The Paint Exchange

Since the whole paint recycling concept is still new to most people, everyone asks us what it is we do exactly.  We were always deliberately vague in our answers in the beginning, as we hadn’t really figured it out yet ourselves.  But after a solid 6 months in operation we are now proud to give you all a snapshot of our work.

 The most important thing we do is check any paint coming in to make sure it’s usable, and if not explaining to people how to dispose of it.  (As in, dry it out and recycle your cans, do NOT drive around Route 3A late at night looking for open Dumpsters).

 Next we log it in so we can report back to the DEP about how much paint we are keeping out of landfill for them.  We haven’t had any spot checks or other communication from them since they gave us the okay to open shop, but we are sure they would be thrilled with our efforts. 

 Once we’ve stockpiled enough reusable latex paint to completely crowd us out of our little store, we start mixing.  This procedure is quite simple, seeing as how we started this business on a shoestring and have yet to invest in complicated machinery and equipment.  Who needs to put a bundle into cap-ex when you have an endless supply of reusable plastic paint pails and nifty home-made strainers? 

All the paint we take in is double-strained and then mixed according to the colors we have or the colors we need.  Usually, the result is gorgeous batches of fresh latex paint in the most desirable hues.  Occasionally things go less well (i.e., we have one 5-gallon bucket of paint under our worktable labeled “Premium Strained Stupid Color”).  Then we call it primer and sell it cheap.

 No matter how much we tell you about the process, it’s much more fun in person.  We love company, so come on by.  We also welcome field trips from schools and youth groups, but you’ll need to call ahead and definitely bring us snacks.

The official launch of The Paint Exchange website seems like an appropriate time to thank everyone who has been so supportive of this venture.  Starting a new business in such a bad economic climate may have seemed questionable, so we particularly appreciate the fact that no one told us we were crazy, even if they thought we were.

 There are not a lot of paint recycling companies out there – none in this area certainly – so very few people knew what we were proposing at first.  They were just so thrilled to have someplace to dump their crusty old paint cans, they didn’t care what we actually did with them.  But as the word gets out, more paint goes out, and the feedback has been great.

 I hope our customers will leave feedback here on the website, too.  Let us know what you like, let us know what you need, and keep painting!