Experience the latest technologies, processes and innovations in industrial coating first-hand at PaintExpo 2026, scheduled from 14th
to 17th April.
When the doors of PaintExpo open once again on 14th April 2026 for a four-day event, Karlsruhe (Germany) 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%, the proportion of international exhibitors is higher than ever,” has explained Markus Geisenberger, Managing Director of Leipziger Messe.
The world’s leading trade fair covers the entire process chain of industrial coating technology – from pretreatment, liquid painting 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. 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,” has stated Carmen Bender, Project Director of PaintExpo.
Presentations by experts on the following topics:
- 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 pretreatment
- Defects in powder coating and solutions to address the root causes
Live demonstrations
- Bio-Circle Surface Technology GmbH – Hall 1, Booth 1537
Live demo: Cleaning of coating and painting tools - Industrial Physics – Hall 1, Booth 1621
Live demonstration: New and improved – discover the latest developments in physical testing technology - Eines – Hall 1, Booth 1648
Live demonstration: AI-based paint inspection and automated repair workflow - 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
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.