DuPont Company South San Francisco Plant manufactured and packaged DuPont finishes such as Lucite paint, Duco laquers and Dulux enamels. The plant began operation in 1935. Lucite was developed in 1931. Because Lucite is clear and transparent, it is used as a glass substitute and in lenses, medical and dental applications, and paints. Plastics became increasingly important throughout World War II and remained important during the postwar period.

In 1949, the DuPont Company created the Polychemicals Department, which went on to create Delrin, Elvax, and Zytel. Lucite was eventually used in paints for automotive finishes. Lucite paint replaced the Duco and Dulux paints which DuPont had created in 1920 and 1926, respectively. Duco was a durable quick-drying lacquer used for appliances and as the standard finish for GM vehicles. Dulux was glossier, which made it more popular than Duco.

Lucite paint was introduced in the 1950s and was less expensive and more durable than its predecessors. In the 1960s, Lucite paints were marketed as interior and exterior house paint. Increased competition throughout the 1970s pushed Lucite house paint manufacturing to cease completely by 1983.