Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
PaintExpo is the world's leading trade fair for industrial coating technology, held biannually in Karlsruhe, Germany. The event spans a wide variety of topics, from spray guns to automation technology.
In 2028, it will host over 420 exhibitors from 25 countries, showcasing the latest innovations in the industry. With more than 10,400 trade visitors expected, PaintExpo serves as a vital platform for networking and discovering new technologies.
PaintExpo takes place in Rheinstetten, Germany.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: PaintExpo 2028 runs from April 25 to 28, 2028, at Messe Karlsruhe, Germany.
- 2Scale and Focus: The event features over 420 exhibitors from 25 countries, showcasing innovations in industrial coating technology.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Leipziger Messe GmbH, with registration available on their official website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include decision-makers from various sectors, influencing procurement and purchasing.
- 5Entry: Registration is required for attendance; details can be found on the official website.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends and technologies in industrial coating, network with industry leaders, and explore a wide range of products and services. The event provides a unique opportunity to meet suppliers and discuss specific projects with experts in the field. Visitors can expect to see innovations in automation, materials, and application techniques, making it a must-attend for professionals in the coating industry.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at PaintExpo offers companies unparalleled access to a targeted audience of industry professionals and decision-makers. It is an opportunity to showcase new products, engage with potential clients, and strengthen existing relationships. Exhibitors benefit from high visibility in a focused environment, where they can demonstrate their innovations and discuss specific needs with visitors, leading to valuable business opportunities.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Manufacturers seeking coating solutions
Procurement managers from various industries
R&D professionals in coating technology
Quality assurance specialists
Business development managers
Technical consultants in industrial applications
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of coating equipment and systems
Suppliers of raw materials for coatings
Companies specializing in automation technology
Service providers for coating applications
Consultants in industrial coating processes
Distributors of coating products and technologies
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Liquid painting systems and equipment
Powder coating technology
Spray guns and application systems
Automation and conveyor technology
Environmental technology and air purification
Quality assurance and testing equipment
Location & Facilities
Venue
Messe Karlsruhe
Rheinstetten, Germany
Facilities
Parking
Messe Karlsruhe in Rheinstetten typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Messe Karlsruhe in Rheinstetten typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Messe Karlsruhe for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
25 – 28 April 2028:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Who runs the show
Organisers
Leipziger Messe GmbH
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
This edition
—
Exhibitors: 430
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Rheinstetten, Germany
Why it matters
Attending PaintExpo on 2028-04-25 to 2028-04-28 in Rheinstetten lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport
Closest airport to Messe Karlsruhe; limited carrier mix, so check connections. Bus and rail links connect to Karlsruhe city. Drive time is an estimate, confirm with your transfer provider
TBA
to venue
Approx. 40-50 min by car to Rheinstetten
by car
Stuttgart Airport
Good alternative with more European and long-haul connections; S-Bahn to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, then train to Karlsruhe. Drive time is an estimate
TBA
to venue
Approx. 1 h 10 min - 1 h 25 min by car
by car
Frankfurt Airport
Largest long-haul gateway for the region, with direct ICE rail to Karlsruhe. Rail times and drive times are approximate; confirm live schedules
TBA
to venue
Approx. 1 h 20 min - 1 h 40 min by car; ICE to Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof in about 1 h
by car
Strasbourg Airport
Smaller cross-border option; limited flights. Check car-hire drop-off rules and border-free travel within Schengen. Drive time is an estimate
TBA
to venue
Approx. 1 h 10 min by car across the French-German border
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Styles Hotel Karlsruhe Messe
midscale
Near Messe Karlsruhe (approx. 350 m from venue)Shortest walk to the halls among the listed properties; approximate show-week nightly band, confirm with the hotel.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe
upscale (4-star)
Karlsruhe, approx. 4.5 km from venueUpscale option for hosting meetings after the show; approximate nightly band, confirm availability for April 2028.
ibis Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof
economy (3-star)
Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof, approx. 5.7 km from venuePractical for rail arrivals; take the KVV tram or an approx. EUR 25-38 taxi to the fairground. Approximate nightly band.
B&B HOTEL Karlsruhe
economy
Karlsruhe, approx. 5.6 km from venueLowest listed nightly band; check whether parking and breakfast are bundled. Approximate rates, confirm directly.
Hotel Motel One Karlsruhe
midscale
Karlsruhe city centreCentral base for evening restaurants and the Hauptbahnhof; commute to Rheinstetten by tram. Approximate nightly band.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Tram (KVV S2)
Estimated costApprox. EUR 3.10-4.60 single KVV zone ticket; confirm 2028 fares
Best forKarlsruhe city centre or Hauptbahnhof to Messe Karlsruhe stop, Rheinstetten
The KVV tram-train network links Karlsruhe with Rheinstetten; use the stop serving Messe Karlsruhe and allow 20-25 min from the city centre. Validate your ticket before boarding where required.
