This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D3359 − 23

Standard Test Methods for

Rating Adhesion by Tape Test1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3359; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-

1.1 These test methods cover procedures for assessing the dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
adhesion of relatively ductile coating films to metallic sub- ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
strates by applying and removing pressure-sensitive tape over Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
cuts made in the film. mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2 Test Method A is primarily intended to rate the adhesion
of coatings and coating systems greater than 125 µm (5 mils) in 2. Referenced Documents
total thickness, while Test Method B is primarily intended to
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
rate the adhesion of coatings and coating systems less than
D609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels
125 µm (5 mils) in total thickness. Test Method B is not
for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and
considered suitable for films thicker than 125 µm (5 mils)
Related Coating Products
unless wider spaced cuts are employed and there is an explicit
D7091 Practice for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry
agreement between the purchaser and seller. If the thickness of
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the coating or coating system has not been predetermined,
employ the use of a standard such as Practice D7091 or other
Film Thickness of Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to
Ferrous Metals and Nonmagnetic, Nonconductive Coat-
ings Applied to Non-Ferrous Metals
proceeding. (https://standards.iteh.ai)
appropriate standard agreed upon by interested parties prior to
D823 Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness
of Paint, Coatings and Related Products on Test Panels

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1.3 These test methods are used to evaluate whether the
adhesion of a coating to a substrate is adequate for the user’s
application. They do not distinguish between higher levels of
D1730 Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and
Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
D2092 Guide for Preparation of Zinc-Coated (Galvanized)
adhesion for which more sophisticated methods of measure- Steel Surfaces for Painting (Withdrawn 2008)3
ment are required. ASTM D3359-23
D2370 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Organic Coat-
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1.4 This test method is similar in content (but not techni- ings
cally equivalent) to ISO 2409. D3330/D3330M Test Method for Peel Adhesion of Pressure-
Sensitive Tape
1.5 In multicoat systems adhesion failure may occur be-
D3924 Specification for Standard Environment for Condi-
tween coats so that the adhesion of the coating system to the
tioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related
substrate is not determined.
Materials
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the D4060 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information Coatings by the Taber Abraser
only. 2.2 Other Standards:
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the ISO 2409 Paint and Varnishes — Cross-cut test4
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the PSTC 101 International Standard for Peel Adhesion of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and are the direct Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
responsibility of Subcommittee D01.23 on Physical Properties of Applied Paint the ASTM website.
3
Films. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.ast-
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2023. Published March 2023. Originally m.org.
4
approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as D3359 – 22. DOI: Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/D3359-23. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D3359 − 23
Pressure Sensitive Tape5 4.2.1 Subject to agreement between the purchaser and the
seller, Test Method B can be used for films thicker than 125 µm
3. Terminology (5 mils) if wider spaced cuts are employed.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 adhesion, n—the molecular attraction and mechanical 5. Significance and Use
bonds between a coating and its substrate. 5.1 In order for a coating is to fulfill its function of
3.1.2 batch, n—as it pertains to tape, a unique production protecting or decorating a substrate, the coating must remain
run during manufacturing. adhered to the substrate. Because the substrate and its surface
preparation (or lack thereof) have a drastic effect on the
3.1.3 blemish, n—an obvious surface flaw, such as cracking
adhesion of coatings, a method to evaluate adhesion of a
or discoloration of the coating.
coating to different substrates or surface treatments, or of
3.1.4 environmental conditions, n—the characteristics of the different coatings to the same substrate, is of considerable
immediate surroundings during the tests, such as temperature, usefulness in the industry.
and relative humidity.
5.2 This test method is limited to evaluating lower levels of
3.1.5 immersion conditions, n—the characteristics of the adhesion (see 1.3). The intra- and inter-laboratory precision of
fluid to which the test specimen was exposed, such as type of this test method is similar to other test methods for coated
fluid, temperature of fluid and duration of immersion. substrates (for example, Test Method D2370 and Test Method
3.1.6 lap, n—one complete turn of the tape on a roll; the D4060), and is insensitive to all but large differences in
outer exposed layer of tape. adhesion. Limiting the range of rankings from 0 to 5 reflects
3.1.7 lattice pattern, n—one series of parallel lines inter- the inability of this test method to make fine distinctions
sected by another set of parallel lines that are at 90° to and between levels of adhesion. Users shall not use intermediate
centered on the first set. values for ranking adhesion tests within this method.
3.1.8 mean, n—the classification rating that is obtained by 5.3 Extremes in temperatures or relative humidity may
adding together the digits of the classification ratings of the affect the adhesion of the tape or the coating.

