Tag: “coatings-industry”

White — it’s easily the most popular color in the paint industry, yet some regard it as a simple, no-nonsense hue. Take a moment to consider the exhaustive number of words (many contradictory) we use to describe white — peaceful, energetic; icy, cozy; casual, elegant; bright, subtle; timeless, modern — the list goes on. If for this reason, alone, it’s apparent that white is anything but basic!   And that’s just the beginning! Fact is, no white is precisely “white.” In the coatings industry, we use terms such as “pure white,” “off-white” and simply “white,” to name a few. Also, keep in mind that color subtleties and undertones — such as pink, green or blue, yellow and gray — can profoundly affect a white’s visual temperature.   Cool hues add a crisp, airy and bright feel to a room. In addition, they create a sense of openness, which can make a space appear larger. Warm whites feel welcoming and understated, and these cozy whites are ideal for creating a relaxed, inviting room.   But hold on. There’s more! Be sure to consider how other dynamics — such as gloss/sheen level, time of day, adjacent paint colors, and lighting variations — can significantly alter a white. Finding the right white is a tricky process, indeed.   So, when you sit down with a client, thumbing through a fan deck and contemplating the wonderful world of white, remind them (and yourself!) that the search for their ultimate white is a journey. The reward? The look on their faces when they find the one — everyone wins!   To help you help your clients discover the white of their dreams, here are Behr Paint Company’s 15 most-often-specified white paints for commercial and residential projects, including five colors from our new Designer Collection.   Whipped Cream DC-001 Underscored by hints of blue and gray, Whipped Cream is an exquisite cool white that naturally balances most neutrals, as well as blues and purples. Whipped Cream is an attention-grabbing hue and yet, it never comes across as overwhelming. Rather, it emanates a sense of synchronicity that allows it to complement any room — especially bedrooms and entryways. Just like a fresh sweet dollop on your favorite dessert, Whipped Cream is a delectable white that invites a playful lightness into your home.   Comparable to Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace*   Blank Canvas DC-003 Crisp and clean, Blank Canvas — with its soft lime undertones — is a popular and highly adaptable white that shows beautifully on walls, trim, cabinets, and other millwork. You’re the artist with Blank Canvas—a hopeful and welcoming white with limitless possibilities to transform any vision into a reality.   Comparable to Benjamin Moore’s White Dove*   Swiss Coffee 12 Swiss Coffee — A Behr favorite for decades, this classic, creamy white has an 84 light reflectance value (LRV) and is great for both exterior and interior uses.   Polar Bear 75 With a 90 LRV and a homey, warm-peach undertone, it’s easy to see why Polar Bear, a winter-inspired, milky-white neutral, is so prevalent. Polar Bear cozies ups walls, trim, and ceilings perfectly, providing an impeccable backdrop for turning your vision into reality.   White 52 A tad darker than our truest white — ULTRA PURE WHITE® — White is our refreshing, somewhat cool take on this classic hue. With an 83 LRV, highly versatile White elevates any project to the next level.   Frost 57 A trend-defying neutral, Frost is a cool (but not too cool!) shade that fosters a bright, open feel, making it a great choice for walls or trim — especially in smaller spaces. At first glance, it may appear to be a minimalist white but tinges of blue-green give Frost a distinct energy.   Whisper White HDC-MD-08 Dancing the line between white and off-white, Whisper White is a hushed, yet bright, color amplified by slight cream and beige undercurrents. While Whisper White leans toward the warmer side, it steers clear of yellow influences, which means it’ll pair well with just about anything!   Bakery Box W09 Bakery Box is a blue-white hue that softens and delights any environment. Its cool undertone creates the optical illusion of a crisp, airy white and provides a sense of cleanliness. It works great with southern or afternoon western light.    Cameo White MW3-32 Cozy and versatile, Cameo White is an understated, dusty off-white highlighted by warm, light-golden tones. Creating a sophisticated yet easy-going atmosphere, Cameo White inspires family and friends to feel welcome. In addition, Cameo White provides one-coat coverage when tinted to colors from the BEHR DYNASTY® and BEHR MARQUEE® One-Coat Hide Color Collection.   