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IS 116:2000 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for ready mixed paint, brushing, coloured, enamel, for exterior use - specification. This standard specifies the requirements and testing methods for ready mixed exterior brushing enamel paint used for protective and decorative finishes. Engineers, architects, and quality control professionals use this code to ensure exterior paints meet necessary durability, consistency, drying time, and finish criteria.
Specifies requirements and methods of test for ready mixed, brushing, coloured enamel paint for exterior use.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Architectural — Painting, Coatings and Surface Finishing
Enamel, Alkyd, Gloss (For Exterior and Interior Surfaces)
Specifies a very similar solvent-based, alkyd gloss enamel for general exterior and interior use.
A-A-2962DUS Federal Specification (US)
HighCurrent
Enamel, Alkyd, Gloss, Low VOC
A modern equivalent to TT-E-489J, specifying a low VOC alkyd gloss enamel for similar applications.
ISO 12944-5:2018ISO (International)
MediumCurrent
Paints and varnishes — Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems — Part 5: Protective paint systems
Performance-based standard for paint systems, where alkyd topcoats are a common solution for lower corrosivity classes (C2/C3).
MPI #9Master Painters Institute (US/Canada)
HighCurrent
Exterior Alkyd, Gloss
An industry performance standard widely used in North America for specifying this exact product category.
Key Differences
≠IS 116 is primarily a prescriptive materials standard, while modern counterparts like ISO 12944 are performance-based, focusing on the durability of the entire paint system in a specific environment rather than mandating paint chemistry.
≠Modern international standards like A-A-2962D place a strong emphasis on low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content (e.g., <250 g/L), a parameter not explicitly regulated in IS 116:2000.
≠International standards often require more stringent and rapid performance testing, such as accelerated weathering (QUV/Xenon Arc), whereas IS 116 specifies a 12-month natural weathering test.
≠Performance requirements for key properties like gloss level, drying time, and flexibility are often stricter in the US Federal Specifications compared to IS 116.
Key Similarities
≈The core binder technology is the same; all standards cover paints based on alkyd resins, defining their fundamental characteristics.
≈All standards specify and set limits for fundamental physical properties such as drying time (touch and hard), fineness of grind, viscosity, and gloss.
≈The intended application method by brushing is a common factor, with standards controlling viscosity (consistency) to ensure good brushability.
≈All include mandatory tests for flexibility and adhesion (e.g., mandrel bend test), which are critical for preventing cracking and peeling of the paint film on exterior surfaces.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Drying Time, Hard Dry
Not more than 16 hours
Not more than 8 hours
TT-E-489J
Gloss (60° Specular)
Minimum 60 units
Minimum 85 units
TT-E-489J
Flexibility & Adhesion (Mandrel Bend Test)
Passes on 6.25 mm (1/4") mandrel
Passes on 3.2 mm (1/8") mandrel
TT-E-489J
Fineness of Grind
Not more than 25 microns
Not more than 12.5 microns (Hegman 6 min)
TT-E-489J
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Not specified as g/L (Volatile Matter max 45% by mass)
Maximum 250 g/L
A-A-2962D
Consistency / Viscosity
60-90 seconds (by Flow Cup No. 4)
75-90 Krebs Units (KU)
TT-E-489J
Flash Point
Not below 30°C (Abel)
Not below 38°C (for classification as 'combustible')
A-A-2962D
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
surface drying timeMax 6 hours
hard drying timeMax 24 hours
flash pointNot below 30°C
finishSmooth and glossy
flexibility and adhesionNo damage or peeling after bending test