Regional train / S-Bahn plus tram
Estimated costApprox. EUR 5.00-7.50 combined single journey depending on zones
Best forKarlsruhe Hauptbahnhof to Rheinstetten via KVV connection
If you arrive by ICE or regional train, buy a through KVV ticket to the Messe stop rather than two separate singles. Check the show-week timetable for extra services.
Taxi
Estimated costEUR 35–85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forKarlsruhe Hauptbahnhof or city-centre hotels to Messe Karlsruhe
Useful for exhibitors carrying stand materials or for early-morning meetings. Journey time is roughly 20 minutes outside peak traffic.
Ride-hail (Uber / Bolt)
Estimated costApprox. EUR 22-35 dynamic fare; surge pricing possible at show close
Best forKarlsruhe city centre to Messe Karlsruhe
Ride-hail is available in Karlsruhe but coverage at the Rheinstetten fairground can thin out after the halls close. Pre-book a return leg or use the tram as a fallback.
Airport transfer
Estimated costApprox. EUR 55-75 by taxi; approx. EUR 12-18 by bus and rail combination
Best forKarlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB) to Messe Karlsruhe
FKB is about 40-50 minutes by road from Rheinstetten. The bus-rail combination uses the local network into Karlsruhe and a tram onward to the Messe stop; confirm connections for your arrival time.
Parking
Estimated costApprox. EUR 8-12 per day; confirm the current venue tariff
Best forMesse Karlsruhe on-site car parks
On-site parking is available for trade-fair visitors. Arrive early on the first show morning because the closest zones fill quickly; check EV charging availability with the venue.
Walk
Estimated costFree
Best forStyles Hotel Karlsruhe Messe to Messe Karlsruhe halls
Google Hotels lists this property approx. 350 m from the venue, so walking is the simplest option on show days. Wear comfortable shoes for long hall days.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. EUR taxi/rideshare from STR to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forStuttgart Airport (STR) to Messe Karlsruhe
Approx. 1 h 10 min - 1 h 25 min by car; Good alternative with more European and long-haul connections; S-Bahn to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, then train to Karlsruhe. Drive time is an estimate.
Weather
April in Karlsruhe is a transition month: daytime highs typically around 14-18 C, nights around 4-7 C, with roughly 9-12 rain days and 40-60 mm of monthly precipitation. Sun, showers and cool mornings alternate, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket. These are climatological bands, not a forecast; check a short-range forecast in the week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
German mobile networks (Telekom, Vodafone, O2) provide 4G/5G coverage across Karlsruhe and Rheinstetten; a prepaid eSIM is a simple option for data during the fair. EU roaming rules apply for visitors with EU/EEA plans, while non-EU travellers should check their home operator's roaming charges. The listed hotels near Messe Karlsruhe provide free Wi-Fi, and the venue typically offers Wi-Fi in public and press areas; confirm access with the organiser.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Karlsruhe's fan-shaped layout
Karlsruhe is built around a fan-shaped street plan radiating from the Schloss, which makes the city centre easy to navigate on foot. Use the Hauptbahnhof as a rail anchor and the KVV tram network to reach Rheinstetten and the fairground.
Business etiquette
German business meetings tend to be punctual and agenda-driven. Address counterparts with Herr or Frau plus surname until invited otherwise, bring printed or digital materials, and keep small talk brief before moving to technical topics such as film thickness, line speed and curing windows.
Sunday closures
Most shops in Karlsruhe close on Sundays, and some restaurants have reduced hours. Plan grocery runs and non-show shopping for weekdays or Saturday morning, and confirm restaurant reservations for Sunday evening.
Cash, cards and Pfand
Cards are widely accepted in Karlsruhe, but some bakeries, kiosks and tram ticket machines still favour cash or require a Girocard rather than a foreign credit card. Keep a few euro coins for lockers and drinks, and expect a small Pfand deposit on reusable bottles.