Bit of Sugar PR-W14 Bit of Sugar is a true neutral, neither too hot nor too cold — it’s just right. With an 89 LRV, this hue boasts soothing silver-gray tones. Consider suggesting Bit of Sugar throughout an entire space to create a continual warm, inviting atmosphere. And, if your client enjoys basking in an ethereal glow, mention that, with a high gloss, Bit of Sugar emits an iridescence that will turn heads!   Nano White HDC-MD-06 A pure white that simply oozes self-confidence, Nano White has a little bit of a blue undertone, which makes it a nice sharp white without being too glaring. A superb hue for creating crisp, clean walls, trim, and ceilings. Moreover, Nano White simply shines as a supporting player to bold, bright palettes.   Painter’s White PPU18-08 If timeless charm captivates your client, look no further than Painter’s White! This soft gray-white tone radiates a welcoming, refreshing energy, indoors or out. Depending on the lighting, Painter’s White can waver between warm and cool, making it an excellent choice for walls and trim, especially in rooms with dark floors.   Silky White PPU7-12 Echoing the contentment of sinking into a cozy bed on a chilly eve, Silky White is rooted in warmth and comfort, while embracing modernistic cool. This creamy white paint — kissed gently by touches of gray — is a balanced shade that enriches almost any color scheme.   Smoky White BWC-13e Smoky White — a versatile off-white with a dusty undertone — imparts an understated elegance and warmth to any project. Highlighted by the precise amount of creaminess that looks remarkable on walls, trim, and cabinets, Smoky White is a soft hue that conveys purity and serenity and works well either as a standalone or as a supporting neutral.   Arcade White GR-W08 Reminiscent of the first signs of spring, Arcade White features refined hints of green, bringing a serene, refreshing feeling into a room.   Custom Color-Matching   Perhaps your client has a specific color in mind? If so, bring their source of inspiration to The Home Depot®. Whether it’s a 1×1-inch color sample, a paint chip from a surface, a piece of fabric, a competitor’s paint swatch or even leftover paint — we’ll match it! The color of your client’s dreams is the color they’ll get.   See all our white colors here.   *Behr’s comparable color to Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore colors, which are trademarks of its respective owner and is being used for identification purposes only. BEHR® Paint has created a comparable color using industry standard technology.

As a paint professional, you know that some jobs go more smoothly than others. Sometimes, clients are ready to go — colors in hand, knowing exactly what they want and where. And sometimes, they are overwhelmed by color choices with only a vague notion of what they want.    Sure, every job has its up and downs, but the latter scenario is ripe for delays, as well as frustration on both sides. While it’s not your job to pick colors for them, paint is your profession, and this should be a positive experience for the both of you (translation: glowing referrals). Help them discover their perfect color, and everybody wins!    Ask… and Listen    While clients may have a style or theme in mind… some may not. To kick things off, schedule an in-person or virtual meeting to understand their vision. While looking through fan decks, here are some questions you may want to ask:    What is the area’s purpose?   What fixtures or décor elements in the room will stay and require a coordinating color – furniture, cabinetry, tile, countertops, window treatments, etc.?  What kind of “look” or style do you envision for the space? Elegant? Casual? Traditional? Modern?  How do you want the room to “feel”? Calm? Energizing? Creative? Relaxing? Fun?   Do you have children? Grandchildren? Furry friends?  What inspires you? Is there a room in your home you love? What about items such as art, heirlooms or other treasured items, fabrics, or photos?     At the end of the meeting, perhaps suggest that your client stop by The Home Depot® and pick up color cards/chips of hues that resonate with them. Advise them to sit with the chips for a few days and view them under different lighting conditions to see the colors at all times of the day. For example, the color undertone (yellow, blue, green, pink, brown, etc.) of whites and neutrals can be easily discovered by placing them on a piece of white paper.     