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IS 133:2013 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for emulsion paint for interior use - specification. This standard prescribes the requirements, methods of sampling, and testing for water-based emulsion paints meant for interior decoration and protection of walls and ceilings. Engineers, architects, and quality control professionals use this code to verify the drying time, finish, consistency, and overall quality of interior paints before and during application.
Specifies requirements and methods of test for emulsion paint suitable for interior use on walls, ceilings, etc.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Architectural — Painting, Coatings and Surface Finishing
! Surface preparation is critical; ensure the substrate is cured, dry, and primed appropriately before evaluating the paint's on-site performance.
! Do not confuse this code with exterior emulsion paints, which have stricter durability and weathering requirements covered under a different standard (IS 15489).
! Drying times mentioned are at standard atmospheric conditions and may vary significantly with high humidity or low temperatures on site.
Paints and varnishes — Water-borne coating materials and coating systems for interior walls and ceilings — Classification
Classifies interior water-based paints based on performance criteria like scrub resistance and opacity, which aligns with IS 133's goals.
ASTM D2486 - 17ASTM International (US)
MediumCurrent
Standard Test Methods for Scrub Resistance of Interior Latex Flat Wall Paints
Provides a specific test method for scrub resistance, a key performance parameter within IS 133, but is not a full product specification.
ISO 11998:2006ISO (International)
MediumCurrent
Paints and varnishes — Determination of wet-scrub resistance and cleanability of coatings
Defines the international reference test method for wet-scrub resistance, which is a core requirement in both IS 133 and EN 13300.
AS/NZS 4548.5:1999Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand
LowCurrent
Guide to long-life coatings for concrete and masonry - Water-borne finishes
Provides guidance on water-borne finishes but is not a prescriptive product specification with defined pass/fail limits like IS 133.
Key Differences
≠IS 133 is a 'Specification' standard with minimum pass/fail criteria, whereas BS EN 13300 is a 'Classification' standard that sorts paints into different performance classes (e.g., Class 1, 2, 3) for properties like scrub resistance and opacity.
≠The test method for washability/scrub resistance differs. IS 133 requires passing a qualitative test of 100 scrub cycles, while EN 13300 (using ISO 11998) uses a quantitative method, measuring the micrometers of film thickness lost after 200 cycles to assign a class.
≠IS 133 specifies a single requirement for 'Matt' finish, whereas BS EN 13300 provides quantitative definitions for multiple gloss levels (Glossy, Mid-sheen, Satin, Matt, Dead-matt) based on reflectometer readings at specific angles.
≠The US approach (ASTM) does not typically use a single comprehensive specification standard for interior paint. Instead, it relies on a suite of individual performance test method standards (like ASTM D2486 for scrub, ASTM D2805 for hiding power) that manufacturers use to characterize their products.
Key Similarities
≈All standards aim to control the quality and performance of interior water-based (emulsion) paints for application on common building substrates like plaster and masonry.
≈They all identify hiding power (opacity) as a critical performance characteristic, commonly measured as a 'contrast ratio' over a black and white substrate.
≈There is a common emphasis on durability, specifically washability or wet-scrub resistance, as a key indicator of paint quality, even though the test methods and evaluation criteria differ.
≈Modern versions or related regulations for all standards mandate strict limits on hazardous materials, particularly lead (typically restricted to 90 ppm) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Wet Opacity (Contrast Ratio) for White Paint
≥ 95%
Class 3: ≥ 95%, Class 2: ≥ 98%, Class 1: ≥ 99.5%
BS EN 13300:2001
Wet-Scrub Resistance
No removal of film after 100 scrub cycles (Pass/Fail)
Classified by film thickness loss after 200 cycles (e.g., Class 1: <5 µm loss)
BS EN 13300:2001 (using ISO 11998)
Gloss Level (Matt)
Smooth and matt finish (qualitative)
Matt: <10 at 85° or <5 at 60°; Dead-matt: <5 at 85° (quantitative)
BS EN 13300:2001
Fineness of Grind
Max. 15 µm
Classified as 'Fine' if ≤ 30 µm
BS EN 13300:2001
Lead (Pb) Content
Max. 90 ppm
Max. 90 ppm (0.009%) in consumer paints
US CPSC 16 CFR 1303
Drying Time (Surface Dry)
Max. 30 minutes
Not specified in classification standards; declared by manufacturer based on tests like ISO 9117-3.
General Practice / ISO 9117-3
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Surface drying time (maximum)45 minutes
Hard drying time (maximum)4 hours
Residue on sieve (maximum)0.1 percent by mass
OpacityTo pass the test as per IS 101
Resistance to dry rubbingNo slight peeling or flaking
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Requirements for Emulsion Paint for Interior Use