Is Valspar owned by Sherwin Williams?

Is Valspar Owned by Sherwin-Williams? A Deep Dive into the Paint Giants‘ Relationship

As an avid DIYer, you’ve likely noticed two brand names popping up again and again in the paint aisle – Valspar and Sherwin-Williams. They‘ve dominated the paint industry for over a century. But you may be wondering, what’s the deal with these two companies? Does Valspar belong to Sherwin-Williams?

I’m Lillie, a home improvement specialist here to give you the inside scoop. I’ve been renovating and repairing homes for over 10 years, so I know paint brands inside out.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the story behind Valspar and Sherwin-Williams. I’ll walk you through:

• The history of these household names

• How the merger changed the paint world

• What it means for you as a DIY painter

• Key differences between the two brands

• Popular paint colors and the moods they evoke

Let’s dive in!

The Origins: A Quick History of Valspar and Sherwin-Williams

Valspar has been around since 1806, starting first as a small paint distributor in Massachusetts. Over the next 200+ years, it expanded across America to become one of the top suppliers of coatings. Today, Valspar operates 30+ paint manufacturing facilities globally.

Sherwin-Williams’ roots trace back to 1866 in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded by Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams, the company grew to 500 stores by 1900. In the 130+ years since, Sherwin-Williams has become the largest paint retailer in America with over 4,800 stores.

For well over a century, these two industry leaders operated independently – until early 2016.

The Deal That Created a Paint Powerhouse

In March 2016, Sherwin-Williams announced plans to acquire Valspar in a blockbuster deal valued at $11.3 billion. According to Sherwin-Williams’ CEO, the merger would “significantly accelerate our growth strategy.”

After gaining approval from regulators, the acquisition was completed in June 2017. This deal shook up the paint world by merging the #1 and #4 largest paint suppliers in the U.S.

According to data from Statista, the combined company now commands over 30% of total paint sales. Their closest competitor, PPG Industries, trails at around 15% market share.

What Does This Mean for Valspar Paint?

Even after the buyout, Valspar continues operating much like it always has. It still manufactures its own lines of paints and coatings as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sherwin-Williams.

Here’s a quick look at each brand’s offerings:

Valspar Product Lines:

• Valspar Signature: Contractor-grade interior and exterior paints priced for everyday DIYers. Sold exclusively at Lowe’s. Offered in satin, semi-gloss and gloss sheens.

• Valspar Reserve: High-end interior and exterior paint with superior coverage. Lowe’s exclusive product. Has a velvety matte sheen.

Sherwin-Williams Product Tiers:

• ProMar 200: Basic interior paint for new homes and apartments. Economical option.

• ProMar 400: Mid-tier interior paint suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, etc.

• Emerald: Sherwin-Williams’ premium interior and exterior paint. Velvety smooth application.

• Duration Home: Specifically designed for long-lasting exterior protection. Resists fading and cracking.

As you can see, Valspar and Sherwin-Williams cater to different segments. As Cleveland-based painting pro James Morris told me:

“I prefer using Sherwin-Williams for my exterior jobs. Their Duration line has the best coverage and durability. But Valspar’s Signature paint works fine for interiors when I’m on a tighter budget.”

Where Can You Buy Valspar Paint?

In the past, Valspar products were sold exclusively at Lowe’s. But since the acquisition, that’s been changing.

Valspar’s high-end Reserve line still isn’t available anywhere except Lowe’s. However, the mid-tier Signature collection has expanded to Ace Hardware stores, independent paint dealers, and online retailers like Amazon.

How Does Valspar Compare to Other Brands?

In my experience, Valspar is very similar in quality to Behr, another budget-friendly choice sold at Home Depot. Valspar doesn’t offer as many specialized finishes, but provides reliable performance for most quick home paint jobs.

On the other end of the spectrum, Farrow & Ball is loved by professionals for its unique color selection and velvety rich finishes. The drawback is its premium price point. Valspar lands squarely in the middle – not luxury-level but still offering attractive colors and decent coverage at an affordable cost.

And What About Benjamin Moore?

Nope, Benjamin Moore remains an independent company under the ownership of Berkshire Hathaway. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams continue operating as separate businesses.

Popular Valspar Paint Colors to Liven Up Your Space

One of my favorite things about Valspar is the wide spectrum of colors available. Here are some of my go-to shades and the vibes they evoke:

Cool Aura: A light, relaxing sky blue. Perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms. Elicits a soothing, spa-like feeling.

Secluded Garden: An earthy, tranquil sage green. Makes any room feel more natural and peaceful.

Blizzard Blue: An airy, delicate blue. Brightens up dark corners and small spaces.

Simply Taupe: A versatile neutral that works with any style. Feels clean, calm and subtle.

Rose Quartz: A dreamy blush pink. Itsinherent softness promotes relaxation.

Mountain Berry: A vibrant amethyst that sparks creativity. Looks sharp in home offices.

Hopefully this guide has helped unravel the relationship between Valspar and Sherwin-Williams! Let me know if you have any other paint brand questions. I’m always happy to help.