Forgotten Colors: More Historic Paint Brands Lost To Time
In Part I of our Forgotten Colors series, we explored a handful of historic paint companies whose names once defined walls, homes, and cityscapes, only to vanish under the tides of change. From Devoe Paints to France’s Ripolin enamels, their legacy still subtly colors the world around us.
But there are even more stories to uncover — more brands that shaped their eras, then quietly faded into history. Today, we dive deeper into the lost names of the paint world, tracing a lineage of craftsmanship, innovation, and artistry that modern homeowners still benefit from, even if they no longer know the names behind it.
Mini-Profiles: The Next Chapter of Forgotten Paint Legends
Muralo Paints (1894–2014)
Founded in Bayonne, New Jersey, Muralo Paints grew into a respected name among both homeowners and professional painters. Known for their innovative coatings and durable finishes, Muralo focused heavily on wall-specific products, offering early "scrubbable" and "stain-resistant" paints long before such terms became industry standards.
Despite its strong reputation, Muralo remained relatively small compared to the rising giants. In 2014, the brand was quietly absorbed by California Products Corporation, and its once distinct name faded into corporate portfolios. Yet many painters still remember Muralo as a hidden gem of craftsmanship.
Fuller Paint Company (Late 1800s–1950s)
Out West, the Fuller Paint Company became a household name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for producing "full-bodied" oil paints that were particularly suited to the rugged conditions of the expanding American frontier. Fuller Paint was especially popular among builders in California, Utah, and Colorado.
By the mid-20th century, industrial changes and aggressive competition from national brands led to Fuller's merger into O'Brien Paints. Eventually, the Fuller name disappeared entirely. Yet their commitment to quality — thick, richly pigmented coatings — left its mark on the expectations for Western paints.
Peck Brothers Paint (1850s–early 1900s)
Hailing from Providence, Rhode Island, Peck Brothers Paint & Varnish Company exemplified the marriage of pigment manufacturing and paint production. Established in the 1850s, they produced their own pigments, ensuring a richness and consistency in their paints that made them a favorite across New England.
As industrialization swept through America, regional brands like Peck Brothers found it increasingly difficult to compete. Though largely forgotten today, remnants of their paints still occasionally surface in historic restoration projects throughout the Northeast.
Lechler Paints (Italy, est. 1858)
Founded in Como, Italy, Lechler Paints became one of Europe’s first true industrial paint companies. By the late 19th century, they were producing specialized coatings for everything from ships to fine architectural details. Lechler embraced technological innovations early, including synthetic resins, which positioned them as leaders in durability and gloss finishes.
Although Lechler still exists today in a highly specialized form, focused mostly on automotive and industrial sectors, its broad household name status has long since faded. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, however, it helped shape Italy's emerging modern aesthetics.
Jensen & Busk (Denmark, late 1800s–early 1900s)
Little-known outside Denmark today, Jensen & Busk was once a vital player in the marine and architectural coatings market of Scandinavia. Specializing in oil-based paints designed to endure harsh northern climates, their formulas offered early protection against salt air, ice, and heavy rains.
The company's fortunes declined as international paint brands flooded the market post-World War I, and Jensen & Busk eventually disappeared from widespread use. However, their pioneering work in durable coatings left a legacy that continues in modern marine paints today.
Echoes of Forgotten Craftsmanship
What ties these forgotten brands together is not just their age or obscurity — it’s their relentless pursuit of quality and innovation. In their time, they pushed the boundaries of what paint could do: resist staining, survive harsh weather, enhance architecture, protect ships.
Today’s luxury paints — the rich pigments of Farrow & Ball, the high-gloss finishes of Fine Paints of Europe — are the heirs to this forgotten heritage. At Stanwich Painting, we honor that lineage every time we prep a wall meticulously, select a premium finish, or apply paint with care and craft.
Looking Ahead: Forgotten Techniques, Timeless Inspiration
The names may fade, but the techniques endure. In Part III of our Forgotten Colors series, we'll explore not just the brands, but the old-world painting methods themselves: milk paints, distempers, casein finishes, and the hand-brushed craftsmanship that once defined truly exceptional homes.
Stay tuned as we continue to uncover the rich history behind the colors that surround us.
Stanwich Painting proudly serves Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan, Riverside, Wilton, Darien, Westport and Fairfield County homeowners who appreciate artistry, history, and craftsmanship. Contact us today for a free consultation.
References and Citations:Muralo Paints:“California Products Corporation Acquires Muralo Paints,” Coatings World, 2014.Muralo Company Archives (New Jersey Business Records).
Fuller Paint Company:“Fuller Paint Company: A Western Success Story,” Utah Historical Quarterly, Vol. 28, 1960s.Early American Paint Companies Database, University of Colorado Archives.
Peck Brothers Paint:Providence Business and Industrial History, Rhode Island Historical Society Archives.“Pigment Manufacture in 19th-Century New England,” American Industrial Heritage Studies Journal, 1989.
Lechler Paints:Lechler S.p.A. Official Corporate History, Como, Italy.“The Industrial Evolution of Italian Paint Manufacturers,” Journal of European Business History, 1997.
Jensen & Busk:Marine Coatings in Scandinavia: A Historical Overview, Danish Maritime Research Institute, 1985.Business Registrations and Historical Company Records, Copenhagen Public Archives.