I am happy to report that as of January 2010 G&R Paint will become one of a select group of retailers who carry Mythic Paint. After researching this brand (and of course painting with their products), I couldn’t help but get involved with this great company. We are currently the only retailer distributing this product in San Francisco.

Mythic grew out of a research project at the University of Mississippi, and was first used on the re-paint of the Pentagon after the 9/11 attack. Claiming 26 unique patents, this product unlike most other low or no-voc paints was built from the ground up. Instead of trying to remove ”bad” ingredients from already existing formulations like some national brands, Mythic started with their unique acrylic polymer and then “built” the can of paint around it using only the highest grade and safest raw materials available. Mythic contains no carcinogens, no ethylene glycol, or crystalline silica.

What this means for you is the opportunity to paint your indoor spaces without the annoying odors of conventional or even some low-voc paints. While no paint is completely odor-free, Mythic’s minimal odor is gone from the scene sooner than you can get the furniture back in place. Knowing that you are not exposing yourself or your loved ones to unnecessary solvents and toxins is just one reason to use Mythic. The other reason is that you are truly getting a premium performing product that will hold up to the wear and tear of everyday life. Check out their website at www.mythicpaint.com.

Stay tuned as the legend continues…Mythic Paint and G&R Paint Company-doing things a little differently-together.

I had the task of doing a small staining project over the weekend so I decided to try again some of this remarkable water-based stain that I have been selling for years. I was once again amazed at the quality of this product. Typically water-based stains have been associated with a poor quality job. Not any more. The only difference that I could see between using Saman and a conventional oil-based penetrating stain is that there is very little odor and a very fast turn around time. Both of these were welcomed by this veteran painter. I’ve smelled enough mineral spirits to last ten lifetimes, and the fact that this one (although not odorless) had such a slight smell was literally a breath of fresh air. I was able to recoat with a Saman water based polyurethane within one hour. This product, Saman Extreme, was so easy to use and virtually odor-free. Typically water-based polyurethanes have a tendency to run and sag when you’re not expecting it, not so with this product. It went on without a single drip anywhere! I was amazed at the ease of application. so I managed to get a stain and two finish coats on in one day. I’m going to sand lightly and put a third coat of clear on today just for good measure. I can’t imagine ever using another stain again. Thank you Saman for making such an easy to use, and eco-friendly (my lungs) product.

G&R Paint Company recently became one of a select group of retailers across the the U.S. who are authorized to sell Fine Paints of Europe. These paints manufactured in the Netherlands, are created to a completely different standard than their domestic counterparts. The Dutch have been paintmaking masters for the past 300 years, so they know what they’re all about, and quality of finish is what they’re all about. Due to the completely separate tinting systems for alkyds, (oil-based) and acrylics, (water-based) they are able to create incredible colors that have even more remarkable opacity. No more 5 coats to get that amazing red. The surface texture has everything to do with the way that light reflects off a paint film, thus revealing the color we see. Fine Paints of Europe has an unbelievable “feel” that makes you want to touch your walls. Fortunately the paint is hard as nails and can easily be cleaned again and again. In all my years of painting as a contractor, colorist, and retailer, I have never seen anything else approaching this kind of quality. As Fine Paints of Europe likes to say, “There is nothing more expensive than cheap paint.” I would add to that, “There is no greater value than high quality paint.” When you think about the time and effort that goes into your painting projects, why would you ever consider a cheap paint as being a value at all. It is all about the labor and the years that you will get from the paint that is applied to the walls. As I often say to my clients, when the painter is gone all that you have is whatever they left you on the walls. Make sure that they leave you a paint film and a color that will lasts for years to come.