Painitng Cross Cut Test Report
Painitng Cross Cut Test Report
Painitng Cross Cut Test Report
Test Procedure
Two test methods are described in ASTM D3359/ ISO 16276-2:2007 : Method A (X-cut), and Method B
(Cross-cut). Test Method A is primarily intended for use on coatings/coating systems over 5 mils (125 µm),
while Method B is generally used on coatings/coatings systems less than 5 mils thick. Either method can be
performed in the shop, field or laboratory. The test was developed for assessing the adhesion of coating to steel
but can be used on other hard substrates. The test has also been used successfully on softer substrates (e.g.,
wood and plaster).
Both tests are performed by scribing the coating to the substrate with a sharp knife blade in a specific pattern,
applying a pressure sensitive tape and then rapidly pulling the tape from the surface. When the coating is
greater than 5-mils thick, an X-cut (with each leg approximately 1.5-inches long) is made into the film. When
the coating is less than 5-mils thick, a cross-cut lattice pattern is created with either six or eleven cuts in each
direction. For coatings up to 2 mils thick, eleven incisions are made that are spaced 1 mm apart. For coatings
between 2 mils and 5 mils thick, six incisions are spaced 2 mm apart. For both methods, a steel or other hard
metal straightedge or template is recommended to ensure straight cuts and, in the case of the X-cut, the correct
angle at the intersection (30-45°).
Once the incisions are made, a pressure sensitive tape (with adhesive properties conforming to the requirements
of the standard; Figure 1) is applied over the incisions and pressed in place using a pencil eraser. Following a
brief “recovery” period of about 60 seconds the tape is removed by grasping the free end of the tape and pulling
it off rapidly (not jerked) back upon itself at as close to an angle of 180° as possible. After removal of the tape,
the amount of coating removed from the substrate or underlying coating is rated. It is important to evaluate the
coated surface and not the back of the tape, since coating debris from the incisions is often removed by the
tape.