Experience the latest technologies, processes and innovations in industrial coating first-hand

When the doors of PaintExpo open once again on 14 April for a four-day event, Karlsruhe will become the central hub for the international industrial coatings sector. More than 420 manufacturers of equipment and components, materials developers, service providers and end-users from a wide range of industries come together here to showcase the latest technologies, new processes and practical solutions for industrial coating processes. “As the world’s leading trade fair for the industry, PaintExpo sets the international standard. Companies develop their world-first innovations specifically for their debut in Karlsruhe, where they showcase the future direction of technologies and processes. “What’s more, at 52 per cent, the proportion of international exhibitors is higher than ever,” explains Markus Geisenberger, Managing Director of Leipziger Messe.

The world’s leading trade fair covers the entire process chain of industrial coating technology – from pre-treatment, liquid coating and powder coating, through application and conveyor technology, to automation, quality control and environmentally friendly processes. Trade visitors from sectors such as the automotive industry, mechanical and plant engineering, metalworking, electronics, contract coating and many other fields will thus gain a concise overview of technological developments and practical applications for their production processes.

“In addition to the exhibition, the main focus is on the direct transfer of knowledge.” “Many exhibitors use the trade fair not only to showcase their technologies, but also to demonstrate them in action,” explains Carmen Bender, Project Director of PaintExpo. Live demonstrations, short presentations and interactive sessions at the exhibition stands allow visitors to experience processes first-hand and engage in conversation with experts from the fields of development, application engineering and production.

Presentations by experts

IGP Pulvertechnik AG – Hall 3, Stand 3541

Almost twice a day on topics such as:

• System coatings – coordinated liquid and powder coating systems

• Powder coating on heat-sensitive substrates

• Melted Metal – high-gloss surfaces

• Quality and testing procedures

• The future of pre-treatment

• Defects in powder coating and solutions to address the root causes

Live demonstrations

• Bio-Circle Surface Technology GmbH – Hall 1, Stand 1537

Live demo: Cleaning of coating and painting tools

• Industrial Physics – Hall 1, Stand 1621

Live demonstration: New and improved – discover the latest developments in physical testing technology

• Eines – Hall 1, Stand 1648

Live demonstration: AI-based paint inspection and automated repair workflow

Networking the Swedish way

• HangOn – Hall 3, Stand 3238

Visitors are invited to join in the Swedish tradition of ‘fika’ – a communal coffee break with coffee and traditional cinnamon buns

The full programme of live demonstrations and presentations is available on the PaintExpo website. Visitors can find out about individual sessions in advance and plan their visit to the fair accordingly.

Visitor Services

To ensure that trade visitors get the most out of their visit to the fair, PaintExpo offers a wide range of services:

• Official PaintExpo app: With an interactive hall plan, exhibitor directory, schedule planner and favourites feature, visitors can plan their visit to the fair in advance and stay up to date in real time.

• Digital programme overview: All specialist talks, live demonstrations and interactive sessions will be clearly listed on the website to make it easier for you to plan your schedule.

• Shuttle services and travel options: Shuttle buses are available from Karlsruhe Central Station and selected car parks to ensure a convenient journey to and from the venue.

• The planned P3 car park has been completed and is open to visitors, meaning that the East Entrance can also be used to access the trade fair

PaintExpo 2026 at a glance

14 - 17 April 2026

Messe Karlsruhe, Deutschland

Tuesday to Thursday: 9 am-5 pm

Friday: 9 am-4 pm