We probably all have at least a couple of paint cans lying around in our garages, basements, or closets. Some paint colors are good to keep around for touch-ups, but some others might be unneeded. What in the heck are you supposed to do with them?

Here are a few ideas:

Murals for the kids - On a sunny day, consider taking the paints and some brushes out into the yard for some artwork on an old bedsheet or canvas shower curtain that would otherwise be thrown out with the trash.

Signs - Need a sign for a yard sale? A birthday party? Consider getting creative with some old housepaint and posterboard.

Donate Them! - The Richmond Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts paint donations, as does Diversity Thrift. You can also give the cans away on Craig’s List and Freecycle.

Perhaps you don’t need the paint anymore, or maybe it’s gone bad. If the can hasn’t been stored in a temperature controlled area, and has been left unattended for a long period of time, you may not be able to donate it. In that case, it’s time to dispose of the paint.

If it’s unable to be salvaged, here’s the proper method for paint disposal:

If the can is nearly empty, open the can and let the remaining paint dry completely. You can then throw it away with your trash.

If there’s a lot of paint left in the can, pour cat litter or sand in with the paint (add until it absorbs most of the liquid), then allow it to dry. Then, dispose of it with your trash.

Paint must be dry in order to be disposed of in a traditional manner. Stay tuned for some creative uses for old paint. It’s always better to recycle.

Feel free to call us if we can help!

Now in its 38th year, Earth Day is a special time set aside to recognize ways we can actively improve and care for our environment. By now, we’ve all heard the magic words to live by when it comes to healthier living: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

When it comes to truly understanding the impact of your lifestyle on the environment, though, do you know where to turn for resources? The Low Impact Living website is a great place to start. The Low Impact Living Calculator will ask you about such things as the square footage of your home, the type of heating and cooling systems you use, and will ask how much you recycle. You can calculate your environmental footprint here in less than 5 minutes.

My score is a 40. What’s yours? More importantly, what do you plan to do about it?

Feel free to contact us if you’d like to know about local resources for eco-friendly living. We’re happy to help!

I recently caught up with a friend who’s in the process of planning her wedding. She sounded busy, and a little overwhelmed. She’s realized that she can’t do everything herself, and has begun asking for help from others in order to prepare for her big day. She got me thinking…

Whether you’re hosting a graduation party, a baby shower, or a wedding to plan for this Spring, you probably have a lot of prep work to do! Among other things to worry about, our homes need to be ready to accommodate people from out of town.

Consider calling us if you need any of the following services:

• Wallpaper Removal
• Drywall Repair
• Deck Staining
• Wood Rot Repair
• and of course, Interior and Exterior Painting!

These events only come once in a lifetime - We can help you prepare for your special occasion.

As we all know, Richmond is a town that loves its art. If you haven’t visited yet, consider dropping by the Glave Kocen Gallery at 1620 W. Main Street one afternoon. The owners, Jennifer and BJ, are drawn to artwork which inspires, invigorates and relaxes the viewer. Their current exhibit, entitled Color as Light, features work by local artist Laura Loe, is a vibrant, colorful collection that’s sure to leave an impression. In addition to having a strong following as a painter, Laura also teaches out of the Virginia Museum’s Studio School and is director of the Nimrod Hall Arts Colony in Bath County. This exhibit will be on display through the end of April.

Feel free to check their website for hours and updates on other great events!

With Spring in full force, I’ve noticed a thin film of pollen on my car over the last few days. Consequently, I’m noticing plenty of people suffering from seasonal allergies. These can be tough to manage when the cause is something like blooming trees, plants, and flowers. Sometimes, though, our allergies are caused by things that we can control. Sensitive to certain foods? Don’t eat them. Allergic to cats? Don’t spend time around them. Are you allergic to dust, mold, or other things found indoors? What do you do then? A huge number of people have symptoms that are caused by poor indoor air quality, and many of them get confused and frustrated about what to do to improve the situation.

So, what can you do to improve indoor air quality in your home? Here are a few ideas, though this list is far from comprehensive…

1. Contact a local company that evaluates and treats indoor air quality.

2. Use a high quality air purifier.

3. Use natural cleaning products. These are easy to find in stores where you shop regularly.

4. When you do home improvements, ask about non-toxic product options.

5. Open your windows!

As a paint company, we can advise you about a wide variety of options for interior painting. From paints with far fewer toxic chemicals to clay plasters that are 100% natural — We’re happy to talk with you about available options in Richmond. They’re often cost effective, and in some cases, you have an opportunity to support a local business, so you can support the local economy while you support your family with a healthy paint.