United Kingdom Architectural Coatings Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2028

UK Architectural Coatings Market Analysis

The United Kingdom Architectural Coatings Market size is estimated at USD 2 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 2.25 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 2.99% during the forecast period (2024-2028).

The United Kingdom architectural coatings industry has experienced significant transformation driven by evolving construction sector dynamics and regulatory frameworks. The housing sector has shown remarkable resilience, with the country's housing stock experiencing steady growth through new construction and renovation projects. The do-it-yourself (DIY) and repaint segments have emerged as key growth drivers, particularly in the residential sector, where homeowners are increasingly engaging in home improvement projects. This trend has been further amplified by rising property values and the growing preference for personalized living spaces.

Environmental sustainability has become a cornerstone of the UK architectural coatings market, with stringent VOC regulations reshaping product formulations and manufacturing processes. The increasing adoption of LEED-certified buildings has created a robust demand for eco-friendly decorative coatings solutions, particularly in commercial construction projects. Building developers and contractors are showing a marked preference for sustainable building coatings solutions that align with green building standards. This shift has prompted manufacturers to invest heavily in research and development to create innovative, environmentally compliant products while maintaining performance standards.

The post-Brexit regulatory landscape has significantly influenced pricing dynamics and supply chain configurations in the UK architectural paint market. The restructuring of trade relationships has led to adjustments in raw material sourcing and pricing strategies, particularly affecting the competitiveness of various coating technologies. Manufacturers have responded by optimizing their production processes and exploring alternative supply sources to maintain cost-effectiveness. The industry has demonstrated remarkable adaptability in navigating these changes while maintaining product quality and market competitiveness.

Technological advancements have driven substantial innovations in coating formulations, with waterborne technologies gaining prominence due to their environmental benefits and performance characteristics. The shift towards advanced resin technologies, particularly in acrylic-based formulations, has enabled manufacturers to offer superior products with enhanced durability and application properties. Industry players are increasingly focusing on developing smart wall coating solutions with improved functionality, including enhanced weather resistance, self-cleaning properties, and superior adhesion characteristics. This technological evolution has been accompanied by growing investments in automation and digital solutions across the manufacturing and distribution chain.

UK Architectural Coatings Market Trends

Residential is the largest segment by Sub End User.

• In the United Kingdom, architectural paint consumption from 2016 to 2021 recorded a CAGR of . This increase was seen due to a 4% increase in investment in 2017 compared to 2% in 2016. Significant growth in the private housing sector and mixed growth in the commercial sector also contributed to this increase.
• The slow growth in the architectural coating consumption in 2020 was followed by a growth recovery in 2021 due to the recovery in new constructions in the residential and commercial sectors. However, in 2020, there was a decline in new construction in the DIY segment from the residential sector.
• The consumption recovered in 2021 due to a rebound from the residential and commercial sectors. The government announced policies such as tax cuts on food and hospitality, which may add to the construction sector’s growth in the coming years.

Segment Analysis: Sub End User

Residential Segment in UK Architectural Coatings Market

The residential segment dominates the United Kingdom architectural coatings market, accounting for approximately 65% of the market share in 2024. This significant share is driven by robust home improvement and renovation activities across the UK, particularly in major metropolitan areas like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. The segment's strength is further reinforced by the growing DIY culture among UK homeowners, who increasingly undertake house painting projects themselves. The rise in remote working has also contributed to increased home improvement activities, as people invest more in creating comfortable living spaces. Additionally, the growing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly coating solutions has led to increased adoption of low-VOC and water-based coatings in residential applications, further strengthening this segment's market position.

Commercial Segment in UK Architectural Coatings Market

The commercial segment in the UK architectural coatings market demonstrates steady growth potential for the forecast period 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by the ongoing construction of office spaces, retail establishments, and institutional buildings across major UK cities. The segment is witnessing increased demand for high-performance professional painting coatings that offer superior durability, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal. The adoption of smart coatings with properties like self-cleaning and anti-microbial features is gaining traction in commercial applications. Furthermore, the growing emphasis on green building certifications and sustainable construction practices is influencing the selection of eco-friendly coating solutions in commercial projects, contributing to the segment's expansion.

Segment Analysis: Technology

Waterborne Segment in UK Architectural Coatings Market

Waterborne coatings continue to dominate the UK architectural coatings market, holding approximately 75% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by stringent environmental regulations in the United Kingdom, particularly those focused on reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by increasing consumer awareness about environmental sustainability and health concerns. Waterborne coatings have gained widespread acceptance in both residential and commercial applications due to their low odor, quick drying times, and easier cleanup properties. The segment has also benefited from continuous technological advancements that have improved performance characteristics such as durability, coverage, and weather resistance, making them increasingly comparable or superior to traditional solventborne alternatives.

Solventborne Segment in UK Architectural Coatings Market

The solventborne coatings segment continues to maintain its presence in specific applications where high performance and durability requirements are paramount. Despite facing regulatory pressures and environmental concerns, these coatings remain essential for certain specialized applications, particularly in harsh environmental conditions or where superior chemical resistance is required. The segment has shown resilience through innovation, with manufacturers developing products with lower VOC content while maintaining performance characteristics. Recent technological advancements have focused on developing hybrid solutions that combine the best properties of both solventborne and waterborne systems, helping to maintain the segment's relevance in the market.

Segment Analysis: Resin

Acrylic Segment in UK Architectural Coatings Market

Acrylic resins continue to dominate the UK architectural coatings market due to their exceptional versatility and superior performance characteristics. These resins offer excellent durability, weather resistance, and color retention properties, making them the preferred choice for both interior and exterior applications. The growing focus on sustainable building practices has further boosted the demand for water-based acrylic paints, as they emit lower VOCs compared to traditional alternatives. The segment's success is also attributed to acrylic's excellent adhesion properties, quick-drying nature, and ability to maintain flexibility over time, which helps prevent cracking and peeling in varying weather conditions. Additionally, the increasing renovation and remodeling activities in the UK's residential sector have contributed significantly to the segment's dominance.

Polyurethane Segment in UK Architectural Coatings Market

The polyurethane resin segment is experiencing rapid growth in the UK architectural coatings market, driven by increasing demand for high-performance protective coatings in commercial and industrial applications. The segment's growth is fueled by the superior chemical resistance, exceptional durability, and excellent weathering properties of polyurethane-based coatings. The rising adoption of these coatings in high-traffic areas, such as commercial flooring and industrial facilities, demonstrates the market's shift towards more durable and long-lasting solutions. The segment is also benefiting from technological advancements in polyurethane formulations, leading to improved application properties and enhanced environmental compliance. The growing emphasis on energy-efficient building solutions has further accelerated the adoption of polyurethane coatings, particularly in roof coatings and thermal insulation applications.

Remaining Segments in Resin

The other resin segments, including alkyd, epoxy, and polyester, continue to play vital roles in specific applications within the UK architectural coatings market. Alkyd resins remain popular in traditional decorative paints and wood coatings due to their excellent gloss retention and durability. Epoxy resins are primarily used in heavy-duty floor coatings and industrial applications where chemical resistance and durability are paramount. Polyester resins find applications in specialty architectural coatings, particularly in powder coatings for metal substrates. These segments cater to specific market niches and contribute to the overall diversity of coating solutions available in the UK market. The continuous innovation in these resin technologies, coupled with growing environmental regulations, is driving manufacturers to develop more sustainable formulations across all segments.