The standard "EN ISO 3233 Paints and varnishes - Determination of volume percentage of non-volatile matter", which is based on a European standard and later published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), consists of subsections published under the same title. Namely,
The spreading rate of coating materials can be calculated using the non-volatile matter by volume results obtained in accordance with this standard. The method specified in this standard is the preferred method for air-drying materials. Its use for other materials has not yet been tested.
The annex to this standard provides an overview of the available methods for determining non-volatile matter content and non-volatile matter volume (Annex B).
This standard does not apply to coating materials in which the critical pigment volume concentration is exceeded.
This method is used to measure the density of a dry coating that can be obtained from a given volume of liquid paint and determine its volume. This volume is considered the most meaningful measure of the coverage area (surface area covered per unit volume at a given dry film thickness) of a paint, varnish, or related product. The value obtained by this method may not be the same as the value calculated by adding the masses and volumes of the raw materials in a formulation. The volume occupied by the resin and solvent combination may be equal to, greater than, or less than the total volume of the individual components due to contraction or expansion of the resin and solvent.
The second factor affecting the volume of a dry coating formulation is the extent to which the interstitial spaces between pigment particles are filled with binder. A third factor is the use of volatile components in reactive systems, namely amines and reactive solvents in high-build two-component coating materials, which react to form non-volatile film-forming materials. Above and near the critical pigment volume concentration, the volume of a dry paint film is greater than the theoretical volume due to the increased unfilled interstitial spaces between pigment particles. The film's porosity makes this method unsuitable.
The volume values obtained for non-volatile matter depend on the heating temperature and time, and these conditions should be carefully evaluated for the material being tested.
In short, the ISO 3233-1 standard targets coating materials and related products, focusing on non-volatile matter values by volume. This metric is important for calculating the amount a paint or varnish contributes to the dry film, excluding volatile solvents dispersed during application and curing. This standard specifies procedures for all defined drying or curing conditions, making it versatile for air-drying paints, baked enamels, or two-component systems.
However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. This method cannot be applied to coatings where the critical pigment volume concentration (the point at which the pigments exceed their packing efficiency) is exceeded, as this can lead to inaccurate density measurements due to porosity or voids. The ISO 3233-1 standard differs from the ISO 3233-2 standard, which uses a pycnometer for bulk measurements, by emphasizing the use of coated test panels.
From shipyards to furniture manufacturers applying anti-corrosion coatings and polishing oak panels, the ISO 3233-1 standard covers all needs. In the automotive sector, it helps optimize clear coats for fuel efficiency by minimizing solvent use. Environmentally accurate non-volatile matter by volume data supports VOC labeling under regulations such as REACH, reducing emissions and encouraging more environmentally friendly formulations.
The practical spreading rate of coating materials can be calculated using the non-volatile matter by volume results obtained according to this standard. This method specifies a plate shape in addition to that described in ISO 3233-1 and is suitable for all products that can be applied by dipping. This standard does not apply to coating materials exceeding the critical pigment volume concentration.
The annex to this standard provides an overview of the available methods for determining non-volatile matter content and non-volatile matter volume (Annex A).
In short, the ISO 3233-2 standard applies to a wide range of coating materials, from solvent-based enamels to water-based dispersions, and focuses on non-volatile matter by volume under specific drying or curing conditions. Unlike theoretical calculations, this method provides practical dry film density and is ideal for predicting the performance of coatings after application. It integrates seamlessly with the ISO 3251 standard for non-volatile matter by mass and extends its applicability to immersion processes through an additional plate shape.
This standard is suitable for products where direct wet-film analysis is not possible, but it is not universal. It is not suitable for coatings exceeding the critical pigment volume concentration where porosity distorts density measurements.
The basic requirements of this standard are:
This method is perfect for high-throughput settings, delivering fast results without sacrificing reliability when the input data is robust.
As a result, the ISO 3233-3 standard redefines efficiency in the coatings industry, providing a computational way to measure non-volatile substances with minimal effort. For everyone shaping the future of paints and varnishes, ISO 3233-3 is not just a tool, it's a foundation for smarter, more environmentally friendly coatings.
Our organization, which has been operating for many years and meticulously follows global developments in science and technology, employs a team of experienced professionals and a broad infrastructure to conduct testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EN ISO 3233 Paints and varnishes - Determination of volume percentage of non-volatile matter standard.
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