prEN ISO 15184
(Main)Paints and varnishes - Determination of film hardness by pencil test (ISO/DIS 15184:2026)
General Information
- Abstract
This document specifies a method for determining the film hardness by pushing pencils of known hardness over the film.
The test can be performed on a single coating of a paint, varnish or related product, or on the upper layer of a multi-coat system.
This rapid test has not been found to be useful in comparing the pencil hardness of different coatings. It is more useful in providing relative ratings for a series of coated panels exhibiting significant differences in pencil hardness.
The method is applicable only to smooth surfaces.
- Status
- Not Published
- Publication Date
- 02-Apr-2028
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 139 - Paints and varnishes
- Current Stage
- 4020 - Submission to enquiry - Enquiry
- Start Date
- 10-Sep-2026
- Completion Date
- 10-Sep-2026
Overview
prEN ISO 15184:2026, titled Paints and varnishes - Determination of film hardness by pencil test (ISO/DIS 15184:2026), provides a standardized method for measuring the surface hardness of paint and varnish films using pencils of known hardness grades. Developed through collaboration between CEN and ISO, this international standard ensures consistency in the assessment of film hardness for quality control and product characterization in the coatings industry.
This test is applicable to smooth surfaces and can be performed on both single coatings and the uppermost layer of multi-coat systems. While the pencil test does not effectively compare absolute hardness across different coatings, it excels at providing relative hardness ratings among panels with significant differences.
Key Topics
- Pencil Hardness Test Principle: The method involves pushing a pencil lead with specified hardness and geometry over the surface of a cured paint or varnish film at a defined force and angle, assessing for surface marking or defects.
- Scope: Suitable for single or multi-layer coating systems, provided the surface is smooth.
- Test Limitation: Not designed for comparing pencil hardness values between different types of coatings, but ideal for ranking coated surfaces with observable property differences.
- Types of Defects: The test identifies:
- Plastic deformation – permanent indentation without surface damage
- Cohesive fracture – surface scratch, rupture, or material removal
- Combined defects
- Controlled Conditions: Recommendations on temperature, humidity, lighting, and inspection procedures ensure test repeatability and reliability.
- Reporting: Detailed documentation of sample information, test conditions, results, and any deviations is required.
- Applicability: The method's repeatability is well-suited for internal panel comparisons, quality assurance, and R&D applications.
Applications
The pencil hardness test specified in prEN ISO 15184 is widely used in the paints and coatings industry for:
- Quality Control: Verifying that finished paint and varnish films meet specified hardness requirements.
- Product Development: Comparing the relative film hardness of various paint formulations or varnishes during formulation or material selection processes.
- Comparative Analysis: Ranking a set of coated panels for their surface resistance to marking, which is valuable for durability and performance assessments.
- Process Optimization: Assessing the influence of application procedures, drying conditions, and layer thickness on final coating hardness.
- Customer Assurance: Demonstrating compliance with contract specifications or customer requirements for product hardness.
Related Standards
For comprehensive evaluation and compatibility, the following related standards are referenced in prEN ISO 15184:
- ISO 1513: Paints and varnishes - Examination and preparation of test samples
- ISO 1514: Paints and varnishes - Standard panels for testing
- ISO 2808: Paints and varnishes - Determination of film thickness
- ISO 4618: Paints and varnishes - Vocabulary
- ISO 13076: Paints and varnishes - Lighting and procedure for visual assessment of coatings
- ISO 15528: Paints, varnishes and raw materials for paints and varnishes - Sampling
Practical Value
Implementing prEN ISO 15184 enables organizations to:
- Achieve reliable, repeatable assessment of paint and varnish hardness
- Standardize laboratory procedures across locations and teams
- Enhance product quality by identifying optimal formulations and processing conditions
- Provide transparent, traceable documentation for regulatory or customer compliance audits
By following the precise methods outlined in prEN ISO 15184, manufacturers and laboratories can ensure objective, trusted results in the evaluation of coating hardness, ultimately leading to better-performing and more durable coating products.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 16-Jul-2025
Frequently Asked Questions
prEN ISO 15184 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Paints and varnishes - Determination of film hardness by pencil test (ISO/DIS 15184:2026)". This standard covers: This document specifies a method for determining the film hardness by pushing pencils of known hardness over the film. The test can be performed on a single coating of a paint, varnish or related product, or on the upper layer of a multi-coat system. This rapid test has not been found to be useful in comparing the pencil hardness of different coatings. It is more useful in providing relative ratings for a series of coated panels exhibiting significant differences in pencil hardness. The method is applicable only to smooth surfaces.
