HMG Paints, 'one name that covers everything' according to its well-known slogan, has produced a colourful new Product Guide for trade users, buyers and specifiers. Listing almost a hundred standard topcoat finishes and primers, it provides guidelines for coating everything from machinery, vehicles and steelwork, to wood, plastics, concrete and marine surfaces.

Its publication coincides with the adoption of a new can livery for all HMG trade paints, the first design change for more than two decades, which is featured on the cover. Taking the premise that the customer will know either on what surface the coating is to be used or which particular resin type is required, the Product Guide's chart of topcoat systems quickly enables identification of the right product.

Divided into machinery, vehicle and industrial enamels, cellulose finishes, 2-pack acrylics and polyurethanes, powders, waterborne paints and special high performance and marine coatings, it provides additional information on application methods, touch and hard drying times, standard thinners and other criteria.

Overleaf there is a table of common substrates and recommended HMG primers and basecoats of all types, to ensure the most effective coating systems are employed. A technical helpline number is included for further information and enquiries about other specialist products not included, while a comprehensive library of product data sheets is held on the company's website at www.hmgpaint.com.

The new can design was some time in the development, since the familiar HMG gold and burgundy colours are among the best known branding on construction sites, in automotive and industrial plants, light engineering factories and boatyards, around the country.

The cans now feature a graduated backdrop of a repeat HMG logo and a broad golden name band, with the word 'Paints' below in gold lettering. Individual product names and associated safety/user information are carried on transparent plastic labels, to ensure integrity of design.

HMG estimates the total investment in new can stock and labelling is in excess of £600k. Whilst the company acknowledges that branding may not be as important as in the consumer sector, it feels the exercise will help to build loyalty among trade paint users, who value the coverage and technical performance of its products and wish to specify the same name again.

For a free copy of HMG's Product Guide and further enquiries contact:
HMG Paints
Riverside Works
Collyhurst Road
Manchester
M40 7RU
Telephone 0161 205 7631
email sales@hmgpaint.com