Paint

Pittsburgh Paints announced it has launched its latest edition to the PITTHANE® Ultra product line, Pitthane Ultra Waterborne Polyurethane, a two-component, gloss waterborne polyurethane engineered for durability and long-term appearance. Comparable to premium high-gloss solvent-based urethanes, Pitthane Ultra WB is VOC-compliant and LEED® v4 approved, offering abrasion and chemical resistance with high color and gloss retention. “We’ve engineered Pitthane Ultra WB …

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units in July, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was down 3.9% from a year earlier but up 3.2% from June. Ports have not yet reported August numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.29 million TEU, …

PPG recently announced the launch of the PPG ONE RANGE™ portfolio of five one-component marine coatings at the SMM 2026 maritime industry trade fair in Hamburg, Germany. Designed to simplify onboard fleet maintenance, the portfolio helps crews complete maintenance projects more efficiently with ready-to-use, one-component coating solutions. “Coatings maintenance is essential for extending vessel lifecycles, …

AkzoNobel announced it has opened a new multi-million dollar  innovation lab at its Sassenheim site in the Netherlands, strengthening the company’s largest global R&D center. Officially opened by Dutch minister of climate and green growth, Stientje van Veldhoven, the facility—primarily focused on powder coatings—will help to accelerate the development of more sustainable, solvent-free and energy-efficient coating solutions. “We’ve established a global reputation …

By Curtis Gillman Sometimes the real problem isn’t ignorance, it’s exhaustion. Day-to-day operations can consume so much time and attention that meaningful improvements feel impossible. Leadership teams become trapped in what Chris McChesney, Sean Covey and Jim Huling describe in their book, “The Four Disciplines of Execution,” as “the whirlwind”—the constant stream of tasks, interruptions …

By Zoe Benson Starting a new job can be hard. You have to learn how the business runs and meet new people all while trying to prove that you belong there, all while trying to hold off a case of imposter syndrome in the process. When I first started working at NHPA, I was excited …

Celebrating three decades of exceptional retailers under the age of 35, the North American Hardware and Paint Association’s (NHPA) Young Retailer of the Year Awards program highlights the efforts of young retailers. NHPA’s Young Retailer of the Year program identifies and promotes the next generation of aspiring independent home improvement, paint and decorating retailers. Honorees …

While they aren’t engaging in DIY projects at quite the same frequency as homeowners, renters are an untapped audience for independent retailers. The Home Improvement Research Institute’s (HIRI) Renter’s Home Improvement Activity Study took a closer look at renters’ attitudes and habits when it comes to DIY projects.  According to the study, renters are looking …

When it comes to choosing a paint color for a project, sheen is just as important as shade. Each paint finish offers a different look, feel and form of durability, making certain formulas more ideal for one room or area of home versus another. Discover the latest trends for each sheen to guide your customers …

For independent paint retailers, selling products for an entire paint project from start to finish is an essential practice. Bringing your customers’ projects to life involves more than just paint, and stocking sponges, rags and cleaning products helps them see any project through from beginning to end and can bring in additional cash flow to …

Brownsboro Hardware and Paint’s annual EGGFest Food Festival raised a new record high amount this year, with funds raised going to two local food-related charities. “This is the largest one-year increase in our history, and it shows that once again, the community has come through for us,” says Doug Carroll, owner of Brownsboro Hardware & …

Behr Paint Company recently unveiled a new color, Grounded, (T27-01) as its 2027 Color of the Year. An earthy olive green that captures restorative essence and quiet energy, this natural shade moves effortlessly between olive and moss, anchored by subtle brown undertones that bring the outdoors in. “Grounded is a reminder that the most meaningful …

Dutch Boy Paints recently announced Deep Rooted (311-7DB) as its 2027 Color of the Year. Inspired by the warmth of nature, Deep Rooted brings grounded optimism and comfort to a room, helping create a space that feels personal and effortlessly lived in. “Our 2027 Color of the Year feels alive with possibility while being rooted …

Taking place March 9-10, 2027, in Las Vegas, the Hardlines Supplier Event is where the hardlines industry—including tools, hardware, home improvement, lawn and garden, outdoor living, storage, plumbing, electrical, sporting and recreational goods, housewares, automotive and more—will gather for the two-day event. The experience brings together retailers, brands, distributors, wholesalers and private label leaders with …

PPG recently announced the appointment of three senior executives to lead each of its global reportable business segments: Industrial Coatings, Performance Coatings and Global Architectural Coatings. Alisha Bellezza has been appointed PPG senior vice president, Industrial Coatings segment. In 2025, PPG established three segments, aligning complementary businesses. These senior executives will now lead each of …

Whether tackling a larger commercial job or touching up small spaces, having the right painting equipment can make all the difference in achieving a perfect finish and saving time. See three tray options for various project sizes to help customers decide which one best fits their next job. The Wide Boy Bucket from The Wooster …

Inflation eased for the second consecutive month after reaching a three-year high in May, according to an analysis from the National Association of Home Builders. As energy prices leveled, shelter remained the largest factor driving inflation, accounting for one-third of the annual increase and over two-thirds of the monthly increase.  The Consumer Price Index (CPI) …

Heavy Duty Duct Tape (SPONSORED) 3M™ Heavy Duty Duct Tape is essential for every toolbox. It features an improved adhesive for quick sealing, holding and repairing. Easy to apply, it tears by hand lengthwise or crosswise for versatility. Its smooth, durable and water-resistant backing ensures a clean finish. Regrip your hammer, seal a package and …

Using the correct tools when installing wallpaper ensures a smooth finish and an easier process for what can be a complicated project. Paint & Decorating Retailer recommends these four wallpaper installation tools to help your customers achieve an ideal outcome every time. The MAYA Cosmetics Wallpaper Scissors are professional-grade wallpaper scissors with a 10.5-inch overall …

Technology company Rundoo recently announced it has raised $30 million in Series B financing led by Battery Ventures, with participation from existing investors Bessemer Venture Partners and CRV, bringing the company’s total funding to $48 million. Rundoo provides an AI-first system of record keeping for independent supply stores, supporting the operations of vital small businesses …

Sherwin-Williams announced its 2027 Colormix Trend Forecast: Rewild, a collection of 48 shades encouraging homeowners and paint professionals to explore color in new ways. Curated by the Sherwin-Williams Trendsight Team, the annual forecast represents color direction across residential, commercial and industrial applications. Colormix includes three design stories: Revive, Reignite and Reconnect, each shaped by a …

Retail sales rose in July for the 10th consecutive month, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor released by the National Retail Federation. “Retail sales maintained their steady upward momentum in July as consumers kept shopping despite ups and downs in other economic indicators,” says NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay. “Supported by a low unemployment …

Valspar announced Cottage Door 8004-38E as its 2027 Color of the Year. This mid-tone neutral blue paint color blends warm and cool undertones. “Cottage Door celebrates the unique beauty inside us all,” says Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar. “This mid-tone neutral blue is reflective and warm, with timeless appeal that feels personal …

Representing all wholesalers and distributors and coming from all across North American, attendees of the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference (IHI Conference) left with new ideas, renewed connections and a reinvigorated spirit to strengthen their operations. Hosted by the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) and The Hardware Conference, the IHI Conference took place …