Ask Your ProPartner™: What’s new for paint in 2026?
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AI may be generating most of the headlines these days. But there are also some game-changing technical innovations happening in the world of paint and coatings.
The scientists at Sherwin-Williams, for instance, have been working hard to develop advanced paint products that will help painters be more productive while offering customers performance and sustainability.
For this edition of the PPC Ask Your ProPartner column, we sat down with Dennis Fiorilli, Senior Director of Product Information & Excellence at Sherwin-Williams, to learn what one of these new coatings can do for the professional painting contractor.
The introduction of Emerald® Symmetry™ is the biggest product news of the year. Can you tell us more about this new coating?
This is the latest addition to our Emerald line of best-in-class coatings. Emerald Symmetry is a next-generation premium paint that delivers performance including exceptional coverage, outstanding hide, durability and lasting beauty that will help elevate your customers’ spaces with a premium color-rich finish.
The other major breakthrough is that it offers all these attributes in a zero-VOCS formula. Think of it as high performance and mindful innovation balanced perfectly in one product. Emerald Symmetry Zero-VOCS Interior Acrylic is equal parts performance and sustainability, something that is reflected in the product name – the word “symmetry” describes the property of having parts that are identical and arranged in a balanced way.
How was the zero-VOCs standard achieved?
Emerald Symmetry is engineered with advanced chemistry formulated with plant-based materials. To be specific, it contains a minimum of 22 percent plant-based carbon content, which varies by sheen, before colorant is added.
Why is this important?
We know that sustainability has become more and more important to our customers. Emerald Symmetry was intentionally designed with sustainability in mind.
It has been independently certified by third parties and complies with LEED (v4, v4.1, v5), MPI and GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) standards, including being GREENGUARD® GOLD certified for low chemical emissions. Since it’s designed to last longer, it reduces the need for frequent repaints and minimizes waste over time.
Bottom line, contractors can feel confident recommending zero-VOCS coatings like Emerald Symmetry to contribute to cleaner, healthier indoor air quality.
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You mentioned the product’s color-rich finish. Can you tell us more about that?
Emerald Symmetry is designed to achieve or match any color, from our brightest whites to rich, vibrant hues. This breakthrough technology ensures every shade carries exceptional color depth and richness. That means you can offer your customers complete flexibility of color choices.
What about durability?
Emerald Symmetry has exceptional durability and scrubbability. It maintains its finish even after hundreds of scrubs, reducing the need for repainting. This combination of beauty and resilience make Emerald Symmetry perfect for spaces that need both style and strength.
It also offers our best hide yet. It has outstanding coverage when compared to traditional interior paints.
When would you want to use Emerald Symmetry instead of, say, regular Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex?
I’d recommend it when a contractor wants to provide their customer with an ultra-premium finish while also providing the contractor excellent application from brushability/roll and hide. It’s also a great choice for those homeowners who value sustainability and what Emerald Symmetry offers in terms of zero-VOCS and next gen technology.
Are there certain applicators you recommend for Emerald Symmetry?
For elite coverage, we recommend using the Purdy® Marathon™ roller and the Purdy® Clearcut® Elite™ brush.
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©2026 Fusable. Photo courtesy Sherwin-Williams.
