Rust-Oleum class action alleges 2x spray paint products don’t provide promised coverage

Rust-Oleum class action overview: 

• Who: A group of consumers have sued Rust-Oleum Corporation.
• Why: The plaintiffs allege the company misleads customers in its marketing of spray paint products.
• Where: The Rust-Oleum class action was filed in an Illinois federal court.

Rust-Oleum Corporation is facing a class action lawsuit over allegations that its “2x Coverage” spray paint products are misleading consumers. 

Plaintiffs Jamiene Andreozzi, Christopher Lemieux, Dylan Hyman, and Alex Duleba, Daniel Ryan, and Ryan Delaval filed the class action complaint against Rust-Oleum Corporation on Nov. 14 in an Illinois federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumers laws.

The plaintiffs allege the company falsely advertises the paints as providing “twice the coverage” of its general-purpose paints, despite evidence showing otherwise.

The lawsuit focuses on Rust-Oleum’s marketing of its “2x Coverage” spray paint line.

The plaintiffs alleges that the company’s advertisements, labels, and technical data sheets falsely promise superior coverage on surfaces such as wood, metal, and plastic. However, internal data allegedly reveals that the products fall short of these claims, resulting in additional costs and time for consumers.

Rust-Oleum’s marketing strategy has reportedly generated significant revenue — over $1 billion since 2015 — but the lawsuit claims this success was built on “unlawful and unfair business practices.” 

The complaint states that Rust-Oleum’s own technical documents contradict its marketing, confirming the products do not deliver on their “2x coverage” promises.

False marketing continued after changes requested, lawsuit says

The lawsuit also highlights a 2017 decision by the National Advertising Review Board, which found Rust-Oleum’s “2x coverage” labels misleading and recommended changes. Instead of addressing these concerns, the plaintiffs allege the company revised its labels to make similarly deceptive comparisons, this time against its own products rather than competitors.

The plaintiffs allege that Rust-Oleum knowingly misled “hundreds of thousands” of customers across the U.S., earning millions in sales from products that underperform. 

As a result, they are looking to represent anyone in the United States who bought the 2x paint. They are suing for breach of warranty and violations of state consumer protection laws and are seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.

Meanwhile, last year a paint buyer sued Rust-Oleum, alleging the company sells paint-and-primer products that don’t work without also buying a primer. 

What do you think of the allegations in this Rust-Oleum class action? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by David Cates and Katie St. John of The Cates Law Firm LLC, Christopher D. Jennings, Tyler B. Ewigleben and Winston S. Hudson of Jennings PLLC and Matthew Alison of Indian & Environmental Law Group PLLC.

The Rust-Oleum class action is Jamiene Andreozzi et al. v. Rust-Oleum Corporation, Case No. 1:24-cv-11710 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Harbor Freight announces recall for backpack sprayers
• Customers drop Sub-Zero class action over alleged gas stove pollutants
• John Deere Compact Utility Tractors have brake defect, class action alleges
• Generac class action alleges some models have alternator defect