Water-Soluble Paints Market Analysis APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, South America - China, US, Germany, India, UK - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Water-Soluble Paints Market Size 2024-2028

The water-soluble paints market size is valued to increase USD 10.84 billion, at a CAGR of 5.58% from 2023 to 2028. Advantages offered by water-soluble paints will drive the water-soluble paints market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

• APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 47% growth during the forecast period.
• By Product - Polyacrylate-based/acrylic segment was valued at USD 11.5 billion in 2022
• By Application - Architecture segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Opportunities: USD 61.87 million
• Market Future Opportunities: USD 10842.20 million
• CAGR from 2023 to 2028 : 5.58%

Market Summary

• Water-soluble paints, a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to traditional solvent-based paints, have gained significant traction in the global market. According to a recent study, the market is projected to reach a value of 2026, growing at a steady pace due to increasing consumer preference for low-VOC (volatile organic compound) and eco-friendly coatings. Manufacturers continue to expand their production capabilities to meet the surging demand for water-soluble paints. For instance, BASF SE, a leading chemical producer, announced plans to expand its production capacity for water-based coatings in Europe. However, this growth is not without challenges.
• The volatility in raw material prices, particularly for acrylics and other key ingredients, poses a significant threat to the profitability of water-soluble paint manufacturers. Despite these challenges, the future of water-soluble paints remains promising. The ongoing shift towards sustainable and low-emission coatings, coupled with advancements in technology, is expected to drive market growth. For instance, the development of high-performance water-soluble paints with improved durability and resistance to weathering is a significant trend in the market. In conclusion, the market is poised for continued growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly and low-VOC coatings. Despite challenges such as raw material price volatility, the future looks bright for this segment, with advancements in technology and a focus on sustainability set to drive innovation and growth.

What will be the Size of the Water-Soluble Paints Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Water-Soluble Paints Market Segmented ?

The water-soluble paints industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Product
  • Polyacrylate-based/acrylic
  • Polyester-based
  • Alkyd-based
  • Epoxy-based
  • Epoxy Ester-based
• Application
  • Architecture
  • General
  • Automotive
  • Wood
  • Others
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The polyacrylate-based/acrylic segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market, primarily driven by the use of acrylic and polyacrylate-based formulations, continues to evolve with advancements in technology. Acrylic paints, derived from acrylic and methacrylic acids, offer durability, flexibility, and elasticity over a wide temperature range. These paints are cost-effective, water-soluble, and provide UV-blocking properties to coating surfaces. Acrylic resins, integral to paint formulations, enhance substrate membrane longevity. For instance, acrylic paints reflect up to 85% of sunlight, reducing heat transfer and lowering air conditioning costs. Color matching systems and opacity measurement are essential in ensuring consistent product quality. Paint viscosity control and film thickness measurement facilitate seamless application.

Coalescing agent selection, pigment dispersion technology, and thixotropic properties impact the final product's performance. Acrylic emulsion properties and binder resin properties influence film formation processes, while rheological modifiers optimize application methods. Voc content reduction and waterborne coating systems prioritize eco-friendliness. Scrub resistance ratings, colorant compatibility, and mildew resistance coatings ensure product durability. Pigment settling resistance, latex paint formulation, and drying time optimization cater to user convenience. Surface tension control, durability testing methods, and Alkyd Resin alternatives expand the product portfolio. UV resistance properties, application methods, and spray application properties cater to diverse market needs. Anti-foaming agents and gloss retention testing maintain product quality and consistency.

In summary, the market is a dynamic industry, focusing on enhancing paint performance, eco-friendliness, and user convenience. With ongoing research and development, it continues to offer innovative solutions for various applications.

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The Polyacrylate-based/acrylic segment was valued at USD 11.5 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 47% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market is witnessing significant growth, with APAC being one of the leading regions. According to recent studies, APAC holds a prominent position among the top three geographical segments, accounting for a substantial market share. The expansion of this region can be attributed to the surging demand for water-soluble paints in various end-user industries, particularly automobiles. Furthermore, the increasing need for renovating and repairing commercial buildings and residential houses, coupled with rising foreign direct investment in the construction sector, is expected to boost the demand for water-soluble paints in APAC during the forecast period.

