ISO/FDIS 787-1

• Abstract:

  Procedure for comparing the colour of a coloured pigment with that of an agreed sample. The procedures described in this document are acceptable but the method using an automatic muller is the reference method. The binder is not specified. It shall be agreed between the interested parties. If no binder is agreed, linseed oil, complying with the specification in ISO 150, should be used. - Replaces ISO/R 787/1:1968.

• Status: Not Published
• ICS: 87.060.10 - Pigments and extenders
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 256 - Pigments, dyestuffs and extenders
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 256/WG 3 - General test methods for colorants and extenders
• Current Stage: 5020 - FDIS ballot initiated: 2 months. Proof sent to secretariat
• Start Date: 28-Aug-2026
• Completion Date: 28-Aug-2026

• Consolidates: FprEN ISO 787-1 - General methods of test for pigments and extenders - Part 1: Comparison of colour of pigments (ISO/FDIS 787-1:2026)
• Effective Date: 12-Feb-2026
• Revises: ISO 787-1:1982 - General methods of test for pigments and extenders — Part 1: Comparison of colour of pigments
• Effective Date: 07-Jan-2025

Overview

ISO/FDIS 787-1: General methods of test for pigments and extenders - Part 1: Comparison of colour of pigments sets out standardized procedures to compare the colour of a coloured pigment against an agreed reference sample. The standard is developed by ISO Technical Committee 256 and replaces the previous version ISO/R 787/1:1968. It defines acceptable methods for colour comparison, with the process using an automatic muller designated as the reference method. The choice of binder is not fixed by the standard and should be mutually agreed by parties involved, though linseed oil in accordance with ISO 150 is recommended if none is specified.

This standard provides a uniform approach for pigment manufacturers, quality controllers, and laboratories to perform consistent and reliable colour comparison tests. Its application ensures objective assessment of pigment colour matching, a critical factor in paints, coatings, and related industries.

Key Topics

• Standard Test Methods:
  • Reference method using an automatic muller for pigment dispersion
  • Alternative method using a hand muller or palette knife
• Selection of Binder:
  • Binder choice is by agreement; default recommended is linseed oil complying with ISO 150
• Substrate Requirements:
  • Substrate dimensions and material selection suitable for binders and comparison techniques
• Test Procedure:
  • Steps for preparing pigment dispersions
  • Procedures for achieving homogeneous paste consistency
  • Application of standard grinding force and number of revolutions for muller methods
• Colour Comparison:
  • Visual comparison under diffuse or artificial daylight as specified in ISO 3668
  • Optional colorimetric evaluation using instruments following ISO 18314-1 and ISO/CIE 11664 series
  • Reporting colour differences in hue, chroma, and lightness
• Reporting Requirements:
  • Detailed documentation of materials, procedures, results, deviations, and anomalies

Applications

The procedures defined in ISO/FDIS 787-1 apply widely across industries that use pigments and extenders, including:

• Paints and Coatings: For manufacturers validating that pigment batches meet customer specifications or regulatory requirements before formulating paints and varnishes.
• Plastics and Polymers: Ensuring colour consistency in masterbatches and compounding.
• Printing Inks: For precise matching of printing pigments to reference samples.
• Quality Assurance Laboratories: Standardized protocols for establishing colour uniformity and reproducibility between production batches and over time.

Adopting this international standard enhances consistency, reduces disputes in supply chains, and supports clear communication between producers and end users regarding pigment performance and quality.

Related Standards

Several ISO standards support or are referenced by ISO/FDIS 787-1 for comprehensive pigment colour testing:

• ISO 150: Raw, refined and boiled linseed oil for paints and varnishes - Specifications and methods of test
• ISO 3668: Paints and varnishes - Visual comparison of colour of paints
• ISO 15528: Paints, varnishes, and raw materials - Sampling
• ISO 18314-1, ISO 18314-5: Analytical colorimetry - Practical colour measurement and determination of colour differences
• ISO 18451-1: Pigments, dyestuffs, and extenders - Terminology
• ISO/CIE 11664-4, -6: Colorimetry - CIE Lab* and CIEDE2000 colour-difference formulae

Consulting related standards alongside ISO/FDIS 787-1 ensures robust, internationally recognized approaches for testing, comparing, and verifying pigment colour in industry applications. Using these harmonized methods facilitates global trade and helps maintain product quality and customer satisfaction.

FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 256
General methods of test for
Secretariat: DIN
pigments and extenders —
Voting begins on:
2026-08-28
Part 1:
Comparison of colour of pigments
Voting terminates on:
2026-10-23
Méthodes générales d'essai des pigments et matières de charge —
Partie 1: Comparaison de la couleur des pigments
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Reference number
FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 256
General methods of test for
Secretariat: DIN
pigments and extenders —
Voting begins on:
Part 1:
Comparison of colour of pigments
Voting terminates on:
Méthodes générales d'essai des pigments et matières de charge —
Partie 1: Comparaison de la couleur des pigments
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO 2026
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Apparatus and materials . 1
5 Sampling . 2
6 Procedure . 2
6.1 General .2
6.2 Procedure using an automatic muller.2
6.2.1 Test portion .2
6.2.2 Preparation of pigment dispersion .2
6.3 Procedure using a hand muller or palette knife .3
6.3.1 Test portion .3
6.3.2 Preparation of pigment dispersion .3
7 Colour comparison . 3
8 Test report . 3

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 256, Pigments, dyestuffs and extenders, in
collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 298,
Pigments and extenders, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN
(Vienna Agreement).
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 787-1:1982), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— Clause 3 on terms and definitions has been added;
— in Clause 7, the colorimeter method has been added for colour measurement and colour comparison;
— the normative references have been updated.
A list of all parts in the ISO 787 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
FINAL DRAFT Internationa
...

ISO/DISFDIS 787-1:2026(en)
ISO/TC 256
Secretariat: DIN
Date: 2026-06-0908-13
General methods of test for pigments and extenders —
Part 1:
Comparison of colour of pigments
Méthodes générales d'essai des pigments et matières de charge —
Partie 1: Comparaison de la couleur des pigments
FDIS stage
TTTTTThhhhhhiiiiiissssss d d d d d drrrrrraftaftaftaftaftaft i i i i i issssss s s s s s suuuuuubbbbbbmmmmmmiiiiiittttttttttttedededededed t t t t t toooooo   a pa pa pa pa pa pararararararallel vallel vallel vallel vallel vallel vooooootttttte e e e e e iiiiiinnnnnn I I I I I ISSSSSSOOOOOO,,,,,, C C C C C CEEEEEENNNNNN.

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
EmailE-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
ii
ISO/DISFDIS 787-1:2026(en)
Contents
Foreword . iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Apparatus and materials . 1
5 Sampling . 2
6 Procedure . 2
6.1 General. 2
6.2 Procedure using an automatic muller . 2
6.3 Procedure using a hand muller or palette knife . 3
7 Colour comparison . 3
8 Test report . 4

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 256, Pigments, dyestuffs and extenders, in
collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 298,
Pigments and extenders, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN
(Vienna Agreement).
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 787-1:1982), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— Clause 3— Clause 3 on terms and definitions has been added;
— — in Clause 7Clause 7,, the colorimeter method has been added for colour measurement and colour
comparison;
— — the normative references have been updated.
A list of all parts in the ISO 787 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
iv
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 787-1:2026(en)

General methods of test for pigments and extenders —
Part 1:
Comparison of colour of pigments
1 Scope
This document specifies a general method of test for comparing the colour of a coloured pigment with that of
an agreed sample.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 150:2018, Raw, refined and boiled linseed oil for paints and varnishes — Specifications and methods of test
ISO 3668, Paints and varnishes — Visual comparison of colour of paints
ISO 15528, Paints, varnishes and raw materials for paints and varnishes — Sampling
ISO 18314--1, Analytical colorimetry — Part 1: Practical colour measurement
ISO 18314--5, Analytical colorimetry — Part 5: Procedure for colorimetric determination of colour differences
of object colours according to equidistant colour spaces
ISO 18451--1, Pigments, dyestuffs and extenders — Terminology — Part 1: General terms
ISO/CIE 11664--4, Colorimetry — Part 4: CIE 1976 L*a*b* colour space
ISO/CIE 11664--6, Colorimetry — Part 6: CIEDE2000 colour-difference formula
3 Terms and
...

