Small paint job and slight enviro rant

[LagoDiComo]

I need to paint the top of a cheap Argos desk where the MDF has stained and can’t be cleaned up. I’m happy to take my chances with painting MDF as I’m aware that’s a whole different topic. My question is about how you would go about this job without ending up with loads of paint leftover? I am always a bit dismayed that paint companies sell paint only in relatively large quantities, despite the growth in interior design trends like furniture upcycling and paint feature walls (half walls, geometric shapes etc), often promoted by them in their brochures, and then offer very little help with disposing of the leftovers. I’m not sure a sample pot would work too well for the desk. Any ideas?

I would buy a couple of sample pots

Sample pots or look out on Freecycle/ask family or friends if they have leftover paint?

Ask on FB if you really don't want to buy any.

We've bought really small pots of eggshell, primer, and melamine paint though. If you are buying paint for wood/metal rather than emulsion you don't have to buy a giant pot at all.

Also a good way to get a bit more paint than a sample pot is to go to a store that does custom colour mixing,Eg B&Q does Valspar. The custom mixed sample pots are a good bit bigger than the off the shelf ones and might be just the right amount. You can ask to see a pot at least. F&B sample pots are also a good size.

Sample pots are almost always emulsion and aren't going to work in this case!

if you buy paint in plastic tubs (not metal tins) they seal very tightly and do not rust, so the left-over paint can be kept for future use.

Emulsion in pale colours can be used as an "undercoat" or as a mist coat next time you paint a wall, especially if you are covering up strong colours or a pattern or patched plaster.

You do need to stir paint very thoroughly if it has been in storage, but there are tools with a plastic spinner that go in an electric drill. Again these are better with plastic tubs as there is no metal plating that might get damaged or scratched off.

If you want to keep it for a long time, decant it into a smaller container that will be completely filled with no air. The air tends to cause a skin to form.

There are paint up cycling and recycling places, or you can sell/give the leftovers away on gum tree or free cycle/freegle.

Buy a small tin of Rustoleum furniture paint. They do satin finish and a chalk one. I have used the satin one on a fireplace surround, pantry shelves and a small wall cupboard.

I was going to recommend Rustoleum furniture paint as well. I got a great finish with the Satin ones.

Sorry, really late to the party, but in case you still haven't got round to it(or for anyone else), B&Q has just started selling furniture paint in tester size pots. It's called Good Home.

Near here there's a paint store where people can take left over paint and it's sold quite cheaply.

Have a piece of glass cut to fit the top. Then either paste wrapping paper under the glass, lay paper (wallpaper?) cut to size under the glass or paint the underneath of the glass. Acrylic paint will work here. It should look really smart when you've finished!