TS EN 13523-4 / ASTM D3363 

Pencil Hardness Test

This test involves determining the hardness of an organic coating on a metallic substrate using pencils with known hardness grades. Flat surfaces provide more accurate results, but the method can also be applied to textured surfaces. The working range is based on the hardness of the pencils used.

• Soft pencils: HB, B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B
• Hard pencils: F, H, 2H, 3H, 4H, 5H, 6H