In a recent telephone survey conducted by the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, consumers shared their personal painting experiences and attitudes for this common do-it-yourself home improvement project. Debbie Zimmer, PQI’s paint and color expert believes homeowners continued desire for home personalization through color is evident in the recent results. “Based on questions we receive via our website, www.paintquality.com, we believe color incorporation and quality paint products are increasingly important and this survey quantifies that assumption.”

The most cited reason respondents shared for undertaking an interior paint job is to create a “fresh look” (52%) or to use a fashionable color (28%). Paint quality and color choice were the two most important reasons for choosing a particular brand and more than half of those contemplating a paint job search for information about these two features. Sources of paint information include paint manufacturer’s brochures (62%), in store point-of-sale displays (36%) followed by advice from friends and family. Zimmer adds, “Paint related websites are growing in popularity as an often-used information source.”

Finally, while many consumers search for the most up to date information on paint and color, a pocket of consumers consider themselves expert or at least very confident in their painting skill and
knowledge (14%).