Top 10 Companies in the Quick Drying Varnish Market (2026): Industry Leaders Speeding Up Global Finishing Applications

In Business Insights
February 26, 2026

The Global Quick Drying Varnish Market was valued at USD 568.2 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 980.5 Million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.2% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This robust growth is driven by escalating demand from the construction and industrial maintenance sectors, a thriving do-it-yourself (DIY) culture, and the rapid adoption of advanced, low-VOC formulations that comply with stringent environmental regulations.

As industries worldwide prioritize efficiency and sustainability in their finishing processes, the focus shifts to the leading formulators and suppliers who are innovating to deliver faster curing times and superior protective qualities. In this analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Quick Drying Varnish Industry—a diverse group of global chemical giants and specialized coating manufacturers setting the pace for the future of surface protection.


🔟 1. Akzo Nobel N.V.

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Sikkens Quick-Dry Varnishes, Water-Based and Solvent-Based Formulations

Akzo Nobel, through its renowned brands like Sikkens and Interpon, is a global leader in performance coatings. The company’s quick-drying varnish portfolio is extensive, serving professional painters, woodworkers, and industrial clients with products renowned for their durability, clarity, and rapid cure times that significantly reduce project timelines.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering water-based, low-VOC quick-drying technologies

  • Commitment to carbon-neutral operations by 2050

  • Continuous R&D in bio-renewable raw materials for coatings

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Quick Drying Varnish Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. ITW (Illinois Tool Works Inc.)

Headquarters: Glenview, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Devcon, Randustrial® Quick-Dry Protective Coatings

ITW’s industrial coatings division provides high-performance quick-drying varnishes under brands like Devcon, which are essential for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) in demanding environments. Their products are engineered for fast application and curing on metal, wood, and concrete, minimizing equipment downtime.

Innovation Focus:

  • Developing high-strength, rapid-cure formulations for industrial use

  • Specialized solutions for abrasion and chemical resistance


8️⃣ 3. PPG Industries, Inc.

Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: PPG SPEEDHIDE®, PPG AQUATRED® Quick-Dry Varnishes

PPG is a dominant force in the coatings industry, offering a wide array of quick-drying varnishes for architectural, industrial, and specialty applications. Their products are valued for excellent leveling, fast dry-to-touch times, and low odor, catering to both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Aggressive goals to reduce VOC content across product lines

  • Investment in sustainable manufacturing processes and circular economy principles


7️⃣ 4. The Sherwin-Williams Company

Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: ProClassic® Waterbased Interior Quick-Dry, Kem Aqua®

Sherwin-Williams provides a comprehensive suite of quick-drying coatings through its vast retail network and direct sales force. Their advanced acrylic and water-based varnishes are industry standards, known for achieving a hard, durable finish in a fraction of the time required by traditional products.

Innovation Focus:

  • Leading development in self-priming, quick-dry enamel varnishes

  • Digital tools for color matching and product selection to enhance customer experience

Download FREE Sample Report:
Quick Drying Varnish Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. RPM International Inc.

Headquarters: Medina, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Varathane® Premium Fast-Dry Polyurethane, Zinsser® Bulls Eye® Shellac

RPM’s consumer brands, such as Varathane, are household names in the DIY market for quick-drying wood finishes. These products offer exceptional clarity and protection, drying in as little as 30 minutes. Their industrial divisions also supply rapid-cure coatings for infrastructure and flooring applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Expanding eco-friendly product lines with low-VOC and water-based formulas

  • Focus on recyclable packaging and reduced environmental footprint


5️⃣ 6. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: UV-Curable Resins and Binders for Industrial Varnishes

As a leading chemical company, BASF supplies the essential raw materials and advanced resin technologies that enable quick-drying varnish formulations. Their UV-curable and water-based systems allow manufacturers to produce varnishes that cure almost instantly under light, revolutionizing production line efficiency.

Innovation Focus:

  • Development of novel photo-initiators for faster UV curing

  • Bio-based acrylics for sustainable quick-dry formulations


4️⃣ 7. Axalta Coating Systems

Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Imron® Industrial Strength Polyurethane, Centari® Quick Dry Enamels

Axalta is a premier global supplier of liquid and powder coatings. Their quick-drying varnishes are critical for transportation, industrial equipment, and wood finishing, offering high-gloss retention and exceptional durability with significantly reduced drying times compared to standard coatings.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Launch of sustainable coating solutions under the “EcoConcepts” platform

  • Focus on reducing energy consumption in curing processes through advanced chemistry


3️⃣ 8. Hempel A/S

Headquarters: Lynge, Denmark
Key Offering: Hempel Quick-Dry Decorative Coatings, Hempathane Topcoat

Hempel provides protective coatings for decorative, marine, and infrastructure applications. Their quick-drying varnish products are designed for environments where time is critical, such as port facilities, bridges, and commercial buildings, ensuring rapid return to service without compromising on protection.

Innovation Focus:

  • Investing in R&D for fast-cure, high-performance anticorrosive varnishes

  • Digital solutions to optimize application and drying conditions for customers


2️⃣ 9. Jotun Group

Headquarters: Sandefjord, Norway
Key Offering: Jotun Demidekk® Quick Dry, Baltoflake FA

Jotun is a major player in marine, protective, and decorative coatings. Their quick-drying varnishes are formulated to perform in harsh climates, offering fast drying even under conditions of high humidity and low temperature, which is crucial for maritime and offshore applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Strong commitment to developing coatings with a lower carbon footprint

  • “GreenSteps” program guiding the development of sustainable product choices


1️⃣ 10. Asian Paints Limited

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Asian Paints Quick Dry Wood Finish, Apcolite Premium Lustre

Asian Paints is a market leader in Asia, with a vast distribution network and strong brand loyalty. The company’s quick-drying varnishes are tailored for the region’s diverse climate and are hugely popular in the booming residential and commercial construction markets for their ease of use and rapid results.

Innovation Focus:

  • Extensive R&D focused on heat- and humidity-resistant quick-dry formulas

  • Expanding product portfolio to meet the specific needs of the Asian DIY and professional markets

Get Full Report Here:
Quick Drying Varnish Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Quick Drying Varnish Is Faster and Greener

The quick drying varnish market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional solvent-borne products still hold substantial market share, the industry is rapidly innovating with eco-friendly alternatives, advanced curing technologies, and smart formulation science.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated adoption of UV/LED-curable technologies in industrial applications

  • Regulatory push and consumer demand driving the shift to water-based and low-VOC formulations

  • Integration of nanotechnology for enhanced durability and “smart” functional properties

  • Growing emphasis on bio-based raw materials to improve sustainability profiles

Get Full Report Here:
Quick Drying Varnish Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential finishing products—they’re driving the efficiency and sustainability revolution across global industries.