Comprehensive Snapshot for U.S. Paints and Coatings Market, Including Zone and Segment Analysis in Brief.
Industry: Chemicals and Materials
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Published Date: June-2025
ID: PMRREP35441
Number of Pages: 146
The U.S. paints and coatings market size is predicted to reach US$ 38.3 Bn in 2032 from US$ 27.6 Bn in 2025. It will likely witness a CAGR of around 4.8% in the forecast period between 2025 and 2032.
From energy-efficient skyscrapers in Chicago to hurricane-resistant homes in Florida, paints and coatings are playing a key role in shaping the U.S. built environment. Far beyond aesthetics, these materials are evolving into high-performance solutions that respond to the U.S.’s unique mix of regulatory demands, climate zones, and construction priorities. With tight environmental norms pushing the shift toward low-VOC and waterborne UV coating formulations, the market is currently undergoing a rapid transformation.
Key Industry Highlights:
Market Attribute |
Key Insights |
U.S. Paints and Coatings Market Size (2025E) |
US$ 27.6 Bn |
Market Value Forecast (2032F) |
US$ 38.3 Bn |
Projected Growth (CAGR 2025 to 2032) |
4.8% |
Historical Market Growth (CAGR 2019 to 2024) |
4.5% |
The surge in construction activities across infrastructure, commercial, and residential sectors is anticipated to boost the U.S. paints and coatings market growth, finds Persistence Market Research. In February 2025, U.S. residential housing starts exceeded 1.4 Mn units, spurred by population growth and migration to suburban areas, especially in Sun Belt regions. This spike in homebuilding has significantly boosted the consumption of architectural coatings, including low-Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) interior wall paints and weather-resistant exterior finishes. Key suppliers such as Benjamin Moore and Behr have extended their regional distribution channels to meet this demand.
On the commercial side, the post-pandemic rebound in office renovations, hospitality spaces, and mixed-use developments is further accelerating demand. There is a rising preference for antimicrobial, stain-resistant, and quick-drying coatings, particularly in sectors such as education and healthcare. PPG, for example, reported a double-digit increase in sales of its antimicrobial paint lines in 2023. It was associated with hospital expansions and school modernization projects funded under federal stimulus programs.
The U.S. is currently facing notable operational and pricing challenges due to volatile raw material costs, particularly for petrochemical derivatives. Since late 2022, supply chain disruptions and energy market fluctuations have led to erratic pricing, with titanium dioxide prices increasing by over 20% in 2023 alone, according to a new study. It has compelled manufacturers to adjust pricing strategies, shrink margins, or reformulate products, thereby compromising performance or consistency. Small-scale manufacturers have been facing issues with limited ability to absorb costs or negotiate long-term supply contracts.
Increasing adoption of waterborne coatings, while environmentally beneficial, is also presenting performance bottlenecks in specific industrial applications. These generally require longer drying and curing times compared to solvent-based alternatives. This is problematic in fast-paced manufacturing environments such as automotive and appliance production. In construction and repainting projects, fluctuating humidity and ambient temperature extend drying times for waterborne coatings, increasing labor costs and project completion timelines.
Rising awareness of the health and environmental risks associated with conventional solvent-based paints is boosting the shift toward low-VOC and zero-VOC coatings in the U.S. Studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and independent health organizations have linked VOC emissions to respiratory issues, headaches, and long-term indoor air quality degradation. These have compelled both consumers and institutions to prioritize low-emission alternatives. Hence, commercial developers, hospitals, and schools are increasingly specifying low-VOC products in their procurement standards.
Retailer behavior is also influencing this shift. Renowned chains, including Lowe’s and Home Depot, have extended their space and online visibility for low-VOC brands such as ECOS Paints and Behr Premium Plus. As per a 2023 online report, sales of low-VOC and zero-VOC interior paints grew by over 18% year-over-year, outpacing traditional coatings. This demand is being spurred by green building certification systems such as LEED and WELL, which award points for using environmentally responsible materials.
Based on resin type, the market is divided into acrylic, alkyd, polyurethane, epoxy, and polyester. Among these, acrylic is estimated to hold approximately 62.3% of the U.S. paints and coatings market share in 2025 due to its exceptional weatherability and color retention, which are important for exterior architectural and infrastructure applications. Its inherent resistance to UV degradation and yellowing makes it a preferred choice for protective coatings used on bridges, road markings, and high-exposure structures. The Federal Highway Administration, for instance, has increasingly favored water-based acrylic paints in urban areas due to their quick drying time and reduced environmental impact.
Epoxy resin, on the other hand, will likely exhibit a considerable growth rate through 2032 with its superior mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and adhesion properties. These characteristics make it ideal for use in high-performance industrial and protective applications. Epoxy powder coatings are further gaining traction in the floor coatings segment, specifically in food processing, healthcare, and commercial facilities. Their chemical-resistant finish makes them suitable for high-traffic environments where hygiene and durability are significant.
