The activities of the association can be grouped under the following broad headings :

• Communication

• Advisory

• Representation

• Conferences & Seminars

• Technical Courses

• Liaison

The IPA disseminates information about significant developments concerning the paint industry.

The IPA guides the industry in matters relating to import-export policies, supplies of raw materials, fiscal issues, pollution control, industrial safety etc.

The IPA represents the industry's viewpoint to the Government authorities at the Central and State levels.

The IPA organizes regional and national conferences and seminars in order to focus attention on matters of topical interest, the major one being the biennial All India Paint Conference where some 700 to 800 delegates attend from India and abroad.

The IPA in co-operation with the Oil Technologists Association and the Colour Society organizes at regular intervals Refresher Courses and Diploma Courses for the up-gradation of the technical knowledge of the chemists engaged in the industry.

The IPA is represented on a number of bodies such as Indian Standards Institution, Regional Excise Advisory Council, Paint Panel of the Ministry of Industry, Chemicals and Allied Products Exports promotion Council, National Test House etc. Recently the IPA has joined hands with nine other Asian countries to form the Asian Paint Industry Council (APIC) at Tokyo