Content about Visual arts

The mixing of paint and primer together, in the same can, has swept through the coatings industry like no other innovation. Almost every manufacturer and retailer has added a version of this product to its assortment, although some have done so reluctantly. Within the paint industry, many dismiss paint-and-primer combos as a marketing ploy that raises the price of a gallon of paint. Others say it can save time and money and has a rightful place as a consumer option.

Quikrete, a manufacturer of packaged concrete products for the building and home improvement markets, has announced the six winners of the Quikrete “What America’s Made Of” sweepstakes. The winners, who entered the contest at DannyLipford.com, each received a copy of the "Quikrete Guide to Concrete" book and up to $599 in Quikrete products to help build a patio, BBQ fire pit, walkway or outdoor kitchen.

Cali Bamboo, a leading manufacturer of green building materials made primarily from bamboo, is now offering composite decking made from bamboo and recycled plastic. BamDeck Composite Bamboo Decking is composed of 60% recycled bamboo fiber and 40% recycled HDPE plastics. (High density polyethylene plastic products are labeled with the number “2” and include bottles, laundry detergent containers, plastic bags and water pipes.)

Gaithersburg, Md.-based lumberyard company TW Perry opened a Design Center in Gaithersburg, reflecting a major new design emphasis for the five-unit pro dealer.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a voluntary recall of two mounted lighting fixtures, one an indoor ceiling fixture and the other an outdoor lantern. 

Scranton, Pa.-based AZEK Building Products introduced new architectural moulding styles for ornate, classic or historic designs.

With the addition of a group of four new creative moulding profiles, AZEK Mouldings now includes 25 distinct moulding profiles that endure weather or assist in water management. The new styles are: 

National Nail Corp. is expanding its CAMO brand to include CAMO Exterior Screws comprised of Premium Deck, Structural, Composite/Capstock and Stainless screws.

“From the beginning, our plan has been to offer the market a complete line of deck fasteners from a brand the industry identifies with,” said Scott Baker, President and CEO at National Nail Corp. “The expansion of our industry leading CAMO Fasteners brand to include one of the most complete offerings of deck fasteners is consistent with this plan.” 

Maumee, Ohio-based Therma-Tru Corp. has introduced the Fiber-Classic Mahogany Collection 3-Panel Style Door.

The product is designed to meet consumer demand for fiberglass doors in hardwood grains with 3/4-glass options. It can be ordered as a solid, opaque unit or configured for either 3/4-rectangle or 3/4-oval lites in 17 different decorative glass options, plus four privacy options, clear Low-E and clear glass.

A price index of lumber and panels used in actual construction for March 16, 2012

A price index of lumber and panels used in actual construction for Jan. 20, 2012

A landmark settlement in toxic drywall cases was reached today, one that may  bring relief to thousands of homeowners and put an end to hundreds of state and federal cases filed against insulation manufacturers.  

PPG Industries, one of the leading manufacturers of paint and architectural coatings, has released a line of zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint for the commercial market. Speedhide, an existing line, will now offer Speedhide zero interior paint as a one-stop solution for contractors, building owners and facility managers looking for durability, affordability and long-lasting performance, according to the company.