This part of ISO 6441 is one of a series of standards dealing with the sampling and testing of paints, varnishes and related products.
It specifies a method for determining the hardness of a dried film of a paint, varnish or related product by conducting an indentation test in which the indentation length is measured under zero-load conditions using a microscope.
It is applicable to single-coat and multicoat systems.
The result is expressed as a hardness value, in N/mm, calculated from the indentation produced by a pyramidal indenter of a specified size and shape applied to the coating under specified conditions.
This method is similar to Test Method A of ASTM D 1474-92 (see reference [1] in the Bibliography).
BS 3900-E12.1:2000 history
2000BS 3900-E12.1:2000 Methods of test for paints - Determination of Knoop hardness by measurement of the indentation length using a microscope