Narrow the Field    Once you’ve helped your client go through their top selections as well as review color cards, it’s time to pick the final colors to sample! Don’t be surprised if your clients bring in a whole new box full of color chips. Choosing the right color is a process, and they may depend on your expertise. Plus, you may find that taking extra time to guide them through choosing paint color pays off in great returns and referrals.     If your clients need some inspiration, show them Behr Paint Company’s Top 10 Neutrals!    ANTIQUE WHITE 23  Soft, timeless and versatile, Antique White emanates a nostalgic feel.     Antique White was born to adorn kitchen and dining room walls, as its warmth perfectly counterbalances pure white accents. Perhaps your clients want to integrate other colors in living rooms, bedrooms, or baths. If so, Antique White works beautifully with dusty purple, green and blue tones, as well as mid-tans and dark browns.     OFF WHITE 73  With hints of yellow, Off White is often paired with pure whites, grays, or browns — all of which can be used just about anywhere. That said, this hue loves subdued accent colors — from light pink, peach and purple; to mid-olive and plum; to dark blue, teal, and earthy red. Stick to traditional hues for dining rooms and kitchens but go ahead and bring on the colors elsewhere, via accent walls, furnishings, throw pillows, artwork, rugs, linens, and more — with Off White as the connective thread that ties it all together.    NAVAJO WHITE   The go-to of go-to neutrals, Navajo White is a warm, classic, hue that works best with traditional styles — inside and out.    This silky hue pops when coupled with bright whites but also pairs well with earthy browns, rust reds, and blues. Consider suggesting this for an office, bonus room, or kitchen.     Navajo White’s natural companion colors include Lunaria, Spun Wool, and Antique White, which — when combined with dark-brown and wood decor — gives living and dining rooms an elegant feel.    LINEN WHITE 70 Warm and welcoming, Linen White is a blank slate, ready to be transformed into a work of art with colorful accents, furnishings, and décor.     Whether your clients lean toward subdued elegance, casual comfort, or free-spirited creativity, White Linen abides. In fact, its versatility pretty much gives total freedom when it comes to pairing. Let your clients play with colors — grays and beiges; or dusky light blues lilacs and tans; or black for sophistication; or even go bold with deep yellows, pinks, purples, and blues!    DOVE HDC-MD-21✦  A warm greige that almost appears like a soothing gray, Dove radiates a peaceful and gentle mood that lifts the spirit. Highly versatile, this hue walks the middle ground between warm and cool, which means it works just about anywhere with gorgeous results.     Living and dining rooms, as well as kitchens, are the perfect candidates for combining Dove with an accent wall. Dove features light undertones of orange and red — so it partners well with warmer accents, such as purples, pinks, yellows, or deeper red hues. Bottom line: Your client can’t go wrong with this gem of a neutral.    COTTAGE WHITE 13  Cottage White, a soft and creamy tone kissed by unmistakable honey-gold notes, emanates a gentle warmth, as well as a sense of peace, anywhere it’s used.     In a master or guest bedroom, its subtle undercurrents bring out the allure and timelessness of pristinely white linens. Cottage White is the ideal neutral for those looking for a robust off-white to contrast with pure white accents, creating a sophisticated ambiance in living and dining rooms. It also pairs well with colors ranging from pale dusty purple to dramatic, dark teal. Cottage White is neither too cool nor too warm, providing traditional and modern exteriors an appealing and inviting look.    WHITE VEIL OR-W14  White Veil is a dreamy white inspired by the lace of a vintage wedding gown touched with notes of gold.    This amiable hue boasts a hint of beige and is a great color for a family room or bedroom, as it is both airy and grounded. In fact, because of its neutrality, White Veil pairs well with nearly any décor and furniture. It’s ideal for people who want a light, bright dining or living room, without having to go with a stark tone. White Veil has only the faintest hints of orange and red, making it upbeat and youthful – yet it needs a strong accent color to bring out those gorgeous undertones.    SPANISH SAND OR-W07  A rich beige highlighted by hints of warm, light to mid-brown and understated gray undertones, Spanish Sand is an impressive, soft greige that can transform a home’s exterior with its range of subtle tones.     