Standard · Adhesion, cure and holidays
ASTM D3359
Adhesion by tape test: X-cut (Method A) and cross-cut (Method B).
ASTM D3359 has two tape tests:
- Method A, X-cut: two cuts in an X through the film, mainly for films thicker than 125 µm (5 mils). Rated 5A (no removal) to 0A.
- Method B, cross-cut: a lattice of cuts, for films up to 125 µm (5 mils). Rated 5B (edges smooth) to 0B.
Cut spacing for Method B
Up to 2 mils, eleven cuts 1 mm apart; from 2 to 5 mils, six cuts 2 mm apart. Method B does not suit films over 5 mils unless the parties agree on wider cuts.
The ratings
Ratings run from 5 to 0 with no steps in between. At 5B the cut edges are smooth and no square is detached. At 4B small flakes come off at the intersections, on no more than 5 % of the lattice; 3B covers 5–15 % and 2B 15–35 %.
Note that ASTM ratings run the opposite way to ISO 2409: in ASTM a high number is good, in ISO a low number is good. ISO 2409 is similar but not technically equivalent. Either method can be used in the shop, in the field or in the laboratory.
4 practice items in the members area mention ASTM D3359 (CIP 2: 4).
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Also published openly: KTA-Tator: adhesion by tape test, ASTM D3359.
This page describes the subject of ASTM D3359 in our own words; it does not reproduce the standard. For the full text, buy the current edition from ASTM International. Checked on 2026-10-14; errors go in the corrections log. CoatMentor is an independent study aid. It is not affiliated with ISO, AMPP, SSPC, NACE International, ASTM or FROSIO.