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Whites & Neutrals from Cloverdale Paint. M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | 47 Paint & Coatings The pandemic has had an unexpected impact on paints and coatings, beyond the supply chain challenges by LAURIE JONES T he last two years have been a struggle, to say the least, but with so many people sheltering at home, and business owners having time to review the look of their surroundings, paint colour has been a point of focus. Beyond the pandemic, 2021 was a year that made the movement of raw materials and supplies chal- lenging – if they can be had. "The North American coatings industry sources many of its raw materi- als from Texas, where a one-two punch of a freezing storm in late winter cut off supply for some time, then, Hurricane Ida touched ground in the early fall to ensure supply was hobbled for many compa- nies involved with chemicals, such as coatings, inks, plastics, and fibreglass," says Kevin Skelly, digital marketing manager at Cloverdale Paint. "Needless to say, it has been a difficult time for all companies in having the adequate supply of materials to be able to produce a narrow range of coatings. Innovation and new product calendars were affected, given just standard formulations provided enough challenge to bring to market." On the colour front, Cloverdale Paint took some time to work on extending its range of best-selling hues. "We're adding 70 new super light off-whites, warm neutrals, and greys to our range via a new 'Whites & Neutrals' colour card," says Skelly. "We also have a professional fan deck for designers, painters, and homeowners alike, consisting of 348 of the most in-demand colours from across Canada, under the brand name 'Narrative.' Many customers are report- ing back immediate use of these colours, notably the off-whites and greys, which are suitable for a wide range of residential and commercial uses." Air purification has indeed received increasing attention of late and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint with Air Purifying Technology contributes to cleaner indoor air quality by reducing VOC levels from potential sources like carpet, cabinets, and fabrics. With the addition of odour eliminating tech- nology, the paint also works to reduce unwanted odours to help spaces feel fresher, longer, and con- tains anti-microbial agents to inhibit the growth of mould and mildew on painted surfaces. This paint is ideal for spaces that need to feel fresh, including hotel rooms, lobbies, and spas. "Sherwin-Williams continues to perfect paint qualities, such as technologies that help reduce odours and moisture. With Sanitizing and Air Purifying Technology, we are build- ing on SuperPaint, a popular product trusted by homeowners and professionals for its exceptional performance and durability," says Rick Watson, director of product information and technical ser- vices. "Customers will get the quality paint they expect with added technologies that help create bal- ance in the spaces around us." In addition to the new Air Purifying Technology, the SuperPaint collection includes 11 curated colour palettes to help hospitality design professionals cre- ate a variety of welcoming environments. Each palette consists of 12 stunning shades that work together seamlessly to set the tone for any space. After a year of stay-at-home orders and living in a largely digital world with too few IRL (in-real- life) moments, Canadians are craving authenticity, nature, and meaningful human interaction. This reality has inspired Sico paint brand by PPG to select Cool Current – a sophisticated, grounded, versatile, and highly-adaptable grey-green – as its 2022 Colour of the Year. Cool Current is a relaxed yet enticing green that represents regrowth. Emulating the feeling of sooth- ing aloe vera or a fragrant plant, it brightens any space with organic liveliness. "Not only have people's life priorities shifted following a year of uncer- tainty amid lockdowns, but so have their colour preferences, with many homeowners eager to make uplifting changes to their living environments," says Martin Tustin-Fuchs, senior marketing manager. Tustin-Fuchs points to a recent survey that shows almost half of Canadians have already done, or are planning to do, home renovations as a result of the pandemic. "We're seeing a consumer revolution of sorts as people shift away from the stark, neutral palettes popular in the last few years and opt instead for more saturated hues that are guiding us into a new era of home design," he says. Among the other popular 2022 colours unveiled by PPG are equally-saturated rust, plum, grey- brown, and greyish blue – all of which pair beautifully with Cool Current. The forecast of Dulux Paints by PPG announces Olive Sprig as its 2022 Colour of the Year. Reminiscent of nature, this grounded, comforting sage green emits a sense of calm and tranquility, reflecting consumers' longing for stability, human connection, and self-care in today's world. Olive Sprig is the star hue of the brand's 2022 palette, which features optimistic, colour-infused tones from every colour family and reveals a new era in home decor. "We're seeing a trend towards relaxed, rich, organic hues that will be incorporated into home decor in the coming year," says Mitsu Dhawan, PPG marketing manager. "This move- ment represents a break from the neutral tones that have traditionally been the brand's top-sellers. Used alone or in combination, inside or outside, the 2022 palette is elegant, versatile, and highly-adaptable, brightening walls with a nature-kissed feel." Based on research conducted by PPG's inter- national team of colour experts, the Dulux Paints by PPG brand has unveiled three colour stories – Invaluable, Introspective, and Inspired – that will resonate with homeowners this year, all under the theme of Horizon. "The Horizon theme represents our current state of hope, reflection, and new begin- nings," Dhawan explains. Invaluable draws Gatsby-esque inspiration from the past to create the go-to glamorous palette of the present, this colour story is grounded with lush hues such as Gooseberry, Castle Stone, and Ancient Copper. Introspective is a colour story for those who prioritize self-care and appreciate life's simple plea- sures, with shades such as Tea Time, Silver Service, Pine Whisper, and Magic. And finally, Inspired are mood-boosting shades that add an optimistic jolt of Coat Of Many Colours

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