This International Standard describes a test method for assessing the resistance of paint coatings to separation from substrates when a right-angle lattice pattern is cut into the coating@ penetrating through to the substrate. The property measured by this empirical test procedure depends@ among other factors@ on the adhesion of the coating to either the preceding coat or the substrate. This procedure is not to be regarded@ however@ as a means of measuring adhesion. Where a measurement of adhesion is required@ attention is drawn to the method described in ISO 4624. NOTE 1 Although the test is primarily intended for use in the laboratory@ the test is also suitable for field testing. The method described may be used either as a pass/fail test or@ where circumstances are appropriate@ as a six-step classification test. When applied to a multi-coat system@ assessment of the resistance to separation of individual layers of the coating from each other may be made. The test can be carried out on finished objects and/or on specially prepared test specimens. Although the method is applicable to paint on hard (e.g. metal) and soft (e.g. wood and plaster) substrates@ these different substrates need a different test procedure. The method is not suitable for coatings of total thickness greater than 250 ?? or for textured coatings. NOTE 2 The method@ when applied to coatings designed to give a rough patterned surface@ will give results which will show too much variation.