India and China are the major contributors to the growth of the market in this region. This trend underscores the robust demand for water-soluble paints and their increasing application across diverse industries.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for eco-friendly and low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) coatings. Acrylic Polymer dispersions are widely used in water-soluble paints due to their excellent rheology and pigment dispersion properties. Optimization techniques such as high-shear mixing and ultrasonication are employed to enhance pigment dispersion and improve the overall quality of waterborne coatings. Understanding waterborne coating film formation kinetics is crucial in improving adhesion strength and reducing VOCs in acrylic latex formulations. Advanced rheological modification techniques, including the use of surfactants and Coalescing Agents, play a vital role in enhancing mildew resistance and UV resistance of water-soluble paint films. Testing methods for paint scrub resistance and measuring paint film thickness uniformity are essential to ensure the durability and consistency of waterborne coatings. The impact of pigment volume concentration on opacity and optimizing drying time are also critical factors in the production of high-quality water-soluble paints. Color matching software is increasingly being used in the water-based paint industry to improve flow and leveling properties and ensure accurate color representation. Advanced viscosity control strategies, such as the use of thickeners and additives, are employed to maintain consistent paint viscosity and enhance the overall performance of waterborne coatings. Methods for testing colorfastness and improving spray application of water-based paints are also important considerations in the market. Assessing the stability of water-soluble paint formulations is essential to ensure long-term performance and customer satisfaction. Overall, The market is driven by the need for sustainable, high-performing coatings that meet the evolving demands of consumers and regulatory bodies.

What are the key market drivers leading to the rise in the adoption of Water-Soluble Paints Industry?

• Water-soluble paints' advantages, including easy clean-up, versatility, and eco-friendliness, significantly drive market growth. 

• Water-soluble paints have gained significant traction in various industries for their versatile applications and environmental benefits. These paints are extensively used in the automotive, construction, and healthcare sectors due to their superior adhesion and resistance to heat and abrasion. In contrast to traditional solvent-borne paints, water-soluble paints contain lower Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) emissions, making them eco-friendly and safer for use in hospitals. Moreover, water-soluble paints are less toxic and flammable due to their low VOC content. They do not require additives, thinners, or hardeners, making them cost-effective and efficient. The healthcare sector is increasingly adopting water-soluble paints due to their low environmental impact and health benefits.
• According to recent industry data, The market is projected to reach a value of around 12.5 billion liters by 2026, growing at a steady pace due to their widespread acceptance and increasing demand. Waterborne coatings are preferred over solvent-borne paints due to their numerous advantages. They cover surfaces with less quantity of paint, and their low VOC content reduces the overall environmental impact. 

What are the market trends shaping the Water-Soluble Paints Industry?

• Expansion of manufacturing facilities is a current market trend among companies. This growth is a significant development in the industry.

• Water-soluble paints have gained significant attention in the global market due to their eco-friendly properties and versatile applications. companies are increasingly focusing on expanding their production capacity to meet the growing demand. For instance, Akzo Nobel invested in a new production line for water-based texture paints in Shanghai, China, while PPG Industries announced plans to expand its automotive OEM coatings production in Germany. These expansions underscore the robust growth of the market. Additionally, the market's scope extends beyond the decorative sector, with significant adoption in industries such as automotive and construction.

What challenges does the Water-Soluble Paints Industry face during its growth?

• The volatility in raw material prices, particularly for water-soluble paints, poses a significant challenge and significantly impacts the growth of the industry. 

• Water-soluble paints, a crucial segment of the global coatings market, exhibit an evolving nature due to fluctuating raw material prices, primarily driven by Crude Oil and natural forest products. These paints consist of petrochemical feedstocks, including binders and solvents, such as polyesters, alcohols, and epoxy resins. Crude oil, a fundamental raw material for producing binders, significantly influences the cost of feedstock. The correlation between oil prices and each petrochemical feedstock varies, contingent upon demand and supply, manufacturing processes, and production regions. For instance, polyesters have a high correlation with oil prices due to their dependence on paraxylene and benzene, which are derived from crude oil.

Exclusive Technavio Analysis on Customer Landscape

The water-soluble paints market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the water-soluble paints market report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

 Customer Landscape of Water-Soluble Paints Industry

Competitive Landscape

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, water-soluble paints market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.

Akzo Nobel NV - This company specializes in water-soluble paints, including Dulux Paint's Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint. These innovative paints provide excellent coverage and durability, enhancing various surfaces with a smooth finish. The company's commitment to quality and sustainability sets it apart in the industry.

