The now-ubiquitous aerosol cans of paint were born out of a simple idea: Ed Seymour, who owned a paint store in Sycamore, Illinois wanted an easier way to demonstrate the aluminum coating he sold for painting radiators. His wife suggested a spray gun like those used for deodorizers. He took her advice, and in 1949, the world got spray paint.

Seymour quickly pivoted the focus of his business from selling paint to his new invention, and soon other major companies jumped on board. By 2010, U.S. spray paint manufacturers were producing 412 million cans.

DIY enthusiasts love spray paint for its versatility and great finish. Law enforcement agencies hate it for its frequent use in vandalism. But love it or hate it, spray paint is here to stay.

Read more about Ed Seymour and the evolution of spray paint in this New York Times article.

Learn more:
Seymour Paint’s official website