Overview
ISO 787-16:1986 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies a general method for testing pigments and extenders. Specifically, Part 16 of this series defines the determination of relative tinting strength (or equivalent colouring value) and colour on reduction of coloured pigments using a visual comparison method. The standard outlines a procedure to compare the colour strength and undertone of a test pigment with an agreed reference pigment under controlled conditions.
This method plays an essential role in quality control and specification of coloured pigments, especially in paint and coating industries. It ensures reproducible results by standardizing the sample preparation, dispersion, and evaluation methods.
Key Topics
Applications
This ISO standard is widely applicable in industries and laboratories involved in:
- Paint and Coating Manufacturing: Ensures consistent pigment quality affecting colour accuracy and coverage.
- Pigment Quality Control: Routinely used for batch-to-batch consistency and supplier material evaluation.
- Research and Development: Formulating new pigments or assessing new formulations for colour strength and modification behaviour.
- Standardization and Specification Writing: Incorporated into technical specifications for pigments as a reference test method.
- Contractual Pigment Testing: Providing an agreed-upon visual comparison method between pigment producers and buyers.
The visual comparison method defined here supports rapid qualitative assessment without requiring advanced photometric instruments, though photometric methods are described in complementary standards like ISO 787-24.
Related Standards
ISO 787 Part series includes general test methods covering a wide range of pigment properties:
- ISO 787-1: Comparison of pigment colours
- ISO 787-24: Photometric method for determining relative tinting strength of coloured pigments
- ISO 591: Specifications for titanium dioxide pigments used in paints
- ISO 842: Sampling of raw materials for paints and varnishes
- ISO 1524: Determination of grinding fineness (applicable particle size measurement)
- Additional parts address volatile matter, oil absorption, pH, density, stability, and other functional tests essential for pigment characterization.
- Provides a standardized and reproducible procedure to assess tinting strength across laboratories and industries.
- Facilitates objective comparison between pigments of similar types to ensure consistency.
- Supports quality assurance and regulatory compliance for paint and coating materials.
- Enables communication and agreement between pigment manufacturers and customers using a common reference method.
- Integrates seamlessly with other parts in the ISO 787 series for comprehensive pigment evaluation.
By adopting ISO 787-16:1986, companies and laboratories can reliably determine the relative tinting strength and reduced colour properties of coloured pigments, ensuring higher quality products and better control over visual characteristics in coatings and related applications.