The aims of this study were to improve the emission test method for the 20 L small chamber standardized
in Korea using paints and to develop an optical test method for paints. The emission factors of the
total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and formaldehyde from oil-based paints, emulsion paints and
water-dispersion paints coated at 300 g/m2 and cured for 24 (48) h were determined using the 20 L small
chamber method. The emission factors of TVOC and formaldehyde from all paints under steady state
conditions were determined after 7 days with 24 (48) h of curing. The Korean standards require that
paints be measured and analyzed on the third day after a test. However, the emission factors of TVOC and
formaldehyde from the paints only began to stabilize 7 days after installing the samples. Until now, the
emission test results have been reported mainly as concentration vs. time or emission factor vs. time profiles
of TVOC and formaldehyde. The emission factors of the target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and
aldehyde types were obtained under specific test conditions according to the different coating weights.
For all target volatile organic compounds and aldehyde types examined, the paint coating weight had an
effect on emission.