When my father started our painting business, things were simple. A brush, some paint, and honest work – that was the formula. Today, as I lead our operations across Maharashtra and beyond, I see our industry changing at a faster pace than ever before.
What I’m seeing in the last few years tells me that the next decade will be very different for all of us in the finishing business.
Technology is Knocking at Our Door
Five years ago, if someone told me we’d be using apps to match paint colors or drones to inspect high-rise buildings, I would have laughed. But here we are. Technology isn’t coming to replace us – it’s coming to help us work better.
I’ve started seeing spray painting machines that can cover a wall in half the time with half the wastage. There are paints now that you can wash with soap and water without damaging them. Some materials even clean themselves when sunlight hits them.
The younger team members in my team pick up these new tools faster than I do, honestly. But that’s okay. My job is to stay open to change, not to know everything. What my mentor always tells me Niranjan, ‘It’s about you know-who knows’!
Materials Are Getting Smarter
When we moved from Pune to India-level operations to expand our business, I realised that what works in one place doesn’t always work in another. Humidity, temperature, coastal areas, and industrial zones – every place has different needs.
The good news? Paint companies are finally listening. We’re seeing materials that can handle extreme weather, paints that resist mold in humid places like Mumbai, coatings that stay fresh longer in dusty areas. There are even eco-friendly options now that don’t smell so strong – something our clients really appreciate.
I’m not a technical expert, but I make it a point to attend trade shows and talk to suppliers. Sometimes the best ideas come from just asking questions.
What Clients Want is Changing
This is the biggest shift I’ve noticed. Ten years ago, clients wanted their homes painted. Period. Today, they want experiences.
They ask about air quality. They want to know if the paint is safe for their kids. They care about how long it will last. They send me Pinterest links with color combinations I’ve never seen before. One client even asked me if we could create a texture that looks like their grandmother’s old haveli walls.
At first, I found all this overwhelming. But then I realized – this is actually good for us. Clients who care this much become long-term partners. They don’t just want the cheapest option; they want the right option.
What This Means for People Like Us
I won’t pretend I have all the answers. At 35, I’m still learning every single day. But here’s what I’m trying to do:
I’m investing in training my team on new techniques. Not because we have to, but because our clients deserve it. I’m slowly upgrading our equipment – not everything at once, but in a way that makes sense for our business.
Most importantly, I’m trying to stay curious. Every project teaches us something new. Every complaint shows us where we can improve. Every satisfied client reminds us why we do this work.
The finishing industry isn’t just about paints and polish anymore. It’s about solving problems, creating experiences, and building spaces where people feel good. That’s a bigger responsibility than my father had, and honestly, it’s more exciting too.
I don’t know exactly what the next ten years will bring. But I do know this – those of us who are willing to learn, adapt, and put our clients first will not just survive, we’ll grow.
And that’s a future worth working toward.
What changes are you seeing in your industry? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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