Rheinstetten fairground context
Messe Karlsruhe sits in Rheinstetten, south of Karlsruhe city centre, and feels more like a dedicated exhibition campus than a downtown venue. Bring a jacket for the walk between halls and parking areas, and check the KVV service pattern for the show week rather than assuming a city-centre frequency.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: FKB
Compare fares into Frankfurt (FRA) for long-haul choice, Stuttgart (STR) for a shorter road transfer, and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden (FKB) for the closest runway to Rheinstetten. Frankfurt offers direct ICE trains to Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof in about an hour, which often beats a connecting flight. Book 8-12 weeks ahead for April 2028, check whether your ticket includes rail segments, and avoid tight same-day connections on the first show morning. Budget airlines may use secondary airports, so confirm the onward ground transfer before paying.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB): Approx. 40-50 min by car to Rheinstetten; Stuttgart Airport (STR): Approx. 1 h 10 min - 1 h 25 min by car; Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Approx. 1 h 20 min - 1 h 40 min by car; ICE to Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof in about 1 h; Strasbourg Airport (SXB): Approx. 1 h 10 min by car across the French-German border. Allow road or rail time to Messe Karlsruhe; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Messe Karlsruhe: Near Messe Karlsruhe (approx. 350 m from venue): Styles Hotel Karlsruhe Messe; Karlsruhe, approx. 4.5 km from venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Karlsruhe; Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof, approx. 5.7 km from venue: ibis Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof.
Ride-hail: Uber and Bolt operate in Karlsruhe, and ride-hail is a practical option for the approx. 20-minute trip from the city centre to Messe Karlsruhe at approx. EUR 22-35 outside surge periods. Coverage at the Rheinstetten fairground can be thinner after the halls close, so pre-book a return leg or keep the KVV tram as a fallback. Confirm the pickup zone with the venue, as large fairs often designate a specific ride-hail area.
Public transit: The KVV network connects Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof and the city centre with Rheinstetten and the Messe Karlsruhe stop via tram and S-Bahn services. Plan about 20-25 minutes for the onward leg and buy a through ticket covering all zones rather than two singles. For show days, check the KVV website for extra services and any planned engineering works, and allow extra time on the first morning for ticket machines and security screening. A single KVV ticket is approximately EUR 3.10-4.60 depending on zones; confirm 2028 fares.
Parking: Messe Karlsruhe provides on-site parking for trade-fair visitors, with daily rates typically around EUR 8-12; confirm the current tariff, EV charging points and the closest car park to your hall with the venue. Allow 20-30 minutes on the first morning for queuing and the walk to the entrance, and pre-book a disabled bay if you need step-free access from the car park.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2028
Temperature: Daytime approx. 14-18 C, nights approx. 4-7 C; early-April frost and late-month warm spells are both possible.
Seasonality: April is changeable in the Upper Rhine valley: expect roughly 9-12 rain days and 40-60 mm of monthly precipitation, with sun and showers alternating. Show-week conditions can shift quickly, so check a short-range forecast before packing.
Packing: Pack layers, a waterproof jacket with a hood, comfortable walking shoes for long hall days and a compact umbrella. Indoor halls can feel cool in the morning and warm by afternoon, so a light sweater you can remove works better than a heavy coat. Bring a small bag for brochures and a reusable water bottle for refilling at the venue.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at PaintExpo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your PaintExpo badge or registration status and save a digital copy on your phone.
T-2
Book a hotel near Messe Karlsruhe or along the KVV S2 corridor between Karlsruhe city centre and Rheinstetten.
T-3
Check KVV ticket options (single, 24-hour, multi-day) and plan the tram or S-Bahn connection to the Messe Karlsruhe stop.
T-4
Book flights to Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden (FKB), Stuttgart (STR) or Frankfurt (FRA) and reserve onward rail to Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof.
T-5
Download the exhibitor list and shortlist powder coating, liquid painting, pretreatment and automation suppliers you want to meet.
T-6
Write down technical questions on film thickness, curing windows, line speed, overspray recovery and VOC compliance.
T-7
Request meetings with exhibitors in advance and block hall time around your priority stands.
T-8
Check passport validity and Schengen entry requirements for Germany; apply early if a visa is required.
T-9
Reserve a rental car only if you need to visit supplier plants outside Karlsruhe; the venue is reachable by public transport.
T-10
Pack layers, a rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes for April in Baden-Wurttemberg.
T-11
Download offline maps and a translation app for German signage and local ticketing machines.
T-12
Prepare digital business cards, a notebook and a lead-capture method for follow-up after the show.
T-13
Confirm the safety rules for live coating demonstrations and bring PPE if your host requires it.
T-14
Plan your return journey and check the last convenient tram or train back from Rheinstetten on your final show day.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Messe Karlsruhe
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2PaintExpo registration concourse
Messe Karlsruhe
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Messe Karlsruhe
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether PaintExpo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is PaintExpo?
PaintExpo is an international trade fair for industrial coating technology, covering liquid and powder painting, pretreatment, application systems, robotics, curing, conveyors, quality control and environmental technology. The show takes place at Messe Karlsruhe in Rheinstetten, Germany.
When and where is PaintExpo 2028?
