Shalimar Paints: A Legacy of Trust and Transformation in India’s Paint Industry

Shalimar Paints, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation, made its way on the 5th Edition of The Most Trusted Brands of India 2025-26. With a legacy of more than 120 years, Shalimar Paints played a significant role in beautifying some of India’s most iconic buildings. Alongside, it has been a company that has redefined itself, time and time again, to fulfill the impressive demands of homeowners and professionals alike in this competitive market today. The recognition as one the most trusted brands represent Shalimar Paints’ constant dedication to quality, innovation and customer service.

Shalimar Paints, founded in 1902, stands as India’s first paint company with a proud legacy of painting some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks, from the Howrah Bridge to Rashtrapati Bhavan, and even the Chenab Rail Bridge—the world’s highest rail bridge. These monumental achievements highlight Shalimar’s unmatched ability to deliver not only durable finishes but also aesthetically pleasing results that stand the test of time.

Throughout its history, Shalimar has earned its place as a reliable name in infrastructure, residential, and industrial segments, with an unwavering reputation for quality. This legacy continues to fuel the company’s growth as it evolves in response to the ever-changing demands of today’s consumers.

Shalimar Paints is now embracing a renewed energy that speaks to a younger, more dynamic audience. The brand’s bold steps include a groundbreaking partnership with Mumbai Indians as their Official Paint Partner, bringing vibrant energy to the thrilling cricket season. This collaboration speaks to the brand’s modern ethos, appealing to the young, radiant generation who value creativity, modern aesthetics, and bold, dynamic energy, principles that drive the narrative Shalimar Paints 2.0 transformation. Shalimar Paints 2.0 marks as an expression of the desire for revampation driven by advancements in technology, groundbreaking product offerings, and strengthening engagement with the customer base. The restructuring comes with vast research and development (R&D) investment. The company has set up cutting-edge centre of research located in Nashik to help deliver innovation. Its emphasis on high-tech waterproofing products and green products reflects its commitment to solving the issues of modern times such as water leakage and sustainability.

Furthermore, the brand has a major focus on product innovations and creative marketing campaigns, to build a strong trust among consumers. The company has launched high-end products like Hero Super Premium Interior Emulsion and Zero Damp Advanced water repellent solutions. The products are a blend of affordability and high performance, addressing various consumer requirements across not only urban locations but also Tier I and Tier II cities. Recognizing that modern consumers crave transformation, Shalimar Paints launched the “Upgrade Kiya Kya” campaign, encouraging people to elevate their lifestyles with technologically advanced paints. The campaign invites consumers to go beyond a simple coat of paint and instead refresh, renew, and transform their living spaces. Whether you’re breathing new life into a room or completely overhauling your environment, Shalimar Paints is here to support your journey toward change. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about embracing newness, vibrancy, and the excitement of modern living, offering an opportunity to create a space that reflects a dynamic, evolving lifestyle.

In a competitive paint market of today, Shalimar Paints has taken a calculated risk as a brand with the balance of premium quality and affordability. This is best illustrated by its presence in Tier II and Tier III cities—areas that are increasingly urbanized and possess rising disposable incomes. Shalimar Paints believes that it has seen good growth opportunities in the rural markets.They are the areas that show growth in real estate construction, standalone housing projects, and a growing need for low-cost but good-quality paints.

Affordability is also a primary consideration for customers in these cities. Shalimar Paints finds a middle ground by providing feature-rich products at reasonable prices. The Zero Damp Advanced, for example, offers double seepage resistance specific to independent houses found in Tier II cities. And Shalimar Paints’ Home Protect Waterproofing Range responds to different moisture levels in walls. These products showcase how Shalimar combines superior quality with affordability – a practice that appeals to consumers in rural areas very strongly.

Modern homeowners are on the lookout for paints that not only look great but also stand the test of time and are kind to the environment. Shalimar Paints is stepping up to meet these expectations with their eco-friendly options and a range of innovative products. The company is making a conscious shift towards sustainable offerings that have low or even zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which helps create healthier spaces indoors. Plus, with advancements like crack-bridging technology in their waterproofing solutions, they’re tackling the unique challenges that homeowners face, especially in areas that experience harsh weather.

Shalimar Paints truly understands the value of connecting with professionals like painters and contractors. They have rolled out initiatives such as mobile training vans in Tier II cities, where they teach painters about the latest techniques and how to use their products effectively. This approach not only boosts the quality of service but also helps build stronger ties with those who influence the market on the ground. Plus, with over 30 depots and four distribution centers scattered across India, Shalimar makes sure that products reach more than 5,000 dealers all over the country. This solid supply chain allows the brand to dive deeper into emerging markets.

Innovation is at the heart of Shalimar Paints’ strategy to stay ahead in a fast-changing market. The brand embraces cutting-edge advancements like nanotechnology and smart coatings, which allow it to surpass traditional formulations in all its products. The brand’s elastomeric waterproofing membrane products consist of fiber reinforced products to easily prevent structural damage caused by water infiltration. Shalimar Paints’ self-healing coatings utilize cutting-edge technology to prolong longevity by automatically repairing small damages. Its anti-microbial coatings provide value for improving indoor air quality while excluding harmful microbes from surfaces. As Shalimar Paints aligns offerings with global trends like sustainability and smart functionality, it continues to emerge as an industry leader with a thoughtful perspective.

Indian paints industry is also under threat from increasing raw material prices and growing competition from domestic as well as international brands. Yet, such threats are also opportunities for innovation as well as differentiation. Shalimar Paints’ emphasis on knowing the likes of consumers – be it through R&D or direct interactions – guarantees its products remain contemporary in the face of evolving demands. Further, as people become increasingly eco-friendly, Shalimar’s move towards green products puts it ahead of competitors.

It is worth noting that with almost 65% of rural substrates waiting to be colored, rural pockets have immense growth potential. By reaching these regions with cost-effective solutions designed to meet the requirements of extreme weather conditions, Shalimar can exploit untapped markets.

Shalimar Paints has earned its place among the Most Trusted Brands in India, showcasing its deep-rooted legacy and a renewed focus on customer satisfaction. With a rich history of painting iconic monuments, Shalimar is now dedicated to creating innovative product solutions for modern homes. The company continually raises the bar in the paint industry, advancing with eco-friendly products and cutting-edge technology, addressing environmental concerns while aligning with global sustainability trends.

Through strategic investments in technology, expansions into Tier II & III cities, and sustainability initiatives, Shalimar Paints demonstrates how heritage brands can remain competitive in a rapidly changing market. As it sets the stage for future development under “Shalimar 2.0,” this revered name continues to enrich lives – one brushstroke at a time.

Blending a rich legacy with a forward-thinking approach, Shalimar Paints is taking bold steps to connect with today’s vibrant, youthful generation, all while staying true to its reputation for quality and reliability.