From Year of Pink to Year of Blue?

Everyone knows that 2023 was the year of pink. From ice cream to clothes to toys, Barbie fever took over. It may not be a struggle for you to recall the week your friends and families were rushing to the theater for Barbenheimer. The team at Columbia Forest Products even got in on the fun with some pink UV panels:

Now that 2024 is upon us, many brands are calling out their guesses for what color will win in consumers’ homes and minds. Arguably the most well-known predictor was Pantone, who called out peach fuzz – a pink/orange hue. However, many others, like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams and Valspar placed their bets on light blues. This is a big shift from the hot pinks of 2023, but not a particularly unexpected one.

At Columbia, we’ve seen customers paint or stain our plywood in blue countless times. Light blue tones can subtly add a light, airy feeling to designs. If you’re looking to do the same, consider what look you want for your finished product. If you want more of a solid color, painting several coats on a species with a less defined grain pattern might be for you. If you prefer more of the wood grain to show through, you may choose staining.

It’s also a good policy to consult with your suppliers on what your desired finished look is. That way, they can suggest the best panel for your needs. At Columbia, some prefinished, UV-cured options are even available to take some guesswork out of your project. If superior quality and consistency are a necessity, this might be the right choice for you.