Coating and Paint Adhesion Testing

Ensure reliable performance with our coating and paint adhesion testing services, combining field-ready testing, expert failure analysis, and fast, accurate results. From pre-deployment validation to in-service failure prevention, we help you maintain compliance, reduce downtime, and make confident decisions with data-backed support across metal and plastic substrates.

Coating and Paint Adhesion Testing
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What is Coating and Paint Adhesion Testing at Element?

Coating and paint adhesion testing evaluates how well protective coatings bond to substrate materials. At Element, we provide comprehensive adhesion testing services for single and multi-coat paint systems, helping you verify coating integrity and identify performance or adhesion failures before they impact operations.

Element testing specialist examining precision measurement equipment for materials analysis

What Can Element Offer You For Coating and Paint Adhesion Testing?

Key tests offered

We specialize in tape testing and pull-off adhesion testing methods, delivering precise evaluations of coating integrity. Our tape tests include both X-cut and cross-hatch variants for comprehensive surface analysis. Pull-off testing determines maximum load capacity and adhesion strength through perpendicular force application, providing critical data about coating performance under stress conditions.

  • The pull-off test
  • The tape test
  • X-cut tape testing
  • Cross-hatch tape testing
  • Pull-off strength evaluation
  • Maximum load testing
  • Pass/fail criteria verification

Materials we test

Our testing capabilities cover painted metal substrates, plastic coatings, and surface treatments across transportation and industrial sectors. We evaluate single-layer applications and complex multi-coat systems, analyzing both new applications and coatings that have been in service for extended periods. Our expertise extends to various substrate materials and surface treatment combinations.

  • Metal substrates and coatings
  • Plastic coating systems
  • Single and multi-coat applications
  • Surface treatments
  • Extended service coatings

Methods and solutions offered

Our testing approach combines field-testing capabilities with standardized laboratory procedures, enabling both preventive assessment and problem resolution. We provide detailed failure analysis with comprehensive corrective action planning for coating performance issues. Extended service evaluation helps determine maintenance requirements and predict potential failures before they impact operations.

  • Field testing capabilities
  • Laboratory testing procedures
  • Failure analysis services
  • Corrective action planning
  • Extended service evaluation

Cutting-edge equipment we use

We utilize advanced pull-off testing equipment and specialized tape testing tools that deliver precise measurements of coating adhesion strength. Our testing apparatus meets rigorous industry standards for accurate and repeatable results, with specialized equipment for both field and laboratory testing scenarios. All equipment undergoes regular calibration to maintain testing precision.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!
  • ASTM D3359
  • FORD FLTM BI 106-01
  • GM9071P
  • ASTM D4541

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Avoiding costly coating failures

Ensure coatings perform reliably from the start with standardized testing that verifies adhesion strength and surface compatibility before deployment.

Verifying compliance with industry standards

Meet ASTM and manufacturer specifications with precision testing methods tailored to your materials and application requirements.

Troubleshooting in-service coating issues

Quickly identify the root cause of coating failure with expert-led field testing and laboratory analysis, supported by actionable corrective guidance.

Accessing fast, on-site testing solutions

Bring high-quality adhesion testing directly to your site with our mobile experts, reducing downtime and accelerating decision-making in the field.

Why Choose Element

Element materials testing engineer operating precision measurement equipment for quality analysis

Global testing network

Access testing services through our extensive network of laboratories.

Expert failure analysis support

Our specialists help you pinpoint why coatings fail and recommend actionable steps to improve durability and performance.

Advanced, standards-based methods

We use ASTM-recognized test procedures like tape and pull-off tests for precise, specification-aligned results.

Trusted by global manufacturers

From transport to industrial sectors, clients rely on our coating expertise for performance validation and issue resolution.

The Tape Test

Element performs adhesion testing on painted metal and plastic using the tape test, following standards like ASTM D3359, FORD FLTM BI 106-01, and GM9071P. This method involves applying pressure-sensitive tape to cuts in the coating and removing it to assess adhesion quality. We use two variants: the X-cut and cross-hatch tape tests, to evaluate adhesion to different surfaces or coatings. The tape test is highly effective and can be performed in the field by our experienced experts, ensuring accurate, reliable results.

The Pull-Off Test

The pull-off adhesion test, conducted in accordance with ASTM D4541, measures the strength of a protective coating's adhesion to metal substrates. A test dolly is glued to the coated surface and pulled perpendicular to the surface to detach it, recording the force required and failure type. This method provides a more accurate measurement of adhesion compared to the tape test, helping determine maximum load strength or verifying minimum load criteria for pass/fail testing. 

Element’s coating and paint experts offer comprehensive solutions for adhesion testing to thousands of manufacturers and materials suppliers around the world. We perform: 

  • Coating Flexibility – Mandrel Bend & T-Bend per ASTM D522 & ASTM D4145 
  • Coatings Gloss Evaluation for coating characteristics 
  • Coating Impact Testing per ASTM D2794 
  • Paint Failure Analysis 
  • Plating Adhesion Strength Testing per ASTM B571 
  • Plating and Coating Thickness 
  • Corrosion Consulting 
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Speak to our team of experts

AMERICAS

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+1 888 786 7555

EUROPE

Contact our Central Team
UK

Freephone from UK

+44 808 234 1667

Germany

Freephone from Germany 

+49 800 000 5137

MIDDLE EAST

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+971 800 353 6368