In terms of technology, the market is trifurcated into waterborne, solvent-borne, and powder coating. Out of these, waterborne coatings are expected to account for a share of nearly 45.7% in 2025 due to their compliance with strict environmental norms, mainly those set by the EPA and California's Air Resources Board (CARB). These coatings typically contain less than 5% of VOCs compared to over 60% in several solvent-borne alternatives. It makes an ideal choice for manufacturers and contractors looking to avoid regulatory penalties or limitations on product use.
Powder coatings are speculated to witness a steady CAGR from 2025 to 2032, backed by their superior material utilization rates, with nearly 98% of overspray being recyclable. This drastically reduces waste and operational costs in large-scale manufacturing environments. Increasing demand for durable, high-performance coatings in the construction and automotive sectors is also contributing to powder coatings' popularity. They offer excellent resistance to chipping, corrosion, and UV degradation, which is significant for applications such as fencing.
The West is characterized by strict environmental norms, climate-specific performance requirements, and a booming construction sector. California, Oregon, and Washington are enforcing some of the zone’s strict VOC limits, pushing the adoption of waterborne, low-VOC, and zero-VOC coatings. As of 2024, more than 80% of architectural coatings sold in California comply with the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) Rule 1113. This regulatory environment has led manufacturers such as Dunn-Edwards and Kelly-Moore to prioritize eco-friendly formulations developed as per West Coast requirements.
The ongoing housing expansion, particularly around Sacramento, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, is augmenting demand for high-durability exterior paints that can withstand intense UV exposure. Reflective roof coatings and elastomeric wall coatings are in high demand to support energy efficiency and cool roof initiatives. Henry Company and GAF have witnessed a robust uptake of their acrylic-based cool roof systems in Southern California. Local ordinances in this area often provide incentives for buildings that meet Title 24 energy efficiency standards.
The Southeast is experiencing robust demand, fueled by ongoing real estate expansion and a manufacturing resurgence across North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. With cities such as Atlanta and Charlotte emerging as commercial hubs, demand for architectural coatings, mainly high-humidity and mildew-resistant formulations, has surged. Sherwin-Williams and PPG have reported increased sales of exterior paints designed specifically for humid, subtropical climates prevalent in the zone.
The coastal exposure of several states in the Southeast is further bolstering demand for anti-corrosive and marine coatings. In the recent past, Axalta and Hempel extended their distribution networks in the Gulf Coast to meet increasing requirements from shipyards, ports, and offshore infrastructure projects. These areas require heavy-duty epoxy and polyurethane coatings that offer salt-spray resistance and long-term durability. Industrial coatings are also gaining momentum due to the rapid growth of automotive and aerospace manufacturing corridors in Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
The Midwest’s aging infrastructure, specifically in rust belt cities, has resulted in high demand for protective and anti-corrosion coatings for bridges, public transit systems, and water treatment plants. Following the rollout of funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Cleveland and Detroit initiated large-scale rehabilitation projects in 2023, pushing demand for epoxy, polyurethane, and zinc-rich primers. Companies such as Carboline have seen notable increases in protective coatings orders linked to DOT-specified maintenance work.
The Midwest’s strong base in automotive and heavy machinery manufacturing continues to sustain demand for OEM and refinishing coatings. With EV-related investments surging in Michigan and Indiana, coatings that provide high chemical resistance, conductivity insulation, and light-weighting benefits are seeing increased interest. Agricultural equipment manufacturing also plays a key role in the Midwest coatings landscape. Companies, including Case IH and John Deere, continue to boost demand for high-performance powder coatings that can endure exposure to abrasion, chemicals, and fluctuating weather conditions.
The U.S. paints and coatings market is consolidated with a handful of leading companies holding significant share through vast distribution networks, diversified product portfolios, and strong brand equity. They have made strategic acquisitions to extend their manufacturing capacities and penetrate new segments, mainly in industrial and protective coatings. Mid-sized and niche players have gained a competitive advantage in specialized segments, including high-performance industrial applications, powder coatings, and automotive refinishing.
Report Attribute |
Details |
Historical Data/Actuals |
2019 - 2024 |
Forecast Period |
2025 - 2032 |
Market Analysis Units |
Value: US$ Bn/Mn, Volume: As Applicable |
Geographical Coverage |
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Segmental Coverage |
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Competitive Analysis |
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Report Highlights |
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Customization and Pricing |
Available upon request |
By Resin Type
By Technology
By End Use
By Zone
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The U.S. paints and coatings market is projected to reach US$ 27.6 Bn in 2025.
Booming construction sector and rising demand for low-VOC products are the key market drivers.
The market is poised to witness a CAGR of 4.8% from 2025 to 2032.
Federal funding for water infrastructure rehabilitation and development of coatings with renewable raw materials are the key market opportunities.
Akzo Nobel N.V., Axalta Coatings Systems, and PPG Industries, Inc. are a few key market players.