The Valspar Corporation Serves Up Interior and Exterior Project Ideas for DIY Consumers

Like many home improvement jobs, a painting or coating job can be daunting. To exacerbate the issue, consumers – more so than in the past – are looking for a “big change” from a painting project (60 percent in 2009 versus 47 percent in 2008), according to a study of U.S. households* released today by The Valspar Corporation, a leader in the paint and coatings industry. Valspar offers easy-to-use products, color advice and expert tips to empower consumers taking on home coatings project.

“Consumers looking to achieve big changes should look to painting and additional coatings projects to dramatically change the look of a home,” said Scot Karstens, Vice President of Architectural Coatings, The Valspar Corporation. “For example, consumers can boost curb appeal and increase the value of a home by changing the color of a family room, staining a deck to enhance the wood’s natural grains and applying epoxy floor paint to the garage. Best of all, coatings projects are much less labor intensive than a remodel or repair job.”

Fresh Coat = Fresh Look

According to Valspar’s third annual “paint angst study,” while consumers are looking for big change with a paint project, roughly one in five consumers (19 percent) identify color selection as putting the “pain” in painting. When it comes to color choice, 60 percent of consumers gravitate towards a neutral palette rather than a bold color (27 percent), which can make it difficult to achieve a major transformation. However, Ann McGuire, founder of Beehive Studios and Valspar color consultant, says it’s possible to choose a neutral color and accomplish a big change. Choosing a color that is a shade darker or lighter from the original neutral chosen can offer a more distinct look.

When consumers do choose to go bold, green is the most popular choice (42 percent), followed by yellow (33 percent). From fresh greens like Fresh Pear (6007-7C) to soothing hues like Leaf Bud (6005-5B), green is a consistent favorite due to the color’s prevalence in nature and ability to blend with the home’s interior. With cleaner yellows making a splash in fashion and home décor in the past year, softer yellows such as Buttered Hazlenut (3001-3C) can be a nice option.

Additionally, consumers don’t need to re-paint the whole house to make a big impact. By changing just one room within the house, the rest of the home takes on more interest.