ISO 1518-1 Paints and Varnishes - Determination of Scratch Resistance - Part 1: Fixed Installation Method

EUROLAB laboratory provides testing and compliance services within the scope of ISO 1518-1 standard. The ISO 1518-1 standard, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), specifies a test method for determining, under certain conditions, the resistance of a single coating or multi-coat paint, varnish or related product to scratching with a scratch pen loaded with a specific load.

Pen penetration is to the substrate except in the case of a multi-layer system, in which case the stylus can penetrate either the substrate or an intermediate layer. The method outlined can be performed as a "pass/fail" test by testing with a single specified load applied to the stylus to assess compliance with a particular specification, or as an evaluation test by applying increasing loads to the stylus to determine the minimum load penetrated by the coating.

Neither this document nor ISO 1518‑2 specify a method using a curved stylus as specified in ISO 12137. The choice between the three methods will depend on the particular practical problem. A scratch pen loaded with a given load is drawn on a coating at a constant speed. The following test parameters are specified:

• Geometry of the pen tip;
• The range in which the test load can be found and the increments in which it can be increased;
• The procedure in which the pen is lowered into the coating;
• The speed of movement of the pen and the minimum length of the scratch.

The scratch is examined to determine whether the coating is penetrated to the extent specified for a single specified test load (“pass/fail” test), or to determine the minimum test load required for penetration. In some cases, scratching of the coating surface is detected. This assessment should be repeated after 24 hours.

Attach a coated test panel to the panel holder with the cover facing up. Position the test panel so that the distance between the scratches to be made is at least 5 mm and the distance from the scratches to the edge of the test panel is at least 10 mm.

Inspect the tip of the pen for damage, contamination, and smooth appearance. Secure the scratch pen to the load beam so that the stylus is perpendicular to the panel when in position on the test panel.

Among the services provided by our organization within the framework of material testing services, there are also ISO 1518-1 standard tests. Do not hesitate to contact our laboratory EUROLAB for your testing and certification requests.