Does House Paint Ever Go On Sale?

We were actually wondering about this recently because let’s be honest here, PAINT IS EXPENSIVE! Don’t get us wrong, we think painting a space is WELL worth the investment because it’s a DIY project that can instantly and dramatically transform any space. But the cost of paint adds up quickly… like really, really quickly. These days a gallon of paint can run over $50!

That’s when we started thinking, “does paint ever go on sale?!” And if so, we need ALL the details because this $50 a gallon business is getting old.

The right paint color makes all the difference, no matter what your project is

Enter lots of research and an annoying amount of questions for B’s dad (who is a painting contractor by day, DIY Playbook coach + super fan by night and weekends). The good news for all of us is that we got some answers, and the GREAT news is that paint DOES goes on sale! Here’s the scoop:

1. When Does Paint Go on Sale?

According to our research, large hardware retailers (like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Menards, etc.) DO put their paint on sale usually in the summer months, and more specifically around summer holidays (weekend of Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day). <– mark your calendars, that is THIS weekend people!!

There are also sales at specific paint supply stores (like Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore) more frequently throughout the year. Subscribing to these brands’ email lists will help you keep up on exactly when these brands are hosting these sales.

Rookie Tip: When paint does go on sale, the most common sales are between 20%-35% off.

2. Can I Stock Pile on Paint Now and Use It Later?

So what if the paint is on sale this weekend, but you really don’t need it until later this year? You’re a savvy shopper and we love that and we say GO FOR IT! Many of these stores will allow you to buy the paint now (on-sale) and bring back the paint months later to get it mixed into the color you’ll eventually need. Just make sure to check with your specific store first and make sure to save your receipt so that you can prove you bought the paint in that store.

Rookie Tip: If for some reason your paint job gets pushed back further than you anticipate, make sure the paint stays in a climate controlled place so that it doesn’t freeze over the winter. (More details on how to store paint safely over the winter in this post)

3. What If I Miss the Sale?

Well… if you’re not super picky on the exact color, you may still be in luck to get a discount on paint. Usually, all paint stores or large hardware retailers have a super clearance section for “misfit” paints, or as the professionals call it — the mis-tints (haha clever, right?!). This collection of perfectly good paint is on super-duper sale (as low as $5 a gallon) because it was mixed with the wrong color or mixed with a different shade than anticipated or desired.

Lowe's has so many swatches to choose from

Another way to find paint that is discounted is by checking to see if the paint store or large hardware store is selling discontinued colors for a discounted rate. Just because the brand isn’t making that specific color anymore doesn’t mean that it won’t look amazing in your space.

Rookie Tip: If you do choose to go with a discontinued color for the discount, make sure you get enough paint to cover your project (and maybe a little extra just in case).