What Purdy does

Purdy is a U.S.-based manufacturer and distributor of handcrafted professional painting tools and accessories, founded in 1925 by S. Desmond Purdy in Portland, Oregon, and now operating as a brand subsidiary of Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group with corporate headquarters at 1 Sherwin Way, Cleveland, Ohio. The company designs, makes, and sells brushes, roller covers, roller frames, extension poles, trays, pails, prep and cleanup tools, and storage solutions. Its brush portfolio spans lines such as Spirex (patent-pending spiral-wound filament), XL High Capacity, Pro-Extra, Clearcut, Chinex Elite, and Cub short-handle variants, alongside roller covers including Altitude, Marathon, Colossus, WhiteDove, GoldenEagle, and Ultra Finish. Manufacturing remains handcrafted in the USA using globally sourced materials, and each brush is signed by the brushmaker who produced it. Notable proprietary technologies include the Spirex spiral-wound filament (claimed 50% more coverage vs. XL), the Pro-Extra High Capacity brush (claimed 40% more paint pickup), the Altitude roller cover (claimed 50% more coverage vs. WhiteDove), patent-pending non-removable wing nuts on the Revolution 18-inch frame, and the Pole+ pin locking mechanism with 2x adjustability.

Purdy operates a pure hardware wholesale/retail revenue model with one-time unit purchases priced from roughly $6.99 (pail liners) to $99.99 (Painter's Backpack). Distribution is multi-channel: Sherwin-Williams serves as the primary flagship retail partner and first channel for new product launches, complemented by Lowe's, Menards, Ace Hardware, Do it Best, True Value, and Amazon. The go-to-market targets two primary segments — professional painters (primary) and DIY homeowners (secondary) — reached via in-store merchandising, e-commerce, social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), email/newsletter, content marketing (painting tips, product selector tool), trade school partnerships, and earned media through inPAINT Magazine surveys. Purdy has been voted the #1 preferred brush and roller brand by professional painters for 9 consecutive years in inPAINT Magazine's annual brand preference survey (62% brush preference and 48% roller preference among 40,000 respondents in 2024), positioning the company within a U.S. paint roller market valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2023 and projected to grow at a ~4.5% CAGR to $1.5 billion by 2028.

Name

Purdy

Legal name

Purdy Company

Website

https://purdy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1925

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Purdy is a 100-year-old, U.S.-based handcrafted manufacturer of professional painting tools (brushes, rollers, frames, poles, and accessories), operating as a brand subsidiary of Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group and distributed through Sherwin-Williams, Lowe's, Menards, Ace Hardware, Do it Best, True Value, and Amazon primarily serving professional painters and DIY consumers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Painting Tools and Applicators

NAICS

Cutlery and Handtool Manufacturing (3322)

SIC

Cutlery, Handtools & General Hardware (3420)

akta.pro primary industry

Tools & Tool Accessories Retail (Hand, Power, Pneumatic) (CRAIADAB)

Keywords

• Handcrafted painting brushes
• Professional roller covers
• Painting applicators
• Extension poles
• Painter accessories

Headquarters

HQ city

Cleveland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Painting Tools and Accessories Sales: Purdy generates revenue through the sale of professional painting tools including brushes, rollers, roller covers, frames, extension poles, trays, pails, and accessories. Products are sold through retail partners and direct channels with one-time purchase model. The company serves professional painters and DIY consumers through multiple distribution channels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Purdy manufactures and distributes handcrafted professional painting tools, including brushes, rollers, roller covers, frames, extension poles, paint trays, pails, and accessories. Products are handcrafted in the USA using globally sourced materials (e.g., DuPont Chinex filaments, stainless steel ferrules, alderwood handles) and distributed primarily through Sherwin-Williams retail stores, major home improvement and hardware retailers, and Amazon.

