Getting Organized with Painted Dollar Store Bins

Toy organization in my home is a constant battle. I feel like the twins are always finding new ways to challenge my creative organizing skills, which often includes plastic dollar store items. Like these ones:

Today I’m sharing a quick and easy upgrade to basic dollar store plastic bins. Dollar store items are a great, inexpensive organizing solution, but they aren’t always the most attractive. If you’re willing to put in a little extra work, you can paint these bins to coordinate with your home decor.

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Painted Dollar Store Bins – Supplies

Plastic Bins
Plastic Spray Primer
White Paint (any kind, I used leftover paint from a furniture project)
Colored Chalk Paint – I used Martha Stewart Sailor Blue
Paint Brush
Scrub Rag
Clear Matte Spray Finish

Painted Dollar Store Bins – Tutorial

Step 1 – Prime

Spray 1 coat of plastic primer. It really helped that these particular bins had more of a matte finish. I think this really helped the primer stick. If your bins are more shiny, I would consider very gently sanding the shine away.

Step 2 – White Paint

Add 1 coat of white paint. Any paint will do.

Step 3 – Color Paint Technique

This is a pretty simple process. Add 1 coat of your color chalk paint (in this case, blue). While the paint is still wet, use a damp cloth to gently wipe away some of the paint, creating a distressed finish.

It may take a few tries to get just the right look. Don’t worry. If you wipe away too much paint, just use a dry brush to smooth out the paint.

Step 4 – Seal

Spray 1 coat of clear matte sealer. I did 2 coats, just because of the kid factor. These bins will be used to store kids toys, so I wanted to make sure the paint would hold up.

Painted Dollar Store Bins – The Finished Product

I’m so happy with my new bins! They really help make the toy shelf in our living room look more like a part of our home decor. Toys are significantly more organized now, too. Happy organizing, everyone!