Fresh paint can really transform a space. Hiring a professional is a nice luxury, but it’s expensive. However, becoming a good DIY house painter is not as difficult as you may think. During the early part of the pandemic, I hunkered down (watching tons of YouTube videos) and, even though I’m not a very handy person, I learned how to paint. Changing up your walls makes a big visual impact and can give the impression of a major renovation, without the pesky renovation. Adding new paint and maybe even some removable wallpaper are not just projects for homeowners, these are actually great ways that renters can make their space feel more like home.
One Way to Save: Home Depot Oops Paint
New projects are fun, but they can cost you quite a bit. Paint can cost a lot more than you think. Paint varies in price from $15 to more than $80 per gallon.
Luckily, Home Depot, one of our favorite DIY megastores, can help affordably gear you up for your painting project needs. They even offer a pretty cool way you can save tons on your paint, which you probably didn’t even know about. It’s called Oops Paint, and all it requires is that you are flexible on your color choice. You can find gallons of paint for around $5 to $10, and pints for $1 or even less in some cases. If it’s been sitting on the shelf for a bit, your bargain just got better.
For comparison, full-priced gallons of paint from brands we found on the Oops Paint rack cost around $40.
What Is Home Depot Oops Paint?
Home Depot Oops Paint is incorrectly mixed paint. You may also hear it referred to as “mistinted.” When you order a paint color in the store, an associate will mix together the various colors in the finish you request. Well, sometimes that doesn’t always work out. Maybe they added the wrong color, or the wrong amount — this paint now is added to the Oops Paint collection.
Is Home Depot Paint Any Good?
Yes, Home Depot is a great source to buy quality paint. While they carry a range of different quality paints, their Behr line of paint has been rated by Consumer Reports as some of the best interior and exterior paint available on the market.
Where Can I Find Home Depot Oops Paint?
You can find Home Depot Oops Paint in the store only, not online. Typically this paint is displayed close to the counter in the paint department. If you can’t find it, ask a sales associate to direct you to the correct shelf. If you get a confused look, ask for “mistinted paint.” We spotted the Oops Paint rack near the end of one of the aisles at a nearby Home Depot. The amount and selection will vary depending on, well, how many mistakes in mixing have occurred. Your chances are higher after holiday weekends when a lot of DIY weekend warriors tend to tackle home improvement projects. Think right after Memorial Day and Labor Day, for example.
What Are Some Considerations Before Using Home Depot Oops Paint?
Quantity: There is no exact guarantee on the amount of paint that will be available in the store, but as a general rule you should expect smaller amounts, which means Oops Paint might work best for smaller projects. Accent wall? Small bedroom or bathroom? Probably a good bet. We found a few pint-sized jars, too, which could work for pint-sized projects, like painting some drawers or painting children’s furniture.
Color: Typically you’ll find a painted swatch on the top or side of the Oops Paint can. However, it can’t hurt to ask an associate to open the can to double-check what you are getting.
Finish: As with any painting project, make sure the finish of the paint will work for your project. Even if you are flexible with color, you probably should go with the finish that makes sense for your painting project.
Why Is Painting So Expensive?
Painters charge a lot because, to do it right, it takes time. There’s a lot of sweatwork involved (in exchange for money saved) when you DIY:
- Clearing out, cleaning and prepping your space for your painting project is an essential but time-consuming part of the job.
- You also have to allow time to properly repair, fill and sand any cracks in your drywall before you even start to paint.
- Finally, you’ll get to priming and painting. But you’ll need to allow time for drying in between coats.
How Much Should I Spend on Painting Supplies?
Now that we’ve established you can save hundreds doing the labor yourself, how much will it cost to gather up your supplies? If you haven’t already acquired some of these supplies, you can expect to need the following:
- Paints.
- Brushes in various sizes.
- Rollers.
- Spackle.
- Sanding paper.
- Paint tape.
- Covers and tarps.
- Ladder.
Final Thoughts on Saving
Some Home Depots will also let you rent a ladder if you don’t want to purchase one for your project. To save money you can use a sturdy chair, but be sure to protect it from splatter and spills. If you quickly wash out brushes, many can be reused. If you are about to tackle a small DIY painting project, Home Depot Oops Paint can help you save a ton. Be sure to check out your Oops Paint selection at your local Home Depot.
The post How to Buy Home Depot Oops Paint – And Save appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