Product overview

Purdy is a professional painting tools brand founded in 1925 (now part of Sherwin-Williams) offering a comprehensive ecosystem of painting applicators and accessories for professional painters and DIYers. The product portfolio centers on handcrafted brushes (including Spirex, XL High Capacity, Pro-Extra, Clearcut, Chinex Elite, and Cub lines) and roller covers (Altitude, Marathon, Colossus, GoldenEagle, WhiteDove, Ultra Finish, Lambskin, Parrot, Roadrunner, Contractor 1st), complemented by extension poles (Pole+, Power Lock), roller frames (Revolution series in 9", 14", 18"), trays and pails (NEST Tray System, Paint Pail), prep and cleanup tools (Brush Comb, Spinner, Cleaner), and storage solutions (Painter's Storage Box, Backpack). Products are handcrafted in the USA with global materials and distributed through Sherwin-Williams, Lowe's, Menard's, Ace, Do it Best, True Value, and Amazon. Purdy has been voted #1 preferred brand by professional painters for 9 consecutive years per inPAINT magazine surveys.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Spirex™ Brush Series Patent-pending spiral-wound filament brush line delivering a superior smooth finish with 50% more coverage compared to Purdy XL brushes when used with premium paints. Medium-stiff nylon and polyester filaments designed for versatility and productivity. Handcrafted in the USA with global materials.
• Altitude™ Roller Cover Premium microfiber and polyester blend roller cover delivering an ultra-smooth finish with 50% more coverage compared to Purdy WhiteDove, low splatter, and lint-free application. For semi-smooth to semi-rough surfaces. Available in 3/8" and 1/2" naps.
• Pro-Extra® High Capacity Brush Patented brush design that holds 40% more paint compared to Pro-Extra Glide when used with premium paints, maximizing paint pickup to reduce trips to the bucket and increase painter productivity. Nylon, polyester, and Chinex-blended filaments for abrasive surfaces including drywall, siding board, brick, and concrete block.
• XL® High Capacity Brushes Most productive paintbrush featuring a stadium-style ferrule, more filaments, and a larger well to hold paint. Nylon- and polyester-blend medium-stiff bristles for interior and exterior latex and oil-based paints.
• Revolution™ Jumbo Mini Frame & Cover Jumbo mini roller system holding 35% more paint for increased production. Quick-Connect compatible with Purdy Pole+ Extension Poles and easy roller cover release via universal threaded end.
• Pole+ Extension Pole Extension pole with 2x adjustability via secure pin locking mechanism every 3 inches, soft close feature, increased pole thickness for less flex, and universal tip compatibility with Purdy Quick Connect System or any acme threaded frame. Available in sizes from 1ft-2ft to 8ft-16ft.
• Clearcut® Elite™ Cub™ Brush Ultra-stiff bristle brush with upgraded cut-in ability for thicker coatings, Low VOC and latex paints and primers. Short handle design for precision work around molding, trim, corners, and ceilings.
• Chinex® Elite™ Cub™ Brush Brush with extra-stiff DuPont Chinex filaments pre-flagged for better coverage, with excellent durability and cleanability. For textured surfaces including stucco, rough-sawn lumber, and brickwork. Short handle design.
• Pro-Extra® Cub™ Brush High production brush holding more paint with nylon, polyester, and Chinex-blended stiff bristles for abrasive surfaces both indoors and outdoors. Short handle design.
• Clearcut® Cub™ Brush Brush with stiff Tynex nylon and Orel polyester-blend filaments for well-defined lines and precise cut-in ability. For all latex paints and primers. Short handle for molding, trim, corners, and ceilings.
• Nylox™ Cub™ Brush Brush with soft 100% nylon filaments for a smooth, flawless finish. Carefully tipped and flagged for long-lasting performance. For interior windows, doors, and trim.
• Purdy® Painter's Pail Handheld 1-quart paint pail with multiple grip options, integrated brush magnet, roller ramp/rest, hands-free ladder hook, and compatibility with Perfect Fit Liners. Suggested starting retail $13.49.
• NEST™ Dual Roll-Off Bucket 5-gallon durable polypropylene bucket with dual roll-off grid pattern, side pour spout, ergonomic handle, and caster wheel compatibility. Designed for two-person painting jobs.
• Colossus™ Pro-Extra® Roller Cover Large core (1-3/4") roller cover holding 25-35% more paint. 100% polyamide fabric for heavy-duty projects on stucco, T1-11 siding, brick, and rough-textured walls.
• WhiteDove™ Roller Cover Premium woven fabric roller providing a smooth, lint-free finish — the most lint-free in the Purdy lineup. For semi-smooth to semi-rough surfaces. Available in 4" to 18" sizes and nap sizes 1/4" to 3/4".
• GoldenEagle™ Roller Cover High-density knitted polyester roller that holds and releases more paint for semi-rough to rough surfaces. Ideal for drywall, decks, and masonry. Available in 3/8" to 1-1/4" naps.
• Ultra Finish® Roller Cover Roller cover delivering a super-smooth finish via premium woven microfiber with low splatter. For smooth surfaces, latex and oil-based paints in all sheens. Available in 3/8" and 1/2" naps.
• Revolution™ Roller Frames (9", 14", 18") Roller frames providing smooth rolling action and all-day comfort with quick roller cover release. Quick-connect compatible with Power Lock poles. Available in 9", 14", 18" fixed, and premium adjustable 12"-18" sizes.
• Revolution™ 18-inch Fixed Roller Frame 18-inch fixed roller frame with rugged one-piece metal design and patent-pending non-removable wing nuts that secure the roller cover in place, eliminating parts loss. Quick-connect system for Purdy Power Lock Extension Poles. 2024 Pro Tool Innovation Award winner.
