Mixed paint is a frustrating occurrence that even the most seasoned DIYer has to deal with at one point or another. Since it’s usually in small containers with only partial labels, it’s almost impossible to identify the contents of each different jar. If you end up with jars of mixed paint, you have a few options on what to do with them. Fortunately, Home Depot accepts unused paint for return as long as you have your receipt and all original packaging. Even if the mixing was intentional, they won’t accept partially used containers or anything that has been contaminated with hazardous materials (like oil or latex). You also need to keep in mind that not every store will allow returns so check first before bringing large amounts of mixed paint back.
Can you return the mixed paint to the home depot?
Yes, Home Depot stores will take back mixed paint as long as it is within its expiration date, however, you may be required to purchase the same amount of paint in another color. Additionally, store managers may use their discretion to approve the return of mixed paint if it does not exceed their inventory supply. If you are returning mixed paint, it is recommended that you check with your local Home Depot store first to ensure that they will accept the return.
How Can Return Mixed Paint To Home Depot?
Know if you can return your paint before you buy it
Not all pre-mixed paints at the store can be returned. The best way to know is to check the paint can’s label for a “non-refundable” label, which will be included in the fine print on the paint can. If you see that label, you know that paint cannot be returned to the store. There are a few more indicators that will tell you if you can return your paint or not. First, if you see a “pre-mixed” label on the can, that means that store employees already mixed the paint together, meaning they can’t resell it. Second, if the can is open or partially open, it can’t be returned. Third, if the can’s seal is broken, it also can’t be returned.
Find the Return Button
You know you need to return your paint, but where do you do it? Look for the return button, which is usually located somewhere on the wall near the paint department. You may even see a sign that says “return paint here.” If you don’t see the button or sign, ask a store employee where you can return your paint. If you have a large quantity of paint to return, you may be able to use their roll-off dumpster. Ask an employee where the dumpster is located and how to use it.
Check the Condition of the Can(s)
First, check the quantity of each can. If you have more than one can, be sure that each can has the same quantity of paint. If not, return all of the paint that is not the same quantity. Next, check the condition of the cans. You don’t want to return your cans that have dents, holes, or are otherwise damaged. Damaged cans mean you can’t return the paint. If a can is dented, but otherwise fine, you can ask a store employee if you can still return it. If the paint in the can is still usable, you can offer to buy the can.
Mark what is inside and how much is left
You may be tempted to just write “mixed paint” on the outside of the can, but you want to be more specific than that. The best way to mark your mixed paint can is to write in large letters on a piece of paper what the paint inside is, and then attach that paper to the outside of the can with a piece of tape. Beyond writing what the paint inside is, you also want to write how much of each color is left inside the can. This way, employees know exactly what ratio of paint to put back into the can, and it also gives you an idea of how much paint you have left once you get it home.
Buy the required amount of paint for your color
Now that you have your can, you need to buy the required amount of paint to make up the rest of your mixed color, which is calculated per the ratio of paint the employee gives you. This can be a little confusing, so here is an example, using the color “Cedar Red”: When you bring your can to the employee, they will ask you what color is inside the can. You tell them “Cedar Red.” The employee will then ask you how much of each color is in the can. If your can is mostly red but has a little bit of yellow in it (maybe about a quarter of a can of yellow), the employee will tell you to buy about 3/4 of a can of “Cedar Red.”
When You Can Return The Mixed Paint To Home Depot?
- The mixed paint can be returned to Home Depot within 60 days of purchase.
- You cannot return the mixed paint if it has been opened or tampered with in any way.
- You must have a receipt for your purchase. If you do not have a receipt, you will need to fill out a lost receipt form and provide proof of purchase (such as a credit card statement) in order to get your money back.
- You are responsible for taking the can(s) back to the store, and for paying for any disposal fees that may apply (usually around $5 per can).
- In addition, you are responsible for paying an additional 10% restocking fee on top of the amount you paid originally, in order to purchase a new can of paint and make up the remainder of your color at home.
Why You Can’t Usually Return Mixed Paint?
- Most big box stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart do not want to be responsible for the color of your paint. If you bought a mixed can of paint that is slightly darker than you expected, they don’t want to be held responsible for the slight color difference.
- Since they mix the paint in their store, they don’t want you to return it unless there is something wrong with it, such as an obvious defect with the can or if it can have been opened and tampered with.
- They also don’t want you to return your mixed paint cans because they need to keep track of how much paint they have on hand in order to manage their supply chain effectively. If everyone returned their mixed paint cans after using just a little bit, then they would have no way of knowing how much of each color was left in stock at any given time.
- Lastly, if people could return their mixed paint cans simply because the color wasn’t what they expected it to be, then no one would ever buy any new paint from them again (or at least not very often). This would greatly reduce sales for big box stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart since most people only buy new supplies once every several years when doing a major renovation project or buying new furniture or appliances that require painting (like mattresses and dressers).
Conclusion
If you find yourself with mixed paint, don’t despair. There are ways to identify the contents of your jars and, if necessary, dispose of any that you can’t use. While some stores will accept partial jars, most will only accept full containers. If you’re dealing with mixed paint and don’t have a use for it, you can always dispose of it safely by adding it to water and letting it sit for several days. The water and paint will separate naturally and you can discard the paint. If you have any questions about mixed paint, feel free to leave them in the comments section below! We’d love to help you find a solution.
FAQ’s
Q. What are the main causes of mixed paint?
There are several different ways that paint can get mixed up. The most common cause is when a new can of paint is dropped or bumped during transport to the store. This will cause a small amount of paint to leak out onto the exterior of the can and get mixed with any other colors that it comes into contact with.
Q. What should I do if I find a mixed can of paint?
If you find a single color in your multi-color container, then you should likely just throw it away and buy another one. If you find two or more colors, then it’s possible that you could return them to the store where you bought them for an exchange. However, this may not be possible if you opened the can and used any part of it first (for example, if you discovered that there was blue in your red paint).
Q. What happens if I try to return my mixed paints after using some of them?
Most stores will not accept returns on partially used cans or jars of paint because they don’t want people returning their entire supply chain back to them just because they didn’t like their color choices or couldn’t use them for some other reason (for example, they didn’t like their color choices but did use some before they realized they couldn’t return them).