# ASTM D3359

Source: https://coatmentor.com/standards/astm-d3359/ · Updated 2026-10-14

Adhesion by tape test: X-cut (Method A) and cross-cut (Method B).

**Publisher**: ASTM International

**Area**: Adhesion, cure and holidays

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).

## Related

- **Concepts:** [Adhesion testing](https://coatmentor.com/learn/adhesion-testing/)
- **Standards:** [ISO 2409](https://coatmentor.com/standards/iso-2409/) · [ASTM D4541](https://coatmentor.com/standards/astm-d4541/)
- **Defects:** [Delamination (intercoat adhesion failure)](https://coatmentor.com/defects/delamination/) · [Peeling](https://coatmentor.com/defects/peeling/)

## About this page

**Also published openly:** [KTA-Tator: adhesion by tape test, ASTM D3359](https://kta.com/adhesion-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](https://coatmentor.com/method/). CoatMentor is an independent study aid. It is not affiliated with ISO, AMPP, SSPC, NACE International, ASTM or FROSIO.