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One way all the top paint companies let us know what colors are going to be big next is by releasing a color of the year. But until those predictions roll out later this summer and fall, perhaps a more accurate indicator is simply looking at what’s new on the shelf. Over the past three months, many of our go-to brands have introduced fresh hues and finishes to their assortments, and while we weren’t surprised to find a handful of airy blues and greens in the mix, there are plenty of swatches (hello, fiery orange!) we’re excited to experiment with. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new, including a few of the swatches we are eyeing.
The New Brand
Alkemis Paint is taking the zero-VOC movement to a new level. The brand, which celebrated its launch at NYCxDesign in May, debuted a collection of 119 colors, all made from the same nontoxic product that features clear quartz as its foundational layer. The omission of plasticizers means it is water vapor–permeable and mold growth is virtually impossible. The company also touts that its super-durable nature allow it to perform for more than 20 years before repainting is necessary. The production process is also emission-free: Its manufacturing sites only rely on renewable energy.
The New Exterior Paint
Even on the sunniest of summer days, a rainstorm can roll through and deter any plans you had of updating your home’s exterior. Luckily, Benjamin Moore’s Element Guard takes some of the stress off. The premium exterior paint is designed to perform in any weather and is specially formulated to stand up to one of the trickiest painting environments: high moisture. You can apply a coat as soon as 90 minutes before rainfall and—just in case you don’t get around to your reno until winter—in temperatures down to 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
The New Summer Palette
Today Clare released five shades in honor of summer, and most of them fittingly look like they belong in an ice cream shop. The highlights include Before Sunrise, a “peachy light orange with an illuminating glow”; Cloud Watching, an airy light blue; and Fire Sign, a vivacious red-orange.
The New Flat Finish
You’ve probably heard of Farrow & Ball’s Dead Salmon color. Now meet Dead Flat. The finish, which boasts just a 2 percent sheen, has been in the works for the past five years and is now available in the brand’s entire 132-color palette. The practical pros? It’s washable, wipeable, and scuff resistant, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.
The New Sprays
Your DIYs just got a little more colorful. Glidden Max Flex has debuted six new shades, from Yukon Gold to Brown Clay, in its all-surface interior-exterior spray paint, which features a built-in primer and even adheres to plastic and vinyl. The brand also dropped two new hues (black and sapphire blue) in its exterior fabric spray paint, so you don’t have you toss your dingy-looking welcome mat or pool lounger cushion.