Lowe’s is a popular hardware store for both interior paint and exterior paint as well as everything else you need for the job, such as paintbrushes, painter’s tape, and paint trays.
The chain offers a wide range of different types of paint by the most popular brands in seemingly endless color choices.
What happens if you buy the wrong type of paint and notice the problem before you open the paint?
What happens if you have already started painting and decide that you hate the color?
We answer all your questions about whether you can return paint to Lowe’s and under what circumstances.
Can You Return Paint To Lowe’s?
Yes, you can return paint to Lowes.
Lowe’s offers a generous paint color guarantee that works in the customer’s favor.
Return the paint in its original container to any Lowe’s within 30 days, and Lowe’s will happily take it back according to its return policy.
You must have a receipt to prove your purchase, but an employee may be able to look up your purchase with your credit card number if you have lost the receipt.
You cannot return the paint in a different container than the paint can it came in.
You will get the opportunity to choose between a return or an exchange.
You can return paint for numerous reasons, including not liking the color or accidentally buying the wrong type of paint for the job.
While Lowe’s does accept returns on paint, it’s virtually impossible to resell, so do your part to avoid returns by buying the right product from the get-go.
This will eliminate product waste.
Keep in mind that certain exclusions apply to the return policy at Lowe’s regarding paint:
- Application errors: If you don’t like the paint color because you applied it incorrectly, Lowe’s may deny the return and help you apply the paint correctly.
- Improperly prepared surfaces: Similar to applying the paint incorrectly, if you don’t like the paint color because you didn’t prepare the surface properly, Lowe’s may deny the return. However, the associates at Lowe’s may have advice on how to prepare the surface you wish to paint.
- Paint color samples: You can’t return paint samples you receive from Lowe’s.
- Nonstock products: Unfortunately, if Lowe no longer carries a particular product, it can’t take back the return. Staff should make you aware if a particular color is a nonstock product before you make your purchase.
- Mis-tint items: On rare occasions, paint color may come out incorrectly. Lowe’s may sell these mis-tinted paints at a discounted price, but you won’t be able to return them if you don’t like the color.
Considerations When Buying Paint
Before buying paint, there are some things you should consider.
1. Location
The wall you plan to paint will determine the type of paint you need.
Questions to ask yourself regarding the surface you plan to paint include:
- Is it interior or exterior?
- Is it a high-traffic area?
- Is it a wall or ceiling?
- How much moisture does the surface experience?
- What type of effect do you want to achieve?
- How long do you need the paint to last?
Generally speaking, you will invest in better paint for high-traffic areas, such as a busy kitchen or living room, and save the budget paint for basement ceilings and other surfaces that don’t get seen too often.
2. Safety
We are years past the days of dangerous lead paint.
Most products must maintain a minimum standard of safety regarding chemicals and fumes.
With that being said, you probably want to choose organic paint for a baby’s room or a house you plan to market as a “green” home.
3. Color
My stepmom and I sponge-painted my bedroom red and yellow when I was 12.
I absolutely loved it.
Have fun with color when time permits.
You’ll have to paint again when it’s time to sell anyway, right?
Many buyers don’t typically like fun colors, though.
When you plan to sell your home, stick to neutral colors to appeal to more buyers.
Even when using neutral colors, you will learn that there are about 100 different types of beige and white (probably more).
Since trends change often, your best bet is to read a recent real estate publication about the hottest color trends for the season and just go with what’s hot at the time.
Color can impact your design aesthetic, so choose wisely if you want to portray a classic or modern design.
If going for a modern design, feel free to add a pop of color such as blue or red to the trim (especially if it matches furniture or appliances).
Eggshell’s a pretty safe bet for a classic design scheme.
Different Types Of Paint
Avoid problems before they happen by getting the right type of paint for the job.
In order to buy the right type of paint, you should understand the different paint options available to you.
Different paint bases include:
- Oil-based paint: A common paint thanks to its durability and cost-effectiveness. Since the oil may separate, stir your paint carefully. Also, give the paint plenty of time to dry.
- Water-based paint: A paint that dries quickly and doesn’t contain many VOCs. It costs more than oil-based paint.
- Latex-based paint: An exterior paint that is easier to work with than oil-based paint because it’s made from water, but it also doesn’t collect moisture. This paint expands and contracts with the siding of your home.
You’ll also need to consider the finish of the color.
Different paint finishes include:
- Flat: Inexpensive standard finish that doesn’t clean well and is best in low-traffic areas, such as a garage or crawl space.
- Matte: Nonglossy, durable finish that is great for ceilings.
- Satin: A slightly glossy finish that works in just about any room of your home.
- Semi-gloss: Very durable and highly glossy finish, great for high-traffic bathrooms and kitchens.
- Gloss: Glossiest, most expensive finish that is highly durable, looks great, and is extremely easy to clean. Suitable for furniture, cabinets, and trim pieces.
Additional paints you should be aware of include:
- Primer: Light-colored paint that you apply under the topcoats to seal the wall and ensure that the topcoat looks great and sticks to the surface.
- Spray paint: Paint in a can for temporary solutions, and it makes a great option for painting furniture. Only suitable for outdoor use. (Pro Tip: For a fun effect, spray paint a table or dresser bright colors, such as pink and blue, cover it in a black topcoat, and sand strategically with sandpaper to expose hints of color.)
Reasons To Buy Paint At Lowe’s
Outside of the color guarantee, there are numerous reasons to buy your paint at Lowe’s.
1. Knowledgeable Staff
Do you have questions about the right type of paint for the job or how to get the best results?
You’ve come to the right place.
Lowe’s is a great place for beginner DIY painters thanks to the helpful staff who want you to get a great result and also want you to have some fun in the process.
