The Russian coatings industry is currently navigating a fascinating period of transformation. With the departure of many Western suppliers and a national push for “technological sovereignty,” the demand for new raw material sources, domestic production equipment, and technical innovation has never been higher. In 2026, Russia’s exhibition landscape is responding to this shift with two major specialized events that serve distinct but complementary segments of the industry.
From the sprawling paint and varnish floors of Interlakokraska to the niche, technical focus of ExpoCoating Moscow, these trade fairs offer a critical window into the state of the market. Here is a detailed look at the major coating industry exhibitions in Russia for 2026.
The Industry Flagship: Interlakokraska 2026
If the Russian paint industry has a single “home,” it is Interlakokraska. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, this event has solidified its status as the main platform for the presentation of innovations, exchange of experience, and development of strategies for the paint and coating industry.
Key Facts & Figures
Held from 24–27 February 2026, this anniversary edition marked a significant shift by moving to a new venue: the Timiryazev Centre in Moscow. The event was a substantial gathering, occupying over 14,700 square meters of exhibition space. The final tally recorded 299 exhibitors from 8 countries (including Russia, China, Iran, Turkiye, South Korea, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia), drawing 8,230 professional visitors.
A Hub for Cross-Industry Application
The show’s strength lies in its diversity. Interlakokraska is not a niche event; it covers the “entire cycle of production and application”. This makes it a vital meeting point for a wide range of downstream consumers. According to organizers, visitors regularly include representatives from the construction, chemical, oil and gas, woodworking, automotive, aircraft, and shipbuilding industries.
The Main Theme: Technological Sovereignty
The 2026 conference program was heavily focused on adaptation. The key theme was “ensuring technological sovereignty”—a direct response to supply chain disruptions. A major plenary session featured speakers from the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Russian Chemists Union, and the Soyuzkraska Association.
Key discussions included:
- Raw Material Provision: Finding alternative suppliers to replace departed Western feedstock giants.
- New Technical Regulations: Implementing the updated safety standards for paints and coatings in the Russian market.
- HR & Training: Addressing the workforce needs of a restructured industry.
Looking Ahead to 2027
For those planning ahead, the next edition of Interlakokraska is scheduled for 15–18 March 2027, returning to the Timiryazev Centre in Moscow.
The Technical Specialist: ExpoCoating Moscow
While Interlakokraska focuses on the chemistry of paint, ExpoCoating Moscow focuses on the process and engineering. This event is specifically dedicated to surface treatment, coating application, and galvanic production (electroplating).
Timing and Venue
The 24th edition of ExpoCoating Moscow is scheduled for 19–21 October 2026 at the Crocus Expo exhibition center in Moscow. This event is strategically placed in the autumn calendar, offering a different season for procurement and networking.
A Targeted Industrial Focus
ExpoCoating is significantly smaller but highly specialized. The 2025 edition featured 43 exhibitors, but these were primarily “leading developers and manufacturers of equipment” rather than raw material distributors. The attendee list is equally targeted, drawing engineers, galvanizers, and chemical technologists from heavy industries.
Key sections of the exhibition include:
- Galvanic Equipment: Electroplating lines and power sources.
- Application Equipment: Paint booths, spray equipment, and powder coating systems.
- Surface Preparation: Washing machines, degreasing units, and filtration systems.
- Waste Treatment: Water purification and air filtration systems (a critical compliance issue for industrial coaters).
The “Cross-Industry Technology Week” Advantage
ExpoCoating Moscow runs concurrently with several other industrial trade fairs under the umbrella of “Cross-Industry Technology Week”. This creates a massive synergy, allowing visitors to see coatings alongside non-destructive testing (NDT Russia), pumps (PCV Expo), and fastening equipment (FastTec). In 2025, the combined halls attracted 11,755 specialists, significantly boosting foot traffic for the coating pavilion.
Strategic Importance for International Players
The current geopolitical climate has fundamentally altered the trade flows for the Russian coatings market. Western European and American brands that were once dominant are largely absent from the exhibition floors. However, this vacuum has created a boom for other players:
- The Rise of China: Chinese manufacturers are aggressively filling the gap. Reports from the 2025 edition of Interlakokraska noted nearly 200 Chinese companies exhibiting, with strong feedback regarding sales leads. In 2026, major Chinese players like Guangzhou Titanos Industry and Longly Group were prominent.
- Regional Neighbors: Exhibitors from Turkiye, Iran, Belarus, and South Korea are using these platforms to gain a foothold in the Russian market, showcasing everything from raw chemicals to mixing machinery.
- Domestic Growth: Russian giants like Homa, INDLAK, and Allnex Belgorod are using the spotlight to launch localized products designed to replace imports.
Tips for Visitors and Exhibitors
- Dual Attendance: If your business covers raw chemicals (resins, pigments) and production machinery, Interlakokraska is the priority. If you are strictly an engineering or electroplating firm, ExpoCoating Moscow is the more efficient use of time.
- Venue Logistics:
- Timiryazev Centre (Interlakokraska) is a new, modern venue located a 7-minute walk from the Petrovsko-Razumovskaya metro station.
- Crocus Expo (ExpoCoating) is on the outskirts of Moscow but is the city’s premier large-scale convention center, well-serviced by the Myakinino metro station.
- Prepare for “Sovereignty”: Meetings at both events are likely to focus on import substitution. Foreign suppliers should come prepared to discuss long-term supply stability, localization of production, or joint ventures, rather than just spot sales.
2026 Calendar at a Glance
| Event Name | Location | Dates (2026) | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interlakokraska 2026 | Timiryazev Centre, Moscow | Feb 24 – 27 | Paints, varnishes, raw materials, full production cycle |
| ExpoCoating Moscow | Crocus Expo, Moscow | Oct 19 – 21 | Surface treatment, galvanics, application equipment |
The Russian coatings industry is in a state of active reconstruction. Exhibitions like Interlakokraska and ExpoCoating Moscow have evolved from simple trade shows into strategic war rooms where the future of the market is being determined. For any company looking to sell raw materials, machinery, or technology to Russia, these events are no longer optional stops on a calendar—they are essential entry points into a market that is actively, and urgently, looking for new partners.