The News

A podcast by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs

T Jobber, a leading provider of business management

software, recently launched Built By You, a podcast that explores the real-life highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Each episode includes stories from small business owners, such as painting contractor Graham Audenart, owner of Painters Enterprise, who reflects on the successes and scars from two decades of serial entrepreneurship. Season 1 is now available at academy.getjobber.com/podcast or via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

The Home Depot expands Pro Xtra Loyalty Program

T Based on direct customer feedback, the Home Depot Pro Xtra Loyalty Program has been expanded to offer a more personalized in-store and online experience. The program’s new mobile-first design allows members to easily track purchases and see savings in real time by using their Pro Xtra Virtual ID in the app at in-store checkout. Every dollar spent on everyday paint-supply products now counts toward earning additional discounts and Perks, which can be redeemed for digital Home Depot reward cards, used toward tool rentals, or even to grab a free snack or drink on your way to the next job. Members receive savings on paint, stains and primers with lower spend thresholds for discounts than previously. HomeDepot.com/ProXtra ■ VersiVar Conversion Varnish ■ Integra Vinyl Sealer

Old Masters launches line of professional finishes

T Old Masters recently introduced a professional line of wood coatings specifically developed for contractors, builders and wood shops. Sold through independent dealers, the line includes: ■ Apex High Performance Polymer Interior Water-Based Clear Finish ■ MultiLac Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer MyOldMasters.com/professional/apex.html

Tip Keeper keeps tips handy

T Created by a seasoned pro painter, Tip Keeper is just the thing to keep all the tips, gauges and cleaning tools you need on the job in one place. Designed to securely attach to your sprayer for convenient storage, this handy device holds four tips, two guards, and a wire brush. No more time lost to searching for parts—or money wasted replacing lost tips. Plus, the Tip Keeper can be removed and reattached to a new sprayer if you upgrade your rig. FreedomFrontierEnterprises.com

A new option for high-traffic interiors

T ICP Building Solutions Group recently launched ProForMax, an interior coating featuring Zolatone high-

performance technology. Purported to be 10 – 15x stronger than standard paint, it was designed and tested for use in areas requiring regular cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants. Available in a broad range of solid, multicolored, textured and metallic colors, it also contributes toward LEED credits and is compatible with the EPA’s List N disinfectants, making it a practical choice for cleaning and disinfecting protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic. ProForMax.com

3M adds NO-SLIP GRIP technology to sanding options

T Designed for both wet and dry sanding, 3M Pro Grade Precision Faster Sanding Sheets promise a faster sanding experience with less effort. A durable NO-SLIP GRIP backing prevents slipping and reduces hand fatigue while the premium mineral technology resists clogging on painted surfaces, wood, metal, drywall and plastic. Available in a range of grits and suitable for use on large sanding tools, blocks, and by hand, they are sold exclusively at The Home Depot.

Move over pigments. Structural color is here.

T If you’ve ever seen a blue morpho butterfly, you’ve no doubt been impressed by their iridescent wings. But what you probably didn’t realize was that their wings are actually translucent. The blue color comes from blue light waves, which reflect off of the nanostructure of the wings.

Inspired by that feat of nature, CA-based Cypris Materials has developed a paint that uses synthetic, self-assembling polymers, which arrange themselves into nanostructures that reflect specific wavelengths of light. The result is a collection of sustainable, environmentally friendly coatings whose appearance is created through structural color rather than pigments (a.k.a. optical coatings).

In addition to color, the polymers can also be structured to reflect heat and UV rays; opening a huge range of possibilities for rooftops, windows and outdoor structures—even furniture.

It will still be a few years until you’re able to purchase the technology. In the meantime, you can check out some pretty cool videos of the coating drying from clear to all the colors of the rainbow under the technology tab on their website: CyprisMaterials.com

PCA’s Residential Forum now available

T While COVID may have put a halt to the PCA’s Residential Forum’s Advanced Shop Talk live event, it did nothing to quell the desire of the Forum to provide meaningful learning opportunities for pros. Thus, the group chose three of the slated live-event presentations and adapted them for the web. Originally presented as a three-part webinar in September, October and November of 2020, the presentations (Marketing Strategies for a Growing Painting Company, Shifting Your Sales System for Success During Challenging Times, and Trends in the Painting Industry) are all available now to PCA members and non-members alike at PCAResidentialForum.org/ast