This is how paint colours get their names

How are paint colours given their name?

It’s a question that many of our customers ask themselves as they go through various shades of paint, all with strange titles such as Butterscotch Tempest, Just Peachy, Elephant’s Breath, Harbour Fog and more.  It’s what makes many of our customers sigh and think they’re just all shades of blue or green, and whilst it’s the performance of the paint that’s the main reason people buy any particular tin of paint, the names always provide amusement (or bemusement!).

More of an art than a science

Paint naming is an extremely rare job, and not many people get to do it, but the paint namers in the world have to come up with potentially hundreds of unique names every year for new hues. Every shade of paint, no matter the brand, needs a completely unique name that differentiates it from other colours and paint manufacturers.

Each paint namer has a unique approach to naming paint, but many of them use flowers for inspiration, as they help to stimulate both sight and smell. Inspiration for colours marketing as luxurious and affluent are often named after the wealthy places of the world to encourage connections between the paint and an affluent lifestyle.

Fabrics may sometimes be used if the paint namer wants to evoke the feel and sensations of cashmere, velvet, silk and other enjoyable textures that remind us of comfort and indulgence.

One of the best, and therefore most common, inspirations is food. Food evokes strong (and hopefully positive) memories, smells and sights of childhood. It’s why many paints have names similar to Cherry Bon Bon or Chocolate Brownie.

Choosing the right paint for you

At Avonmouth Paint & Supplies, we only stock high quality paint, with the pigment and applicability to provide a rich coverage you’ll love for years to come – regardless of the names. Once you’ve decided which paint you’re going to buy for your home, simply let us know and we’ll make sure you have everything you need for a successful project – and don’t feel embarrassed by saying any of the names out loud!