What To Do With Old Paintings (Do This!)

Painting can range from a fun pastime to a full-time career. No matter what level you are at, painting can leave you with physical proof of your labor. That said, your completed pieces of artwork will most likely end up in two places: hanging on the wall or stowed in a closet somewhere. Regardless, they will begin to take up space in your home or clash with your ever-changing style.

So, you’re ready to do something with your old paintings, but you’re not quite sure what that thing is. You’ve come to the right place!

Your first thought may be to throw any old paintings in the trash, but we are here to tell you that there are better ways to do that. Instead of letting artwork break down in a landfill over years and years, consider selling them or donating them, updating them to match your décor, or painting over them to have a fresh canvas.

Whether you are an avid painter or it is just a hobby you do on the side, you’re going to end up with a lot of paintings cluttering your home. That’s why we’re here to go over everything you can do to clear them up. That way, you don’t have to deal with a bunch of paintings you simply don’t want anymore.

Your old paintings may not be cutting it anymore, but there is a way to fix that. Instead of letting your old art fade, revamp it with new colors, accents, movements, and more. You can even invite some friends over and turn it into a fun event.

The good news is you can do whatever you want with your paintings, which means you can paint funny or quirky additions, too. This is the most fun with traditional photos because the goofy aspects will juxtapose the classic feeling of the painting.

If you really just want to get rid of your paintings, throwing them away is an option. Most canvases—and especially painted canvases—are not recyclable, so the paintings will end up in a landfill instead. While many canvases themselves are made from recyclable materials, their composition and other additives make them unable to be recycled.

The good news is canvases are biodegradable. The bad news is it will probably take a long time.

Furthermore, they could potentially be hazardous for the environment depending on the paints used on the canvas. This is especially true for acrylic paints. Consider getting in touch with your local waste disposal department to see if they offer any special services for items of this nature. Some have developed different disposal methods to minimize damages on the environment.

Related Questions

What types of paints should I use on a canvas?

When painting canvases, your best options are oil paints and acrylic paints. Oil paints are advantageous because you can apply them quickly, they provide depth and range, and they can create a range of effects. Acrylic paints are also great because they are easy to work with and dry very quickly.

Are paints bad for the environment?

Yes, acrylic and oil paints are made with many chemicals that can leech into waterways and soil. That’s why you don’t necessarily want to throw your paintings straight into a landfill.

How do you properly dispose of paints?

Since they can be toxic and dangerous to the environment, you have to dispose of paints in a specific way. The most important thing is to make sure to seal them completely. Then, none of the paint can seep into the ground or into local water sources over time.

If you’re tired of staring at outdated paintings on the walls or having them take up space in your closets, you’re in luck. There are plenty of things you can do with old paintings that don’t require you to throw them in the trash. Instead of filling landfills with your artwork, consider any of the above options. These include donating or selling them, painting over them to reuse the canvas, or update them to match your aesthetic. Whichever option you choose, you can rest easy knowing you’re clearing the clutter and bringing life your old paintings once more.