Tips when painting small projects

My last project was a computer desk, I had some old paint that I had from another project that was about 4 months old.

The two colors I had were complete opposites and I wanted a strong color, not vanilla or white again, so I mixed black and white paint together and created this grape color. I was surprised I thought I would get a gray hue but I got this color instead and it worked. I saved the rest that I did not use and plan to use for a stencil project on a cabinent.

If there is old paint around consider mixing paints to create a new color and using it on a project around the home, is great way to not waste left over paint. Don't let it dry up and waste, keep it out of land fills.
There are paint tray liners that sell for about 8- 12 dollars in home stores, these are great for saving time by letting the paint not reach the tray therefore keeping it clean. Instead of purchasing one of these tray liners, just wrap a plastic bag around the tray and stretch out the bag over the front of tray tightly and place duct tape on the bottom of tray to secure it in place. Wha la, there is free tray liner.
Save money by investing in good long term paint brushes that will last you for many paint projects. If on a limited budget, and the paint brushes bought are inexpensive dollar store brushes, there are ways to make them last for at 4-5 paint projects. When I use brushes that I purchase at the dollar store, I try not to place too much paint on them because its really hard to get the paint off them. I use disposable small rollers and use the brushes for angles and tight corners, even details around furniture. When I clean these brushes I clean off the paint with water and dish wash liquid, I get the paint as much off as possible. I soak the brushes in vinegar and water with dish wash liquid and leave it for two days. This is to keep the bristles soft for future use. If the bristles seem stiff keep the brushes in water another day.

Clean and reuse those aluminum paint cans, these make great organizers around the garage, great planters, and great for its original purpose of storing paints. Use the cans to store the new created paints for up to a few months.