October 2026: New Standards Elevate Quality in Paint and Colour Industries

The Paint and Colour Industries are entering a new era of quality, performance, and consistency with the publication of four critical international standards in October 2026. Covering both coatings and pigments, these freshly released documents redefine best practices for durability and colour measurement—issues central to product performance, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. This article reviews each standard in detail, targeting the needs of manufacturers, formulators, quality managers, compliance officers, engineers, and researchers.

Overview

The paint and colour sector plays a foundational role in construction, automotive, industrial manufacturing, consumer goods, and more. Quality and reliability are paramount—not only for the aesthetics and longevity of products but for safety, maintenance, and regulatory requirements.

International standards create a common language, allowing organizations worldwide to benchmark performance, ensure consistent testing, and avoid market barriers. This October, four new and thoroughly revised standards have arrived, covering:

• The determination of wet-scrub resistance of paints and varnish coatings
• Photometric methods for comparing the tinting strength and scatter power of pigments and extenders

Professionals reading this article will:

• Gain actionable summaries of technical requirements and implementation recommendations
• Understand the business impact and compliance needs
• Learn about common best practices and testing protocols

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN ISO 11998:2026 – Wet-Scrub Resistance for Coatings

Paints and varnishes – Determination of wet-scrub resistance of coatings (ISO 11998:2026)

This European-adopted ISO standard sets a rigorous method to evaluate a coating’s resistance to repeated wet scrubbing—a proxy for its durability under cleaning and wear. The ability of wall paints, varnishes, and other coatings to withstand such cleaning directly affects product claims, facility maintenance costs, and user satisfaction.

The scope is narrowly focused on wet-scrub resistance, excluding broader cleanability. It prescribes standardized procedures regarding:

• Defined panel substrates (e.g., PVC or appropriate alternatives)
• Fixed application methods (doctor blade or industrial method)
• Strict drying/conditioning regimes
• Accelerated scrub cycles with quality-controlled abrasive pads

Key requirements include precise measurement of mass loss and film thickness reduction—critical for classifying products (e.g., EN 13300 classes) and supporting durability claims.

Who should comply:

• Paint and coating manufacturers
• Facility maintenance suppliers
• Quality and product conformity assessment labs
• Regulatory or procurement officials specifying interior or exterior coatings

Practical implications

• Enables accurate and reproducible durability classification
• Supports regulatory claims and customer transparency
• Facilitates marketplace comparison and product improvement

Notable changes from prior editions:

• Removal of cleanability assessment
• Revised abrasive pad material for greater reproducibility
• Updated statistical approaches to repeatability and reproducibility
• Enhanced annexes on batch control, reference materials, and interlaboratory comparisons

Key highlights:

• Accelerated, standardized scrub test for coatings
• Strict substrate and drying protocol for reproducibility
• Updated abrasive pad specification and controls

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 11998:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN ISO 787-24:2026 – Photometric Methods for Pigments and Extenders

General methods of test for pigments and extenders – Part 24: Photometric methods for determining the relative tinting strength of coloured pigments and the relative scattering power of white pigments (ISO 787-24:2026)

This comprehensive standard outlines robust photometric techniques for evaluating two principal properties in pigments and extenders used in paints, plastics, and coatings:

• The relative tinting strength of similar coloured pigments
• The relative scattering power of white pigments (e.g., titanium dioxide)

Both are measured in a controlled alkyd resin matrix, where differences in pigment performance can dramatically affect batch-to-batch consistency, formulation economics, and final product appearance.

The standard excludes pigments that, upon reduction, show significant colour differences, ensuring reliable benchmarking only between compatible materials.

Key requirements and procedures:

• Equal-mass dispersions of test and reference pigments
• Specific alkyd resin composition with detailed mixing instructions
• Photometric measurement at established wavelengths using calibrated colorimeters
• Calculations based on Kubelka-Munk theory (K/S values, reflectivity, and scattering index)
• Recommendations for reporting, including test film preparation and equipment details

Who should comply:

• Pigment and extender manufacturers
• Paint formulators and quality control labs
• Regulatory agencies and contract test laboratories

Practical implications:

• Ensures consistent, reliable colour performance and opacity
• Supports purchasing decisions and quality assurance in supply chains
• Enables formulation optimization and regulatory documentation

Notable changes:

• Updated and harmonized terminology (now aligned with ISO 18451-1)
• Improved requirements for pigment paste composition
• Broader allowances for colorimeter light sources
• Enhanced data analysis and reporting procedures

Key highlights:

• Instrument-based methods for objective colour and opacity appraisal
• Enables global supply chain harmonization
• Comprehensive guidance for sample preparation and measurement

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 787-24:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 11998:2026 – Wet-Scrub Resistance of Coatings

Paints and varnishes — Determination of wet-scrub resistance of coatings

As the globally recognized ISO edition, this standard mirrors EN ISO 11998:2026, establishing an international benchmark for evaluating the durability of coatings subject to wet cleaning. The scope, procedures, and technical apparatus are identical, ensuring worldwide cross-border consistency for quality comparisons and regulatory claims.

