link at At the Picket Fence and thought I could learn something from you--so I am stealing your idea of organizing the chip and the info and filing it, but I will link back to you with the kudos, if you don't mind?
    You smart home maker!!
    Blessings and joy to you today!
    ~Leslie

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  8. P.S. I has taken me 20 years to transfer the paint!

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