Spectrum Paint
Spectrum Paint is the largest independent paint dealer in the U.S., operating over 100 retail stores across 14 states. It sells architectural, commercial, and industrial coatings from Benjamin Moore, PPG, and its own private-label brands Spec-Pro® and Empress® to homeowners and professional contractors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersTulsa, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Spectrum Paint does
Spectrum Paint is a Tulsa, Oklahoma-based, privately-held independent paint retailer and the largest independent paint dealer in the United States, operating over 100 store locations across 14 states with a workforce of 501-1,000 employees. Founded in 1986 (per firmographics) by Travis Detter (President) and John Detter (Co-founder and Vice President), the company began by selling industrial coatings out of a mini storage facility before scaling into a multi-state specialty retail chain. Spectrum serves two primary customer segments — homeowners/DIYers undertaking residential painting projects and professional contractors requiring commercial-grade coatings — and sells a broad portfolio spanning Benjamin Moore and PPG Paints alongside its own private-label lines Spec-Pro® (contractor-grade) and Empress® (premium). The product range covers interior and exterior architectural paints, primers, stains, sealants, applicators, spray equipment, wood coatings, and industrial/protective coatings, with supporting accessories from brands such as Graco, Wooster, 3M, Rust-Oleum, Axalta, Renner, and Gaco.
The company's go-to-market combines physical retail storefronts with two e-commerce channels: spectrumpaint.com for homeowners (supporting in-store pickup, curbside pickup, and local delivery within 5 miles) and spectrumpaint.biz (Spec-Connect) for professional contractors, offering contractor pricing and volume ordering. Pricing is unit-based for retail customers and tier-based for contractors, with product prices ranging from approximately $1.59 for sample boards to over $200 for premium paint lines. Revenue is generated through one-time retail transactions across the physical and digital storefronts, with the contractor channel representing a higher-volume, repeat-purchase revenue stream. The company operates no proprietary technology platform beyond standard e-commerce and has no disclosed AI/ML capabilities, patents, or external funding.
Spectrum Paint firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Spectrum Paint
- Legal name
- Spectrum Paint
- Website
- https://spectrumpaint.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Spectrum Paint is the largest independent paint dealer in the U.S., operating over 100 retail stores across 14 states. It sells architectural, commercial, and industrial coatings from Benjamin Moore, PPG, and its own private-label brands Spec-Pro® and Empress® to homeowners and professional contractors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Spectrum Paint industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Paint Retail and Architectural Coatings Distribution
- NAICS
- Paint and Wallpaper Retailers (444120), Paint and Wallpaper Retailers (44412), Paint, Varnish, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (424950)
- SIC
- Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851), Retail-Lumber & Other Building Materials Dealers (5211)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Paint, Stain & Finishes Retail (Coatings, Sundries) (CRAIADAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Architectural & Decorative Coatings (IMAEAGAA), Staining & Clear Coating (Wood Trim, Doors, Decks) (HSAPAHAI)
Keywords
Where Spectrum Paint is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tulsa
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices20 records
Markets served
Spectrum Paint business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Retail Paint Sales: Spectrum Paint operates as an independent paint retailer selling paints, coatings, and supplies from multiple manufacturers including Benjamin Moore, PPG, and their own private label lines (Spec-Pro and Empress). Revenue is generated through in-store purchases and online orders with local pickup or delivery.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Retail pricing for homeowners |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Contractor/professional pricing through Spec-Connect |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels3 records
Spectrum Paint product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Spectrum Paint is an independent multi-brand paint and coatings retailer operating more than 100 stores across 14 U.S. states, selling architectural, commercial, industrial, and wood coatings from national brands (Benjamin Moore, PPG Pittsburgh Paints) alongside its own private-label lines (Spec-Pro® for contractors and Empress® for premium finishes). The company also distributes lacquers, stains, specialty coatings, paint applicators, primers, caulks, sealants, and Graco spray equipment, serving both DIY homeowners and professional contractors through separate storefronts and pricing tiers.
Product overview
Spectrum Paint is an independent paint retailer operating over 100 store locations across 14 states, offering a comprehensive portfolio of paint and coating products. The company serves both homeowners and professional contractors through its retail and contractor-facing platforms (spectrumpaint.com and spectrumpaint.biz). The product portfolio includes two proprietary private-label brands: Spec-Pro® (contractor-grade caulk, primers, applicators) and Empress® (premium paint samples and finishes), alongside major national brands Benjamin Moore Paints and PPG Paints (Pittsburgh Paints). Core offerings span interior paints (Aura, Regal Select, Advance Waterborne Alkyd, Ultra Spec SCUFF-X), exterior paints (Rhino-Cryl Supreme, Element Guard, Regal Select Exterior), wood stains and sealers (Ready Seal), and a full range of painting supplies including brushes, rollers, spray equipment, caulks, primers, and prep/cleanup products. The company operates both consumer-facing online shopping (spectrumpaint.com) and a separate contractor portal (spectrumpaint.biz) for professional ordering.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Spec-Pro®: Private label contractor paint line
- Empress®
Products and services
- Benjamin Moore Paints Full line of Benjamin Moore premium interior and exterior paints carried at Spectrum Paint retail locations, including flagship lines such as Aura, Regal Select, Advance Waterborne Interior Alkyd, Ultra Spec SCUFF-X, ben, WONDER-TONES, Element Guard, Regal Select Exterior High Build, and MANOR HALL. Targeted at both homeowners seeking premium finishes and professional contractors specifying Benjamin Moore for residential and commercial projects.
