Paint specifications for metal building products and architectural applications shouldn’t feel like a mystery, yet they often do. Many of the coating standards still in use today were created decades ago by engineers who may no longer be with the organizations that rely on their work. What remains are procedures that are followed faithfully, but not always fully understood. As coating technologies evolve, that gap between legacy standards and modern performance expectations becomes increasingly important to close.
Today’s coating formulations are advancing at a remarkable pace. Improvements in durability, transfer efficiency, color performance and aesthetics are reshaping what’s possible for metal building products. But these innovations only deliver their full value when they’re evaluated and specified using the most current, well‑aligned standards. Outdated specifications can unintentionally mask performance differences, create mismatched expectations, or even contribute to premature failures such as chalking, fading, corrosion or color fade.
Understanding the purpose and history of common paint tests is the first step toward modernizing the process. Many traditional methods were developed to achieve results that are ill equipped to deal with the challenges and expectations of today. By breaking down what each test was originally designed to measure — and where its limitations lie — manufacturers, architects and specifiers can make more informed decisions about which methods are still relevant and which may need updating or replacement.
Modern practices often provide clearer, more reliable insights into how a coating will perform in real‑world conditions. Whether it’s improved weathering protocols, more precise color measurement techniques, or updated adhesion and impact tests, aligning specifications with current coating technologies helps ensure that coatings are evaluated fairly and consistently.
Just as importantly, demystifying the specification process empowers teams to communicate more effectively. When everyone understands the intent behind a test method, it becomes easier to interpret results, compare products, and set realistic expectations for long‑term performance. The result is a more transparent, predictable and reliable approach to coating selection that supports products that look better, last longer and deliver greater value over their lifecycle.
Modernizing paint specifications isn’t just a technical upgrade. It’s a strategic investment in quality, performance and confidence across the entire supply chain. And as coating technologies continue to advance, keeping specifications aligned with today’s capabilities will only become more essential.
Scott Frankert | PPG at Technical Product Manager
Going to METALCON? Join PPG’s Scott Frankert who will lead the Demystifying the Paint Specifications Workshop on Wednesday, October 7th at noon to get a clearer, more actionable understanding of how to ensure coatings perform as intended over the long term
