Paint resistance measurement

Paint Resistance Testing

Paint resistance testing comprises test methods for determining the mechanical and chemical resistance of coatings. These include solvent and chemical tests according to ISO 2812 and ASTM D4752 (MEK test), abrasion tests according to ISO 7784 and ASTM D4060 (Taber) as well as scratch, hardness and impact tests according to ISO 1518, ISO 15184, ISO 1522, ISO 6272 and ISO 1519/1520 (bend/cupping). In addition, standard media, test panels, calibration certificates, statistics and report functions are used.

Use & Benefits

The methods are used in the coatings industry, for automotive/OEM painting, in mechanical and plant engineering, in furniture and decorative surface technology, in maintenance as well as in laboratories and quality assurance. Precise paint resistance testing enables durability verification, reduces complaints and supports release processes – from laboratory trials to series production.

Test Tasks & Set Configuration

Paint resistance testing combines chemical, mechanical and physical test methods to objectively assess the durability and quality of coatings. The following areas of application cover all relevant test methods according to ISO and ASTM standards:

Chemical resistance (ISO 2812 / ASTM D4752): This test evaluates how resistant a coating is to solvents or chemicals. Test liquid, temperature and exposure time (or MEK cycles) are defined and the surface is then assessed for changes such as loss of gloss, color deviation or structural changes.

Abrasion resistance (ISO 7784 / ASTM D4060 – Taber test): This test simulates mechanical wear. Depending on the material, suitable Taber wheels, the test weight and the number of cycles are defined. Evaluation is based on mass loss or on the visual assessment of the surface.

Hardness & scratch tests: Here the surface hardness and scratch resistance of the coating film are evaluated. These include the scratch/score test according to ISO 1518, the pencil hardness test according to ISO 15184 and the pendulum hardness test according to ISO 1522.

Mechanical tests: To assess elasticity and impact resistance, tests are performed according to ISO 6272 (impact test) and according to ISO 1519 and ISO 1520 (bend and cupping tests). These methods show how flexible and resistant the coating remains when deformed.

Documentation & evaluation: All results are documented via photo documentation and clearly assigned using labels/QR codes. The data can be exported as PDF/CSV reports and documented in a revision-proof manner via serial-number and user management. A limit value check enables quick release or blocking of tested batches.

Product Areas & Integration

The product range includes MEK and chemical test sets, Taber abrasion testers including wheels and weights, scratch and hardness testers (pencil/pendulum), impact testers, bend and cupping testers, weathering and corrosion chambers as well as reference materials and calibration/test panels. In addition, app and cloud solutions with interfaces for digital QA protocols are available. We define test scope, standard references (ISO 2812, ISO 1518, ISO 15184, ISO 1522, ISO 6272, ASTM D4752, ASTM D4060) and the test point plan and integrate the instruments into QA workflows, report archiving and audit processes. The result: traceable durability tests with traceable documentation and standard conformity.

Benefits at a Glance

• Standard-compliant – ISO 2812/7784/1518/15184/1522/6272 & ASTM D4752/D4060
• Practice-oriented – Define media, load & cycles based on the application
• Digital documentation – Labels/QR, statistics, PDF/CSV & traceability
• Reproducible – Test panels, references & traceable calibration

Top Manufacturers – Paint Resistance

• BYK-Gardner – Hardness, scratch, abrasion & chemical testers.
• TQC Sheen – MEK/chemical sets, Taber abrasion, pencil/pendulum hardness.
• Elcometer – Mechanical test devices & reporting.
• Erichsen – Cupping (ISO 1520), bending/impact & accessories.
• Taber Industries – Abrasion testers & wheels/loads.
• Q-Lab – Weathering (ISO 16474) & corrosion (ISO 9227) – complementary.
• Atlas – Climate/UV weathering – complementary.
• Rhopoint – Test equipment & visual evaluation.
• Neurtek – Laboratory accessories & references.
• PCE Instruments – Test devices & loggers.
• Testo – Climate/ΔT for stable test conditions.
• Rotronic – Climate/humidity monitoring.
• Extech – Field/electrical measuring devices.
• OMEGA – Sensors, probes & data acquisition.
• Phoenix Instrument – Laboratory/test technology.
• Grant – Temperature/data loggers.
• KSJ – Portable inspection devices.
• 3M – Abrasion wheels, adhesive tapes & PPE.
• SIS Verlag – Standards/guides & training.
• SATA – Accessories for compressed air.
• beschicht. – QA templates, QR/label sets & customized sets.

Directly to Paint Resistance Testing – or Consulting & Instrument Configuration.