For the past 60 years, the Retailers’ Choice Awards, presented by the North American Hardware and Paint Association, have highlighted the best products on display during the Spring show season. The Retailers’ Choice Awards differ from most award programs as the judges’ panel is exclusively independent home improvement and paint and decorating retailers who know best what sells in the channel. The judges walk the show floors looking for products they feel would be top-selling additions for independent paint and decorating operations.
This year’s panel included:
- Ash Ebbo, Clement’s Paint
- Katie Prus, Abbotsford Paint and Decorating
- Franklin Cloninger, Triangle True Value Hardware
- RJ McDaniel, B&B Hardware
- Diana Newton, South Bay Hardware
- Emily Wood, Wood’s Ace Hardware
- Katie DeMaris, DeMaris Hardware
- Brookelyn McClellan, Hardware Sales
- Joe Franquinha, Crest True Value Hardware and Urban Garden Center
- Jared Brown, Aubuchon Hardware
- Karen Mayer, Busy Beaver Building Centers
- Megan Menzer, Newton’s True Value
Painter’s Pants
S-Tex Painter’s Trousers are work pants designed for durability and mobility on the job. They are made from lightweight, hardwearing fabric with an elasticated fit to support movement. The construction includes triple-stitched reinforcement for extended wear. Multiple pockets and tool loops provide storage and the trousers are compatible with knee pads. Reflective details are included to improve visibility.
Axus Decor | axusdecor.com or rishul@axusdecor.com
Paintbrush
The Flex & Fit brush line from The Wooster Brush Company includes detail and trim brushes designed for use with all paint types. The brushes feature flexible soft-grip handles and polyester blend or synthetic white china bristles for detail work and finishing applications. The line includes multiple brush shapes and sizes for corners, trim and small surface areas.
The Wooster Brush Company | woosterbrush.com
Paint Roller
The Perfect Finish from Nour is a premium microfiber roller designed to apply paint with an even coat and minimal roller lines or splatter. The rollers use a high-density microfiber blend with twist yarn construction to increase paint pickup and coverage. They are constructed for repeated use and can be washed without shedding. The rollers are lint-free and can be used without pre-washing.
Nour Painting Tools | nour.com or (226) 929-2064
Electric Sanding Kit
The Electric Ray Sander kit from SurfPrep Sanding is an electric sanding system designed for surface preparation and finishing tasks. It includes a 3-inch by 4-inch orbital sander with a hook-and-loop backing pad and a range of sanding abrasives for different stages of work. The system is intended for precision sanding, fine finishing and sanding between coats to produce consistent surface results.
Surfprep Sanding | surfprepsanding.com, info@surfprepsanding.com or (951) 245-4200
Cleaning Wand
The Home Armor Power Clean Wand is an outdoor cleaning system designed for outdoor use that uses concentrated cleaning tablets with a cartridge refill design. It is intended to remove mold, mildew, algae, dirt and grime from surfaces including brick, wood, concrete and vinyl. The system connects to a garden hose for application and requires a rinse after use.
Barr Brands | homearmor.com or 1-855-410-7494
Exterior Sealant
WeatherMaster Sealant from Titebond is a polymer-based exterior sealant designed for use on materials including wood, vinyl siding, masonry, PVC and fiber cement. It is formulated to remain flexible, resist shrinking and adhere to damp surfaces. The sealant can be applied in low temperatures and is paintable with water-based paint after curing.
Titebond | titebond.com
Decorative Wall Finish
Moroccan Clay DIY-Matte Plaster from Meoded Paint & Plaster is a clay-based interior wall finish designed to create a matte, textured surface. The material is applied with a trowel and is formulated with real clay for use on smooth interior walls. It is available in multiple colors and is designed for applications requiring a breathable, low-VOC decorative finish.
Meoded Paint & Plaster | meodedpaint.com
Sprayer Swivel Accessory
The EZ-Swivel from Titan Tool is a stainless-steel swivel attachment designed for use between an airless spray gun and hose. The accessory provides a full range of motion to reduce hose binding while spraying in tight or hard-to-reach areas. It is rated for pressures up to 7,500 PSI and is available in a ¼-inch size.
Titan Tool | titantool.com
Penetrating Oil
The Exterior Translucent Penetrating Oil Stain from SamaN is a wood finishing product formulated with alkyd resin, mineral oils, solvents and wax. It is designed to penetrate wood surfaces to add color while highlighting the grain. The stain features low VOC content and includes UV protection. It can be applied without raising the wood grain and is suitable for use as a finish, polish or top coat.
SamaN | saman.ca
Other Winners Include:
Precision Motor Control
Tritech Industries | tritechindustries.com
Paint Remover
Dumond | dumondgolbal.com
Rust-O Spray Paint
Rust-Oleum | rustoleum.com