The staff at Lowe’s not only have the answers to your painting questions, but they sincerely enjoy talking about painting projects and giving their input to beginners and experts alike.
They will answer your beginning-level questions clearly without making you feel stupid.
As you learn more, they can answer your more technical questions as well.
Write down any questions that you have in advance, but the conversation with a sales associate will probably answer questions you didn’t even know you had.
The passion for perfect edges and nontoxic paints is charmingly palpable in the staff, and it will get you hyped for your project.
2. Wide Selection Of High-Quality Paint
Brand name and quality matters when it comes to paint.
Better paint lasts longer, looks better, and is easier to clean.
Luckily, you can trust every brand sold at Lowe’s.
Some of the high-quality paint you will find at Lowe’s include:
- HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Infinity: One-coat perfection.
- HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Showcase: Stays clean longer.
- HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Ovation Plus: Beautiful coverage.
- Valspar Reserve: Color stays true longer.
- Valspar Signature: Stands up to anything.
- Valspar Ultra: Everyday washable.
3. Additional Supplies
If you plan to paint yourself, you’ll need more than just paint to get the job done.
Here are some of the other items you’ll need:
- Painter’s tape
- Step stool
- Painting tray
- Rags
- Turpentine
- Paintbrushes/rollers
- Sandpaper
- Putty knife
- Tape measure
- Paintbrush extender
- Fan
- Radio (optional)
Painting comes down to the details, so don’t think that you can make do without a particular tool.
Luckily, Lowe’s has everything you need.
Cost Of Professional Painting Services
The greatest value that comes from hiring professional painting services is the patience and attention to detail professionals offer compared to what most homeowners can give of themselves.
Almost anyone can paint the interior walls of their homes themselves if they have the patience to do it correctly (and the knowledge to buy the right paint and supplies).
Most flaws occur as a result of rushed work.
As a homeowner, you don’t have to decide if you can paint but rather if you want to take the time to paint.
Oftentimes, it comes down to the cost.
Professional painters usually charge $60 to $90 an hour for interior painting in a metropolitan area such as NYC, Chicago, or LA (not including the costs of supplies).
Intricate work can raise the price to $120 an hour.
Examples of intricate work include:
- Murals
- Textures finishes
- Difficult-to-reach surfaces
- Wood staining
It’s fun and cost-effective to bust out the overalls and host a painting party for standard painting tasks, but professionals often generate better results and free up time for you to handle other household chores.
Hiring professional painters is also the only logical option when dealing with high ceilings and intricate details.
Remember, Lowe’s won’t accept a return for paint due to impatience or user error.
Quick Tips For Painting Interior And Exterior Walls
You won’t save any money painting yourself if you don’t do it correctly.
Here are some tips to ensure that you create good results and don’t need to hire a professional to fix your mistakes.
1. Apply Painter’s Tape Properly
Apply painter’s tape to edges and moldings that don’t require new paint.
The biggest mistake people make when applying painter’s tape is not creating a good enough seal.
The idea is to prevent paint from getting underneath the tape, so it must not be loose.
You can use a putty knife to create sharp edges after you press down firmly on the tape.
2. Get The Right Paint Brush
You’d be amazed at the different paintbrush options available to you.
You’ll likely need a couple of different brushes for different parts of your task.
The main difference seems to be whether you are painting a large area or painting detail work.
The different paintbrushes for painting interior walls include:
- Small paintbrushes (1” to 2.5”): Perfect for corners and trim.
- Medium paintbrushes (3”): Perfect for doors and cabinets.
- Natural paintbrushes: Made from animal hair. Best for il-based paint but will absorb moisture too much for water-based paints.
- Angle sash paintbrush: Angled brush with a short handle best for window frames.
- Square cut paintbrush: Standard paintbrush for walls and doors more precise than rollers.
- Paint roller: Easy to use for large areas, such as walls.
3. Use The Correct Painting Technique
Some people believe painting just means throwing paint on a wall, but there’s more to it than that to ensure that the paint looks even and doesn’t produce drips.
You need to find a balance between a dry stroke and a dripping stroke.
A good way to ensure a good amount of paint is to strive for a brush that’s 50% wet at all times.
Work from the outside in.
After applying paint to a corner, move up and down outward.
Work in consistent vertical strokes.
Embrace the stroke marks and allow them to enhance the design instead of trying to hide them completely, as it’s impossible.
Do NOT work horizontally unless you’re really confident in your design.
Clean up drips immediately.
4. Ventilate
Paint is relatively safe these days, but oil-based paints, in particular, contain VOCs that can impact the quality of the air in your home.
If possible, open all windows while painting.
You can also create ventilation with your HVAC system and use an air purifier or a fan.
Wear a mask to avoid breathing in toxins.
Eliminate the problem from the beginning by using a water-based paint instead of an oil-based paint.
5. Plan Ahead/Take Your Time
Give yourself plenty of time to work on painting instead of trying to cram it in during an already busy day.
Don’t forget that detailed work takes a long time.
You also need to give yourself plenty of time for each layer of paint to dry, especially if using oil-based paint.
While you may find all-in-one primer and paint, consider using a dedicated primer instead of looking for a shortcut.
Is one layer of primer really so time-consuming that you want to risk a subpar primer and paint combination that might not produce the same results?
Conclusion
Whether you like painting or prefer to have professional painters do the work for you, you’ll need to buy paint from a reputable retailer, such as Lowe’s.
We all make mistakes sometimes.
Luckily, if you don’t like the color you picked, you can return the paint to Lowe’s within 30 days as long as it’s in the original container.
The only risk is adding new home improvement projects to your to-do list when talking to the staff.
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