Abstract: The present invention includes a paint formulation comprising a water-based latex and microspheres, wherein the microspheres have an effective particle size and are present in an effective amount to both provide a smooth paint finish and fill, cover or conceal superficial blemishes in a painted substrate when the paint formulation is dry. In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method of applying a paint formulation to a substrate having superficial surface imperfections comprising applying with a first paint applicator the paint formulation to the superficial imperfections in the surface to be painted, allowing the applied paint formulation to dry until it is at least dry to the touch, applying with a second paint applicator the paint formulation to the surface of the substrate to produce a first paint surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to environmentally conscious methods for the distribution and collection of recyclable paint containers, methods for environmentally conscious painting using recyclable paint and paint containers, and compositions for hardening paint for purposes of recycling paint and paint containers. A consumer can employ a paint hardener to harden unused paint, dispose the hardened paint at curbside, and return the empty paint container to a collection area at a business establishment. The paint hardened can be contained in an encapsulating layer which dissolves and releases the paint hardener into the paint. The business establishment can recycle the empty paint container into a new paint container.