The ideas shaping the coatings industry
By Kevin Hoffman
For this year’s trends report, APC went straight to the source.
Over the past several months, we interviewed leaders from the top paint and tool companies in the industry. These are industry veterans who have seen multiple cycles, shifting tastes, changing technologies, and more than a few curveballs.
I asked them a simple but important question: What will define the painting industry in 2026?
We talked about what colors are trending, why young homeowners are thinking differently about their spaces, and how sustainability, technology, and evolving expectations are reshaping the way painting businesses operate.
Here’s what the experts say will define painting in 2026—and what it means for your business.
Popular Colors
After years of restrained palettes and “safe” design choices, 2026 is shaping up to be the year color gets its confidence back.
Warm neutrals and earth tones are replacing the cool “millenial grey” that has become a bit of a cliche. Think wheat, sand, clay, soft tans, and sun-baked browns. These colors create a sense of comfort and groundedness.
Deeper, more saturated colors have returned to invite personality back into the home. Jewel tones, mineral blues and greens, rich reds, and moody charcoals are gaining traction as accent walls, cabinetry colors, and statement-walls.
Brown, in particular, continues its quiet comeback. Long dismissed as dated, today’s browns lean elegant and nuanced, ranging from refined caramels to deep espresso tones. They offer the warmth of traditional neutrals with a sense of timeless luxury, working just as well in modern interiors as they do in classic spaces.
In a world that feels overwhelmingly loud, the colors of 2026 are proof that the environment can be bold without being exhausting.
“The biggest surprise has been how quickly people have embraced richer color again. After years of cool greys, there’s real excitement around warmth, depth, and character. It’s been fun to see clients rediscover how transformative color can be.” – Dennis Fiorilli Jr, Director, Product Excellence at Sherwin-Williams
– Dennis Fiorilli Jr, Director, Product Excellence at Sherwin-Williams
Young Homeowners
As ownership comes later in life, many buyers are entering homes with a clearer sense of who they are and how they want to live. The result is a shift away from Ikea-kitsch design and toward spaces that feel grounded, personal, and permanent.
Younger homeowners tend to expect more from every square foot, using color to define zones, add depth, and create visual impact without major renovations. Deep, warm colors are showing up in kitchens, dining areas, and built-ins, replacing plain cabinetry and islands with richer hues that bring character and confidence into the home.
Despite their reputation for chasing trends, many of these homeowners are thinking long-term. They’re prioritizing quality, versatility, and longevity with finishes that can evolve with their lives.
“As young millennials and new homeowners transition from rentals to owning homes, their spaces are becoming more curated and intentional. While microtrends move quickly, these homeowners are also prioritizing quality and longevity, investing in tailored, well-crafted pieces that stand the test of time.”
–Hannah Yeo, Senior Manager, Color Marketing at Benjamin Moore
Painting Contractors
For painting contractors, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where the priority will be delivering clear value on every job rather than chasing trends. Efficiency is no longer a bonus; it’s the foundation. Professionals are looking for coatings, tools, and systems that save time and deliver consistent performance.
Technology continues to separate top-tier contractors from the rest. Digital measuring, estimating, scheduling, and remote evaluations are streamlining operations and expanding reach. A strong online presence—through polished websites, Google Business profiles, and social media content—is now the standard.
“Younger homeowners are leaning toward warm, inviting spaces. They’re drawn to earthy and calming tones, wood, soft textures, and natural finishes—colors that make a home feel comfortable and welcoming. The best part is that these tones are also incredibly forgiving for contractors; they pair seamlessly with different materials and stand the test of time.”
— Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager, Sherwin-Williams
On the job site, workload pressure remains constant. Contractors are choosing smarter spray systems, better prep solutions, faster-drying products, and reliable accessories to reduce unnecessary steps and rework.
“In 2026, the most successful professionals are using intelligent systems to deliver consistent results, protect margins, and stand out in a more competitive market. “There is strong interest in business education, and professionals are turning to industry associations such as PCA for additional training and peer feedback. As more professionals adopt technology and digital tools (such as digital measurements, scheduling, and estimating), they are also strengthening their online presence and brand with Google Business profiles, updated websites, and engaging social media content.”
— Justin Dubow Senior Segment Marketing Manager, Contractors Benjamin Moore
Formulations
Low- or zero-VOC formulas have shifted from being a niche option to an expectation. Sustainability now shows up in multiple ways: cleaner ingredient lists, reduced reliance on petroleum, renewable or bio-based raw materials, and water-based systems designed to meet increasingly strict regulations.
“A key macrotrend we’re seeing—especially in cabinetry—is the transition to more durable, faster-drying coating systems. These products reduce time between coats and transform how contractors plan, manage spray space, and schedule reinstallation. As coatings advance more quickly, there’s less margin for error, increasing the importance of precise pressure control, consistent atomization, and repeatable.”
— Tyler Sterner Senior Global Category Marketing Manager, Paint Graco
At the same time, expectations for durability continue to rise. Customers are looking for more durable paint, meaning it must withstand scratches, moisture, UV exposure, and daily foot traffic. This demand is driving innovation toward coatings that last longer, clean more easily, and reduce the need for repainting.
Faster-drying, high-performance coatings are transforming how contractors schedule work, especially in cabinet finishing and high-spray applications. Prep materials, primers, tapes, and spray technologies are increasingly focused on helping crews complete jobs more quickly while maintaining sharp lines and high-quality finishes.
