Our History

Scroll to see years of our rich history filled with product innovation, geographical expansion and invested partnerships.

1940s

1947

Otho Behr Jr. and his chemist father founded Linseed Oil Products Company from their family garage.

1948

The company relocates from the family garage to an 800-square-foot Quonset hut in Pasadena, California.

1950s

1956

A land purchase in Orange County, California resulted in the company’s first corporate, manufacturing and distribution facility.

1960s

1960s

Behr developed the first oil/water combination product and successfully launched a series of interior and exterior stains and clear coating products.

1970s

1979

Partnership with The Home Depot begins.

1980s

1984

Behr named The Home Depot Partner of the Year for the first time.

1986

Behr enters the paint category, introduces BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Paint. Behr Canada becomes the company’s first facility outside of the United States. 

Behr introduces color matching technology at retail, an industry first.

1990s

1994

Partnership with The Home Depot Canada begins.

1999

Public company, Masco, acquires Behr, marking the end of Behr’s 52 year run as a private company.

2000s

2000

Masco acquires Masterchem Industries Inc., the maker of the KILZ® brand.

2003

Behr introduces the Color Solutions Center in The Home Depot stores in the U.S. and Canada. 

KILZ® brand enters the paint category with the introduction of KILZ® CASUAL COLORS at Walmart.

2006

Behr opens a Research and Development center in Pune, India.

2008

The U.S. Pro Paint segment becomes a strategic priority.

2009

Behr enters Mexico and Chile and begins distribution in Latin America.

2010s

2011

COLORSMART BY BEHR® mobile application is released.

2013

BEHR MARQUEE® paint line launches.

2016

Behr PRO® Paint Line launches. 

MAGNOLIA HOME by JOANNA GAINES® paint line launches.

2019

Behr launches eCommerce initiative, BEHR® EXPRESS. 

Behr launches the first all plastic, 100% recyclable container with Simple Pour lid.

2020s

2020

Behr re-enters the interior wood stain category with launch of BEHR PREMIUM™ Interior Wood Stains. 

Behr enters the aerosol category with launch of BEHR® PREMIUM™ Spray Paint. 

Behr enters the paint applicator business via Masco’s acquisition Work Tools International and its brands, WHIZZ® and Elder and Jenks®.

2021

BEHR DYNASTY® Interior Paint line launches. 

Behr enters the caulks & sealants category.

2023

BEHR DYNASTY® Exterior Paint launches across the U.S.