ISO 2409:2007 describes a test meth

ISO 2409:2007 describes a test method for assessing the resistance of paint coatings to separation from substrates when a right-angle lattice pattern is cut into the coating, penetrating through to the substrate. The property measured by this empirical test procedure depends, among other factors, on the adhesion of the coating to either the preceding coat or the substrate. This procedure is not to be regarded, however, as a means of measuring adhesion.

The method described may be used either as a pass/fail test or, where circumstances are appropriate, as a six-step classification test. When applied to a multi-coat system, assessment of the resistance to separation of individual layers of the coating from each other may be made.

The test can be carried out on finished objects and/or on specially prepared test specimens.

The method is not suitable for coatings of total thickness greater than 250 micrometres or for textured coatings.The TQC Cross Cut Adhesion Test is used to test the adhesion of dry coats of paint on their substrate by means of a series of cuts through the coating. Two series of parallel cuts cross angled to each other to obtain a pattern of 25 or 100 similar squares. The ruled area is evaluated by using a table chart after a short treatment with a stiff brush, or adhesive tape for hard substrates.

The round cutting knife of the TQC Cross Cut Adhesion Test has eight cutting sides that can be changed easily by rotating the knife. The self positioning knife bracket of the TQC Cross Cut Adhesion Test ensures equal pressure on the cutting knife.

The TQC Cross Cut Adhesion Test KIT contains a cross cutter with softgrip handle, a hardened steel cutter, a nylon brush, an illuminated magnifier, adhesive tape and one 4 mm Allen key.

Selection of the knife according the type substrate:
DIN ISO 2409 :2003:
1 mm spacing for coatings up to 60 µm on hard substrates
2 mm spacing for coatings up to 60 µm on soft substrates
2 mm spacing for coatings from 61 to 120 µm on both hard and soft substrates
3 mm spacing for coatings from 121 µm to 250 µm on both hard / soft substrates

ASTM 3359:
1 mm spacing for coatings up to 50 µm
1.5 mm spacing for coatings from 50 to 125 µm

Cross Cut Adhesion Test Tape can be ordered separately as well.

Significance and Use

If a coating is to fulfill its function of protecting or decorating a substrate, it must adhere to it for the expected service life. Because the substrate and its surface preparation (or lack of it) have a drastic effect on the adhesion of coatings, a method to evaluate adhesion of a coating to different substrates or surface treatments, or of different coatings to the same substrate and treatment, is of considerable usefulness in the industry.

The limitations of all adhesion methods and the specific limitation of this test method to lower levels of adhesion (see 1.3) should be recognized before using it. The intra- and inter-laboratory precision of this test method is similar to other widely-accepted tests for coated substrates (for example, Test Method D 2370 and Test Method D 4060), but this is partly the result of it being insensitive to all but large differences in adhesion. The limited scale of 0 to 5 was selected deliberately to avoid a false impression of being sensitive.

1. Scope



1.1 These test methods cover procedures for assessing the adhesion of coating films to metallic substrates by applying and removing pressure-sensitive tape over cuts made in the film.

Note 1—This test method has been reported being used to measure adhesion of organic coatings on soft substrates (for example, wood and plastic). Issues with plastic substrates are noted in Appendix X1. A similar test method, ISO 2409, permits tests on soft substrates (for example, wood and plaster). Precision and bias data on the later is lacking. Test Methods D 3359 was developed with metal as the substrate and, in the absence of supporting precision and bias data, is so limited.

1.2 Test Method A is primarily intended for use at job sites while Test Method B is more suitable for use in the laboratory. Also, Test Method B is not considered suitable for films thicker than 5 mils (125μm).

Note 2—Subject to agreement between the purchaser and the seller, Test Method B can be used for thicker films if wider spaced cuts are EMPLOYED.


1.3 These test methods are used to establish whether the adhesion of a coating to a substrate is at a generally adequate level. They do not distinguish between higher levels of adhesion for which more sophisticated methods of measurement are required.

Note 3—It should be recognized that differences in adherability of the coating surface can affect the results obtained with coatings having the same inherent adhesion.


1.4 This test method is similar in content (but not technically equivalent) to ISO 2409.

1.5 In multicoat systems adhesion failure may occur between coats so that the adhesion of the coating system to the substrate is not determined.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.


2. Referenced Documents


ASTM Standards
D1000 Test Methods for Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive-Coated Tapes Used for Electrical and Electronic Applications
D1730 Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
D2092 Guide for Preparation of Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Surfaces for Painting
D2370 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Organic Coatings
D3330/D3330M Test Method for Peel Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Tape
D3924 Specification for Environment for Conditioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials
D4060 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by the Taber Abraser
D609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Related Coating Products
D823 Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness of Paint, Varnish, and Related Products on Test Panels
Other Standard
ISO2409 Paint and Varnishes -- Cross-cut test



VF1839
TQC Cross Cut Adhesion Test CC1000, 6 blades, cutting distance 1 mm, acc. to EN ISO
For use on coatings up to 60 µm on hard substrates.

VF1842
TQC Cross Cut Adhesion Test CC1000, 6 blades, cutting distance 2 mm, acc. to EN ISO
For use on coatings up to 60 µm on soft substrates and coatings from 61 to 120 µm on both hard and soft substrates.

VF1844
TQC Cross Cut Adhesion Test CC1000, 6 blades, cutting distance 3 mm, acc. to EN ISO
For use on coatings from 121 µm to 250 µm on both hard and soft substrates.

VF1846
TQC Cross Cut Adhesion Test CC1000, 11 blades, cutting distance 1 mm, acc. to ASTM
For use on coatings up to 50 µm.

VF1847
TQC Cross Cut Adhesion Test CC1000, 11 blades, cutting distance 1.5 mm, acc. to ASTM
For use on coatings from 50 to 125 µm.

ISO 2409
Describes a test method for assessing the resistance of paint coatings to separation from substrates when a right-angle lattice pattern is cut into the coating, penetrating through to the substrate. The property measured by this empirical test procedure depends, among other factors, on the adhesion of the coating to either the preceding coat or the substrate. This procedure is not to be regarded, however, as a means of measuring adhesion