# New platform supports painting contractors with professional tools and helps homeowners plan paint projects with confidence **Savannah, GA — January 7, 2026** — The Professional Paint Institute (PPI) today announced the launch of its institute-led platform designed to help painting contractors operate as safer, more professional, and more profitable businesses—while supporting homeowners with better project planning and decision-making tools. The Professional Paint Institute is an independent organization dedicated exclusively to the painting industry. PPI develops professional standards, training programs, safety guidance, and modern tools designed specifically for painting contractors, with the goal of improving outcomes across residential and commercial paint projects. “At its core, the painting industry has a professionalism and planning gap,” said **Jesse Casselberry, Founder of the Professional Paint Institute**. “Homeowners often struggle to prepare for projects, and contractors spend too much time correcting misunderstandings before work even begins. PPI was created to raise the bar on both sides—by giving contractors institute-backed systems to operate better businesses and homeowners tools that support clearer, more confident decisions.” ## Institute-Developed Consumer Planning Tools As part of its launch, the Professional Paint Institute introduced **Visualizer Pro™**, a consumer-facing paint visualization platform developed by the institute to help homeowners plan projects accurately before work begins. Visualizer Pro uses advanced AI technology to analyze room photos, identify paintable surfaces, and apply selected paint colors with photorealistic accuracy. Homeowners can compare options, save project plans, and prepare more productive conversations with painting professionals—reducing friction, change orders, and dissatisfaction once a job is underway. These tools are free for homeowners to use and are designed as a planning and education layer, not a transactional marketplace. ## Supporting Professional Painting Contractors In addition to consumer tools, the Professional Paint Institute is developing professional programs for painting contractors focused on safety, training, and consistent job execution. These include **PPI Verified Contractor** and **PPI Certified Contractor** designations, along with access to institute-developed planning tools, educational resources, and professional systems. PPI operates as a professional enablement platform—not a lead marketplace. Contractors do not purchase guaranteed volumes of project requests. Participation centers on access to institute-backed credibility, tools, training, and systems that help contractors win more of the work they are already quoting while protecting time, margins, and reputation. In some markets, consumer use of PPI tools and education may result in homeowners seeking guidance on choosing a painting contractor. When that occurs, preference is given to contractors who participate in Professional Paint Institute programs within their territory. Consumer engagement is treated as an outcome of professional positioning—not a product being sold. ## Independence and Professional Alignment The Professional Paint Institute is an independent organization and is not owned by paint manufacturers, retailers, or contractors. This independence allows PPI to align its programs and tools with professional best practices rather than sales incentives or volume-driven outcomes. By operating under an institute framework, PPI aims to create long-term accountability, transparency, and trust—supporting sustainable businesses for contractors and better experiences for homeowners. ## Availability Homeowners can begin using Visualizer Pro today to plan paint projects and explore options with confidence. Painting contractors interested in Professional Paint Institute programs can learn more about verification, certification, and professional tools by visiting **https://visualizerpro.org/contractor**. For more information, visit **https://visualizerpro.org**. --- **About the Professional Paint Institute** The Professional Paint Institute (PPI) is an independent organization dedicated to advancing professionalism, education, and trust in the painting industry. PPI develops institute-led standards, contractor programs, and modern planning tools that support better outcomes for homeowners and painting professionals.