The UK Trade Decorative Paint market delivered a broadly stable performance in 2025, demonstrating resilience against a backdrop of mixed economic conditions and continued pressure on construction activity.

For Q4 2025, the market closed with a modest +0.1% growth year on year, reflecting a relatively flat but steady end to the year. Despite a number of headwinds, the category achieved a +1.2% increase for the full year 2025, compared the previous year, confirming a gradual return to growth following a period of subdued demand.

A key driver behind this positive trajectory has been the sustained performance of Premium Emulsions, particularly products positioned around durability and elevated aesthetic finish. Ranges offering enhanced washability, long‑lasting colour, and superior application quality such as Dulux Trade Diamond Matt and Dulux Heritage continue to drive the market with appliers and clients seeking performance, longevity, value and reliability even in cost‑conscious segments.

Alongside premium products, second‑quality emulsions also contributed to market growth. This segment benefited from incremental improvements in the new‑build and RMI extensions sector, where activity, though still below historical norms, showed slight improvement in 2025. Fragile optimism remains on the New House Build market.

Within Lightside materials, decorative products continue to provide merchants with the opportunity to drive value, including additional sales of associated products increasing total basket spend, and with solutions to meet their customers’ needs as a one stop destination.

Looking ahead, the forecast for 2026 indicates a small but positive level of growth, with expectations that stabilising economic conditions and incremental recovery in construction activity will support continued momentum. Premium Emulsions are expected to remain the primary value driver, while improvements in new‑build starts and home improvement sentiment may further benefit the wider emulsion category.

Overall, the UK Trade Decorative Paint market enters 2026 with cautious optimism: modest growth anticipated, strengthened by ongoing demand for premium performance coatings and a gradually improving backdrop in the building and renovation sectors.