• Painter's Storage Box Three-tiered interlocking storage system designed for professional painters. Features dedicated space for tools, wet brush bin, hanger bars, extension pole storage, 90-degree lid opening, 9-inch wheels, telescopic handle, and IP65 water/dust resistance. 2023 Pro Tool Innovation Award winner.
• Purdy Painter's Backpack Portable painter's organizational backpack with MSRP $99.99. Multiple dedicated pockets for tools, roller frames, brushes, and extension poles, with detachable wet pouch, smartphone holder, external USB connector, and weather-resistant fabric. 2024 Pro Tool Innovation Award winner.
• Chinex® Elite™ Brushes Professional brushes featuring DuPont Chinex filaments, pre-flagged for better coverage and fast application. Available in 2", 2.5", and 3" sizes. Designed for heavy-bodied and Low VOC coatings. Originally launched at Sherwin-Williams Stores.
• Marathon® Roller Covers Most durable Purdy roller cover, featuring an exclusive nylon and polyester blend for maintained performance over time. For interior or exterior surfaces ranging from smooth to extra rough, with consistent finish every time.
• Lambskin Roller Cover Roller cover made of 100% shearling pelt, naturally absorbent and lint-free for semi-rough to rough surfaces. Ideal for decks, wood siding, porches, and stucco.
• Parrot™ Roller Cover Woven mohair roller cover providing a mirror-like finish for very smooth surfaces with semi-gloss, high-gloss, and clear sheens. Ideal for metal, wood, cabinets, and doors.
• Roadrunner™ 50/50 Roller Cover Roller cover with 50/50 wool and polyester knitted blend — naturally absorbent and resilient, preventing matting. For semi-rough to extra-rough surfaces. Ideal for wood siding, decks, flooring, and fences.
• Contractor 1st™ Roller Cover Knitted polyester roller cover for good paint pickup and release on semi-smooth to semi-rough surfaces. Best with flat, eggshell, and satin sheens. Ideal for drywall, ceilings, and concrete.
• Chinex® Elite™ Sprig™ Trim Brush Brush with extra-stiff DuPont Chinex filaments, pre-flagged for fast application. For heavy-bodied and Low VOC coatings and textured surfaces including stucco and brickwork.
• Brush and Roller Spinner Cleans brushes and rollers quickly via spinning action to extend tool life. Durable steel and ball-bearing construction fits 1-1/2" and 1-3/4" diameter rollers and brushes.
• Brush Comb Restores used brushes to original shape, cleans dried paint from bristles, and straightens wet bristles for drying. 7-inch overall length.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50% more coverage with Spirex brushes compared to XL brushes
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• Sherwin-WilliamscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 April 2025Sherwin-Williams is Purdy's primary flagship retail partner and parent company (under Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group). Purdy products are available at Sherwin-Williams retail paint stores and online, often being first to receive new product launches. The partnership dates back to Sherwin-Williams acquisition of the Purdy brand.
• Lowe'smajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLowe's is a major home improvement retail partner for Purdy products, offering brushes, rollers, frames, and accessories both in-store and online to DIY consumers and professional painters.
• MenardsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMenards is a regional home improvement retailer serving as a distribution channel for Purdy painting tools in the Midwest United States.
• Ace HardwaremajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAce Hardware cooperative retailers carry Purdy products as part of their painting tools assortment, serving local hardware store customers.
• AmazonmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmazon serves as an e-commerce marketplace partner for Purdy products, enabling nationwide and global online sales of painting tools.
• Do it BestsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDo it Best hardware dealer cooperative provides distribution for Purdy products through member hardware stores across the United States.
• True ValuesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrue Value hardware retailer cooperative carries Purdy painting tools through member stores, serving independent hardware retailers.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Wooster Brush Company: Wooster is the closest direct competitor to Purdy in professional paint brushes, roller covers, and extension poles. Purdy explicitly benchmarks its POLE+ Extension Pole against the Wooster Sherlock GT Pole, confirming direct head-to-head competition in pro painter channels.
• Warner Manufacturing: Warner manufactures painting tools including putty knives, scrapers, and roller accessories. Comparable to Purdy as a US-based painting tools manufacturer serving hardware and paint retailer channels with professional-grade hand tools.
• Trimaco: Trimaco manufactures drop cloths, painter's tape, and surface protection products sold alongside paint applicators at big-box retailers and hardware stores. Comparable to Purdy as a complementary painting accessories brand frequently co-merchandised in the same aisle.
• Richard Tools (Paint-Roller.com): Richard is a specialized roller-cover and frame manufacturer serving professional and industrial paint applications. Comparable to Purdy in roller-cover technology (paint capacity, fabric blends) and pro-channel distribution.
• Dura-Ware: Dura-Ware manufactures professional paint roller frames, trays, and buckets. Comparable to Purdy's Revolution frame system and NEST tray/dual roll-off bucket product lines for professional job-site applications.

