Both painting pros and their customers are always interested in concrete coatings that look good and protect their investment. Here’s a quick look at some of the trends that industry representatives say are currently driving concrete product formulation.

FORMULAS THAT ENDURE

Mike Mundwiller, field integration manager at Benjamin Moore, is seeing increased demand for concrete formulations in general but, above all, it seems pros and their customers are really looking for a formula that can handle extreme weather.

“In today’s world, due to advancement in synthetic substrates, overall paintable square footage is going down, but masonry is one substrate that’s growing,” he notes. “In particular, we’re seeing an emphasis on resistance to the elements, such as wind-driven rain and UV (rays).”

Sunny southern states endure their own unique weather challenges, and there’s a need for formulas that address these regional durability concerns.

“In the architectural [coatings] industry, especially in harsh weather environments such as Florida, California and Arizona, there have been many changes needed to address the rapid onset of fading, chalking and coating degradation,” says Erin Brown-Neff, director of marketing and business development with APV Engineered Coatings. “Our NeverFade technology is a response to this need for longer-lasting concrete coatings, which can last 20 to 30 years with extreme color performance and integrity on the surface with minimal erosion and degradation from UV (rays).”

At the same time, paint pros are on the lookout for products that can be applied in less-than-ideal weather, too.

“Contractors are always interested in extending their painting seasons. Our new reformulation of PERMA-CRETE now allows almost all of these products to be applied down to 35˚ F, which may give pro painters another month or two in some geographical areas,” adds Jeremy Bohley, PPG Paints associate product manager.

FACTORING IN AESTHETICS

Concrete coating manufacturers are also seeing a growth in demand for products that can help customers customize a space with a unique color or specific look.

“One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is the aesthetics—gray floors are really in right now. Since there’s no way to achieve a true gray in an acid stain, our Living Earth water-based stains are a good way to expand the palette; then using our new, slower-drying formulation of Protek 95 is a good option for a clear coating,” adds Cory Christensen, COO of Concrete Coatings, Inc.

For Kerri Schlenker, brand manager with the concrete coatings division at Rust-Oleum, customers and paint pros are seeking that perfect mix of low maintenance and customization.

“We find that products that allow for easy maintenance are always going to be popular,” she says. “Another trend we’re seeing is staining of stamped concrete, which gives a lot of freedom for a personalized custom look.”

To learn more about trends in concrete coatings, read the expanded feature article in the Nov/Dec issue of inPAINT magazine. For more product- and industry-trend features, visit inpaintmag.com