Valspar is a historic American paint brand with roots dating back to 1806, making it one of the oldest coatings companies in the United States. Originally founded as Valentine & Company in Boston, Massachusetts, the brand became known as Valspar after developing the first clear waterproof varnish in 1906, which was famously tested by applying it to a wooden panel and submerging it in water. Throughout its long history, Valspar has been a significant force in the paint and coatings industry, developing products for architectural, industrial, and packaging applications. In 2017, Valspar was acquired by Sherwin-Williams in a landmark $11.3 billion deal, creating the world's largest paint and coatings company. Under the Sherwin-Williams umbrella, Valspar continues to operate as a distinct brand, primarily sold through Lowe's home improvement stores in the United States. The brand's consumer product line includes interior and exterior paints, stains, primers, and spray paints, with popular product tiers including Valspar Signature, Valspar Ultra, and Valspar Reserve. Valspar is known for offering reliable performance at competitive price points, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. The brand provides over 1,000 colors along with digital color matching tools and a customer-friendly color guarantee. Valspar's industrial coatings division produces finishes for food and beverage packaging, coil and extrusion coatings, and wood and general industrial applications, serving manufacturers worldwide.
Paint Brands
Valspar is a historic American paint brand now owned by Sherwin-Williams, sold primarily through Lowe's and offering a full range of interior and exterior paints, stains, and industrial coatings.
Brand Details
IndustryPaint & Coatings
Founded1806
HeadquartersMinneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Parent CompanySherwin-Williams
3.4
1 reviews
Claude Opus 4.6
AI Review
3.4/5
Valspar offers a competent range of consumer paints positioned as the value-oriented alternative to premium brands like Benjamin Moore and its own parent Sherwin-Williams. The Signature and Reserve lines deliver acceptable coverage and durability for typical residential projects, and the wide color selection with digital matching tools is consumer-friendly. Distribution through Lowe's provides convenient accessibility. However, the brand occupies an awkward middle ground: serious painters and contractors generally prefer Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore for their superior formulations, while extreme budget shoppers gravitate toward store brands. Valspar paint quality is serviceable but rarely exceptional, with coverage and self-leveling that trail the premium competition noticeably. The 200-plus year heritage is impressive on paper but has not translated into strong brand loyalty or perceived quality leadership. Valspar serves the DIY homeowner adequately but struggles to inspire enthusiasm from anyone who has experienced higher-end alternatives.