Ask Your ProPartner™: What’s new in high-performance coatings for 2026?
For this edition of the PPC Ask Your ProPartner column, we sat down with Dennis Fiorilli, Sr. Director of Product Information & Excellence at Sherwin-Williams about the company’s new multi-purpose paint, Forte™ Urethanized Acrylic Coating.
Can you give us a quick overview of this new product?
Forte is a single-component, fast-dry coating for interior and exterior surfaces, which can be applied directly to metal or concrete without a primer. With exceptional adhesion, outstanding durability and resistance to chemicals, Forte is ideal for commercial painting projects. Easy application by brush, roller or spray even in low temperatures makes it the go-to solution for quick return to service.
On what kind of projects do you envision this being used?
Forte is a great multi-purpose product that can be used in light industrial projects – handrails, doors and floors. A residential repaint contractor will find it useful for any jobs where they need a product that can provide a quick return to service – front doors, front porches, etc.
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Which coatings are commonly used now for these kinds of jobs?
Up until now, contractors might have had to use two to three products depending on the project. For example, if you have to paint steps and a door – you would need one product for the door, one for the handrails, and another coating for the steps that would hold up to foot traffic. Forte can be used on all those substrates.
How will it stand up in high-traffic areas?
Forte has a durable finish, and is chemical, weathering and mar/abrasion resistant. This urethanized acrylic coating has excellent adhesion, and is self-priming on a variety of difficult substrates. It is also block resistant, providing a tack-free film ideal for doors, windows and other surfaces that need a quick return to service.
You mentioned that Forte has a fast-dry formula. How fast is fast?
Look for a return to foot traffic within two to four hours, and forklift traffic after 24 hours.
Do I have some options when it comes to different types of finishes that my customer might be looking for?
Yes! Forte is available in three sheens. The Semi-Gloss formula provides a lustrous, durable finish that is perfect for areas that get cleaned frequently. With its slight gloss, the Satin finish offers the benefits of a richer look. Finally, there is a Gloss sheen. This lustrous, durable finish is great for windows, doors and trim or any area that you would like to highlight.
How about application and clean-up?
Forte cleans up easily with soap and water, with easy application by brush, roller or spray. It’s also a low temperature formula, so you can apply down to 35° F (2° C).
Are there certain applicators you recommend for Forte?
For best results, we recommend using a Purdy® XL Glide brush or Purdy® White Dove roller.
©2026 Fusable. Photos courtesy Sherwin-Williams.