Inside, suggest using Spanish Sand on the kitchen cabinets and — depending on your client’s style — pairing it with a complementary color such as a pale peach, dusty yellow-green, or deep brown… or how about stirring up some drama by putting this neutral on the bathroom walls, accented by dark gray or muted teal.    CRISP LINEN MQ3-13✧  Inspired by nature, Crisp Linen is a true beige that’s warm and balanced yet clean and fresh, like laundry after it’s dried in the sunshine.    Crisp Linen pairs well with other neutrals, as well as subtle, light- to mid-tone pinks, greens, blues, and purples. For a casual, organic vibe, infuse color via accent walls in the home’s social space, including kitchens and living/family rooms. If a more traditional look is in order, pair Crisp Linen with grays and pure whites, as well as with dark wood furniture and décor.    EVEN BETTER BEIGE DC-010✧ * Give your neutral game a boost with Even Better Beige — a versatile neutral that imparts a warm, distinctive feeling wherever it’s used. A true beige with yellow undertones, Even Better Beige not only works well with other neutrals — but colors ranging from orange-golds and earthy yellows to mid-tone greens and blues, and dark browns.    In the living room, this hue serves as a flawless backdrop that allows architectural elements, such as a fireplace, exposed beams, and board-and-batten paneling, to really shine. And depending on your client’s style, kitchens and dining rooms can be anything from elegantly monochromatic to imaginatively multihued.     Comparable to Sherwin Williams’ Accessible Beige*   Custom Color Matching    Does your client have a specific color in mind? Bring their inspiration to The Home Depot® — a sample of the color that’s about 1″ x 1″ in size: a paint chip from a surface, a piece of fabric, a competitor’s paint swatch or even leftover paint — and we’ll match it. The color your client wants is the color they’ll get.    One-Coat Hide    Both BEHR DYNASTY® Interior Paints and BEHR MARQUEE® Interior & Exterior Paints guaranteed* one-coat when tinted to colors from the One-Coat Hide Color Collection. Check out all the neutral colors that are one-coat.    *Limitations apply. For more information, visit Behr.com/onecoathide ✧Denotes One-Coat Hide when tinted into BEHR DYNASTY® INTERIOR & MARQUEE® Interior Paint. ✦Denotes One-Coat Hide when tinted into BEHR DYNASTY® INTERIOR & MARQUEE® INTERIOR or EXTERIOR Paint.   *Behr Paint’s comparable color to Sherwin-Williams color names, which are names of its respective owners, are being used for identification purposes only. BEHR® Paint has created a comparable color using industry-standard technology. 

For more than a decade, gray has been the rock star of the neutrals world. Thanks to its multifaceted complexity, this shade can articulate an array of moods: dramatic, soft, elegant, bold, light or grounded. It’s a huge part of its appeal — but gray can’t do it alone, as it depends on a myriad of factors. Therefore, helping your clients pick the right gray can be tricky.      Why? Well, despite its high versatility, dynamics such as light sensitivity and complex color undertones can drastically alter a gray’s final result. Also, while a vital tool, paint chips have a hard time conveying gray’s depth and nuance. This doesn’t mean you or your client should give up on the beauty and richness of gray. Rather, it’s a reminder to communicate with your clients to help them discover their perfect shade.     Here are a few topics to consider:      True Colors    How often have you heard a client say something like, “Why are there so many choices?”      Your answer may be, “More often than I’d like!” Yet, consider this your first opportunity to help them learn about color. For example, perhaps discuss how “pure” grays are undiluted, light, mid or dark tones — a straightforward blend of black and white. On the other hand, most grays are infused with other colors to create a range of diverse “flavors” of this multitalented neutral.      The above scenario is only an example of how clients may often be unaware of the factors that can hugely affect a paint job’s final outcome. The fact is, they depend (whether or not they know it) on your professional expertise and guidance.      