PROJET FINAL
Norme
internationale
ISO/TC 256
Méthodes générales d'essai des
Secrétariat: DIN
pigments et matières de charge —
Début de vote:
2026-08-28
Partie 1:
Comparaison de la couleur des
Vote clos le:
2026-10-23
pigments
General methods of test for pigments and extenders —
Part 1: Comparison of colour of pigments
LES DESTINATAIRES DU PRÉSENT PROJET SONT
INVITÉS À PRÉSENTER, AVEC LEURS OBSERVATIONS,
NOTIFICATION DES DROITS DE PROPRIÉTÉ DONT ILS
AURAIENT ÉVENTUELLEMENT CONNAISSANCE ET À
FOURNIR UNE DOCUMENTATION EXPLICATIVE.
OUTRE LE FAIT D’ÊTRE EXAMINÉS POUR
ÉTABLIR S’ILS SONT ACCEPTABLES À DES FINS
INDUSTRIELLES, TECHNOLOGIQUES ET COM-MERCIALES,
AINSI QUE DU POINT DE VUE DES UTILISATEURS, LES
PROJETS DE NORMES
TRAITEMENT PARALLÈLE ISO/CEN
INTERNATIONALES DOIVENT PARFOIS ÊTRE CONSIDÉRÉS
DU POINT DE VUE DE LEUR POSSI BILITÉ DE DEVENIR DES
NORMES POUVANT
SERVIR DE RÉFÉRENCE DANS LA RÉGLEMENTATION
NATIONALE.
Numéro de référence
PROJET FINAL
Norme
internationale
ISO/TC 256
Méthodes générales d'essai des
Secrétariat: DIN
pigments et matières de charge —
Début de vote:
Partie 1: 2026-08-28
Comparaison de la couleur des
Vote clos le:
2026-10-23
pigments
General methods of test for pigments and extenders —
Part 1: Comparison of colour of pigments
LES DESTINATAIRES DU PRÉSENT PROJET SONT
INVITÉS À PRÉSENTER, AVEC LEURS OBSERVATIONS,
NOTIFICATION DES DROITS DE PROPRIÉTÉ DONT ILS
AURAIENT ÉVENTUELLEMENT CONNAISSANCE ET À
FOURNIR UNE DOCUMENTATION EXPLICATIVE.
DOCUMENT PROTÉGÉ PAR COPYRIGHT
OUTRE LE FAIT D’ÊTRE EXAMINÉS POUR
ÉTABLIR S’ILS SONT ACCEPTABLES À DES FINS
© ISO 2026 INDUSTRIELLES, TECHNOLOGIQUES ET COM-MERCIALES,
AINSI QUE DU POINT DE VUE DES UTILISATEURS, LES
Tous droits réservés. Sauf prescription différente ou nécessité dans le contexte de sa mise en œuvre, aucune partie de cette
PROJETS DE NORMES
TRAITEMENT PARALLÈLE ISO/CEN
INTERNATIONALES DOIVENT PARFOIS ÊTRE CONSIDÉRÉS
publication ne peut être reproduite ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique,
DU POINT DE VUE DE LEUR POSSI BILITÉ DE DEVENIR DES
y compris la photocopie, ou la diffusion sur l’internet ou sur un intranet, sans autorisation écrite préalable. Une autorisation peut
NORMES POUVANT
être demandée à l’ISO à l’adresse ci-après ou au comité membre de l’ISO dans le pays du demandeur.
SERVIR DE RÉFÉRENCE DANS LA RÉGLEMENTATION
NATIONALE.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Genève
Tél.: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.iso.org
Publié en Suisse Numéro de référence
ii
Sommaire Page
Avant-propos .iv
1 Domaine d'application . 1
2 Références normatives . 1
3 Termes et définitions . 1
4 Appareillage et matériaux . 1
5 Échantillonnage . 2
6 Mode opératoire . 2
6.1 Généralités .2
6.2 Mode opératoire utilisant une broyeuse automatique .2
6.2.1 Prise d'essai .2
6.2.2 Préparation de la dispersion de pigments .2
6.3 Mode opératoire utilisant une molette manuelle ou un couteau à palette .3
6.3.1 Prise d'essai .3
6.3.2 Préparation de la dispersion de pigments .3
7 Comparaison de la couleur. 3
8 Rapport d'essai . 4