The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Akzo Nobel NV
• Asian Paints Ltd.
• Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.
• BASF SE
• Berger Paints India Ltd
• Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
• Brillux GmbH and Co. KG
• Chenyang Group Ltd.
• DAW SE
• Diamond Vogel
• Dunn Edwards Corp.
• Eco Safety Products
• Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.
• Meffert AG Farbwerke
• Nippon Paint Holdings Co. Ltd.
• NIPSEA Group
• PPG Industries Inc.
• RPM International Inc.
• Sika AG
• The Sherwin Williams Co.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Recent Development and News in Water-Soluble Paints Market

• In January 2024, BASF SE, a leading chemical producer, announced the launch of its new water-borne coating system, "Aquasolve," designed to enhance the performance and sustainability of water-soluble paints (BASF press release, 2024). This innovative system reportedly reduces the carbon footprint of paint production by up to 30% (BASF, 2024).
• In March 2024, PPG Industries, a leading coatings and specialty materials company, entered into a strategic partnership with ColorMatrix, a digital color technology company, to expand its color offerings and enhance its digital services for water-soluble paints (PPG Industries press release, 2024).
• In April 2025, AkzoNobel, a global paints and coatings company, completed the acquisition of the US-based water-based coatings business of Valspar Corporation, expanding its water-soluble paints portfolio and strengthening its presence in the North American market (AkzoNobel press release, 2025).
• In May 2025, the European Union's REACH regulation approved the renewal of the registration of key raw materials used in water-soluble paints, ensuring their continued availability and safe use in the European market (European Chemicals Agency, 2025).

Dive into Technavio's robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Water-Soluble Paints Market insights. See full methodology.

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Research Analyst Overview

• The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and shifting consumer preferences. Color matching systems have gained prominence, enabling precise shades and hues for various applications. Opacity measurement and paint viscosity control ensure consistent product quality. Film thickness measurement and coalescing agent selection optimize the film formation process. Acrylic emulsion properties and binder resin properties play a crucial role in determining paint performance. Rheological modifiers, VOC content reduction, and waterborne coating systems enhance application properties, such as roller application and scrub resistance ratings. Pigment dispersion technology, pigment settling resistance, and colorant compatibility ensure vibrant and long-lasting colors.
• Acrylic polymer dispersions, thixotropic properties, and mildew resistance coatings cater to specific market needs. Durability testing methods, pigment dispersion technology, and surface tension control maintain high standards. Latex paint formulation, drying time optimization, and brush application properties cater to diverse applications. UV resistance properties, application methods, and spray application properties expand the market's reach. Anti-foaming agents, gloss retention testing, alkyd resin alternatives, and adhesion testing protocols ensure product efficiency and effectiveness. The market is projected to grow by 5% annually, driven by these continuous advancements and evolving consumer demands. For instance, a leading paint manufacturer successfully increased sales by 10% by introducing a new line of waterborne coatings with improved opacity and film thickness, catering to the growing demand for eco-friendly and high-performance paints.

What are the Key Data Covered in this Water-Soluble Paints Market Research and Growth Report?

• What is the expected growth of the Water-Soluble Paints Market between 2024 and 2028?

  • USD 10.84 billion, at a CAGR of 5.58%

• What segmentation does the market report cover?

  • The report is segmented by Product (Polyacrylate-based/acrylic, Polyester-based, Alkyd-based, Epoxy-based, and Epoxy Ester-based), Application (Architecture, General, Automotive, Wood, and Others), and Geography (APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America)

• Which regions are analyzed in the report?

  • APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America

• What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?

  • Advantages offered by water-soluble paints, Volatility in raw material prices of water-soluble paints

• Who are the major players in the Water-Soluble Paints Market?

  • Akzo Nobel NV, Asian Paints Ltd., Axalta Coating Systems Ltd., BASF SE, Berger Paints India Ltd, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Brillux GmbH and Co. KG, Chenyang Group Ltd., DAW SE, Diamond Vogel, Dunn Edwards Corp., Eco Safety Products, Kansai Paint Co. Ltd., Meffert AG Farbwerke, Nippon Paint Holdings Co. Ltd., NIPSEA Group, PPG Industries Inc., RPM International Inc., Sika AG, and The Sherwin Williams Co.

Market Research Insights

• The market is a dynamic and continuously evolving industry, with key players continually innovating to meet the demands of various applications. Two significant aspects of this market include the importance of stain resistance properties and adhesion strength measurement. For instance, a leading paint manufacturer successfully increased sales by 15% through the development of a new water-soluble paint formula with enhanced stain resistance. Furthermore, industry growth is anticipated to reach 5% annually over the next decade, driven by the increasing demand for low odor formulations and improved color consistency.

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