Be Careful of the Undertone      Subtle and often unnoticed, undertones — slight warm and cool tints mixed into colors — play a vital role in creating a shade’s depth and personality. Case in point, a color’s undertone (or lack thereof) can change a gray’s appearance in the following ways:       Pure grays have no undertones, so they appear clear and distinct   Blue-grays are balanced and serene  Green-grays feel calm and grounded   Pink-, purple- and violet-grays add allure and a hint of magic      While undertones may not be obvious at first, they often become pronounced once the paint dries, so save some time having to repaint by guiding your clients through the undulating world of undertones.      Lighting Effects     Let’s say your client finds a gray that makes them swoon. Yet, when they take it home, what looked fantastic in natural daylight loses all of its allure when the lights come on at night. What they didn’t know is that — whether natural, fluorescent, halogen or LED — lighting can drastically change color. In fact, depending on the source, grays can shift from green and brown, to purple and blue.       Sharing this knowledge with your customers will help them consider other grays that flourish with their current lighting. Also, encourage them to sample, sample, sample — as painting swatches on a few walls is an inexpensive (not to mention timesaving) way to find what works best for them.      If your client needs some inspiration, have them check out Behr Paint Company’s Top 10 Grays:     PLATINUM — PPU26-11 ✦    Platinum – an understated, pale gray with silvery green undertones — is a One-Coat Hide guaranteed* color that can lighten and expand any space. In addition, this amiable shade complements a spectrum of other colors.     This light gray is the cornerstone for creating sophisticated, yet welcoming living and dining rooms. Platinum paired with cool whites and deeper grays shines in both areas. (Hint: Add some personality to the dining room with pops of your favorite color). Kitchens may follow suit but consider painting the cabinets gray and using a muted red or orange on the walls to stimulate the appetite.      Once outside, Platinum is impeccable either on the exterior walls or the front door.     CHIC GRAY — PPU26-10 ✦  Elegant. Warm. Effortless. Chic Gray is a One-Coat Hide guaranteed* color that is a highly versatile, mid-tone neutral that balances earth and sky.      On one hand, its lightness expands tight spaces such as small bathrooms, hallways or entries. On the other, its beige notes and greige undertones bring a feeling of elegance to kitchens, dining areas and living rooms — as well as a sense of coziness to kids’ rooms and offices.      As an exterior, Chic Gray leans more toward traditional, working best with timber or brick houses.     NATURAL GRAY — PPU18-10 ✦  Natural Gray — a light, pure-neutral — is a One-Coat Hide guaranteed* color that exudes a classic, yet versatile, feel inside and out. With no undertones, this shade is warmed by notes of taupe, making it equally at home as an accent or backdrop in modern, classical or transitional settings. In concert with proper lighting, Natural Gray establishes a warm welcome in entries and hallways, invites a bit of boldness in kitchens, fosters elegance in living and dining rooms, and emphasis ease and comfort in bedrooms and baths.      Outside, Natural Gray tends to work best with traditional wood exteriors and white accents.     SILVER BULLET — N520-2   A cool, mid-gray, Silver Bullet exudes poise and subtlety, thanks to its touches of lavender and a silvery effect. It’s an ideal backdrop for bold accents or as an accent in its own right. Living rooms will shimmer when Silver Bullet pairs with neutrals, creating a modern feel. Kitchens and dining rooms are great areas to keep things classical. Try this shade on the walls and pair with clean whites for a simple, yet stunning, effect.     Moving outside, Silver Bullet works beautifully on walls, with white trim — or can create some intrigue by using it on the front door.     DOLPHIN FIN — 790C-3 ✦  Soft and refreshing, Dolphin Fin is a One-Coat Hide guaranteed* delightful gray that emanates comfort and balance. This unique, warm shade turns heads when it fluctuates between showing off its cool-blue or warm-beige undertones. When it comes to social areas, Dolphin Fin is ready for anything, integrating seamlessly as either a wall or accent. Also, with the popularity of painting cabinets gray, Dolphin Fin invites you to give it a try in the kitchen or bath, while bedrooms will simply glow with Dolphin Fin on the walls accented by a variety of whites.     FRENCH SILVER — PPU18-05 ✦  An ultra-chic, mid-tone gray, French Silver is a One-Coat Hide guaranteed* color that delights in its cool, elegant blue undertones. This versatile shade works beautifully with an array of hues, as well as other grays — breathing new life into a home.      