The edition covered here is scheduled for April 2028 at Messe Karlsruhe, Rheinstetten, in the Karlsruhe region of Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. Confirm the exact show days, opening hours and hall plan with the organiser before booking travel.
Is PaintExpo a trade-only fair?
PaintExpo is positioned as an industrial coating trade fair rather than a consumer event. Expect trade-focused exhibits and badge-based access; check the organiser registration page for visitor eligibility and any on-site registration cut-off.
Which product sectors are represented at PaintExpo?
Typical exhibit categories include coating materials and powders, spray guns and applicators, paint booths, ovens and curing systems, pretreatment chemicals, conveyors, robotic painting cells, filtration and overspray recovery, measurement and testing equipment, and environmental and waste-handling technology.
How do I travel from Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof to Messe Karlsruhe?
Use the KVV tram or S-Bahn towards Rheinstetten and alight at the Messe Karlsruhe stop; the journey is roughly 20-25 minutes depending on connection. A taxi from the Hauptbahnhof takes about 20 minutes and costs approximately EUR 25-38; confirm live fares and show-week timetables.
Which airports serve Karlsruhe and Messe Karlsruhe?
Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB) is the closest, roughly 40 km from Rheinstetten. Stuttgart Airport (STR) is around 100 km and Frankfurt Airport (FRA) around 140 km, with direct ICE rail connections from Frankfurt to Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof.
Is there parking at Messe Karlsruhe?
Yes, the venue provides on-site parking with daily rates typically in the region of EUR 8-12 for trade-fair visitors. Confirm the current tariff, hall-side parking zones and EV charging availability with the venue or organiser before travelling.
What languages are used at PaintExpo?
German and English are the main working languages on site. Many exhibitors and technical presentations provide English-language materials; check the organiser programme for the language of individual sessions and guided tours.
How often does PaintExpo take place?
PaintExpo is a biennial fair, so the Karlsruhe edition typically alternates on a two-year cycle. Use the official organiser site to confirm the next edition dates after the April 2028 show.
Can I register on site or should I pre-register?
Online pre-registration is recommended so your badge and any matchmaking or meeting tools are ready before arrival. On-site registration may be possible, but queues are longer on the first morning; confirm the registration deadline and badge rules with the organiser.
What should visitors wear and bring to Messe Karlsruhe?
April weather in Karlsruhe is changeable, so bring layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes. If you plan to enter live coating or robotic demo areas, ask exhibitors about required PPE such as safety glasses or hearing protection.
Glossary
- Powder coating
- Dry finishing process in which electrostatically charged powder is sprayed onto a grounded part and cured in an oven to form a durable, chip-resistant film.
- Liquid coating
- Solvent-borne, water-borne or high-solids paint applied by spray, dip, roller or curtain coater, then flashed off and cured.
- Electrocoating (e-coat)
- Immersion process that uses electrical current to deposit an organic coating onto a conductive part; widely used for automotive bodies and chassis components.
- Coil coating
- Continuous coating of metal strip before forming, used for architectural facades, appliance panels and automotive parts.
- Pretreatment
- Cleaning, degreasing and conversion steps such as phosphating, chromating or zirconium treatment applied before painting to secure adhesion and corrosion resistance.
- Conversion coating
- Chemical treatment that converts the metal surface into a thin inorganic layer which improves paint adhesion and corrosion performance.
- Paint booth
- Ventilated enclosure that controls airflow, temperature, humidity and overspray during manual or automatic spraying.
- Overspray recovery
- System that captures airborne powder or paint particles so they can be reused or safely disposed of, reducing material waste.
- Curing and stoving
- Heating coated parts in a convection oven, IR or UV system so the film cross-links and reaches its final mechanical and chemical properties.
- Dry film thickness
- Thickness of the cured coating measured in micrometres; a core quality and cost parameter controlled on the line.
- Adhesion test
- Cross-cut, pull-off or impact test that assesses how well the coating bonds to the substrate before and after ageing.
- Orange peel
- Surface texture defect resembling citrus skin, usually caused by atomisation, flow or film-build problems.
- VOC
- Volatile organic compounds released by solvent-borne paints; emissions regulations drive water-borne, high-solids and powder alternatives.
- Robotic painting
- Programmable articulated-arm or reciprocator systems that apply coating with repeatable path, speed and film build on high-volume lines.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- PaintExpo 2028
- PaintExpo Rheinstetten 2028
- Rheinstetten Germany
- Industrial Coating Technology Rheinstetten 2028
- Industrial Coating Rheinstetten 2028
- Manufacturing Rheinstetten 2028
- Automation Rheinstetten 2028
- Industrial Coating Technology Trade Show Rheinstetten
- Liquid painting systems and equipment
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.