Can You Return Paint To Home Depot?
Painting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective DIY projects you can do. Home Depot carries several popular paint brands, including Behr, Glidden, and Rustoleum. But what happens if you end up with the wrong color? Can you return paint to Home Depot?
Home Depot accepts paint returns within 30 days of purchase, but you must bring back the paint and your receipt. The company offers a Paint Satisfaction Guarantee. They will either correct your paint color or give you a new can in a comparable shade. You cannot return paint because of application errors, “OOPs” paint, liquid stains, or paint from 3rd-party sellers.
Home Depot stands by its products and wants its customers to be happy, so they’ll make an effort to work with you. However, this is if you’re genuinely unsatisfied with the paint color. Ultimately, the store can reserve the right not to accept the return if they suspect fraud. Keep reading to get the lowdown on returning paint to Home Depot.
Does Home Depot Allow Paint Return?
Home Depot allows paint returns of both opened and unopened paint cans, but there are rules and policies. If you purchase paint, the easiest way to return it is to have your original receipt and do so within 30 days of purchase. If the can is unopened, you shouldn’t have any problems.
If you made your purchase online, bring a copy of your online invoice as proof. If you’ve opened the can, the store will likely still accept it as long as it’s at least 70% full. They understand that sometimes mistakes happen. But they will offer to fix the color for you or give you a new can of paint.
If you get home and start painting and realize the color isn’t right or the finish is off, bring it back. If it’s an error on the employee’s part (they mixed satin finish instead of gloss), you’ll be able to get a store credit or refund. Or, you can get the correct can of paint.
Can You Return Paint To Home Depot Without A Receipt?
If you don’t have your receipt, you likely won’t be able to return the paint. Some stores might process the return, but only as a store credit.
Did you pay with a debit or credit card? You should be able to have an employee reprint your receipt if it’s been less than 30 days.
Home Depot’s Paint Return Policy
According to Home Depot’s Paint Return Policy, you can return your interior or exterior liquid paint if you’re unsatisfied with the color. This policy is part of the company’s Paint Satisfaction Guarantee. It does not apply to improperly prepared surfaces or application issues. (Although, this can get tricky since a lot depends on the reason you give for the return.)
You must return the paint within 30 days of purchase and have your receipt. However, the policy does not state it will issue a refund. Instead, it says it will correct the paint or give you a new can of paint in the desired color. This wording leaves the decision up to the store.
The company’s paint policy also mentions several exclusions. You can’t return liquid stains, special orders, “OOPS” paint, paint samples, or non-stock merchandise. They also won’t accept paint that you purchased through a third party.
Can You Return Paint Once It’s Been Mixed?
If you have the store mix or tint your paint, check the label thoroughly before you leave. This is the easiest way to save yourself a lot of time and headaches if you end up with the wrong color or finish.
If the store mixes your paint incorrectly, you can have them fix the issue right there and then. But, if you don’t realize it until later, bring it back as soon as possible. If you’re not satisfied with the color, the paint department will attempt to retint the paint for you.
If you notice an issue after leaving the store, it’s best if you don’t use the paint. The store will either fix the problem or mix a new can for you. However, if they have mixed the paint correctly and you just don’t like the color, they likely won’t issue a refund or exchange — it’s at their discretion.
Will Home Depot Retint Paint?
In some cases, Home Depot will go ahead and retint paint for you. For example, if you want it slightly darker, they can add an extra dash of pigment and will likely do so at no charge. If they mix the original color incorrectly, they will fix the problem at no cost to you.
What Does Home Depot Do With Returned Paint?
If it’s an unopened can of stock paint, they will likely put it back on the shelves to sell to someone else. However, what do they do if it’s a mixed can of paint? Disposing of paint takes special care since paint is hazardous waste.
It costs money to get rid of things this way. But if you return your mixed paint and it’s unopened/full, Home Depot will mark it and put it on their “OOPs” shelf.
This shelf is a great place to snag some deals on high-quality paint if you can luck out and find what you’re looking for. For example, a gallon of paint that typically costs about $35 might only cost you $10 if you snag it from the “OOPs” area.
It’s a way to avoid throwing out the paint and paying the fees that go with the disposal. Plus, it enables Home Depot to offer some deals to other customers. If you have an upcoming paint project and aren’t overly picky about colors, this could be a great place to start.
Can You Return Paint To Lowe’s?
Lowe’s accepts liquid paint in “like new” condition within 30 days of purchase and with the receipt. If you don’t have your receipt, you can have an employee reprint one using your checking account, credit card, or phone number.
You must also show a photo ID, such as your driver’s license. If you don’t have a receipt, Lowe’s may decide to offer you store credit instead of a refund.
Summary
If you aren’t satisfied with your liquid paint purchase from Home Depot, you can typically return the paint within 30 days. You need your receipt, and it’s easiest if the can is unopened. But, if it is open, it must be at least 70% full. The store will try to correct the paint or give you a can that is a comparable color.
If you try to return mixed paint, Home Depot will likely only accept it if the error falls on the employee. For example, they mixed the wrong color or used the wrong finish. This is why it’s always best to read the label thoroughly before you leave the paint department.
Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.
More by Stacy Randall
