The start of a new year is a time for the industry to look back on successes and challenges from the past year and anticipate new opportunities for the year ahead. Paint & Decorating Retailer recently spoke with Dennis Karnstein, commercial president and general manager of the Pittsburgh Paints Company, about his outlook on the industry and anticipated opportunities for 2026, providing a detailed view of the company’s upcoming year.
Paint & Decorating Retailer (PDR): What do you see as the challenges and opportunities in the coming year for independent paint retailers?
Dennis Karnstein: Independent paint retailers are essential to professional painters and DIYers. The expertise and local service and knowledge they offer will be key in what’s expected to be a period of upcoming growth in the industry.
The markets have been in a down cycle for several years after the surge in remodeling during COVID. While up and down cycles are typical for the industry, this down cycle was longer. High interest rates and consumer caution are expected to ease, while population growth, underbuilt housing and deferred remodeling signal a long growth cycle is on the horizon.
Despite a downturned market, we see great opportunity for independent paint retailers to prevail by prioritizing their service and expertise with professionals who are looking for a true partner to enable their business’ success.
PDR: What were some of the specific highlights from your company in 2025?
Karnstein: It was a huge year for Pittsburgh Paints Co. We separated from PPG and marked our one-year anniversary as a standalone company in December 2025. It’s hard to believe how much we packed into 2025 while we established our new company. We reintroduced the new Pittsburgh Paints and delivered on our values, relentlessly leading our customers to win and to finish their visions.
We launched our new brand and are refreshing our labels, developed innovative products, released our 2026 color forecast and strengthened our sales training program—and we’re only getting started.
From marketing to training and enabling our field organization, looking to 2026, we are investing heavily in the products and tools our dealers need to succeed.
PDR: What are you focusing on in 2026?
Karnstein: We continue to focus on how we can make it easier and more profitable for our dealer partners to do business with us, to develop products that meet and exceed their customers’ needs, and to be the premier paint supplier in North America.
To do this, we are investing in new systems and equipment, new and innovative products, training for our team and our dealers’ teams, and enhanced marketing to support our partners’ growth and to enable them to grow their businesses and profitability with Pittsburgh Paints Co.
On the product front, we are moving fast and are super focused on our customers’ evolving needs. Our teams are prioritizing product innovation that’s easy to apply with strong performance attributes. For example, we just released PITTSBURGH PAINTS ANTI-SCUFF™ Interior Zero VOC paint, a new product delivering unrivaled scuff resistance for high-traffic areas in commercial and residential spaces. No other product delivers this level of scuff resistance while maintaining the quality of other sought-after features. And, it’s our first product to carry the new Pittsburgh Paints brand name and label design!
PDR: How are you encouraging growth in 2026 and beyond?
Karnstein: We are making investments ahead of an anticipated rebound in the industry to provide our customers with products and services to grow their businesses. Our approach is to provide more than just paint, but best-in-class expertise, service and hands-on support that leads independent retailers to success.
In the long term, independent dealers will continue to be critical to our strategy and our ability to serve the paint market. We are growing and building with our customers and look forward to continued partnership in 2026.
