Overview
ISO 1514:2024 - Paints and varnishes - Standard panels for testing is the sixth edition of the international guideline that defines types of standard test panels and the preparation procedures required before painting and coating. Intended for use with general test methods for paints, varnishes and related products, the standard ensures reproducible, comparable test results by standardizing substrates and surface-preparation practices.
Key topics and requirements
ISO 1514:2024 covers the preparation and properties of many common test substrates and provides procedural guidance and requirements for preparing panels prior to coating. Major technical topics include:
- Panel types and properties
- Steel, tinplate, zinc and zinc-alloy coated, aluminium
- Coil-coated steel and aluminium panels
- Plastics, glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GRP), carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)
- Glass, hardboard, gypsum plasterboard, fibre-reinforced cement and concrete (new in 2024 edition)
- Surface preparation methods
- Solvent cleaning and aqueous (detergent) cleaning
- Mechanical abrasion: hand abrasion, circular mechanical abrasion, linear grinding
- Blast-cleaning (with informative Annex A guidance)
- Phosphate treatments (including amorphous iron phosphate)
- Pre-treatments such as flaming for some plastics
- Handling and inspection
- Storage and handling requirements prior to preparation
- Inspection and cleaning procedures to ensure reproducible surfaces
- Normative references and common substrate specifications
- Cross-references to test-plate production and substrate documents (e.g., ISO 1268 series)
- Annex B listing common substrate panels and delivery conditions
The 2024 revision adds Clause 3 (terms and definitions), updates plastics substrate preparation (GRP and CFRP), includes concrete test panels, and updates normative references.
Applications and users
ISO 1514:2024 is widely used where consistent paint and coating testing is required:
- Laboratories performing standard tests (adhesion, corrosion, weathering, film properties)
- Paint and coating manufacturers developing and qualifying products
- Quality assurance and control in production and specification testing
- Research and development groups evaluating substrate/coating interactions
- Specifiers and procurement writing coating performance requirements
Using ISO 1514:2024 helps reduce variability in test results caused by substrate differences and preparation practices, improving comparability across labs and suppliers.
Related standards
- ISO 1268 series (fibre‑reinforced plastics test plate production)
- Other ISO/CEN test-method standards referenced within ISO 1514:2024 for specific coating tests and substrate conditions
For precise procedural details, normative references and annex guidance (blast-cleaning, common substrates), consult the full ISO 1514:2024 document.
