2026 February

PCI eMagazine

PCI’s February issue highlights testing, formulation performance and manufacturing decisions across paint and coatings. Coverage includes fire testing practices for passive fire protection systems, advances in coating hardness measurement and new insights into TiO₂ surface chemistry. Additional features examine equipment choices shaping modern manufacturing, open time extending additives, filtration strategies for automotive coatings, evolving Color of the Year approaches and applied learning through PCI’s Paint and Coatings Academy.

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Paint and Coatings Academy 2026

Structured Learning for a Complex Industry

PCI Magazine

February 6, 2026

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A yearlong Paint and Coatings Academy program delivers applied education across formulation, processing and polymer science through expert-led short courses.

Color management. X-Rite handheld Spectrophotometer verify color, Print Measuring Tool

Equipment Decisions Shaping Modern Paint and Coating Manufacturing

PCI Magazine Nowak Industrial Products Katie Brenneman

February 2, 2026

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Process and facility equipment choices influence dispersion quality, manufacturing efficiency and workforce productivity across modern paint and coating operations.

Catching the Unseen

How Silicone Oil Absorption Is Safeguarding Paint Quality in Automotive Coatings

Wim Callaert

December 8, 2025

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Advanced oleophilic filtration technologies help automotive manufacturers prevent silicone oil defects, protect finish quality and maintain stable high-performance coating operations.

Alt text: Pile of White Chemical Powder on black table

Revealing the Hidden Impact of TiO₂ Surface Chemistry on Pigment Performance

Ralph J. Woerheide Dr. David Fairhurst

November 12, 2025

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Understanding how TiO₂ surface chemistry influences dispersion, stability and formulation behavior helps improve consistency and reduce variability in paint and coatings.

Hand of woman painting a wall orange with paint roller

Optimizing Open Time

Evaluating OTE Additives and Their Effects on Key Architectural Coating Properties

Artur Palasz

December 8, 2025

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This study evaluates how open time extending additives influence open time, wet edge, viscosity, gloss and blocking across architectural and wood coatings.

Close up of a flame torch testing flame retardant material, demonstrating fire resistance and safety in industrial applications

Understanding Fire Testing Practices for Cellulosic Passive Fire Protection Systems

A Critical Component of Structural Safety

PPG Industries

February 2, 2026

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This article examines fire testing standards for cellulosic passive fire protection coatings and their role in structural steel performance and compliance.

Comparative Evaluation of Electric and Manual Pencil Hardness Testing

Zeng Yuling

February 5, 2026

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A technical comparison of electric and manual pencil hardness testing shows how speed, operator influence and automation affect coating hardness accuracy.

Paintbrush dipped in vibrant teal paint, hovering above a bucket, showcasing the artistic process and creativity in home improvement projects

New Rheology Modifier Targets VOC Compliance Challenges

January 23, 2026

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The modifier addresses issues such as co-solvent interference, viscosity instability and inconsistent metallic pigment alignment in waterborne industrial coatings.

Two-Stage Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump Features Optimized Air Cooling

January 23, 2026

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The new vacuum pump model bring energy efficient motors and low power consumption for easy operation.

High-Performance Grind Gages for Precision Dispersion Measurement

January 23, 2026

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The latest line offers more precise measurement and monitors dispersion quality.

Large-Capacity Double Planetary Mixer for Highly Viscous Materials

January 23, 2026

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The double mixer is engineered for safety, mixing high-viscosity materials and efficient product transfer.

Closed-Loop Coating Control System Integrates Real-Time Measurement

January 23, 2026

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The new operating system brings together non-contact coating thickness measurement, advanced connectivity, and integrated AI tools to make outcome-based coating regulation accessible for every production line.

Digital Twin Workflow Integrates Surface Appearance and 3D Visualization

January 23, 2026

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A new solution combines surface appearance measurement and 3D visualization to support accurate digital material twins across design workflows.

Inside the 2026 Colors of the Year

Courtney Bassett

February 6, 2026

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Color of the Year announcements reveal shifting strategies in palettes, launches and forecasting, with growing implications for pigment development and coatings formulation.

N-Butylpyrrolidone (NBP) as a Green Solvent to Replace N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) in Industrial Coating Applications

ON DEMAND: EPA published a regulation proposal around N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) in June 2024 to ban or limit NMP in many applications, such as paints and coatings and their removers. N-butylpyrrolidone (NBP) is a powerful and versatile solvent for a variety of industries looking for alternatives to substance of very high concern (SVHC)-listed solvents.

Implementing AI in Paints & Coatings: Doing It Right

This webinar is designed for Enterprise Paints and Coatings leaders (Innovation, R&D, Product, Production) tasked with introducing AI, whether they are unsure where to start or have already launched pilots but struggle to scale. Attendees will learn common pitfalls of AI adoption and how experienced partners enable confident, scalable, and measurable impact in global Enterprise organizations.

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PCI eMagazine

2026 February

Feature Articles

Paint and Coatings Academy 2026

Equipment Decisions Shaping Modern Paint and Coating Manufacturing

Catching the Unseen

Revealing the Hidden Impact of TiO₂ Surface Chemistry on Pigment Performance

Optimizing Open Time

Understanding Fire Testing Practices for Cellulosic Passive Fire Protection Systems

Comparative Evaluation of Electric and Manual Pencil Hardness Testing

Products

New Rheology Modifier Targets VOC Compliance Challenges

Two-Stage Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump Features Optimized Air Cooling

High-Performance Grind Gages for Precision Dispersion Measurement

Large-Capacity Double Planetary Mixer for Highly Viscous Materials

Closed-Loop Coating Control System Integrates Real-Time Measurement

Digital Twin Workflow Integrates Surface Appearance and 3D Visualization

Editor's Viewpoint

Inside the 2026 Colors of the Year

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