Did you know about The Community RePaint network (which is sponsored by Dulux), that gives away free paint to those in need?
What it does, is collects leftover paint and redistributes it to individuals, families, communities and charities in need. It’s an amazing idea.
There are over 70 schemes based around the country, distributing over 330,000 litres of paint each year in local areas – and no two schemes are the same.
How to get the free paint
You can choose between needing a little paint (for a room or so) or a lot of paint (for a larger community project).
You’ll then need to find your nearest scheme (remember, all are different, with different rules).
The first one that pops up is Barnet for example, which does give away totally free paint for those who need it. While the next one along, Basingstoke, charges £2 per litre for full containers.
None of them (that I could see anyway) specifies what ‘in need’ means in regards to individuals, so it’s worth calling up your local scheme to check that you’re ok to pick some up.
Can I give away paint too?
Why funny you ask – you totally can.
If you have any paint leftover from a project, you can pass it on to your local scheme via a drop off point to help someone else out (there’s no point it going to waste eh?)
Need free DIY bits and bobs too?
The most popular article on my site is this free DIY B&Q stock article, which is a wastage scheme B&Q runs to get rid of old stock it doesn’t need anymore.
You need to be part of a group who is going to use the items for the good of the community, so unlike the above scheme which is suitable for individuals – this isn’t – but people have got things like Christmas trees and even sheds in the past. Find out more about it here.
hi charlotte,my name is maggie and i am a volunteer at a small community center called the ..mill of mains pavillion in dundee scotland…and last sunday our building was ruined by fire. everything was lost..looking for some advise and maybe some help..we are taking delivery of a large container to help us until the building is rebuilt…do you know of any companys or charities that can help us …like the B&Q one you posted about…but for kiddies stuff..ie:…colouring books ,,pens..and just general play things…and office equipment…we are run by volunteers,,we do recive some funding but the funding has been stopped until further notice…but we are tring to keep going for the kids…we run several kids..toddler..and an OAP craft group…we also run a food and fun programme over the summer…i would love to hear back from you,,,even if its just some advice…thankyou..xx
Hi I have mental health issues I live in Aberdeen trying to paint a living room would need 7.5 litres of light grey paint if anyone can help thanks u
Jeeze how big is your living room? lol
Hello, my name is Matthew Lawton and I am currently living in supported accommodation through a charity called concrete which help with homelessness and mental health issues with in the community in Stoke and Staffordshire. They are an amazing charity what provides great support within the community however, they’re budget is only small and do not get alot of public and government funding and because of this are unable to help renovate their propertys. In the property I currently reside the paintwork, flooring and some facilities were in need of some tlc. I have personally spent money on my own property to give it a fresh coat of paint, I have also been speaking with my support worker and he agrees that most of the houses throughout the service could do with renovation but stated that Concrete themselves do not have enough funding to be able to accomplish this. My support worker also spoke of creating a group of volunteers within the Concrete community, for the Concrete community to repaint the houses. We would like to know if we would be eligible for a paint donation and would truly appreciate it. This would really benefit us and would help to make our houses feel more like home.
Thank you,
Matthew Lawton
l try this before, will it work again, l dont know, l hope so, l need free paint thank you to do three or more rooms,