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tests performed and dividing by the number of tests, frequently
rounded to the nearest whole number classification rating.
5.4 A given tape may not adhere equally well to different
coatings due to several factors, including differences in coating

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3.1.9 pressure-sensitive tape, n—tape with an adhesive that
requires some degree of pressure, and only pressure, to
composition and topology. As such, no single tape is likely to
be suitable for testing all coatings. Furthermore, these test
adequately bond to a surface. methods do not give an absolute value for the force required for
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3.1.10 range, n—the span of classification ratings for a set
of tests, from minimum classification rating to maximum
bond rupture, but serves only as an indicator that some
minimum value for bond strength was met or exceeded (1, 2).6
classification rating. 5.5 Operators performing these test methods must be trained
ASTM D3359-23
3.1.11 solvent, n—a liquid agent capable of dissolving or and practiced in order to obtain consistent results. The accuracy
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dispersing contaminants from the surface of the coating or film. and precision of the test result obtained by using these methods
3.1.12 substrate, n—the structural foundation beneath the depends largely upon the skill of the operator and the opera-
coating or film being tested. tor’s ability to perform the test in a consistent manner. Key
steps that directly reflect the importance of operator skill
3.1.13 template, n—a thin, rigid plate containing evenly include the angle and rate of tape removal and the visual
distributed, parallel slits for use as a guide in generating the assessment of the tested sample. It is not unexpected that
lattice pattern when accompanied by a single-blade cutting different operators might obtain different results (1, 2).
tool.
5.6 The standard requires that the free end of the tape be
3.1.14 test specimen, n—the object whose coatings adhesion removed rapidly at as close to a 180° angle as possible. When
is of interest. the peel angle and rate vary, the force required to remove the
4. Summary of Test Methods tape can change dramatically due to the rheological properties
of the backing and adhesive. Variation in pull rate and peel
4.1 Test Method A—An X-cut is made through the film to angle can effect large differences in test values and must be
the substrate, pressure-sensitive tape is applied over the cut and minimized to assure reproducibility (3).
then removed, and adhesion is assessed qualitatively on a 0 to NOTE 1—These test methods have been reported being used to measure
5 scale. adhesion of organic coatings on non-metallic substrates (for example,
wood and plastic), although related precision and bias data is lacking. If
4.2 Test Method B—A lattice pattern with either six or
testing coatings on non-metallic substrates, either Test Method A or Test
eleven cuts in each direction is made through the film to the Method B may be more appropriate and the method employed should be
substrate, pressure-sensitive tape is applied over the lattice discussed by interested parties. Issues with plastic substrates are noted in
pattern and then removed, and adhesion is assessed qualita- Appendix X1. A similar test method, ISO 2409, permits tests on
tively on a 0 to 5 scale. non-metallic substrates (for example, wood and plaster). Precision and

5 6
Available from the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC), 1833 Centre Point The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
Circle, Suite 123, Naperville, IL 60563, http://www.pstc.org. this test method.

