How To Paint Responsibly

At Colourtrend, we are committed to crafting paints that exist in perfect unity with the world around us. We are dedicated to minimising our effects on the environment without compromising on our high-quality standards. To help you approach your painting project in a more environmentally conscious manner, we have provided some guidance below that will allow you to paint in a more responsible, sustainable way. Take a look at the following frequently asked questions to see how you can reduce your paint wastage.

How can I estimate how much paint I need to avoid paint wastage?

This is one of our most frequently asked questions and a source of much consideration for many. We have devised a step-by-step guide to help you determine how much paint you will need to decorate your space. By following the below steps to calculate the square area of your room, you will be able to use our estimated paint coverage to calculate how much paint you will need to complete your project. The expected coverage (coverage per litre per coat) of each of our finishes can be found in our technical data sheets available here. If you are unsure of the coverage of your chosen finish, reach out to us via the live chat feature here on our website or by email at hello@colourtrend.ie.

I do not have my exact room measurements, is there any way that I can still estimate how much paint I need?

We would always recommend measuring your room to accurately determine your paint quantity requirements and minimise paint wastage where possible. However, as a general guide, we have outlined some average paint estimations for each room in your home below. These estimations are based on an average 3-bedroom house. However, coverage may vary depending on the surface you are painting. All finishes are for reference or suggested purpose only, unpainted walls will need to be primed with a 10% diluted first coat which will affect the spread rate and amount of paint required.

How can I minimise paint wastage during my painting project?

After taking the time to estimate your paint requirements in advance of beginning your project, you can continue to take steps throughout your painting project to reduce your paint wastage.

Firstly, we recommend using a roller where possible to apply your paint. Using a roller will ensure that your paint is applied evenly, requiring you to use less paint to achieve the same coverage as brushing.

Top tip: You can ensure your roller does not dry out while waiting for your coats to dry by placing the roller into an air-tight container. Rather than using a plastic bag for this, you can re-use the roller’s original packaging to create an air-tight environment.

Secondly, to avoid over-thinning your paint resulting in wasted, unusable paint, we recommend thinning down your paint in small batches. All waterbased Colourtrend paints can be thinned down by using up to 10% water.
Top tip: Do not thin down your paint by more than 10% water as doing so will negatively affect your paint’s coverage and quality.

Lastly, ensure that you have correctly prepped and primed the surface you are painting to ensure a high-quality finish and avoid any application issues that could result in a wasted application of paint. Take a look at our ‘How-To Guides’ here, to determine how best to prepare your surface.
Top tip: It is good practice to apply primer to any bare, unpainted surface. Take a look at our ‘how to choose the most suitable primer for your project’ blog here.

After completing my painting project, I have leftover paint, what can I do with this?

Once stored correctly, leftover paint can be re-used again. Re-place the lid on to your paint correctly and store in an area away from direct sunlight and avoid storing in hot or cold conditions. If you only have a small amount of paint leftover, you can store this in a jam jar.
Top tip: Don’t forget to re-label your paint can or jam jar with the colour name and room you have painted.

If you do not want to keep your leftover paint, try checking in with a friend or neighbour in your community to see if they would like your paint. There are also a number of paint re-use schemes available around the country, such as Rediscover Paint. Take a look at their website here to find out how you can donate your leftover paint.

It is important to note that leftover liquid paint cannot be disposed of down your sink or drains and cannot be disposed of in regular bins. Similarly, you should not dispose of your dried or wet paint cans in regular landfill or recycling bins. For more information on disposing your used paint cans visit www.mywaste.ie. For responsible disposal, we recommend checking in with your local recycling centre or county council for proper disposal advise specific to your area.

We are here to help you carry out your painting project as sustainably and eco-friendly as possible. If you would like any further advice on any of these topics, please get in touch with us via email at hello@colourtrend.ie, through our live chat feature here on our website or through our video messaging service available here.