Built by a Painter: How Ace of Shades Is Advancing Quality Across Its Product Line

New releases reflect a brand built by painters, defined by color, and driven by real-world standards 

Ace of Shades is continuing to expand its product lineup with a clear and consistent priority: quality without compromise. As the brand prepares additional product releases across 2026, every formulation reflects the same standards that built its reputation within the custom community. 

While Ace of Shades is widely recognized for its color, the foundation of the brand has always been performance. Color is only meaningful when it delivers consistency, durability, and confidence in application. That belief shapes every product released and every product still in development. 

Built by a Painter, Not a Boardroom 

Ace of Shades was founded by Mike Taylor, a lifelong painter who understands the realities of the trade from firsthand experience. Long before becoming CEO, Taylor spent years behind the gun, working through the same challenges painters face every day. 

That background continues to guide how Ace of Shades approaches product development. Decisions are made with application in mind, not theory. Products are designed to perform in real shops, under real conditions, by professionals who rely on consistency to protect their reputation. 

This painter-first mindset is embedded into the brand’s DNA and remains central as Ace of Shades grows. 

Known for Color, Trusted for Performance 

Color is what people notice first, and Ace of Shades has earned recognition for delivering bold, distinctive options that stand out in the custom space. But what keeps professionals coming back is how those colors perform. 

Recent releases such as the Hustler, which debuted at SEMA 2025, and Blue Collar Clear demonstrate this balance. They are products that support the integrity of the color while meeting the demands of workflow efficiency, reliability, and finish quality. 

As Ace of Shades expands into additional product formats and applications, the goal remains the same: protect the quality behind the color. 

Product Development Rooted in the Trade 

Every Ace of Shades product is shaped by feedback from painters, builders, and shop owners who use the materials daily. Testing happens where it matters most, in active shops and on real projects. 

Upcoming releases planned for 2026 continue this approach. Rather than chasing volume or trends, Ace of Shades focuses on refining solutions that help professionals deliver consistent results and stand behind their work with confidence. 

Each new product is an extension of the same philosophy that started the brand: build it right, test it hard, and release it only when it meets the standard. 

Quality as the Constant 

As Ace of Shades moves forward with new releases, clinics, and expanded trade show presence, quality remains the constant through every initiative. Color may define the look, but performance defines the brand. 

The next wave of Ace of Shades products is not about changing what the brand stands for. It is about reinforcing it. 

More information on upcoming product releases will be announced as development continues.