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 D3359 − 23
bias data on the latter is lacking. Test Method D3359 was developed with solvent which will not harm the integrity of the coating. Then
metal as the substrate and, in the absence of supporting precision and bias dry or prepare the surface, or both, as agreed upon between the
data, is so limited. purchaser and the seller.
8.2 Make two cuts in the film each about 40 mm (1.5 in.)
TEST METHOD A—X-CUT TAPE TEST long that intersect near their middle with a smaller angle of
between 30° and 45°. When making the incisions, use the
6. Apparatus and Materials straightedge and cut through the coating to the substrate in one
6.1 Cutting Tool—Sharp razor blade, scalpel, knife or other steady motion.
fine-edged cutting device. The cutting edges shall be in good 8.3 Inspect the incisions for reflection of light from the
condition, preferably new or newly sharpened. metal substrate to establish that the coating film has been
6.2 Cutting Guide—Steel or other hard metal straightedge to penetrated. If the substrate has not been reached make another
ensure straight cuts. X in a different location. Do not attempt to deepen a previous
cut as this may affect adhesion along the incision.
6.3 Tape—25 mm (1.0 in.) wide transparent or semitrans-
parent pressure-sensitive tape with an adhesive peel strength 8.4 At each day of testing, before initiation of testing,
between 6.34 N/cm (58 oz/in.) and 7.00 N/cm (64 oz/in.), as remove two complete laps of tape from the roll and discard.
tested in accordance with Test Method D3330/D3330M, Test Remove an additional length at a steady (that is, not jerked)
Method A, (equivalent to PSTC 101) and utilizing a 90 second rate and cut a piece about 75 mm (3 in.) long.
dwell time on a standard steel panel. 8.5 Place the center of the tape at the intersection of the cuts
6.3.1 Other tapes may be used by agreement between the with the tape running in the same direction as the smaller
parties involved. angles. Smooth the tape into place by finger in the area of the
6.3.2 Due to variability in adhesion strength from batch-to- incisions taking care not to entrap air under the tape. Rub
batch and changes in adhesion properties of tapes over time, firmly over the surface of the tape with the pressure application
tape from the same batch shall be used when tests are to be run device until the color is uniform in appearance. This indicates
in different laboratories. When use of the same batch is not
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good, uniform contact between the tape’s adhesive and the
followed the test method shall be used only for ranking a series coating surface.
of test coatings. Refer to X1.5 for additional information.
8.6 Within 90 s 6 30 s of application, remove the tape by
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6.4 Pressure Application Device—Although other devices
may suffice, a rubber eraser or rubber roller is commonly used
seizing the free end and pulling it off rapidly (not jerked) back
upon itself at as close to an angle of 180° as possible.

adhesive of the tape. Document Preview

to ensure good and uniform wetting of the coating with the
8.7 Inspect the X-cut area for removal of coating from the
substrate or previous coating and rate the adhesion in accor-
6.5 Illumination—A light source is helpful in determining dance with the following scale, illustrated in Fig. 1:
whether the cuts have been made through the film to the
ASTM D3359-23
5A No peeling or removal,
substrate. 4A Trace peeling or removal along incisions or at their intersection,
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3A Jagged removal along incisions up to 1.6 mm ( ⁄ in.) on either side, 1 16

2A Jagged removal along most of incisions up to 3.2 mm (1⁄8 in.) on either

7. Test Specimens side,
7.1 When this test method is used in the field, the specimen 1A Removal from most of the area of the X under the tape, and
0A Removal beyond the area of the X.
is the coated structure or article on which the adhesion is to be
evaluated. 8.8 Repeat the test in two other locations on the test surface.
For large structures make sufficient tests to ensure that the
7.2 For laboratory use apply the materials to be tested to adhesion evaluation is representative of the whole surface.
panels of the composition and surface conditions on which it is
desired to determine the adhesion. 8.9 After making several cuts examine the cutting edge and,
if necessary, remove any flat spots or wire-edge by abrading
NOTE 2—Applicable test panel description and surface preparation lightly on a fine oil stone before using again. Discard cutting
methods are given in Practice D609 and Practices D1730 and D2092.
NOTE 3—Coatings should be applied in accordance with Practice D823,
tools that develop nicks or other defects that tear the film.
or as agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller. 9. Report
NOTE 4—If desired or specified, the coated test panels may be subjected
to a preliminary exposure such as water immersion, salt spray, or high 9.1 Report the substrate employed, the type of coating and
humidity before conducting the tape test. The conditions and time of the method of cure, if known.
exposure will be governed by ultimate coating use or shall be agreed upon
between the purchaser and seller. 9.2 Report the number of tests, their mean and range.
9.3 Report the adhesion strength of the pressure-sensitive
8. Procedure tape determined in accordance with Test Method D3330/
8.1 Select an area free of blemishes and minor surface D3330M, Test Method A, (equivalent to PSTC 101) and
imperfections. The area chosen for testing shall be clean and utilizing a 90 second dwell time on a standard steel panel.
dry. 9.3.1 Where the adhesion strength of the tape has not been
8.1.1 For specimens which have been immersed: After determined, report the specific product name of the tape used,
immersion, clean and wipe the surface with an appropriate the manufacturer and the lot number, if available.