- PPG Paints (Pittsburgh Paints) Major architectural and industrial coatings brand available at Spectrum Paint, offering an alternative national-brand option to Benjamin Moore. Includes PPG Pittsburgh Paints architectural coatings and PPG Refinish products for automotive and industrial applications.
- Spec-Pro® Private Label Spectrum Paint's proprietary private-label line of contractor-grade caulks (Sharpshooter Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk, Flex50), primers (Rhino-Grip Interior/Exterior Primer Sealer, Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer), applicators (Pro Woven Roller Covers, Pro Microfiber Roller Covers), and other consumables designed for professional painting contractors seeking value-priced contractor alternatives.
- Empress® Premium Paint Spectrum Paint's premium proprietary paint line offering high-quality finishes and color samples, including Redemption Ultra Flat Ceiling Paint with Spatterless Formula and Empress Pint Color Samples. Targeted at homeowners and contractors seeking premium finishes alongside the company's national-brand assortment.
- Spectrum Industrial Coatings Architectural Coatings, Protective & Marine Coatings, Safety Coatings, and Specialty Coatings offered to professional contractors and industrial customers. Distribution includes Rust-Oleum, Anchor Paint, PPG PMC, PPG Refinish, Gemini Industries, Renner, Axalta, Gaco, Admiral, and The Paint Line brands. Targeted at commercial contractors and industrial applicators requiring protective and specialty finishes.
- Wood Coatings Lacquers, stains, and specialty wood coatings for furniture manufacturers, cabinetry shops, and deck/fence projects. Featured products include Ready Seal Wood Stain and Sealer (professional-grade stain and sealer in one, no primer required, available in Natural, Natural Cedar, Pecan, Dark Walnut, and Redwood) and the Wooster Bravo Stainer Applicator. Targeted at wood finishing professionals and DIY deck owners.
- Paint Application Supplies Full range of painting tools and accessories for DIY homeowners and professional contractors, including Wooster Pro Doo-Z FTP Roller Covers with HydroFlow technology, Wooster 9-inch Roller Frames, Wooster Pelican Pail with built-in grid and magnet, Sherlock GT Convertible Extension Poles, Ghost Tip Poly/Nylon Blend Brushes, Montauk Dupont Tynex/Orel Brushes, Riverdale Extra Firm Chinex Brushes, and Handy Paint Pails. Targeted at both retail DIY customers and trade professionals.
- Caulks and Sealants Caulking and sealing products for interior and exterior use, including Spec-Pro® Sharpshooter® Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk, Spec-Pro® Flex50 Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk, Pro Stretch Acrylic Urethane Elastomeric Sealant, and the Gold Pro 2000 Ergonomic Dripless Caulk Gun. Targeted at contractors and homeowners performing surface preparation and weatherproofing.
- Primers Primer-sealers and bonding primers for surface preparation, including Spectrum's Rhino-Grip Interior/Exterior Primer Sealer, Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer, ALLPRIME™ Premium Oil 450 VOC Sealer Stain-Killer, and ALLPRIME™ Int/Ext Water-Base Primer-Sealer. Targeted at professional contractors and homeowners needing stain blocking, adhesion promotion, or surface sealing before topcoating.
- Color Samples and Color Selection Small-quantity paint samples for color testing at home, including FoamPRO Color Testing Sample Boards, Empress™ Pint Color Samples, Benjamin Moore Half Pint Color Samples, and PPG Half Pint Color Samples. Targeted at homeowners selecting paint colors for residential projects.
- Surface Preparation Products Cleaning and deglossing products used to prepare surfaces before painting, including Krud Kutter Pre Paint Cleaner by Rust-Oleum that improves paint adhesion by removing contaminants and dulling glossy surfaces. Targeted at both DIY homeowners and professional contractors performing surface prep prior to coating application.
- Painter's Tape Masking tape products for paint masking and edge protection, including FrogTape Multi-Surface painter's tape (Shurtape) and ScotchBlue™ Original Painter's Tape and Scotch® Delicate Surface Painter's Tape 2080 from 3M, available in 1-inch, 1.5-inch, and 2-inch widths. Targeted at DIY homeowners and professional contractors preparing trim and edge work.
- Graco Spray Equipment Professional-grade Graco spray painting equipment distributed to contractors for architectural, industrial, and protective coating applications. Sold alongside Spectrum Paint's equipment repair service for spray systems. Targeted at professional painting contractors and industrial coating applicators.
