Canvas For Painting – Custom Size

Looking to score free or low-cost recycled paint for your next project? Plenty of U.S. cities and programs support artists, hobbyists, and community creators with leftover paint destined for landfills. Here’s a guide for anyone looking to paint, teach, or just experiment without breaking the bank.

Austin ReBlend (Austin, TX)

Austin’s city-run ReBlend program takes in citywide latex paint waste, processes it, and distributes it for free to individuals and nonprofits. They currently produce several color palettes—think Texan beige and greens—and it’s all available at their household hazardous waste centre. Perfect for muralists or lecturers teaching large-scale projects.

New Orleans: The Green Project

In New Orleans, The Green Project partners with the city’s sanitation department for annual paint reclamation days, where usable latex and oil paint are offered free to residents, schools, nonprofits, and artists. In 2025, pick‑up ran from May 23–27, but check their site for next event dates. If you’re in Louisiana, this is a golden opportunity.

MetroPaint (Portland, OR)

Portland’s MetroPaint isn’t free, but it’s ultra-affordable at about $18/gallon—less than half of most new paint. Perfectly mixed, color-matched, and low-VOC, it’s distributed through Metro retail outlets. Artists and lecturers benefit from consistency and quality for community workshops.

PaintCare & PaintShare Events (Multiple States)

PaintCare operates in 11 states (CA, CO, CT, DC, IL, ME, MN, NY, OR, RI, VT, WA). They collect leftover paint and host PaintShare giveaways—pop‑up events where leftover cans are free to households, nonprofits, and artists. Check PaintCare’s locator to find your nearest reuse site.

Materials for the Arts (New York City)

NYC’s Materials for the Arts is a creative treasure trove—25,000 sq ft of donated art, craft supplies, and paint (new and gently used)—available free to artists, nonprofits, schools, and cultural organizations. Think walls of paint cans, brushes, stage curtains, and more. Ideal for educators and community artists.

Philly Paint Voucher Program

Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program under the Anti-Graffiti Network offers a Paint Voucher Program that supports community beautification. Local groups and homeowners can request free paint to cover up graffiti and create murals. Great fit for lecturers and public artists working with youth or neighborhood groups.

Tips for Artists & Lecturers

• Plan ahead. Event schedules vary; always check program websites.
• Choose based on medium. Latex is common; oil-based paint is less available.
• Community collaboration. These programs often tie into public art or education.
• Check availability. Colors and volumes depend on donations; call ahead.

No matter where you paint, there’s a way to get free or low-cost recycled paint. Whether it’s Austin’s bold community shades, NYC’s art supply hub, or PaintCare’s state‑wide pick‑ups, these programs are gold for amateur and pro artists alike. Lecturers can tie them into lessons on sustainability and public art, while hobbyists save big. Bookmark your local program and let the creativity flow—without costing the earth.