This International Standard specifies techniques of surface examination in which a transparent nitrocellulosevarnish, or plastic material, with or without supports, is used to record inhomogeneities, both mechanical andmetallurgical, in the condition of a metal surface.The techniques specified in this International Standard have the advantage of being suitable for some locationswhere access is restricted. In addition, the replicas can be inspected on site with low-power optical aids or they maybe transferred to a laboratory and examined under a powerful metallurgical microscope.