Compliance for a line of paints

BD+C Reference Guide Page 667 states: "Information on any VOC compounds exempt from regulation is required for credit compliance. Cited regulatory limits do not include the VOC content of colorants added to coatings at the point of sale. Pretinted flat, nonflat,
industrial maintenance coatings and stains include the VOC content of all ingredients, including colorants."

RULE 1113. ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS, Page 16, TABLE OF STANDARDS 2 VOC LIMITS FOR COLORANTS provides the guidance for your manufacturer.

http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/rule-book/reg-xi/r1113.pdf

Your suggestion that the "worst case" be tested is correct if you want multiple colors to be certified using one test. The testing lab you are working with can advise you on a methodology you can follow to identify which colors/mixture would best represent the worst case. They ultimately are responsible for ensuring that the certification applies to all listed products (and colors).

Hi, Please be aware of the difference between VOC content and VOC emissions limits. Rule 1113 includes limits for VOC content only. With VOC emissions, a worst-case emissions test is the only option to cover all colors with one test. Selection of what color can be considered worst-case needs to be done by people with insight in the recipes. In many cases, deep red or deep blue contains the most VOC available for emissions, but this is just what people said in meetings; I cannot state that this really holds true. Best try to contact the technical or the R&D department of the paint manufacturer.

I agree with John's take as a manufacturer and past chair of the LEED IEQ TAG. Prosoco manufacturers dye and pigment based concrete stains. It would be impractical to test every tint combination separately. I worked with Berkeley Analytical and SCS to have worst case, maximum percentages of combined tints tested together as a worst case starting in 2007. The test certificates and Indoor Advantage Gold certification have been accepted as documentation for LEED 2009, v4, LBCv3.x, WELL and Google in-house projects. 

The combined pigment and dye combinations aren't pretty, but it is a representative worst-case for post-application emissions. Be sure to engage a third-party laboratory operating under credit specified ISO accreditation standards.