Overview
EN ISO 1518-2:2019 - Paints and varnishes: Determination of scratch resistance - Part 2: Variable‑loading method - specifies a laboratory test for measuring the scratch resistance of a single coating or the upper layer of a multicoat system using a pointed stylus with a continuously increasing load. The method produces comparative, relative ratings useful when coated panels show significant differences in scratch performance.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Scratch resistance measured with a pointed stylus under continuously increasing load; intended for single coats or top layers of multilayer systems.
- Apparatus: Typical instrument has a counterbalanced beam, a pointed stylus (conical sapphire or diamond tip), and a motor‑driven sliding table. The panel moves beneath the stylus at 10 mm/s while loading increases continuously.
- Stylus details: Tip rounded to a radius of (0.030 ± 0.005) mm (conical sapphire or diamond recommended).
- Loading ranges: Variable by changing continuous‑loading weights and adding pan weights (examples: 0–50 g, 0–100 g, 0–200 g; extensible by added masses).
- Specimen preparation and sampling: Panels prepared and coated per ISO 1514 and sampling per ISO 15528. Dry‑film thickness determined per ISO 2808.
- Conditioning: Panels conditioned at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH for a minimum of 16 hours (ISO 3270).
- Inspection & reporting: Use microscope (up to ×100) to inspect scratches and stylus. Test report should include coating application method, drying/stoving and ageing conditions, film thickness, apparatus and loading ranges, and test results.
- Limitations: Best suited for comparative testing of coatings with significant differences in scratch resistance. This part does not cover curved‑stylus methods (see ISO 12137).
Applications and users
- Quality control and comparative evaluation of paints, varnishes and clearcoats.
- Coating formulators and R&D teams developing scratch‑resistant systems.
- Independent testing laboratories and certification bodies performing standardized scratch testing.
- Industry sectors: automotive, aerospace, furniture, flooring, architectural and industrial coatings where surface durability and scratch performance are critical.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 1518-2:2019, paint scratch resistance, variable-loading method, pointed stylus, scratch tester, dry-film thickness, coatings test.
