(Ed’s note: A time-lapse video of the refurbishment process is available at Sherwin-Williams YouTube® channel at www.YouTube.com/SherwinWilliams).
Sherwin-Williams Emerald™ Paint now protecting this iconic symbol
Tinseltown’s biggest star – The Hollywood Sign – has been restored to its full beauty once again thanks to a historic “face-lift” from Sherwin-Williams and The Hollywood Sign Trust. Over the nine-week refurbishment, the Sign’s nine letters had all existing coatings removed before being primed and painted with two fresh coats of Emerald Exterior Paint.
A cultural and historic landmark, the Sign is the pride of its owner, the City of Los Angeles. Sherwin-Williams and The Hollywood Sign Trust funded the project for the benefit of the City and its Department of Recreation and Parks, as well as Sign fans around the world.
“The Hollywood Sign Trust is excited that Hollywood’s leading lady received two tons of makeup in time to celebrate her 90th birthday,” said Chris Baumgart, chairman, The Hollywood Sign Trust. “We thank Sherwin-Williams for participating in this public-private partnership to restore an American icon that is recognized as a symbol of hopes and dreams around the world.”
The products used for the Sign’s most extensive refurbishment in nearly 35 years are designed to help the Sign retain its crisp white finish, especially against the elements. To ensure the makeover endures the test of time, the existing coatings were removed from each of the letters, a time-intensive process completed almost entirely by hand. Next, painters applied 105 gallons of Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial™ Pro-Cryl® Universal Acrylic Primer – a product specially designed for surfaces where rust and corrosion resistance is critical. Lastly, they applied two coats – 255 gallons – of Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint in Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White (SW7757). Emerald Exterior Paint offers extreme resistance to blistering, peeling, chalking, fading, mold, mildew and dirt pickup.
“We are thrilled to be a partner in this historic refurbishment and honored that Sherwin-Williams innovative products were selected to restore the Sign’s beauty,” said Jay Davisson, president and general manager, Sherwin-Williams Paint Stores Group.  “For 146 years, Sherwin-Williams has been protecting and beautifying America’s most prized possessions, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the White House, and many ballparks, museums and homes in between.”
Images of the refurbishment process are available upon request.