Washington, D.C., APRIL 2001 - The nation's leading home-improvement experts, taste masters, decorators, consumer columnists and advocates have joined forces to offer advice and helpful tips on home remodeling, decorating, and home appliance purchases in the free, just-published, colorful "Consumer Buying Guide for Home and Garden" sponsored by The Powder Coating Institute (PCI).

Consumers will benefit from the creative insight and savvy advice of gurus such as Hometime's Dean Johnson and Robin Hartl (seen on public television and The Learning Channel), author and syndicated columnist Heloise, HGTV's Deborah Burnett, MSNBC host Tom Kraeutler and others. They cover a variety of topics such as kitchen and bath design concepts, appliance purchases, outdoor living, furniture styles, savvy purchasing tips and consumers' rights. Expert advice from respected, national consumer media such as Southern Living and Consumers Digest is also included.

"Consumers' remodeling, decorating and purchasing decisions have to withstand the rigors of everyday household life, and this Guide offers strategies and unique advice to help them make smart choices," said Greg Bocchi, Executive Director of PCI. "Household purchases are significant investments, and consumers want to get it right the first time. This informative and handy Guide helps them do that."

In addition to providing money-saving tactics, tasteful ideas and invaluable consumer information, the Guide educates the public about the value of powder coated products. The environmentally friendly process of powder coating makes the finishes of everyday products such as appliances, garden furniture, tools, recreational products and equipment, cellular telephones, laptop computers and wood furniture more attractive, durable, scratch-resistant and long-lasting.

The free Guide is available online and downloadable from www.powdercoating.org. Consumers can also request the Guide by faxing to 703-684-1771 or by writing to PCI Consumers Guide, 2121 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 401, Alexandria, VA, 22314.