# ISO 2409

Source: https://coatmentor.com/standards/iso-2409/ · Updated 2026-10-14

The cross-cut test for adhesion.

**Publisher**: ISO

**Area**: Adhesion, cure and holidays

A cutting tool makes a lattice of cuts through the coating to the substrate. Tape is applied over the lattice and pulled off, and the result is classified by how much coating came away, from 0 (cut edges smooth, nothing detached) to 5.

## Cut spacing

Six cuts each way. The spacing follows the total thickness: up to 60 µm, 1 mm on hard substrates and 2 mm on soft ones; 61–120 µm, 2 mm; 121–250 µm, 3 mm. Above 250 µm, or on a textured coating, the test does not suit: use an X-cut (ISO 16276-2) or pull-off (ISO 4624).

## A valid test

- Every cut must reach and mark the substrate. If the coating is too hard to cut through, the test is invalid and is reported as such.
- In the field, measure and record the ambient conditions.
- Routine testing is one determination. For more precision, test at least three places; if they differ by more than one class, test again at more places.

## What it does not do

ISO 2409 itself says the cross-cut is not a means of measuring adhesion. For a value in MPa, use the pull-off test of ISO 4624.

Note: the cross-cut test is a destructive test and is outside the CIP 1 syllabus.

**5** practice items in the members area mention ISO 2409 (CIP 2: 3 · FROSIO written: 2).

## Related

- **Concepts:** [Adhesion testing](https://coatmentor.com/learn/adhesion-testing/)
- **Standards:** [ASTM D3359](https://coatmentor.com/standards/astm-d3359/) · [ISO 16276](https://coatmentor.com/standards/iso-16276/) · [ISO 4624](https://coatmentor.com/standards/iso-4624/)
- **Defects:** [Delamination (intercoat adhesion failure)](https://coatmentor.com/defects/delamination/) · [Peeling](https://coatmentor.com/defects/peeling/)

## About this page

**Also published openly:** [Gardco: PosiTest CH cross-hatch kit, ISO 2409 blade spacing](https://gardco.com/Products/Adhesion-Testers/Cross-Cut-Testers/PosiTest-CH-Cross-Hatch-Adhesion-Tester/c/p-100604).

This page describes the subject of ISO 2409 in our own words; it does not reproduce the standard. For the full text, buy the current edition from ISO. 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.