This part of ISO 1518 specifies a method for determining, using a pointed stylus loaded with a continuously increasing load, the scratch resistance of a single coating of a paint, varnish or related product, or the upper layer of a multicoat system.

This test has been found to be useful in comparing the scratch resistance of different coatings. It is most useful in providing relative ratings for a series of coated panels exhibiting significant differences in scratch resistance.

Neither this part of ISO 1518 nor ISO 1518‑1 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.