Derrick Lin

Global

Designed by Webb deVlam, United States.

Global design consultancy Webb deVlam has collaborated with Valspar to create a groundbreaking actuator that changes the way consumers use spray paint. This new application will be used across all of Valspar’s premium spray paint offerings, including Automotive and DIY, providing the brand with a marketable platform for growth and future innovation.

Valspar Corporation owns and markets several well-known consumer brands including Valspar, Cabot, Plastikote and Guardsman. Since 1806, Valspar has been dedicated to bringing customers the latest innovations, the finest quality and the best customer service in the coatings industry.

Webb deVlam cross-fertilized their expertise in beauty and personal care to develop the actuator. The firm’s involvement included concept generation, consumer research, design development, engineering, and production tooling. The actuator design uses two primary components: a chassis molded in Valspar’s signature gray color, and the over-cap denoting the color and finish. The chassis features a large finger pad, which alleviates finger fatigue. Lab results showed a 35% pressure reduction, compared to the previous model.

Its intuitive design prevents accidental spraying via a locking system that is
engaged when the cap is twisted 90 degrees.

Spray paint had seen little innovation since its introduction in the 1970’s. On prototype tests, consumers gave great feedback, indicating that the new actuator was easy to use, aesthetically appealing, and provided faster and better coverage when compared to other brands.

“We saw the need for innovation and differentiation, however, only with the creative and technical skills of Webb deVlam were we able to visualize and commercialize the opportunity. This actuator not only promotes ease of use,
one of the key attributes sought by the consumer, but it also provides
differentiation in what has been a dormant category, allowing us to further
establish the Valspar brand.”

-Michael Watson, Global Managing Director, Valspar

The new actuator can be found on Valspar’s premium spray paints at Lowe’s and other independent retailers in the US.