CW: As winter approaches, how can professional painters and contractors best deal with the challenges of keeping surfaces protected and projects on schedule (from sealing moisture-prone exteriors to refreshing high-traffic interiors before colder conditions set in)?

Fiorilli: As temperatures drop, professional painters and contractors face a range of seasonal challenges, like managing moisture to dealing with shorter drying times. The best approach is all about preparation and using the right products designed for specific conditions. 

For exterior projects, it’s important to seal moisture-prone surfaces early and complete coatings work before temperatures dip below the product’s recommended range. Using formulas made for low-temperature application or those that resist early moisture exposure, can go a long way in extending the painting season and protecting surfaces through colder months. It’s also important to understand that low temperature refers to the actual air temperature, the temperature of the substrate, and the temperature of the paint in the can.  For best results, contractors should ensure that all three are within the recommended temperature range.  Utilizing an infrared thermometer is a great way to be prepared in the colder months.

For interior work, this time of the year is ideal for refreshing high-traffic spaces. With the right surface prep and durable, fast-drying coatings, pros can deliver a clean, long-lasting finish while keeping schedules moving, even as outdoor work slows.

Ultimately, planning ahead and choosing coatings built for seasonal performance helps keep projects protected and ensures contractors can finish strong before winter fully sets in.

CW: Please tell us about Sherwin-Williams’ product offering for PROs and how they help them stay ahead with durable, cold-weather-ready solutions built for performance and efficiency? Please tell me a little  more about products such as Sherwin-Williams Duration® Exterior Coating and Loxon® XP Masonry Coating,  and how they offer protection against the elements while maintaining color and finish integrity through fluctuating temperatures.

Fiorilli: At Sherwin-Williams, our goal is to help professionals work efficiently and confidently no matter the season. Our products are built on advanced technology designed for durability, ease of application, and consistent performance, even when temperatures fluctuate or moisture levels rise during colder months.  With the flexibility to apply our exterior lineup down to 35°F, it sets our customers up for success, even when temperatures start to fall. 

Duration® Exterior Coating is a great example. It features PermaLast® technology, which provides exceptional durability, adhesion, and resistance to cracking and peeling, even when surfaces expand and contract with changing temperatures. Because it can be applied in temperatures as low as 35°F, it helps pros extend their exterior painting season and stay productive longer into the year.

Loxon® XP Masonry Coating is another go-to product for challenging conditions. It offers advanced weather protection for concrete and masonry surfaces, with strong resistance to alkali burn, efflorescence, and wind-driven rain. Its breathable, waterproof film helps keep moisture out while allowing vapor to escape – so the surface stays protected and sound, even in harsh environments.

Both Duration Exterior and Loxon XP are designed to save contractors a step.  This means over properly prepared surfaces, these products can be applied directly to the substrate.  This time saving attribute helps contractors complete jobs faster, which is extremely helpful when the weather is unpredictable.

CW: What benefits does the Sherwin-Williams PRO+ program give contractors? What services are included in this program? 

Fiorilli: The Sherwin-Williams PRO+ program is all about helping contractors work smarter and making their jobs easier, more efficient, and ultimately more profitable. It’s more than just a rewards program; it’s a partnership designed to support professionals at every stage of their business.

Through PRO+, members get access to exclusive tools, services, and savings that make a real difference day-to-day. That includes volume discounts, flexible billing, and streamlined online ordering through the Sherwin-Williams PRO app. Contractors can also take advantage of job site delivery, expert project support, and color consultation resources that help keep projects on schedule and clients satisfied.

And of course, PRO+ members earn rewards on every purchase, giving them a way to reinvest savings back into their business. At its core, PRO+ is about partnership by helping contractors save time, reduce costs, and strengthen relationships with their customers, so they can focus on what they do best: delivering great results.