Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.
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arge-scale painting is not a task that remodeling contractors typi- cally handle in-house. At the same time, small-scale painting and spe- cial situations make painting a staple of the daily routine. Doors and trim need painting after installation. Decks and other outdoor surfaces need upgrades to match and perform along with new adjacent spaces. Concrete and masonry surfaces present an array of applica- tion and durability issues. ere is seemingly no end to the variety of surface problems now solved by a growing offering of paints and coatings. What remodelers need to know is that coatings manufacturers today—from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore to PPG Paints and Behr/Kilz—are engaged in a marathon competition to continually bring out new products to address persistent prob- lems for homeowners and contractors. Along with several big, national brands, local and regional players make the paints and coatings market extremely competitive. If they are not introducing new products, oftentimes manufacturers are rolling out enhancements to existing product lines at little or no cost per gallon. at is why it behooves remodelers to stay abreast of the latest and greatest in this category. ere are very tangible benefits to be gained at little or no additional cost. e competition among paint companies extends to their relationship with you. Now more than ever, paint companies are out to earn the loyalty of remodeling contractors. In recent years, they have found new ways to work with remodelers, offering new tools from color visualizers to full-blown programs that offer rewards for purchase activity. Apps and technology play a big role. A contractor can tap their mobile devices to see specially negotiated pricing. ey can quickly place orders without going to the store—available 24 hours a day. Why the focus on remodelers? Manufacturer research shows that remodelers represent a huge and growing portion of the annual purchases of paints and coatings. And they don't want to leave your business to chance. Tom Lee, senior vice president of marketing for Behr, cites recent research of millennials who are just beginning to rent and own homes. "Right now, they want everything easy, easy, easy and fast, fast, fast," Lee says. "And I don't know where they are getting their money, but they seem to be hiring more on the pro side as opposed to DIY. "It seems like the younger you are, at least for now, you are less inclined to do your own painting—as easy as it is," he continues. EXTERIORS: A RAINY START TO THE YEAR Jeff Winter, vice president of mar- keting for Sherwin-Williams, says sales for the first part of 2017 have been strong. But he noted that rain and wet weather have had an impact, A Coating for Every Purpose If you think there are only two kinds of paint—interior and exterior—think again. By Patrick O'Toole L PPG PAINTS enhanced its coatings with time-saving benefits including to its quick- turn masonry and concrete product, Perma-Crete. Its Sun Proof and SpeedHide brands are also upgraded. Circle 4 on inquiry card 38 June 2017 QR QualifiedRemodeler.com PRODUCT TRENDS: Paints & Coatings