Abstract: In a method of determining the shade stability of paints, the total color difference &Dgr;E(FT) between the color at the film thickness FT and the color at a predetermined film thickness FT0 is measured for different film thicknesses FT. Subsequently, the slope &sgr;(FT) of the plot &Dgr;E(FT) is determined, which represents a useful parameter for the shade stability. Alternatively to &sgr;(FT), it is also possible to determine the limiting film thickness FTlim at which the total color difference &Dgr;E(FT) passes below a predetermined limit. The method of determining the shade stability is additionally employed in order to optimize paint formulations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring coated test panels, the test panels (2) being taken from a feed magazine (1) by a gripping and moving device, e.g. a laboratory robot, placed on a measuring station (9) and, finally, transferred to a delivery station (5). In the measuring station (9) measurement of the various properties of the coating is carried out by the laboratory robot (3) using various measuring devices (4). This process can in particular involve spatial resolution and electronic recording. The test panels can furthermore be distinguished by a bar code system which is recorded and evaluated electronically.