iii
Avant-propos
L'ISO (Organisation internationale de normalisation) est une fédération mondiale d'organismes nationaux
de normalisation (comités membres de l'ISO). L'élaboration des Normes internationales est en général
confiée aux comités techniques de l'ISO. Chaque comité membre intéressé par une étude a le droit de faire
partie du comité technique créé à cet effet. Les organisations internationales, gouvernementales et non
gouvernementales, en liaison avec l'ISO participent également aux travaux. L'ISO collabore étroitement avec
la Commission électrotechnique internationale (IEC) en ce qui concerne la normalisation électrotechnique.
Les procédures utilisées pour élaborer le présent document et celles destinées à sa mise à jour sont
décrites dans les Directives ISO/IEC, Partie 1. Il convient, en particulier, de prendre note des différents
critères d'approbation requis pour les différents types de documents ISO. Le présent document
a été rédigé conformément aux règles de rédaction données dans les Directives ISO/IEC, Partie 2
(voir www.iso.org/directives).
L'ISO attire l'attention sur le fait que la mise en application du présent document peut entraîner l'utilisation
d'un ou de plusieurs brevets. L'ISO ne prend pas position quant à la preuve, à la validité et à l'applicabilité
de tout droit de propriété revendiqué à cet égard. À la date de publication du présent document, l'ISO
n’avait pas reçu notification qu'un ou plusieurs brevets pouvaient être nécessaires à sa mise en application.
Toutefois, il y a lieu d'avertir les responsables de la mise en application du présent document que des
informations plus récentes sont susceptibles de figurer dans la base de données de brevets, disponible à
l'adresse www.iso.org/brevets. L'ISO ne saurait être tenue pour responsable de ne pas avoir identifié de tels
droits de brevet.
Les appellations commerciales éventuellement mentionnées dans le présent document sont données pour
information, par souci de commodité, à l'intention des utilisateurs et ne sauraient constituer un engagement.
Pour une explication de la nature volontaire des normes, la signification des termes et expressions
spécifiques de l'ISO liés à l'évaluation de la conformité, ou pour toute information au sujet de l'adhésion de
l'ISO aux principes de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC) concernant les obstacles techniques au
commerce (OTC), voir le lien suivant: www.iso.org/avant-propos.
Le présent document a été élaboré par le comité technique ISO/TC 256, Pigments, colorants et matières de
charge, en collaboration avec le comité technique CEN/TC 298, Pigments et matières de charge du Comité
européen de normalisation (CEN), conformément à l'Accord de coopération technique entre l'ISO et le CEN
(Accord de Vienne).
Cette seconde édition annule et remplace la première édition (ISO 787-1:1982), qui a fait l’objet d’une révision
technique.
Les principales modifications sont les suivantes:
— l’Article 3, Termes et définitions, a été ajouté;
— à l'Article 7, la méthode du colorimètre a été ajoutée pour le mesurage et la comparaison des couleurs;
— les références normatives ont été mises à jour.
Une liste de toutes les parties de la série ISO 787 se trouve sur le site web de l’ISO.
Il convient que l’utilisateur adresse tout retour d’information ou toute question concernant le présent
document à l’organisme national de normalisation de son pays. Une liste exhaustive desdits organismes se
trouve à l’adresse www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
PROJET FINAL Norme internationale ISO/FDIS 787-1:2026(fr)
Méthodes générales d'essai des pigments et matières de
charge —
Partie 1:
Comparaison de la couleur des pigments
1 Domaine d'application
Le présent document spécifie une méthode générale d'essai permettant de comparer la couleur d'un pigment
de couleur avec celle d'un échantillon agréé.
2 Références normatives
Les documents suivants sont cités dans le texte de s
...