A coating is only as good as its grip on the substrate — if it peels, flakes, or lifts, everything underneath is exposed. The ASTM D3359 adhesive tape test measures exactly that: how well a coating or paint film adheres, by cutting a pattern into it, applying and removing a standard pressure-sensitive tape, and rating how much coating comes away. At Kiyo R&D Lab, we run this test with controlled conditions and clear, defensible reporting.
Whether you are qualifying a paint system, verifying an incoming batch of coated parts, or investigating a peeling complaint, an accurate ASTM D3359 adhesive tape test gives you a repeatable, standard-aligned adhesion rating. Our team handles specimen prep, cutting, and evaluation so your results hold up to any customer audit.
The ASTM D3359 adhesive tape test has two methods: Method A uses an X-cut and is suited to thicker coatings and field use; Method B uses a cross-hatch lattice of parallel cuts and is used for thinner coatings in the lab. Pressure-sensitive tape is applied over the cut area, pressed down, and pulled off at a defined angle — then the coating loss is rated.
| Classification | Meaning (Method B) |
|---|---|
| 5B | 0% removed — edges perfectly smooth |
| 4B | Less than 5% removed |
| 3B | 5-15% removed |
| 2B | 15-35% removed |
| 1B / 0B | 35-65% / over 65% removed |
A correct ASTM D3359 adhesive tape test reports the classification (5B down to 0B) along with the method used and the coating type, so the rating is unambiguous to your customer.
Poor adhesion is the root of most coating failures — peeling, chipping, and under-film corrosion all start where the film lets go of the substrate. The ASTM D3359 adhesive tape test catches a weak bond early, before a part is shipped or installed, and gives a simple shared language (5B to 0B) for pass/fail agreement with suppliers.
It is quick, low-cost, and widely specified, which is why it is a standard checkpoint in paint and plating QC.
Adhesion is where most coating failures begin, so proving the bond is strong is worth a quick, decisive test. With Kiyo R&D Lab’s ASTM D3359 adhesive tape test, you get a clear 5B-to-0B adhesion rating on controlled conditions, with NABL-accredited reporting where applicable — enough to qualify a coating, clear a batch, or settle a peeling dispute.
Send us your coated panels or parts and the method you need, and our team will run the test and get you a defensible result fast.
Call: 90420 86986 | 90876 86986
Web: www.kiyorndlab.com
Our ASTM D3359 adhesive tape test evaluates painted, powder-coated, plated, and primer-coated parts and panels. Accredited reporting is available for methods within our NABL scope; we confirm the exact status for your test before you commit.
Method B (cross-hatch) suits thinner coatings up to about 125 microns; Method A (X-cut) suits thicker films and field use. As part of the ASTM D3359 adhesive tape test we select the method that fits your coating.
5B is the best rating — no coating removed, edges completely smooth. Ratings run down to 0B, where more than 65% of the coating lifts away.
Both are cross-cut adhesion tests, but they use different rating scales (ASTM 0B-5B vs ISO 0-5) and some setup details. Our ASTM D3359 adhesive tape test can be matched to whichever your buyer specifies.
Coated flat panels or parts with enough flat area for the cut pattern. We confirm the sample count and coating details when we scope your job.