Residential Interior
In 2026, interior spaces are becoming more personal, more intentional, and more layered. Instead of relying on a single neutral throughout the home, homeowners are blending lighter, calming tones with deeper, moodier colors to define how spaces are used. The result is interiors that feel vibrant and lived-in, where color takes the lead in zoning, setting the mood, and telling a story.
Rich tones are increasingly paired with bold, textured finishes—distressed effects, subtle metallics, and tactile surfaces that add depth without overwhelming the room. At the same time, cohesive strategies such as color drenching and full-room color wrapping are gaining popularity. Matte finishes remain in demand, but only when they deliver the durability and washability modern homeowners expect.
Market conditions are also shaping how work gets done. With fewer homes changing hands, contractors are seeing fewer quick-turn paint jobs and more price-conscious clients. This shift places a premium on speed, professionalism, and efficiency.
In 2026, the most successful interior projects combine expressive, layered design with coatings and tools built to last.
“Consumers are increasingly looking for home projects that make their spaces feel unique, with many prioritizing personalization and focusing on improvements that make them want to spend more time at home. We’re also seeing a strong desire for updates that boost confidence and create a more lively and uplifting atmosphere in the home.”
— Kayla Kratz Senior Director of Color and Design Strategy Behr
Exterior Residencial
While interiors may be embracing bolder expression, exterior paint trends for 2026 are moving in a more restrained direction. Both homeowners and contractors are prioritizing durability over novelty, favoring palettes and products designed to protect the home for decades rather than chase short-lived trends.
Color choices are leaning toward simple, earthy tones that blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment. Warm neutrals, natural greens, soft clay hues, and classic blues are replacing brighter, more highly personalized expressions. Darker accents—such as deep navy, forest green, or near-black—are used strategically alongside natural materials like stained wood, brick, and stone to add contrast and curb appeal without overwhelming the façade.
Protection is driving many exterior decisions. Since decks, fences, siding, and trim represent significant investments, homeowners are increasingly focused on coatings that reduce risk and extend lifespan. Flexible coatings that seal small cracks, rain-resistant paints that dry faster, and finishes that resist UV fading are in higher demand.
Overall, 2026 exterior trends reflect a practical mindset. Homeowners want houses that age gracefully.
“In the residential sector, consumers are giving interesting signals: even in the face of macroeconomic uncertainty, they seek to protect their most expensive assets (such as decks, fences, sheds, and siding). They look for professionals who eliminate project risk, reduce construction time, and preserve their most important investments.”
– Dennis Karnstein, President and General Manager of Commercial Pittsburgh Paints Company
Commercial Contracting
In the commercial market, 2026 continues to be defined by one fundamental principle: performance standards. Coatings are expected to be more durable, last longer, and support the daily operation of buildings. At the same time, they must be applied within tight timelines and under increasingly strict regulatory requirements.
Color trends in commercial spaces are softening as design becomes more intentional. Nature-inspired palettes—soft greens, clay neutrals, and warm earth tones—are gaining traction in hospitality, retail, wellness, and healthcare environments, where comfort and calm are part of the overall experience.
Market conditions are shaping project execution. New construction activity and bidding opportunities have slowed, making cost control and risk management more critical than ever. Longer project timelines increase exposure to financing costs, pushing contractors and owners to prioritize systems that reduce rework, material waste, and delays.
In 2026, the most successful commercial projects will balance performance-driven coatings with efficient, time-conscious crews.
“Commercial painting continues to be driven by durability, speed, and regulatory compliance, with contractors focused on delivering consistent results from the first application. Antimicrobial coatings, high-durability acrylics, fast-drying systems, and high-build primers are becoming increasingly common. Application techniques prioritize consistency and efficiency, including spray and roller systems supported by careful taping and LED inspection lighting to catch issues early. We’re also seeing paint used more strategically for branding, signage, and safety.”
— Patti LaPorte Director of Product Marketing Shurtape Technologies
Final Reflections
Perhaps the biggest surprise heading into 2026 is how quickly people have fallen back in love with color. After years dominated by cool grays and all-white interiors, homeowners and designers are embracing warmth, depth, and personality with genuine enthusiasm.
“In 2026, sustainability, technology, and wellness will continue to take priority as contractors and clients strive to deliver smarter, greener, and more expressive spaces.”
— Carly Lofgren Senior Product Manager Zinsser Primers
One of the clearest signs of this shift is where color is being applied. Ceilings—long overlooked as the “fifth wall”—are finally having their moment. Whether fully saturated or used as bold contrast, painted ceilings add dimension and intention to both residential and commercial interiors, turning forgotten surfaces into defining design elements.
At the same time, the industry itself continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Innovation extends beyond coatings to digital tools, application technology, and business systems that help contractors manage risk, improve efficiency, and better understand profitability. While new project starts have slowed and timelines have lengthened, there is a clear move toward smarter execution and tighter jobsite control.
Consumers are also more engaged than ever. There is growing openness to brand-led color recommendations, increased fatigue with sterile interiors, and a surprising willingness to use AI-powered visualization tools to preview color and design options before walls are ever painted. Exteriors, decks, and patios remain priority projects, reinforcing the broader focus on protecting long-term investments.
Taken together, the message is clear: 2026 will be a year defined by efficiency, sustainability, and the pursuit of comfort.