A system of standards and testing provide an important {and probably the best} method of predicting the suitability and performance of a coating system for the specifiers and purchasers of coatings. Other systems of evaluation may rely on possibly biased information or anecdotal observations.

The historic methods used by a specifier to select a coating system for a project, was to rely on their own past-experience, or to base their selection on the suggestions of a manufacturer's representative. Both these methods may be successful in some instances.

However, choosing products which have passed careful, systematic testing to a well-designed performance-based standard, by an independent entity, provides the most reliable method of ensuring sustainable performance.

MPI Technical Director - Bob Welch, has a good example of explaining standards when speaking to groups about MPI testing - When a salesclerk at a large paint retailer was asked what the most important qualities of paint were, the paint rep said it was because it was the thickest and it was because they used REFLEXOLOGY in the product. The sales rep was seen an "expert" to many customers.

It pointed out to me that quality is in the eye of the beholder. Properties that may have little effect on the ultimate performance of the product can affect the perception of "quality".

That is why a well-designed standard and a robust evaluation system is so important to ensuring the selection process concentrates on the properties which ensure the suitability of the product or system for the intended use.

MPI have developed a range of Technical Standards for coatings products, that are in place to make sure that the products listed in the MPI Approved Products List, when used in conjunction with MPI Systems, have the desired outcome.

MPI Technical Specialist – Terrance Mayes, concludes that standards give us a way to concretely assess a product’s performance outside of just using it and seeing how well it works. This is especially important with extended tests like Accelerated Weathering, Corrosion Resistance, and Biological Growth, where we’re functionally peering into the future to see how the coating is going to perform months and even years down the line.  

Further, the classifications used in standards help us come to a mutual understanding of terms. Gloss, for example, is commonly defined descriptively, using terms like “high-shine” or describing common application locations. Using MPI standards, we define it prescriptively: Gloss-level coatings have a 60° angle of incidence gloss value of 70+. That may not be as useful at first glance as saying it’s shiny, or good on kitchen walls, but it helps keep a consistent definition in place so that regardless of which Gloss-level coating is selected from the APL, the product will behave as expected.