Color Experts Discuss Paint Brands

April 19th, 2010 |

Author: Lori Sawaya |

Posted in Color Podz™, Paint |

2 Comments » |

Color Strategy Conversations

Diane S. emailed chat@colorpodz.com and asked about paint brands. You can surf and info gather while you listen. Here’s the scoop:

What brands do we use and why? In this ColorPod post we identify about twenty different brands. You can listen in as we discuss the ups and downs of specifying mainstream brands as well as what it’s like to work with higher price-point luxury brands. For more information about the brands discussed, click on the ‘can’ below to open a new window to that brand’s website.

–	Simply sharing color knowledge isn’t good enough. Kelly, Rachel and I share our extensive color knowledge AND relevant experiences. ColorPodz are a unique window to professional color perspectives. Welcome to the leading-edge of color expertise. We’re glad you could join us.

We set up a special email in addition to the “Leave a Comment” feature located below. If you send us a question, we will answer it in a podcast! So, what are you waiting for? Email us:chat@colorpodz.com

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http://www.decoratingbydonna.com/ Donna Frasca

Hi Lori, as a Color Specialist, I represent all these paint companies. I can tell you my experience and what my clients prefer.

As far as the box stores, yes, you are taking a risk. There’s a very slim chance that the person behind the desk sincerely knows what is best for the client. Behr paint has great coverage and a distinctive color palette. I have it in my home and I’m very happy with it. It is hit and miss though – some colors go on great and other Behr colors don’t go on as well – it’s strange. I also don’t agree with the paint and primer in one. They are clearly two different products.

Valspar is another story. It’s a very, very, very thick paint (Signature). I’ve heard from my clients that they love the colors Valspar offers but wind up using twice as much which is not very economical. I used Valspar several times and also used twice as much as I needed to. Again though, they also have a nice array of colors. Ultra Premium is their best paint.

I myself have not used Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams but they are the brands I use the most for my clients. I really, really love the color palettes of Sherwin Williams and it’s what my clients ask for 99% of the time even though there is a box store a block away. I also have to say, Sherwin Williams has the BEST, BEST customer service. They make sure I have ample products and tools to better serve my clients. They really go the extra mile and in the long run, gets the sale.

You brought up the point of being a “paint snob”. Like I said even though the box stores are just a block away, my clients look for the quality of paint verses cost per gallon. Cost is not a consideration with my clients, they just want an awesome color scheme and a high quality paint so they don’t have to paint their homes sooner then they need to.

Once in a blue I’ll have a client that wants a high end paint color matched into a lower quality paint to save money. I don’t recommend this and have a disclaimer on my invoices indicating so. The reason I don’t encourage this is because it seems the color never matches to the original. If you need to mix multiple gallons matched, then you’ll really be taking a chance that the colors may not match.

Wow, sorry for the really long comment. I guess I should think about an interview?

Love your site Lori, let’s chat!
- Lori Sawaya
  
  Donna, interesting about the disclaimer. That’s actually a really good idea – thanks for sharing your input.
  
  I don’t mind long comments at all. We’re working on improving the look and function of the comment section because I LOVE reading others’ opinions and hearing about their experiences. Probably why I’m addicted to the decorating forums, huh?
  
  I definitely have my favorite resources for paint/color. I am a paint snob and proud of it!
  
  When you say let’s chat does that mean you’re gonna do a podcast with me? (I know I keep buggin’ you) No pressure tho. I may just call you outta the blue one day just to see what’s going on in Donna world.
  
  Later,
  L.