Welcome back, readers! Today we’re diving into the details on two popular paint brands – Glidden and PPG. Both offer a wide range of interior and exterior paints and have been go-to choices for many homeowners and professionals over the years. But does the same company actually manufacture both brands? Let’s find out!
The History of Glidden and PPG
Glidden paint has been around since the 1870s when Francis Harrington Glidden developed ready-mixed paints that could be sold in cans rather than mixed on site. The Glidden Company grew over the decades and became one of the largest paint manufacturers in the U.S. In the 1980s, Glidden was acquired by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), a British company.
PPG Industries was founded in 1883 as Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, focused on glass and paint products. Over the years, PPG expanded through acquisitions of other companies including Dutch Boy, Porter Paints, and Olympic Paints and Stains. In 2013, PPG acquired AkzoNobel’s North American decorative paints business, which included the Glidden brand. This brought two major paint brands under the PPG umbrella.
The Relationship Between the Brands Today
So while Glidden and PPG started out as completely separate companies, they are now both owned and manufactured by PPG. However, PPG continues to position Glidden and PPG as distinct mainstream paint brands in the North American market.
Here’s a quick overview of how the two brands are positioned today:
| Glidden | PPG |
|---|---|
| Focused on residential repaint markets | Used in both residential and commercial markets |
| Known for budget-friendly pricing | Slightly higher pricing than Glidden |
| Sold at major home improvement stores | Sold at PPG paint stores and independent retailers |
| Made mostly of acrylic latex | Offers broader range of formulations including acrylic, alkyd, etc. |
So while the two brands have their differences in terms of target customer, pricing, where they are sold, and formulations offered, they are manufactured by the same company, PPG.
Comparing Specific Paint Lines
Now that we’ve compared the Glidden and PPG brands overall, let’s take a closer look at some of their individual interior paint lines side-by-side:
| Paint Line | Glidden | PPG |
|---|---|---|
| Basic interior latex | Glidden Essentials Interior | PPG Gripper Interior |
| Mid-range interior latex | Glidden Premium Interior | PPG Timeless Interior |
| Premium interior latex | Glidden Diamond Interior | PPG Manor Hall Interior |
| Ceiling paint | Glidden Ceiling Paint | PPG ceiling Paint |
| Primer | Glidden Gripper Primer | PPG Gripper Primer |
While the naming is different, you can see there are comparable product offerings between Glidden and PPG at good, better, and best price points. The ceilings paints and primers are even branded the same!
Manufacturing and Quality
PPG operates over 150 manufacturing and distribution centers worldwide for its coatings products, including dozens of paint plants in North America. While PPG does not disclose exactly which plants produce which paint lines, it’s likely that both Glidden and PPG paints are manufactured in many of the same facilities using consistent procedures and quality control measures.
PPG conducts extensive performance testing of its paints at its own laboratories to ensure quality standards are met across brands. Properties like hide, durability, stain resistance, and more are evaluated across primers, interiors, and exteriors.
Both Glidden and PPG paints meet certification standards from organizations like Green Wise and the EPA. PPG offers low VOC options across brands to meet environmental standards for minimal emissions.
So while the brand names on the label are different, Glidden and PPG paints sold today benefit from the same large manufacturing network and performance standards upheld by PPG.
Which Brand is Right for Your Project?
Now that you know Glidden and PPG paints come from the same manufacturer, which brand should you choose for your next painting project?
Here are a few factors to consider:
- Budget – Glidden prices are designed to be budget-friendly, while PPG runs slightly higher.
- Availability – Glidden is easiest to find at major home stores, while PPG may require a trip to a specialty paint store.
- Color selection – Both offer thousands of colors, but Glidden may have more limited stock of less popular colors.
- Sheen options – PPG offers a wider range of sheens, especially at higher price points.
- Project size – For large commercial jobs, PPG may offer more personalized service and recommendations.
Take your specific needs into account, and don’t be afraid to ask the retailers for advice on choosing between Glidden vs. PPG. They are both quality options manufactured by the same trusted company.
Conclusion
Glidden and PPG have been leading paint brands in the North American market for well over a century. While once competitors, they are now both owned and manufactured by PPG Industries. However, PPG continues to position Glidden and PPG as separate brands catering to different segments of the paint market.
Glidden is designed for affordability and accessibility through major home improvement stores, while PPG offers a broader product range sold through specialty retailers at slightly higher prices. Comparable paint lines are offered by both brands using consistent manufacturing processes and quality controls.
When choosing between the two brands, consider your budget, where you want to purchase, desired sheens and specialty features, project size, and brand preference. Both Glidden and PPG make excellent paints – the right choice comes down to your needs and preferences.
With this overview of the relationship between Glidden and PPG, you can choose the right brand with confidence for your next paint project. Let us know if you have any other paint brand comparisons you’d like us to tackle next!
