Arch Painting® Predicts Trends in Commercial Painting for 2026

Sleek Interiors, Fresh Exteriors and Bold, Modern Colors will Rule Commercial Renovations in 2026

WOBURN, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Arch Painting^®, the leading provider of nationwide commercial paint contracting services today announced the painting trends most popular across its commercial customers and its predictions for 2026.

Neutrals are Back
It's no surprise the Pantone color of the year was Cloud Dancer – a soft, lofty and serene off-white and Sherwin Williams’ color of the year for 2026 is Universal Khaki – a warm, earthy, mid-tone neutral. Arch Painting is seeing an increase in customers choosing neutrals to brighten office spaces, bring a calming effect to senior living units, and showcase commercial spaces with a ‘blank canvas’ that neutrals can provide.

Modern Look
Sleek and modern details are becoming more popular with commercial customers choosing white or neutrals and accenting with black trim and detail work. This modern approach creates a clean, welcoming environment and a design trend that will age gracefully.

Smarter Surfaces
Commercial customers are choosing more durable painting options to increase the longevity of surface painting in high traffic areas. Paint that allows for easy cleaning, stain resistance, durability, and easy maintenance are ideal. Low or zero VOC paint is ideal for occupied commercial spaces – especially when quick reentry is required. Satin, semi-gloss and eggshell sheens are often preferable due to washability and appearance. And our foodservice and healthcare customers are more commonly choosing paint options that offer antimicrobial properties.

Epoxy Flooring
Speaking of smarter surfaces, Arch Painting customers are choosing to update industrial kitchens, public bathrooms and high traffic areas with durable, seamless epoxy flooring. Commercial customers are more routinely choosing the long-term benefits of installing epoxy flooring because it offers safety with its nonskid surface, an easy to clean environment and unmatched durability for long-term use.

Technology
As they say, every company is a software company and commercial customers are looking for partners – including in the painting industry – that can support technology that improves customer service. All aspects of the job – from estimating and contracting to scheduling and managing the onsite crew – can be accommodated by Arch Painting’s best in class technology offering.

“Our commercial customers value the preventative maintenance that regular painting provides for their spaces,” said Jason Card, Senior Vice President of Operation for Arch Painting. “We are seeing these trends for 2026 that will not only turn commercial spaces into modern, sleek and well-designed interiors and exteriors, but also increase curb appeal, and maintain high traffic areas.”

Arch Painting predicts that commercial spaces will continue to lean into neutral, modern paint pallets, more durable surfaces and flooring, and an increased use of technology for 2026.

About Arch Painting®
Arch Painting is the nation’s leading commercial paint contractor. Founded by Joe Giacalone in 1997, Arch Painting provides unparalleled painting services that transform spaces from ordinary to extraordinary. Customer service, attention to detail, mastery of technique, and uncompromising commitment to quality are the foundation of each job and partnership served. Learn more at www.archpainting.com.