What is ISO 1518‑1 - Paints and varnishes about?
ISO 1518‑1 is part one of a multi-series of international standards on paints and varnishes that determines scratch resistance by constant-loading method.
ISO 1518‑1 specifies a test method for determining under defined conditions the resistance of a single coating or a multi-coat system of paint, varnish or related product to penetration by scratching with a scratch stylus loaded with a specified load. Penetration of the stylus is to the substrate, except in the case of a multi-coat system, in which case the stylus can penetrate either to the substrate or to an intermediate coat.
Note: Neither ISO 1518‑1 nor ISO 1518‑2 specifies a method using a curved stylus, which is specified in ISO 12137. The choice between the three methods will depend on the particular practical problem.
Who is ISO 1518‑1 - Paints and varnishes for?
ISO 1518‑1 on paints and varnishes is useful for:
- Paints and varnishes manufacturers
- Constructors
Why should you use ISO 1518‑1 - Paints and varnishes?
Paint is any pigmented liquid, liquefiable, or solid mastic composition that, after application to a substrate in a thin layer, converts to a solid film. It is most commonly used to protect, color, or provide texture to objects.
Varnish is a clear transparent hard protective coating or film. It is not a stain. It usually has a yellowish shade from the manufacturing process and materials used, but it may also be pigmented as desired, and is sold commercially in various shades.
Abrasion and Scratch Resistance describes the ability of a material to resist various types of damage such as scratches, gouges, wear and other flaws.
ISO 1518‑1 specifies a method to determine the scratch resistance of paints and varnishes which involves a scratch stylus loaded with a specified load is drawn over a coating at a constant speed.
With the help of ISO 1518‑1, you can protect your paint and coatings from scratches as it shows us its determination method.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN ISO 1518‑1:2019 supersedes BS EN ISO 1518‑1:2011, which is withdrawn.
BS EN ISO 1518‑1:2019 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN ISO 1518‑1:2011. These are:
- For the hard-metal tip, styli with tips of diameter 0,75 mm and 3,0 mm have been added
- A description of the test panels has been added
- Scoring of the surface has been added to the evaluation
- A requirement to examine the tip of the stylus for damage, contamination and smooth in appearance has been added
- Clauses 7 and 10 have been aligned to ISO 1518‑2.