This document specifies a method for determining the film hardness by pushing pencils of known hardness over the film. The test can be performed on a single coating of a paint, varnish or related product, or on the upper layer of a multi-coat system. This rapid test has not been found to be useful in comparing the pencil hardness of different coatings. It is more useful in providing relative ratings for a series of coated panels exhibiting significant differences in pencil hardness. The method is applicable only to smooth surfaces.
prEN ISO 15184 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 87.040 - Paints and varnishes. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
prEN ISO 15184 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN ISO 15184:2020. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
prEN ISO 15184 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2026
Barve in laki - Ugotavljanje trdote plasti filma s preskusom s svinčnikom (ISO/DIS
15184:2026)
Paints and varnishes - Determination of film hardness by pencil test (ISO/DIS
15184:2026)
Beschichtungsstoffe - Bestimmung der Härte von Beschichtungen durch Testen mit
Bleistiften (ISO/DIS 15184:2026)
Peintures et vernis - Détermination de la dureté du feuil par l'essai de dureté crayon
(ISO/DIS 15184:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 15184
ICS:
87.040 Barve in laki Paints and varnishes
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 15184
ISO/TC 35/SC 9
Paints and varnishes —
Secretariat: BSI
Determination of film hardness by
Voting begins on:
pencil test
2026-09-09
Peintures et vernis — Détermination de la dureté du feuil par
Voting terminates on:
l'essai de dureté crayon
2026-12-02
ICS: 87.040
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document has not been edited by the ISO Central Secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 15184:2026(en)
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 15184:2026(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 15184
ISO/TC 35/SC 9
Paints and varnishes —
Secretariat: BSI
Determination of film hardness by
Voting begins on:
pencil test
Peintures et vernis — Détermination de la dureté du feuil par
Voting terminates on:
l'essai de dureté crayon
ICS: 87.040
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document has not been edited by the ISO Central Secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2026
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 15184:2026(en)
ii
ISO/DIS 15184:2026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 2
5 Apparatus . 2
6 Sampling . 3
7 Test panels . 3
7.1 Substrate .3
7.2 Shape and dimensions .4
7.3 Preparation and coating .4
7.4 Drying and conditioning .4
7.5 Thickness of coating .4
8 Procedure . 4
9 Types of defect . 5
10 Precision . 5
11 Test report . 5
Annex A (informative) Applicability of the pencil hardness test . 7
iii
ISO/DIS 15184:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent
rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of
patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 35, Paints and varnishes, Subcommittee
SC 9, General test methods for paints and varnishes, in collaboration with the European Committee for
Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 139, Paints and varnishes, in accordance with the
Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 15184:2020), which has been technically
revised. The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— in 8.6, the lighting conditions and procedure for the inspection of paint film surfaces have been specified;
— In 8.7, the representation method for results where the two determination results differ by one pencil
hardness grade has been added;
— in Clause 11, c) 1), the editorial error has been corrected, “7.2” has been changed to “7.3”;
— in Annex A, "grades" has been changed to "makes" for easier understanding;
— the normative references have been updated
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 15184:2026(en)
Paints and varnishes — Determination of film hardness by
pencil test
1 Scope
WARNING — The electronic file of this document contains colours which are considered to be
useful for the correct understanding of the document. Users should therefore consider printing this
document using a colour printer.
This document specifies a method for determining the film hardness by pushing pencils of known hardness
over the film.
The test can be performed on a single coating of a paint, varnish or related product, or on the upper layer of
a multi-coat system.
This rapid test has not been found to be useful in comparing the pencil hardness of different coatings. It is
more useful in providing relative ratings for a series of
...