- Equipment Repair Services Repair and maintenance service for spray equipment, supporting professional contractors using Graco and other professional spray systems purchased at Spectrum. Available through the For Professionals section of the company's website. Targeted at professional painting contractors and industrial applicators.
Companies that use Spectrum Paint
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Spectrum Paint technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Spectrum Paint partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered primary.
- Benjamin MooreprimarySpectrum Paint is an authorized retailer of Benjamin Moore paints, carrying their full line of interior and exterior paints including premium lines like Aura and Regal Select.
- PPG PaintsprimarySpectrum Paint carries PPG Pittsburgh Paints and PPG Refinish products, providing customers with another major paint brand option alongside Benjamin Moore.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Spectrum Paint competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Sherwin-Williams: Sherwin-Williams is the largest U.S. paint manufacturer-retailer with 4,000+ company-owned stores. It directly competes with Spectrum in architectural coatings for both DIY and professional customers, but operates as a vertically integrated manufacturer rather than a multi-brand independent dealer.
- Benjamin Moore: Benjamin Moore is one of Spectrum's primary suppliers and also operates its own independent dealer network across the U.S. It is a structural partner and indirect competitor, as its branded positioning drives Spectrum's traffic while its own dealer base competes for the same end customer.
- PPG Paints: PPG is one of Spectrum's primary paint suppliers (Pittsburgh Paints line) and also sells through company-owned stores and independent dealers. It competes with Spectrum on architectural and industrial coatings while supplying key SKUs.
- The Home Depot: Home Depot is the largest U.S. home improvement retailer and competes with Spectrum for DIY paint purchases across all 14 states Spectrum operates in. It offers a wide paint assortment (including Behr) at competitive price points and represents Spectrum's biggest mass-market competitor.
- Lowe's: Lowe's is a national home improvement retailer competing with Spectrum on DIY paint, with stores across all Spectrum geographies. It offers the Valspar and Sherwin-Williams brands and competes primarily on price and convenience.
Direct peers
- Hirshfield's: Hirshfield's is a regional independent paint retailer in the Upper Midwest with company-owned stores and a multi-brand assortment. It is directly comparable to Spectrum in business model (multi-brand independent dealer serving both DIY and contractors) and competes in overlapping product categories.
- Frazee Paint: Frazee Paint is a Southwest-based independent paint retailer that carries multiple national brands and its own private-label Walltone line. It mirrors Spectrum's multi-brand independent dealer model, particularly in the western/central U.S.
- Diamond Vogel: Diamond Vogel is a U.S. paint manufacturer that also operates its own retail store network, combining manufacturing with direct retail. Comparable to Spectrum on the retail/distribution side and on architectural coatings focus.
- Rodda Paint: Rodda Paint is a Pacific Northwest-based independent paint manufacturer and retailer with company-owned stores. It is structurally similar to Spectrum as a regional multi-brand and private-label architectural coatings retailer.
Emerging players
- Ace Hardware: Ace Hardware is a U.S. hardware cooperative that sells paint (including its own Clark+Kensington line) through thousands of independent and corporate stores. It competes with Spectrum on convenience and DIY paint, particularly in smaller markets across Spectrum's footprint.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Spectrum Paint social profiles
Digital presenceSpectrum Paint financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Spectrum Paint leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Spectrum Paint funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Spectrum Paint M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Spectrum Paint
What does Spectrum Paint do?
Spectrum Paint is an independent multi-brand paint and coatings retailer operating more than 100 stores across 14 U.S. states, selling architectural, commercial, industrial, and wood coatings from national brands (Benjamin Moore, PPG Pittsburgh Paints) alongside its own private-label lines (Spec-Pro® for contractors and Empress® for premium finishes). The company also distributes lacquers, stains, specialty coatings, paint applicators, primers, caulks, sealants, and Graco spray equipment, serving both DIY homeowners and professional contractors through separate storefronts and pricing tiers.
Is Spectrum Paint a public or private company?
Spectrum Paint is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Spectrum Paint founded?
Spectrum Paint was founded in 1986. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Spectrum Paint based?
Spectrum Paint is headquartered in Tulsa, United States, in the North America region.
How does Spectrum Paint make money?
One revenue line is on record: retail Paint Sales.
Who are Spectrum Paint's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, PPG Paints, The Home Depot and Lowe's. Direct peers are Hirshfield's, Frazee Paint, Diamond Vogel and Rodda Paint. Ace Hardware is listed as an emerging player.
Does Spectrum Paint have an API?
No public API is recorded for Spectrum Paint.
What industry is Spectrum Paint in?
Spectrum Paint's product category is Paint Retail and Architectural Coatings Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAIADAF, Paint, Stain & Finishes Retail (Coatings, Sundries), with a secondary code of IMAEAGAA, Architectural & Decorative Coatings. Its NAICS code is 444120 and its SIC code is 2851.