1. Technical Services
Globally recognised independent coatings experts
Independent Testing
The laboratory is UKAS accredited for
conducting a wide range of BS, ISO and
ASTM and DIN test methods – list of
standard tests available. We have
particular expertise in the testing of:
• Substrates
• Raw materials
• Decorative Paints
• Industrial Paints
• Inks
Analysis
Our laboratory has particular expertise in
the analysis of:
• Substrates
• Raw materials
• Fully formulated coatings
• Multi layer coating systems
• Fibrous and particulate contaminants
• Surface defects
In addition to paints and varnishes we also
analyse inks, polishes, adhesives, plastics,
putties and mastics.
Technical Consultancy
PRA offers a comprehensive, independent
consultancy service, backed by our extensive
laboratory facilities and information
databases. All PRA’s Consultancy Services are
confidential to client.
We can provide expert technical opinion in
support of litigation and assist in processes
of mediation and arbitration.
We can advise on material selection,
current best practice, methods of coating
application and substrate preparation.
On-site investigation of coating failures is
undertaken with support, when needed,
from our analytical and test house staff.
The scope of PRA’s Consultancy Services is
broad, covering all types of coatings and
substrates from preservation of marine
and offshore structures to printed material,
from major steel and concrete structures
to automotive bodywork.
PRA’s consultancy team operates globally.
Areas of expertise include:
• On-site investigation
• Technical advice and opinion
• Expert witness work
• Advice on current best practice
• Advice on material selection
• Advice on industrial finishing
• Advice on powder coating
Our technical consultants work closely
with our Business Consultancy Unit to
provide total technical and commercial
solutions for our clients.
EU and Nordic Ecolabel
PRA is an approved laboratory for testing
compliance with the European Union
Ecolabel and the Nordic EcoLabel.
The flower symbol is well recognised
in the EU and the Nordic Swan in the
Nordic region. The symbols can be used
on goods and services which have a lower
environmental impact than similar
products performing the same function.
The schemes now cover decorative
interior and exterior paints and varnishes.
For a product to be awarded either the
EU or Nordic Ecolabel, a dossier of
information must be submitted showing
that the coating meets certain criteria
including specified performance
characteristics, freedom from toxic
substances, efficient use of titanium
dioxide pigment, and minimum volatile
organic solvent content.
We offer two levels of service
• Carry out testing and check client dossier
• Carry out testing and prepare dossier
for client
All the test work is carried out in our
UKAS accredited laboratories.*
From coatings expertise to business insight…
…we cover everything

2. Optical Properties and Colour
We offer a comprehensive service devoted
to the visual assessment and measurement
of coatings. In particular we can undertake:
• Visual colour assessment
• Instrumental colour measurement
• Determination of gloss
• Opacity
• Whiteness
• Yellowness
Coating specifications often call for a match
to a particular standard colour and the
closeness of this match can sometimes be
a matter of dispute between customer and
supplier. We have considerable experience
in arbitrating in cases such as these.
Inks
Printing is a sophisticated range of
methods for applying coatings to a variety
of surfaces. PRA has specialist knowledge
of ink formulation and printing processes.
The services we offer include:
• Contract research
• Troubleshooting and failure investigation
• Analysis and testing of cure and
performance
• Formulation development
We can provide advice on
• Raw materials and product selection
• Application and cure
• Defect analysis
• Colour measurement
• Rheology analysis
New Product Development
We have practical experience in the
formulation and production processing of
coatings on the 1 to 10 litre scale. We can
also prepare a wide range of solvent and
water borne resins and emulsions.
One important aspect of our work is the
incorporation of novel raw materials into
model coatings. This can be followed by a
comprehensive evaluation of the coating
performance.
Radcure
We have specialist knowledge of all aspects
of radiation curing technology.
The services we offer include:
• Contract research
• Trouble shooting and failure investigation
• Formulation development
• Curing and performance testing
• Viscosity analysis
We can provide advice on
• Material selection
• Best practice for cure
• Defect analysis
• Health and safety
• Application methods
Training
As well as our range of scheduled training
courses we can offer customised training in
our laboratories in Hampton. Customised
Workshops/Tutorials can be designed for
individuals, or small groups from the same
company. Training can be tailored to the
specific requirements of the clients and
can include practical training in:
• Analysis
• Testing
• Small scale paint making
• Colour measurement
The training will include a selection of
material from PRA’s technical course
modules supplemented with additional
material selected after a thorough
assessment of the client’s needs.
MPI Approval
The PRA and the Master Painters Institute
(MPI) have teamed up to establish a
performance-based ‘qualified products
list’for architectural paints and coatings in
Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
We can also advise on test method
selection and the prediction of the service
life of coatings.
To find out more...
If you’d like to know more about our range of services, please visit
www.pra-world.com/technical or contact technical@pra-world.com
* The testing laboratory is accredited, to ISO 17025, by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) . The information in this document was correct at time of publication. August 2015.
PRA Trading Limited
Pera Business Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 0PB, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)1664 501212 Email: coatings@pra-world.com www.pra-world.com
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Technical Services