Have you ever stopped to read the names of colours on paint colour-chip samples? My personal favourites are Lettuce Alone (light mint green) and Grandma’s Refrigerator (golden yellow). These two examples are the work of paint namers who conceive hundreds of new names each year. Yes, paint names are important for an efficient coding system, but this exercise is primarily about marketing. Will a particular colour name resonate with consumers? Will it spur a fond memory? Does Grandma’s Refrigerator yellow remind you of your own grandma and the good times you had with her? A provocative title has the potential to tap into your emotions – whether you are aware of it or not.
However, there is more happening here than meets the eye. Within the paint industry no two colours can have the exact same name. A comprehensive database of all existing paint names, from all paint manufacturers, confirms that a proposed moniker is indeed unique and copyrightable. This explains why the names used to sell paint are becoming more and more innovative.
Below is a list of options that I've collected for lemony-yellow coloured paint. These are actual product names. Every paint company has one on their roster, but only one can be called Lemon Yellow.
Lemon Peel
Lemon Wedge
Lemon Slice
Lemon Tart
Lemon Chiffon
Lemon Chiffon Pie
Lemon Meringue
Lemon Mousse
Lemon Gelato
Lemon Sorbet
Lemon Parfait
Lemon Punch
Lemon Drop
Lemon Ice
Lemon Butter
Lemon Whip
Lemon Sugar
Lemon Thyme
Lemon Pepper
Lemon Twist
Lemon Spritz
Lemon Zest
Lemon Chill
Lemon Balm
Lemon Dew
Lemon Rose
Lemon Burst
Lemon Whisp
Lemon Lift
Lemon Mimic
Yellow Lemon
Fresh Lemon
Cool Lemon
Iced Lemon
Washed Lemon
Bitter Lemon
Sour Lemon
Luscious Lemon
Clear Lemon
Brite Lemon
Dark Lemon
Minted Lemon
Green Lemon
Limey Lemon
Lemonade
Chilled Lemonade
Icy Lemonade
Cool Lemonade
Fresh Lemonade
Lemony
Hint of Lemon
Limone