Coatxpert Mild steel paint testing panels are commonly used in paint and coating industries to evaluate the performance, durability, and quality of paints, powder coating, CED coating & many more under different conditions.
Here’s a steps which you should follow, a step-by-step guide on how to use them effectively:
- Surface Preparation/Pre-treatment before applying coating
- Panels are usually supplied with anti-rust-protected oil.
- Wipe with a solvent (like xylene, acetone, mild thinner or IPA) to remove anti-rust oil.
- Sand lightly with emery paper 1000+ grid if roughness is required.
- Ensure surface is dust-free and dry before coating.
2. Coating Application Process
- Apply paint/coating using the method you want to test:
*Spray coating (most common, ensures uniform film).
*Brush or roller(to simulate real-life applications).
*Dip coating(for immersion or industrial tests).
*Or any other methods as per your requirement.
3. Drying & Curing
- Allow panels to dry/ cure as per product specifications:
- Air drying (for air-dry coatings).
- Oven curing (for powder or baked enamels).
4. Testing Methods (as per requirement)
A) Adhesion Test
- Cross-hatch test (ISO 2409 / ASTM D3359).
- Pull-off adhesion (ASTM D4541).
B) Hardness Test
- Pencil hardness test (ASTM D3363).
- Scratch resistance test.
C) Impact Resistance
- Direct/ reverse impact test (ASTM D2794).
D) Flexibility
- Mandrel bend test (ASTM D522).
E) Corrosion Resistance
- Salt spray test (ASTM B117 / ISO 9227).
- Humidity chamber test.
F) Weatherability
- UV exposure / QUV test.
G) Chemical Resistance
- Spot tests with solvents, acids, alkalis, etc.
5. Observation & Reporting
- Record results: appearance, blistering, rusting, peeling, chalking, gloss loss, etc.
- Compare with standards or customer requirements.
- Anticorrosive Performance of Paints
- Record long-term results related to corrosion.
- Shade variation and Standard Panels