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 D3359 − 23
standard deviations, the following criteria should be used for
judging the acceptability of results at the 95 % confidence
level:
10.1.1 Repeatability—Provided adhesion is uniform over a
large surface, results obtained by the same operator should be
considered suspect if they differ by more than 1 rating unit for
two measurements.
10.1.2 Reproducibility—Two results, each the mean of
triplicates, obtained by different operators should be consid-
ered suspect if they differ by more than 1.5 rating units.
10.2 Bias cannot be established for these test methods.

TEST METHOD B—CROSS-CUT TAPE TEST

11. Apparatus and Materials

11.1 Cutting Tool 8—Sharp razor blade, scalpel, knife or
other cutting device having a cutting edge angle between 15°
and 30° that will make either a single cut or several cuts at
once. The cutting edge shall be in good condition, preferably
new or newly sharpened.
11.2 Cutting Guide—If cuts are made manually (as opposed
to a mechanical apparatus) a steel or other hard metal straight-
edge or template to ensure straight cuts.

iTeh Standards
11.3 Rule—Tempered steel rule graduated in 0.5 mm for
measuring individual cuts.

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11.4 Tape, as described in 6.3.
11.5 Pressure Application Device, as described in 6.4.

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11.6 Illumination, as described in 6.5.
11.7 Magnifying Glass—An illuminated magnifier to be
used while making individual cuts and examining the test area.
ASTM
FIG. 1 Classification of Adhesion Test Results for Test MethodD3359-23
A

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12. Test Specimens
12.1 Test specimens shall be as described in Section 7. It
9.4 Report an estimate of the interface at which the coating should be noted, however, that multitip cutters9 provide good
failure occurred as indicated by visible peeling or removal of results only on test areas sufficiently plane that all cutting edges
the coating. For example, between the first coat and substrate, contact the substrate to the same degree. Check for flatness
between the first and second coats, etc. with a straight edge such as that of the tempered steel rule
9.5 For field tests, report the type of coating (where known), (11.3).
the structure or article tested, the location and the environmen-
tal conditions at the time of testing. 13. Procedure
9.6 If the test is performed after immersion, report immer- 13.1 Where required or when agreed upon, subject the
sion conditions, time between immersion and testing, and specimens to a preliminary test before conducting the tape test
method of sample preparation. (see Note 4). After drying or testing the coating, conduct the
tape test at room temperature as defined in Specification
10. Precision and Bias7 D3924, unless D3924 standard temperature is required or
10.1 In an interlaboratory study of this test method in which agreed.
operators in six laboratories made one adhesion measurement
on three panels each of three coatings covering a wide range of
adhesion, the within-laboratories standard deviation was found 8
Multiblade cutters are available from a few sources that specialize in testing
to be 0.33 and the between-laboratories 0.44. Based on these equipment for the paint industry.
9
The sole source of supply of the multitip cutter for coated pipe surfaces known
to the committee at this time is Paul N. Gardner Co., 316 NE First St., Pompano
Beach, FL 33060. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this
7
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D01-1008. Contact ASTM Customer careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,1 which
Service at [email protected]. you may attend.

