Paint (Coating) Testing – Hardness Testing

Part of Aerofin’s Paint (Coating) Testing Facility includes Pencil Hardness and Scratch Hardness Tests. In this post we’ll take a look into a few types of tests we offer at Aerofin.

Pencil Hardness Paint (Coating) Testing

Pencil hardness is performed to asses performance of a paint or coating. Regardless of its primary function the coating or paint must have adequate performance capabilities. Pencil hardness indicates a paint or coating ability to resist deformation from a known hardness.

Determining the hardness of a single coating or paint system. Testing is conducted by pushing pencils of known hardness over a coatings surface at a constant angle with a known force and assessing its resistance to marking or deformation.

• Methods include: BS EN ISO 15184

Scratch Paint Testing

Similar to Pencil Hardness Paint Testing, scratch testing is conducted to asses performance of a paint or coating. However rather than the load staying the same & the hardness of the stylus changing, the stylus remains the same & the load can vary depending on requirements.

Determining a paint or coating systems ability to resist penetration by scratching, with a stylus loaded with a specified load.

Equipment Used

Amongst others, we use Elcometer equipment. Elcometer has been a world leader in the design, manufacture and supply of inspection equipment to the coatings, concrete and NDT industry for more than 70 years. Elcometer’s philosophy is much like our own – to provide industry-leading, innovative, high-quality products (Service in Aerofin’s case). All of this is supported by a best-in-class customer experience.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE TYPES OF TESTING WE CAN OFFER, OR TO WORK WITH US, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH.

CONTACT US.

call: 01278 785131  |  email: info@aerofinlabs.com