This International Standard specifies three methods (i.e. one dolly or two dollies on a painted panel and two dollies, one as painted substrate) for determining the adhesion by carrying out a pull-off test on a single coating or a multi-coat system of paint, varnish or related product.

These test methods have been found useful in comparing the adhesion behaviour of different coatings. It is most useful in providing relative ratings for a series of coated panels exhibiting significant differences in adhesion.

The test may be applied using a wide range of substrates. Different procedures are given according to whether the substrate is deformable, for example thin metal, plastics and wood, or rigid, for example thick concrete and metal plates. To avoid distortion of the substrate during the tensile test, it is common to use a sandwich construction. For example, for special purposes, the coating may be applied directly to the face of a test dolly.