Painted Dreams, Messy Truths About Paint Industry in India
- Aug 19, 2025
- 3 min read
The paint industry in India is undergoing significant transformations, driven by evolving consumer preferences. As homeowners and businesses seek more durable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solutions, brands must adapt to these changing demands. Our latest report in The Pulse Shift series dives deep into these trends, revealing critical insights that can help businesses understand the shifting landscape and improve their market strategies.
Key Insights from the Report
Painters Rule the Game

When choosing paint, consumers overwhelmingly trust contractors over advertisements. A substantial 72% of consumers make their decisions based on what painters and contractors recommend, not what the brands market.
This insight highlights an essential opportunity for paint brands to build strong partnerships with contractors, positioning them as brand ambassadors. For paint companies in India, cultivating these relationships could be a game-changer in driving product preference and market share.
By offering educational content and incentives to contractors, brands can leverage their influence, which will likely result in more customers choosing their products based on expert recommendations.
Stains Scare Us All

Stain resistance is a priority for Indian consumers when selecting paint. Over 51% of respondents indicate that stain resistance is more important than price or finish, which underscores the need for paint brands to focus on durability and ease of maintenance. Consumer insights in marketing suggest that paints that promise long-lasting stain resistance will resonate more with consumers, particularly those in high-traffic spaces like kitchens and children’s rooms.
For paint brands looking to stand out, emphasizing the benefits of stain resistance and how it directly impacts maintenance costs could strengthen their position in the market.
Youth = Budget Brains

Price is a significant concern for younger consumers. A striking 60% of Gen Z respondents won’t spend more than ₹400 on a liter of paint. This data speaks volumes about the price sensitivity of the younger demographic. For paint brands targeting this segment, offering budget-friendly options without compromising on quality is key.
By creating affordable yet durable products, particularly those that also cater to eco-friendly concerns, paint brands can capture the attention of this younger, price-conscious audience. It's essential to balance both value and sustainability, offering a compelling proposition that appeals to both the wallet and the values of younger consumers.
The Role of Consumer Insights in the Paint Industry
Consumer insights have become an indispensable tool for companies looking to succeed in the paint and coatings industry market research. By leveraging market research tools, paint brands can refine their product offerings and marketing strategies to better align with evolving customer expectations. AI tools for market research can provide real-time insights into shifting preferences, helping brands stay ahead of the curve.
Understanding these insights allows paint companies to tailor their products to meet consumer demand for durability, stain resistance, and eco-friendly solutions. By continuously adapting to these preferences, businesses can maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly growing market.
Conclusion
The paint industry in India is evolving as consumers place more emphasis on attributes like durability, stain resistance, and eco-friendliness. For brands to succeed, they must align their products and marketing strategies with these shifting preferences.
If you're looking to conduct rapid, data-driven consumer research for your brand across any category, Smytten PulseAI can help. With insights delivered in just 72 hours, PulseAI empowers brands to make quick, informed decisions based on real-time data.
To stay up-to-date with emerging market trends, subscribe to receive weekly consumer insights reports from The Pulse Shift series. Stay ahead of the competition and make informed decisions that drive business success.
Smart Insights For A Smarter Foresight
Comments