The Valspar Corporation Serves Up Resources to Ease Paint Angst
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.
DATASOURCE: Valspar Corporation
CONTACT: Sara Whitman of Peppercom, +1-212-931-6121,
, for Valspar Corporation
Web site: http://www.valspar.com/