4
 D3359 − 23
13.1.1 For specimens which have been immersed: After
immersion, clean and wipe the surface with an appropriate
solvent which will not harm the integrity of the coating. Then
dry or prepare the surface, or both, as agreed upon between the
purchaser and the seller.
13.2 Select an area free of blemishes and minor surface
imperfections, place on a firm base, and under the illuminated
magnifier, make parallel cuts as follows:
13.2.1 For coatings having a dry film thickness up to and
including 50 µm (2 mils) space the cuts 1 mm apart and make
eleven cuts unless otherwise agreed upon.
13.2.2 For coatings having a dry film thickness between 50
µm (2 mils) and 125 µm (5 mils), space the cuts 2 mm apart and
make six cuts. For films thicker than 125 µm (5 mils), it is
generally recommended to use Test Method A. Subject to
agreement between the purchaser and the seller, Test Method B
can be used for films thicker than 125 µm (5 mils) if wider
spaced cuts are employed.10
13.2.3 Make all cuts about 20 mm (3⁄4 in.) long. Cut through
the film to the substrate in one steady motion using just
sufficient pressure on the cutting tool to have the cutting edge
reach the substrate. When making successive single cuts with
the aid of a guide, place the guide on the uncut area.
13.3 After making the required cuts brush the film lightly

iTeh Standards
with a soft brush or tissue to remove any detached flakes or
ribbons of coatings.

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13.4 Examine the cutting edge and, if necessary, remove
any flat spots or wire-edge by abrading lightly on a fine oil
stone. Make the additional number of cuts at 90° to and
centered on the original cuts. Document Preview
13.5 Brush the area as before and inspect the incisions for
reflection of light from the substrate. If the metal has not been
reached make another grid in a different location. ASTM D3359-23
FIG. 2 Classification of Adhesion Test Results for Test Method B

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13.6 At each day of testing, before initiation of testing, 5B The edges of the cuts are completely smooth; none of the squares of the
remove two complete laps of tape from the roll and discard. lattice is detached.
4B Small flakes of the coating are detached at intersections; less than 5 %
Remove an additional length at a steady (that is, not jerked) of the area is affected.
rate and cut a piece about 75 mm (3 in.) long. 3B Small flakes of the coating are detached along edges and at
intersections of cuts. The area affected is 5 % to 15 % of the lattice.
13.7 Place the center of the tape over the grid and in the area 2B The coating has flaked along the edges and on parts of the squares.
of the grid. Smooth the tape into place by finger in the area of The area affected is 15 % to 35 % of the lattice.
the incisions taking care not to entrap air under the tape. Rub 1B The coating has flaked along the edges of cuts in large ribbons and
whole squares have detached. The area affected is 35 % to 65 % of
firmly over the surface of the tape with the pressure application the lattice.
device until the color is uniform in appearance. This indicates 0B Flaking and detachment worse than Classification 1B.
good, uniform contact between the tape’s adhesive and the 13.10 Repeat the test in two other locations on each test
coating surface. panel.
13.8 Within 90 s 6 30 s of application, remove the tape by 14. Report
seizing the free end and rapidly (not jerked) back upon itself at
as close to an angle of 180° as possible. 14.1 Report the substrate employed, the type of coating and
the method of cure, if known.
13.9 Inspect the grid area for removal of coating from the
substrate or from a previous coating using the illuminated 14.2 Report the number of tests, their mean and range.
magnifier. Rate the adhesion in accordance with the following 14.3 Report the adhesion strength of the pressure-sensitive
scale illustrated in Fig. 2: tape determined in accordance with Test Method D3330/
D3330M, Test Method A (equivalent to PSTC 101) and
10
utilizing a 90 second dwell time on a standard steel panel.
Test Method B has been used successfully by some people on coatings greater
than 0.13 mm (5 mils) by spacing the cuts 5 mm apart. However, the precision
14.3.1 Where the adhesion strength of the tape has not been
values given in 15.1 do not apply as they are based on coatings less than 0.13 mm determined, report the specific product name of the tape used,
(5 mils) in thickness. the manufacturer and the lot number, if available.