BEHR Paints Introduces New Color Inspiration Tools to Help Consumers Coordinate Paint Colors with Confidence.

Business Editors

SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 18, 2003

BEHR Premium Plus(R) Coordinate with Style(TM), ColorSmart by

BEHR(TM) and Disney Color by BEHR(R)

People often seek creative inspiration when choosing paint colors for their home and a new survey finds that 70 percent of homeowners who don't feel confident in selecting and coordinating paint colors would like help from their paint store or home improvement center. This according to a survey conducted by International Communications Research in February 2003 asking homeowners about the paint color selection process.

Forty-two percent of homeowners indicate that they would be more confident selecting paint colors if they had professional help. Additionally, they would like the capability to choose colors on an interactive platform such as the Internet. BEHR Paints has responded to this need for assistance with the debut of a revolutionary new color coordination program that makes it easier than ever for consumers to select and coordinate paint colors.

Available exclusively at The Home Depot, the new program from BEHR Paints includes three key components: BEHR Premium Plus(R) Coordinate with Style(TM), ColorSmart by BEHR(TM) and Disney Color by BEHR(R). The program is designed to encourage and enable consumers to unleash their creative powers with confidence and ease by providing solutions for painting projects and color selection.

With the introduction of new paint hues, color selection tools and an interactive computer kiosk, the program makes buying paint simpler than ever before. BEHR helps take the guesswork out of the color selection and coordination process by providing people with guidance on colors that work together and the ability to preview colors in a simulated environment. The new system also gives users assistance with matching colors to existing furniture or other decorative accessories in their home.

"We created the new BEHR system by blending the art and science of color together to provide consumers with revolutionary color inspiration tools that help them match and coordinate paint colors with confidence," said Mary Rice, Vice President Marketing, BEHR Paints. "We believe our new system will engage consumers with new decorating ideas, innovative and exceptional color tools, and stylized inspiration."

Research also revealed that homeowners select white paint more than any other color, due to their lack of confidence with selecting paint colors in general. However, 58 percent of homeowners said the next time they paint a room, they'd be more likely to paint with blues (15 percent), greens (11 percent) and tans/brown (nine percent), if they had help in selecting and coordinating paint colors. According to those homeowners surveyed, the rooms most in need of makeovers include kitchens (26 percent), living rooms (16 percent) and master bedrooms (12 percent).

To help consumers with their need for paint color selection and coordination assistance, BEHR Paints offers the following tools:

BEHR Premium Plus(R) Coordinate with Style(TM)

-- An expanded color palette totaling more than 2,000 colors

-- System colors are organized by hue and tone - Pure, Muted,

Shaded

-- Extra-large, take-home color samples and color cards that make

it easier for consumers to view color samples

-- Inspirational, project-driven and magazine-style cards that

make it easier for consumers to imagine colors in coordinated

rooms to fit their lifestyles

ColorSmart by BEHR(TM)

ColorSmart by BEHR is an interactive program that revolutionizes the color selection process by giving the consumer the confidence to select and coordinate paint colors throughout their home. This interactive kiosk, located in the paint department at The Home Depot, offers easy-to-use paint color selection and coordination assistance by providing consumers with several innovative tools.

The program allows consumers to browse a collection of inspirational palettes, color match and coordinate to an existing color, or find their favorite color using an electronic color wheel. Consumers can preview coordinated colors in a simulated environment, as well as calculate how much paint they need and select the right sheen for their project. ColorSmart by BEHR also provides consumers with project tips and how-to information, as well as a list of supplies needed to complete their project. Visit www.behr.com for more information regarding BEHR's color design tools.

Disney Color by BEHR(R)

BEHR Paints introduces Disney Color by BEHR, a unique new color system developed to assist parents with decorating children's rooms. The system includes 160 unique colors, designed with children's preferences in mind. Disney-themed character environments can be achieved using six project inspiration cards such as the Mickey Collection bathroom, Princess Collection bedroom, Classic Pooh Collection nursery, Buzz Lightyear Collection bedroom, Pooh Collection bedroom and nursery. Disney colors are available exclusively in BEHR Premium Plus(R) paint and other BEHR products, and can only be purchased at The Home Depot.

"You create a powerful proposition to families when you mix the magic of Disney with the quality of BEHR Paints," said Rice. "We're delighted to be a partner in helping parents and children bring Disney magic directly into their homes."

Founded in 1947, BEHR Process Corporation is the largest provider of premium paints and stains to the North American Do-It-Yourself (DIY) home improvement market. BEHR manufactures paints, decorative finishes, primers, stains and surface preparation products, which are sold at The Home Depot and other specialty retailers and hardware stores. BEHR is a subsidiary of Masco Corporation (NYSE:MAS) and is headquartered in Santa Ana, CA.