Broad incumbents

• Sherwin-Williams (parent / paint brand): Sherwin-Williams is both Purdy's parent company (Consumer Brands Group) and its largest distribution partner. It is included as a peer because Purdy's brand strategy, shelf placement, and pricing are deeply intertwined with Sherwin-Williams' broader paint-and-applicator retail ecosystem.
• PPG Industries (paints, applicators): PPG is a major global paint manufacturer with applicator adjacencies (e.g., PPG-branded brushes and rollers sold at independent dealers and Home Depot). Comparable to Purdy in serving professional painters through paint retailer channels, though applicators are a smaller, less differentiated line of business for PPG.
• Benjamin Moore (Coronado, applicators): Benjamin Moore sells premium paints through an independent dealer network and offers applicator accessories under the Coronado brand. Comparable to Purdy in the pro-paint retailer ecosystem and in targeting premium professional and DIY painters.
• 3M (DIY and painting accessories): 3M sells painter's tape, masking products, and surface-prep accessories that are commonly co-purchased with paint applicators at home improvement retailers. Comparable to Purdy as a broad-incumbent supplier of painting-adjacent consumables in the same retail aisles.

Emerging players

• FrogTape / Shurtape (painter's tape, masking): FrogTape (a Shurtape Technologies brand) is a leading painter's tape brand sold at the same retail channels as Purdy. Comparable as a co-merchandised painting-prep brand competing for the same pro and DIY customer wallet at hardware and home-improvement stores.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCKtTtSATE41LkUOtI2CRVQA
• Facebookfacebook.com/PurdyBrand
• Instagraminstagram.com/purdypainttools
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/purdy-corporation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Purdy