For decades, Kelly-Moore Paints was a trusted name in the painting industry, providing high-quality products to contractors, homeowners, and businesses. However, the company’s sudden closure has sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving many painters scrambling for alternatives and raising concerns about supply chain stability.
What Happened to Kelly-Moore?
Kelly-Moore announced its abrupt shutdown in late 2023, citing financial struggles and legal challenges that made it impossible to continue operations. With more than 150 stores across the Western U.S., the company’s closure has left a significant void in the market.
How This Affects Painters and Homeowners
The closure has led to several key challenges for professional painters and customers alike:
- Product Shortages & Formula Changes – Many painters relied on Kelly-Moore’s proprietary formulas, and with the company gone, finding exact matches has become difficult. Some alternatives may require adjustments in application techniques.
- Increased Demand for Other Brands – With a major competitor out of the picture, brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Dunn-Edwards are seeing increased demand, leading to occasional stock shortages and longer lead times.
- Price Increases – As supply tightens and demand shifts to other manufacturers, some painters have reported price increases on certain paints and coatings.
- Disruptions for Ongoing Projects – Painters who began projects with Kelly-Moore products now need to find close matches from other brands, which can lead to slight variations in finish and color.
Swiss Coffee: A Lasting Legacy
One of Kelly-Moore’s most well-known colors, Swiss Coffee, has been a staple in the painting industry for years. Even with the company’s closure, Swiss Coffee remains an industry standard, as both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams continue to match the color in their own formulations. Homeowners and designers still request Swiss Coffee regularly, and painters can confidently find near-identical alternatives in other major paint brands. This is a testament to the staying power of Kelly-Moore’s influence, even after its exit from the market.
What This Means Moving Forward
For painting professionals, the loss of Kelly-Moore means adapting to new products, testing alternative paints, and ensuring consistency in quality. At Payless Painting, we’ve always prioritized using premium paints like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, so while we recognize the industry-wide impact, we are confident in our ability to provide the same high-quality results our clients expect.
If you have concerns about your current project or need help finding the right paint solutions post-Kelly-Moore, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help navigate the changing landscape and ensure your home or business looks its best.