The Latest Tech Trends Innovating the Painting Industry
Sophie Cole, writer
Published at 22/09/2021, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min
Even a humble sector like the painting industry is benefitting from the latest tech innovations. Whether you’re interested in getting involved in the painting industry or you’re looking to make sure you’re on top of the newest painting trends, here’s everything you need to know about tech trends in the painting industry.
The painting industry is an incredibly exciting one to be part of right now. Statista found that the global paint and coatings industry was worth around $158 billion in 2020. The market value of all of the paints and coatings across the world adds up to an incredible 9.8 billion gallons, and the market that’s both the largest and most rapidly expanding is Asia Pacific.
To help you understand more about this evolving industry, we’re rounded up four of the most compelling trends transforming the sector right now. From virtual reality to high-tech paint, here are the tech-focused innovations that are changing the home improvement and painting industries for the better.
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- Virtual ways to preview services
During the pandemic, businesses have had to get creative on how to show off their capabilities without entering customers’ homes. Solutions like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) were hurried in due to the physical limitations, but they’re proving to be a popular, and likely permanent, addition to many home improvement businesses' repertoires.
So-called ‘virtual fitting rooms’ allow customers to see what certain products look like in their homes. They’ve been embraced by huge brands in the paint and home improvement worlds, such as IKEA. Dulux’s Visualizer app is one of the most popular and it allows you to see what more than 1200 of its paint colours look like in your home. Gone are the days of costly samples and messy paint stripes that need to be covered; tech is making it easier and fuss-free for people to find their perfect match.
IBM’s 2020 US Retail Index report found that 41% of people would be interested in trying out virtual fitting room apps to make their purchasing experience even better. 18% of respondents already had, showing this is a trend with a significant foothold in a major market already.
Although the pandemic has required AR as a solution for customers who cannot come to an in-person store, the advantages, convenience, and growing acceptance of virtual fitting room technology indicate that it will remain popular for years to come. - MobiDev
- High tech coatings
If you’re operating in the commercial painting sector, coating as a technological solution, as Statista calls it, is one area that’s attracting plenty of attention and investment. Now, paint and coatings are being designed to do a lot more than simply look nice.
For example, nano coatings are being used to help surfaces resist dirt, corrosion, graffiti and general wear and tear. There are also hydrophobic (water repellant) coatings that stop water entering moisture sensitive components, showing just how smart paint can be.
With these innovative new products, you’ll be able to offer customers paints and coatings that help to protect their precious equipment and ensure they last as long as possible.
- Hygiene-focused solutions
Public health and hygiene remains a key focus, particularly as people begin returning to offices and busy public spaces. Now, antimicrobial paint and coatings that are specially engineered to resist bugs and bacteria are likely to become more popular than ever before.
It’s forecast by Statista that the antimicrobial paint market will be worth $5.6 billion by 2025, showing just how large this relatively new subsector is. If you’re looking to help keep your customers safe and stop the spread of potentially dangerous germs, this is a trend that you should be looking to get in on.
Hygiene-focused paints can be applied anywhere, whether you’re giving a school or nursery a lick of paint, brightening up an office, or helping to decorate a family playroom. Finally, your customers won’t need to choose between their homes looking great and feeling safe.
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- Eco-conscious and elegant solutions
Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the impact they have on the environment, extending beyond what they put in and on their bodies. Phil Robinson, founder of environmentally-friendly painting and decorating company Paint the Town Green, believes that high-profile figures like Meghan Markle using vegan paint for her newborn’s nursery are also helping to drive this trend.
“Homeowners are more aware of environmental issues and toxic fumes now. Those fumes last for weeks afterwards and, as we're now spending more time at home due to Covid-19, we all need to think more about our indoor climate as well as the outdoor one.”
Phil continued:
“Many conventional paints give off higher levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and those fumes can trigger respiratory issues such as asthma, nausea and general feelings of lethargy and unwellness.”
Advances in tech are helping companies produce paints that have greatly reduced levels of VOC while maintaining a high-quality finish. Industry innovators are also using climate-conscious practices to reduce their paints’ overall impact.
Eicó uses 100% geothermal or hydropower energy to make its paints, meaning it is a carbon positive company, while eco paint pioneers Edward Bulmer’s products are plastic free and use raw materials from plants.
Start a painting franchise today
It’s clear that the painting industry is one that’s never going to go out of style. Whether your business produces essential coverings for use in sectors like construction and manufacturing, or it’s your job to make homes and workplaces beautiful, these new trends are likely to push your business onto bigger and better things.
Looking to explore the painting franchise opportunities here at Point Franchise? Check out our home improvement and construction franchise options, or explore the wider UK franchise directory to find the ideal sector for you. Or check out our other insightful articles, which cover every topic from mental health to marketing.
Sophie Cole, writer