Our sources report a significant price hike for American Pride paint. Retail prices are likely to increase by $7 to $10. This is disappointing to us, as it used to be our default recommendation for cost-effective, Zero VOC paint. But now American Pride is in the same price bracket as other paints with green cred, like Yolo Colorhouse.
We don't mind spending upwards of $40 on a gallon of paint, but we're sad that there's no longer a green product that can compete solely on the basis of price with Home Depot's Behr brand. Behr is not marketed as a green product, but delivers excellent performance for the price.
We're wondering if this is a function of simple economics: us consumers have demonstrated quite clearly that we are willing to pay a bit more for green products, so manufacturers are leaving money on the table if they don't raise their prices accordingly.
What do you think is going on here?
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
When I was painting 3-4 years, the employees at Home Depot and our local chain, Menards, all had no idea what I was talking about when I asked for VOC-free paint. When I went in this spring, they took me straight to a no-VOC option. No idea what the brand was, but I do remember that it listed only a few possible colors, but the sales person offered to try to mix the one I wanted -- worked like a charm. It was somewhere around $20 for a gallon, I think. Easy-peasy and cheap and not-stinky.
view wordling's profile
Glidden/ICI has a low VOC paint (maybe it's no VOC...can't recall). The line is called Lifemaster 2000. While it's not available at the Depot, you can get it at most major paint stores. Since it's Glidden, it's a fairly commercial line and reasonably priced.
view glove3000's profile
While it is true that American Pride has increased their MSRP, our three locations are only increasing the price by $4 - $5 per gallon, maximum. This increase reflects a higher materials cost to us on these products. Our retail price will be in the $28 - $33/ gallon range. We continue to market this paint as a high quality, zero-voc, cost competitive alternative to mainstream products. Please visit our stores in Portland, Bend and Seattle.
Environmental Home Center • Seattle
www.environmentalhomecenter.com
Environmental Building Supplies • Portland/Bend
www.ecohaus.com
view ecohaus's profile