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sealants 2025

From flooring to roofing to water and wastewater, all construction applications utilize adhesives and sealants in some form. The industry is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by professionals and consumers demanding more efficient, sustainable, and resilient solutions.

Manufacturers like Polycoat Products, Rust-Oleum and Shurtape Technologies, which specialize in adhesives, sealants, and floor coatings, are seeing growth opportunities across all market segments fueled by rising investments in lifecycle maintenance, repair projects and construction activity.

“With new home builds, renovations, remodels and restorations, professionals and consumers are increasingly replacing traditional fasteners with adhesives, allowing for improved structural integrity, quicker installation and reduced material weight,” said Kevin Stamets, vice president of industrial product marketing at Shurtape Technologies LLC. “As professionals seek ways to optimize workflows and enhance product resilience, these advancements are shaping the future of materials and application methods.”

RECRUIT, RETAIN AND UPSKILL

sealants 2025
Rust-Oleum has taken completion time into consideration with its latest market solution being the One-Day Floor System designed for fast, year-round installations.

The labor shortage within the construction industry is primarily driven by an aging population and a lack of interest from younger workers who may misunderstand opportunities related to a trades career. To address these gaps, companies are prioritizing talent development by embracing innovation, technology, and new tools while also investing in education and training initiatives.

From a manufacturing perspective within the adhesives and sealants industry, companies are seeing a greater need for easy-to-apply, fast-curing products as contractors request ways to streamline installation with fewer workers.

Kevin Cummings, Polycoat Products national sales manager said contractors and facility owners are demanding coatings and sealants that offer greater durability, UV resistance, and chemical protection.

“Contractors are being encouraged to adopt more user-friendly products with pre-packaged coating kits and self-leveling repair products,” said Ben Sieben, Rust-Oleum.
He noted that improved product formulations are simplifying and streamlining installation processes, reducing downtime, and promoting long-term durability in both coatings and repairs.

Cummings agreed.

“Contractors are seeking fast-set coatings and sealants that minimize downtime and labor costs while enhancing productivity,” he said, noting that polyurea, polyurethane, and hybrid coatings are gaining traction due to their superior adhesion, flexibility, and weather resistance.

Training programs also play a vital role in upskilling workers and equipping them to meet modern demands. Advancements in technology have expanded the range of tools available to professionals.

“An asset like FrogTape Advanced serves as an essential tool, helping new painters master precision techniques faster,” said Patti LaPorte, director of paint and masking tapes for Shurtape Industrial. “By incorporating high-performance tape into education and apprenticeship programs, companies can teach best practices in masking, cutting-in and achieving sharp lines, skills that separate experienced professionals from novices.”
Rapid advancements in technology continue to drive change and growth. Automated case sealing systems, like the ShurSEAL solution for example, are designed to minimize material waste, reduce downtime and maintenance costs.

“Contractors and distributors are prioritizing solutions that blend affordability with long-term performance, a trend expected to boost market penetration in smaller-scale projects,” Sieben said.

These implementations provide improvements in efficiency, productivity, safety, and cost reductions.

SHAPING THE FUTURE

sealants 2025
Easy-to-use products that maintain jobsite resilience and durability are at the top of many contractors’ lists of interests due to the ongoing worker shortage.

Companies like Shurtape, Polycoat and Rust-Oleum are committed to advancing technology and sustainability within the industry. Each continues to integrate cutting-edge solutions that enhance both performance and efficiency while remaining conscious of its environmental impact.

Several key factors are driving innovations and market trends that are shaping the future of the adhesives and sealants industry.

“Innovative adhesive products and tools designed to support newer professionals with limited on-the-job experience in delivering excellent, high-quality results will gain traction,” Stamets said. “This trend will continue as experienced older professionals retire and a new workforce emerges.”

Attempting to aid the transition, Sieben said Rust-Oleum hopes to provide professionals with solutions that drive efficiency, safety, and long-term performance.

He said the company’s latest market solutions include One-Day Floor systems designed for fast, year-round installations in temperatures from 30 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as safety products and marking tape.

“This new product line underscores our dedication to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of our industry partners, ensuring they can tackle their project work with confidence,” Sieben said.

Shifting economic and environmental priorities are also reshaping supply chains and sustainability efforts. Additionally, the industry is expected to increase its focus on developing and supporting more “Made in America” products, reinforcing local economies, and reducing reliance on overseas manufacturing.

Contractors are focusing more on being able to demonstrate commitment to their clients to reduce their carbon footprint by implementing greener materials, recycling initiatives and more sustainable project practices.

“Sustainability will drive advancements, with adhesives adapting to bond effectively with eco-friendly materials as companies prioritize reducing their carbon footprint,” Stamets said.

For example, Cummings noted that Polycoat Products invests considerable resources into research and development to engineer advanced polyurethane and polyaspartic coating formulations to deliver adhesives and sealants with enhanced strength, flexibility, and durability.

“With stricter environmental regulations, there’s a growing demand for solvent-free, low-VOC, and eco-friendly coatings and sealants,” he said.

Future advancements in material science, such as self-healing coatings, smart polymers, and nanotechnology-enhanced sealants, will play a pivotal role in the industry’s future.

“Expect to see a continued push toward recyclable, energy-efficient, and multi-functional coatings that not only protect surfaces but also contribute to energy savings and sustainability,” Cummings said. “End-users and regulatory agencies continue to drive sustainability. As a manufacturer, we are also mindful of combining this without sacrificing performance and reliability. Our scientists and engineers are developing innovative formulations to deliver adhesives and sealants with enhanced strength, flexibility, and durability.”

Similarly, Shurtape is prioritizing the development of recyclable packaging tapes. For example, CR 400 Performance Grade Curbside Recyclable Paper Packaging Tape can be recycled right on the box.

“Choosing sustainable packaging does not mean you should sacrifice the features you need to keep your line running, like quality, performance and durability,” said Joe Garvey, industrial product manager, packaging at Shurtape Technologies. “We have taken that to heart and designed our curbside packaging tape to address the emerging need for sustainable solutions for end-of-line packaging, while delivering the same strength, quality and reliability demanded of Shurtape Packaging Solutions.”

With innovations like FrogTape Advanced technology, Shurtape is also prioritizing sustainability through the development of acrylic adhesives that are more eco-friendly, such as the FrogTape line of flashing tapes.

“We continue to balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring that our products meet the evolving needs of both professionals and the planet,” Stamets said.

LEARN MORE

www.polycoatusa.com
www.rustoleum.com
www.shurtapetech.com

This article originally appeared in the April/May 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine. Copyright, 2025 Direct Business Media.

CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE

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