The Valspar Corporation Serves Up Resources to Ease Paint Angst WHEELING, Ill., July 31
WHEELING, Ill., July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- While the intent to
purchase paint remains undaunted in the slow economy, consumers are paying
increased attention to finding the right paint color, according to a new study
of U.S. households released today by The Valspar Corporation. In fact, 26
percent of consumers are more concerned with choosing the best color over how
the finished product will ultimately look. The Valspar Corporation aims to
alleviate the stress and anxiety caused by issues of paint angst, or the pain
consumers feel during the painting process, by offering various resources and
access to the company's 200 years of knowledge and expertise in the market.
In 2008, selecting the right color choice is of particular concern among
women. Nearly two in five female paint purchasers say their biggest worry when
painting is choosing the appropriate color. 33 percent of consumers are
likely to choose a bold color palette over neutral, and many female paint
purchasers are as concerned about finding an exact color as they are finding a
color match. Alternatively, men chose "making a mess" as their primary
concern.
Ann McGuire, founder of Beehive Studios and color consultant for Valspar,
advises, "Have patience when choosing a color, and always keep an open mind.
There are many exciting directions to take, and you should use colors that
make you happy. If you choose a bold color, surround it with more subdued
colors to give it balance."
At any given time, 29 percent of American households report that they
expect to purchase indoor paint in the coming 12 months. In difficult economic
times, consumers see paint as one of the most economic ways to "remodel."
Whatever the color, nearly half (47 percent) of those planning to paint in the
next 12 months are hoping for a big change as a result of their work, and are
anxious about initiating the paint project.
"During times of economic stress, paint color can bring an upbeat
dimension to consumers looking to brighten and renew their home without
requiring a large investment," said Pattie Erps, Marketing Director, The
Valspar Corporation. "The countless choices of colors and combinations can be
overwhelming. To help ease the burden of color decisions, Valspar provides a
number of unique resources to ensure any painting project has the desired
result."
Paint: Gender Perspectives
In addition to differences in their color choice concerns, further
differences between how men and women view painting projects include:
-- Women continue to play a leading role on paint projects. This year,
more than half of interior paint projects are exclusively initiated by women,
and two-thirds of decisions on paint color are made solely by the female head
of household.
-- Men tend to look for guidance from their surroundings for color
inspiration, while women tend to seek out sources such as magazines,
television, retailers, and other homes and properties besides their own.
-- Among male paint purchasers, the accomplishment of completing the
painting project is the best outcome after painting, while for women, it's the
satisfaction of a new and improved room.
Through its consumer makeover stories on http://www.valspar.com and the
Color Buzz blog, the Valspar Corporation is committed to providing its
expertise to ensure any painting project is easy, enjoyable and has the
desired results. Valspar offers premium-quality interior and exterior paints
that blend beauty and durability in a palette of more than 3,000 colors, the
largest color selection currently available.
The Valspar Corporation (NYSE: VAL) is a global leader in the paint and
coatings industry. Since 1806, Valspar has been dedicated to bringing
customers the latest innovations, the finest quality and the best customer
service in the coatings industry. For more information, visit
http://www.valsparglobal.com.
*Survey conducted by Leo J. Shapiro & Associates, LLC; National Poll/Paint
Selection -- April 2008, nationally projectable sample of 450 U.S. households.
SOURCE Valspar Corporation