Scope and requirements:

• Application of defined test panels (preferably PVC or metal if solvent sensitive)
• Controlled film application and drying environments
• Use of certified abrasive pads, with batch control protocols
• Measurement of mass loss and mean film thickness to rate wet-scrub resistance
• Reporting requirements aligned to facilitate regulatory adoption and product performance transparency

Target users:

• Paint manufacturers serving multiple national markets
• Global retailers/brands imposing harmonized quality requirements
• Quality control laboratories with multinational scope
• Buyers seeking evidence-based selection of durable wall and floor coatings

Key enhancements over former versions:

• Exclusion of cleanability (now addressed in other documents)
• Improved definition and batch control for abrasives
• Updated statistical basis for repeatability and reproducibility
• Expanded annexes for quality assurance, including guidance on reference paints and interlaboratory evaluations

Key highlights:

• Internationally harmonized testing protocol
• Enhanced controls for significant reproducibility improvements
• Supports classification systems like EN 13300 for wall paint performance

Access the full standard:View ISO 11998:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 787-24:2026 – Photometric Measurement for Pigments

General methods of test for pigments and extenders — Part 24: Photometric methods for determining the relative tinting strength of coloured pigments and the relative scattering power of white pigments

This standard—aligned with EN ISO 787-24:2026 for international coherence—offers authoritative protocols for photometric evaluation in pigment and extender quality assurance. It is essential for ensuring global comparability and compliance in industries where colour accuracy and hiding power are mission-critical (construction paints, automotive finishes, plastics compounding, etc.).

Core features:

• Usage of standardized binders and reference pigments
• Detailed photometric measurement approaches for both coloured and white pigments
• Calculation methods grounded in Kubelka-Munk theory
• Thorough documentation and reporting requirements to support regulatory review or dispute resolution

Who needs to comply:

• Multinational pigment suppliers
• Paint and coating companies exporting across regulatory jurisdictions
• Independent labs specializing in pigment evaluation

What’s new:

• Alignment with latest ISO pigment definitions (ISO 18451-1)
• Clarified requirements for pigment dispersion and testing matrices
• Flexibility in use of colorimetric equipment and method adjustment for new pigment chemistries

Key highlights:

• Harmonized with European and ISO frameworks
• Emphasizes objectivity and reproducibility in pigment testing
• Incorporates latest advances in photometric and colorimetric technology

Access the full standard:View ISO 787-24:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Business Implications

• Durability Classification: With EN ISO 11998 and ISO 11998, manufacturers can objectively demonstrate a coating’s resistance to cleaning and compare across global benchmarks (e.g., EN 13300)
• Product Differentiation: Certified pigment tinting strength and opacity data enable more accurate claims, better customer communication, and smoother market access
• Supply Chain Assurance: Quality control is streamlined for both producers and buyers; disputes over colour matching, batch consistency, or abrasion performance are minimized with standardized evaluation

Compliance Considerations

• Implement the updated scrub-resistance and photometric protocols promptly to avoid regulatory gaps
• Review and adapt quality control procedures, training, and instrumentation as specified in each standard
• Ensure supplier and laboratory partners are notified of the new requirements and timelines

Benefits

• Enhanced confidence in product longevity and customer satisfaction
• Reduced risk of product failures, complaints, and returns
• Smoother regulatory audits and global market entry

Risks of Non-Compliance

• Regulatory penalties or import/export bans
• Increased warranty claims and reputational damage
• Potential incompatibility with procurement contracts referencing the latest standards

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements

• Sample preparation and conditioning are precisely defined—variations can lead to irreproducible results
• Use of certified equipment (e.g., doctor blades, scrub testers, colorimeters) is mandatory
• Batch verification of key consumables—especially abrasive pads—is highlighted due to their impact on test results

Implementation Best Practices

1. Update SOPs and Train Staff: Adjust laboratory and production standard operating procedures to incorporate all new test steps, reporting requirements, and documentation protocols.
2. Maintain Equipment According to Specifications: Regularly calibrate all mechanical and optical devices, follow batch verification strategies for abrasives and reference materials.
3. Collaborate with Suppliers: Ensure pigment, extender, and coating raw material suppliers comply with new test protocols and provide relevant compliance documentation.
4. Document All Results: Archive test data in compliance with updated reporting requirements as mandated in the standards.

Testing and Certification Considerations

• Conduct interlaboratory comparison to validate performance against industry peers
• Participate in proficiency schemes to build confidence for third-party clients or regulators
• Prepare for compliance audits by establishing traceable documentation chains

Conclusion & Next Steps

The October 2026 release of these four pivotal standards marks a significant advance for the paint and colour industries—bridging technical rigour with real-world performance demands. Whether you are a manufacturer, laboratory manager, formulator, or procurement specialist, now is the time to:

• Review your organization’s compliance against these new requirements
• Engage with technical teams and suppliers to update testing, documentation, and procurement protocols
• Explore the full standards directly to ensure thorough understanding and effective implementation

Stay informed and proactive as the international landscape of coatings and pigment quality continues to evolve.

Discover all the latest standards for the Paint and Colour Industries, and ensure your products and processes meet global benchmarks at iTeh Standards