DIN 53160 is a German test standard for colour resistance to saliva and perspiration. It checks whether colour transfers from a finished surface when exposed to artificial saliva or sweat.
There are two key reasons to pay attention to this standard. First, it is a durability signal for the colour finish, showing that the coating has been tested for resistance to everyday contact with damp hands, sweat or saliva. Second, it is especially relevant to child safe environments and suitable for use on toys and other surfaces where contact with hands and mouths is more likely.
DIN 53160 also helps identify paints, lacquers, stains and oils suitable for surfaces that need more than decorative colour. It gives practical reassurance that the finish has been tested for colour stability during close contact and everyday handling.
How is DIN 53160 Tested?
The current standard is DIN 53160:2023-07, "Determination of the colour resilience of articles for common use - Test with saliva and perspiration simulants".
Assessment includes:
Saliva resistance - The finished surface is exposed to an artificial saliva solution to check whether colour transfers under test conditions.
Perspiration resistance - The surface is also tested with an artificial sweat solution, helping show how the finish behaves when touched by damp or sweaty skin.
Colour fastness - The test looks at whether pigments or colourants remain fixed in the coating, rather than rubbing off or transferring onto skin, mouths, textiles or other surfaces.
DIN 53160, Surface Contact & Colour Durability
DIN 53160 is a useful standard to understand when choosing paint or wood finish for items that may come into close contact with skin or mouths. It gives extra reassurance for children's furniture, toys, cot frames, handrails, chairs, tables and other handled surfaces.
The standard is often mentioned alongside EN 71-3 toy safety, but they test different things. DIN 53160 checks resistance to saliva and perspiration, while EN 71-3 tests the migration of certain elements from toy materials.
Our DIN 53160 Tested Paints and Wood Finishes
Auro
Paints and lacquers
Auro 516 Gloss Paint - Solvent free gloss for interior and exterior wood and metal. Useful for doors, trims, furniture and handled painted surfaces.
Auro 517 Satin Paint - Satin finish for interior wood and metal, suited to furniture, doors, trims and lower sheen painted surfaces.
Auro 260 Satin Paint - Satin paint for furniture and wooden surfaces where a durable, wipeable finish is needed.
Wood stains and oils
Auro 160 Woodstain - Solvent free wood stain for interior and exterior timber, suitable for furniture, toys and handled wood surfaces.
Auro 560 Woodstain - Water based woodstain for timber where a breathable protective finish is needed.
Auro 123 PurSolid Hard Oil - Solvent free hard oil for interior wood and cork, including floors and surfaces exposed to heavier wear.
Auro 126 Classic Hard Oil - Natural resin oil finish for interior wood, cork, stone and unglazed clay tiles.