If your client dreams of Neoclassical social spaces, pair French Silver with a muted light blue, yellow or green. If they’re a fan of Scandi, use this shade on walls to accentuate light wood floors and functional furnishings. In the kitchen, try this shade on your client’s cabinets with a light background. For bedrooms and baths, try French Silver with a soft teal, pink, purple or any color that makes them happy!      FLANNEL GRAY — N520-3 ✦  Like your coziest set of bedsheets, Flannel Gray is a One-Coat Hide guaranteed* cool, medium-gray with touches of warm, plum undertones that nurture a sense of comfort and peace.      In living and dining rooms, Flannel Gray exudes modern elegance when paired with muted beige or pink, or a soft or deep blue. If you’re feeling bold, consider a mid-to -dark earthy red. Keep the kitchen clean and classic by combining this hue with complementary whites and brass or brushed nickel hardware. Bedrooms and baths are perfect for soothing pinks, purples or greens. Outside, Flannel Gray makes a strong (but not overwhelming) statement on an array of exterior styles — but it can also steal the show as an accent.     WHITE METAL — N520-1   This shade has a knack for opening and expanding spaces, establishing a sophisticated, yet mellow, vibe.     There’s no question that this silvery gray is destined for living and dining room walls. While whites are a classic accent, the look is up to you. White Metal is equally captivating on kitchen walls or cabinets — try a light, but lively, orange or yellow accent for contrast. To create a soothing bedroom retreat, consider covering three walls in a dusty-lavender hue, with White Metal as the accent color on the fourth wall, as well as on the ceiling.     CLASSIC SILVER — PPU18-11 ✦  Classic Silver is a One-Coat Hide guaranteed* mid-gray neutral warmed by tinges of yellow and cooled by hints of blue. This combination creates a nearly pure shade that performs as a neutral or as a commanding hue. Consider a few bold touches to brighten the living or dining room, as well as create balance and interest. Conversely, the kitchen is better suited for a gray and white combination, using Classic Silver on walls or cabinets. Whether you love timeless contrast with dark wood or modern monochrome with pops of color, Classic Silver creates a stunning aesthetic in bedrooms and baths.      And, if you paint your exterior with this gray, as well as integrate white trim and a dark roof, you can count on making a lasting impression.    GRATIFYING GRAY — DC-008 ✧  Gratifying Gray is a One-Coat Hide guaranteed* color that delivers a soothing sense of satisfaction as a light-base gray with purity and elegance to elevate any space.     On the wall, this gray brings finesse to living and dining rooms, so turn some heads by accenting with a muted, mid- to dark-teal, raspberry or gold. Balance the boldness by integrating lighter hues — such as muted pinks, greens or blues — or a monochromatic scheme in bedrooms, bathrooms and entryways. Gratifying Gray makes for a beautiful exterior, especially with contrasting elements such as mid- to dark- green, orange or blue shutters.      Comparable to Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray     Custom Color Matching     Does your client have a specific color in mind? Bring their inspiration to The Home Depot® — a sample of the color that’s about 1″ x 1″ in size: a paint chip from a surface, a piece of fabric, a competitor’s paint swatch or even leftover paint — and we’ll match it. The color your client wants is the color they’ll get.   One-Coat Hide     Both BEHR DYNASTY® Interior Paints and BEHR MARQUEE® Interior & Exterior Paints guarantees* One-Coat Hide when tinted to colors from the One-Coat Hide Color Collection. Check out all the gray colors that are part of the One-Coat Hide Color Collection.    *Limitations apply. For more information, visit Behr.com/onecoathide.  ✧ Denotes One-Coat Hide when tinted into BEHR DYNASTY® INTERIOR & MARQUEE® Interior Paint. For more information, visit Behr.com/onecoathide  ✦ Denotes One-Coat Hide when tinted into BEHR DYNASTY® INTERIOR & MARQUEE® INTERIOR or EXTERIOR Paint. For more information, visit Behr.com/onecoathide    *Behr Paint’s comparable color to Sherwin-Williams color names, which are names of its respective owners, are being used for identification purposes only. BEHR® Paint has created a comparable color using industry-standard technology.    Featured color on cover image: FLANNEL GRAY — N520-3 ✦