Frugal ways to get paint (without paying $50 a gallon)
Paint is possibly the cheapest way to completely change a piece of furniture or an entire space. It’s magic in a can and I’m a big fan!
And I’ll paint almost anything. I’ve got drawers of paint splattered clothes to prove it. I once painted the fabric on a settee for my kids’ playroom. Yep, fabric. Would I do it again? Absolutely. That project cost me next to nothing because I just mixed a few leftover paints I already had until I landed on the color I was aiming for.
But while paint is cheaper than many other DIY materials, the price tag can still sting. On average, you’re looking at $50+ per gallon, and the “designer” brands can climb into the triple digits. We all know I’m not paying that much — because I’m cheap. Ahem, I mean… frugal. 😉
Over the years of chasing the most affordable way to makeover my home, I’ve found several ways to get perfectly good paint for a fraction of the cost. Here’s where I find it — plus the pros and cons of each option:
1. Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Price Range: $10-20 per gallon
Pros:
* Incredibly low prices
* Often carry partial cans AND full gallons
* Proceeds go to a great cause (Habitat for Humanity!)
* Inventory changes often — so it’s worth checking regularly
Cons:
* Limited color and finish options
* Paint may need to be stirred well or strained
* Some cans are older, so double-check before committing
2. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
Price Range: $10–$20 per gallon
Pros:
* Brand-new, unopened paint (sometimes name-brand!)
* Often in neutral or on-trend colors
* Returns accepted with a receipt
Cons:
* Color range can be hit-or-miss
* Not all finishes (like eggshell or matte) may be available
* Stock varies by location and season
3. Buy Nothing Groups
Price Range: Free!
Pros:
* 100% free — can’t beat that
* Great way to keep things out of the landfill
* People often give away full or nearly full gallons
Cons:
* You have to be quick — paint goes fast
* No returns, obviously
* Paint may have been stored improperly (so open it and check before using)
4. Facebook Marketplace
Price Range: Free to $15/gallon
Pros:
* Lots of folks sell leftover paint for cheap
* You can often negotiate on price
* Great for specialty or higher-end brands if you’re lucky
Cons:
* You need to be cautious (bring a buddy or meet in a public place!)
* Check for drying/cracking inside the can
* No refunds if the paint is no good
5. Mis-Tints at Home Improvement Stores
Price Range: $5–$10 per gallon
Pros:
* These are brand-new paints — just colors that didn’t match someone’s original order
* Huge savings (even on top-quality brands)
* No decision paralysis — pick what’s there and go!
Cons:
* No guarantee you’ll find your ideal color or finish
* Quantities may be limited (so double-check coverage)
Pro Tip:
If you’re buying multiple cans of the same color, always check the batch number on the lid. Paint from different batches can vary ever so slightly, and the last thing you want is a patchy wall or mismatched cabinets.
Final Thoughts
Frugal doesn’t mean you settle — it means you stretch. It means working with what you have and making the most of what you find. With a little patience and a willingness to check in with these sources regularly, you’ll never pay full price for paint again.
And if you’re wondering… yes, I still eyeball every mis-tint shelf like it’s the first-dibs cart at Goodwill. You never know what treasure you’ll find in those buckets of color.