The idea was first discovered during a pilot project in Leeds, called the Waste Wagon project, and now we celebrate our 25 year paint anniversay! The Waste Wagon project found that we tend to store large volumes of leftover, reusable paint in our sheds, garages and cupboards. As part of the project, this leftover paint was collected from householders, along with other DIY materials and hazardous items. At the end of the project, the paint was given to local charities and groups, which highlighted the demand for affordable paint amongst these organisations, as well as a need amongst individuals and families on low income. Now, after 25 years, our sponsor Dulux has celebrated with us. Watch the video below to see some of the recent projects we have worked with, and a snapshot of our scheme Community RePaint Bradford.
Dr Dulux has created a handy guide to help you brush up on your knowledge, and the full article can be found here, but read below some of the most commonly used paint brushes.
Masonry Brush – this is a generous long bristle brush with a firm texture, usually made of natural bristle. Perfect for applying water-based masonry paints to the exterior painted brickwork or render. Tip: Grip the brush by the ‘stock’ rather than holding it by the handle alone for more control.
Synthetic or acrylic brushes – perfect for all water-based interior finishes. The smooth texture and springiness of the bristles make it easier to achieve an even finish and make ‘cutting in’ (creating the straight lines between different surfaces) really easy. They are especially good for painting woodwork and furniture in water-based satin, eggshell and gloss finishes. Tip: Look after these and they’ll last for years. Make sure you get all the paint out of the bristles before storing them away, If you get bent bristles, dip in hot water and they should regain their shape.
Natural bristle brushes – swell in water-based paints and, although this helps them hold more paint (less dipping into the can), it also means that it’s harder to be precise with them. These work well with traditional solvent-based paints on furniture or woodwork. Tip: Use a good brush cleaner to wash out solvent-based paints. If you are using water-based paints, make sure that after cleaning you store them somewhere dry. You can maintain beautifully straight bristles if you wrap the paint brush in newspaper while it’s still slightly damp.Cutting in brush – A cutting brush is designed for getting the perfect straight edge between the walls, ceilings and skirting boards etc. If you try one, you will never be happy with a straight bush for this job again… Tip: Don’t overload the brush. Smooth, confident downward strokes will result in cleaner lines.Dusting brush – A dusting brush has nice long soft bristles and is used for brushing the dust off surfaces after sanding and before applying paint.Fitch – can be round or flat and are useful little brushes for touching up small areas and getting into awkward nooks and crannies (like behind pipework and plus sockets).We have lots of other guides on our website to help you with painting, just visit the Help and Support section on our website.
Each year, the UK is estimated to waste 50 million litres of paint which is enough to fill 18 hot air balloons. We see this as a valuable resource, and so do our network of over 70 schemes. By either finding your nearest scheme and supporting the work they do by purchasing affordable paint from them, you can help us make a difference, whilst still providing a saving for you. If you have already painted, you can find multiple drop off points for paint on our website. We also love working with decorators, retailers, manufacturers and waste contractors, so get in touch with us to discuss this further.
Still not sure how we work? Watch below:
Claiming ownership of community spaces is the focus on the recent #LoveWhereYouLive campaign by Hubbub. Areas that are free of rubbish, clean and well looked after are much less likely to be vandalised than buildings that are unkept. Hubbub creates environmental campaigns with a difference, inspiring people to make healthier, greener lifestyle choices. Their campaign #Love
A huge part of the days includes painting fences, walls and upcycling furniture and planters. Our schemes not only collect interior paint, but also a range of exterior paints, perfect for projects that need to keep their costs down. Contact your nearest Community RePaint scheme to see what paint they can help with.
On the BBC Sheffield Radio Toby at Breakfast Show, Andy Kershaw a reporter on BBC Radio Sheffield interviewed Tim Jones, who had benefited from Community RePaint Doncaster, as a flood damaged the property he was issued after struggling with a mental health disorder.
Kerry, who runs Community RePaint Doncaster, said that they currently have around 2000 paint tins at their Carcroft shop currently. She, of course, could help Tim with the emulsion, undercoat and gloss he needed to redecorate. Tim finalised the interview by saying
‘Basically, what we see here is just like any kind of paint shop really. It’s just some of the cans have been used, and there are drips down the tins, but that’s what it’s all about. I know I’ll be able to get sorted out here. I am absolutely pleased, and I’m just overwhelmed. We’ve got trade emulsions, all different brands reclaimed gloss, paint. It’s been enormously helpful.”
Follow this link to listen to the interview from 30 minutes and 40 sections in.
Cornwall news articleIf you are in need of paint in Cornwall, visit the schemes page on our website.
Positive News is the world’s first media organisation dedicated to reporting on what’s going right, with positive stories from across the globe. They have highlighted the importance of our network and have included us alongside other fantastic reuse projects in the recent ‘Three good things: Nothing left to waste’.
A resident in the area of Anstey left what was believed to be fence paint in their recycling bin, ruining all recycled materials to become contaminated and therefore sent to landfill. Residents are advised to take their leftover paint to the Whetstone Waste Site, where Community RePaint Loughborough can then take the paint for reuse. You can read the rest of the article here.
The Sun on Sunday featured us in their Fabulous magazine, advising those on how to decorate at affordably, which can help in reducing debts or doubling savings. You can read the article for yourself here.
