What is the standard size for a metal test panel in paint testing?

Typically 150 mm x 100 mm x 1.25 mm for mild steel panels, as specified for general visual and physical tests.

How should paint with a surface skin be sampled?

The skin must be carefully detached from the sides of the container and entirely removed before any stirring or sampling takes place.

What materials are acceptable for standard test panels?

The code specifies mild steel, tinplate, glass, and wood (such as teak or pine), depending on the specific test requirement.

IS 101 Part 1/Sec 1

: 1986

Methods of sampling and test for paints, varnishes and related products: Part 1 Tests on liquid paints (General characteristics) Section 1 Sampling, Preparation of test panels, etc.

CurrentSpecializedTesting MethodMaterials Science · Painting, Coatings and Surface Finishing

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This part of IS 101 specifies the procedures for sampling liquid paints, varnishes, and related products, and establishes standard methods for preparing test panels. It is essential for QA/QC engineers and material laboratories to ensure that extracted samples are representative and applied to uniform surfaces for accurate and reproducible testing.

Specifies methods for sampling, preparing test panels, determining consistency, volatile matter, mass per 10 litres, spreading power and finish of liquid paints.

Quick Reference Values

Standard mild steel test panel dimensions150 mm x 100 mm x 1.25 mm

Standard glass test panel dimensions150 mm x 100 mm

Standard tinplate test panel dimensions150 mm x 100 mm x 0.30 mm

Minimum representative sample size500 ml

Practical Notes

Always remove any surface skin from the paint before mixing and sampling to avoid contaminating the sample with cured particles.

Test panels must be meticulously degreased and sanded as specified; residual oil, moisture, or rust will invalidate adhesion and surface finish tests.

Thorough stirring is critical prior to sampling because pigments and heavy extenders tend to settle at the bottom of the container over time.