Testing services / Corrosion protection testing of paint systems according to ISO 12944-6

Corrosion protection testing of paint systems according to ISO 12944-6

Performance testing of protective paint systems for corrosion protection of steel structures according to ISO 12944-6. Results support coating selection and specification rather than predicting in-service durability.

The method applies to protective paint systems on the following steel substrates:

Uncoated carbon steel
Hot-dip galvanized steel (ISO 1461)
Steel with thermally sprayed metallic coatings (ISO 2063-1 and ISO 2063-2)

It covers environments classified C2 to C5 and Im1 to Im3 per ISO 12944-2, and does not apply to electroplated or painted steel substrates.

Testing combines standardized exposure regimes selected according to the target corrosivity category, which may include water immersion (ISO 2812-2), water condensation and humidity exposure (ISO 6270-1), neutral salt spray (ISO 9227), and cyclic ageing (ISO 12944-6:2018, Annex B). After exposure, the following assessments are performed:

Adhesion by pull-off (ISO 4624)
Blistering, rusting, cracking, flaking, and delamination, including corrosion at a scribe (ISO 4628 series)

Sample preparation follows ISO 15528 and ISO 1513. Dry-film thickness (ISO 2808) is measured and recorded for each coating. Results are reported using the ISO 4628 designation scheme for each degradation mode, and the paint system is classified by corrosivity category and durability range (e.g., C5-M medium).

The test report also includes drying, curing, and conditioning details; any reference system used; results for each individual test panel; and any deviations from the specified methods.

Suitable sample matrices: Paints and coatings
Required sample quantity: 15 cm x 10 cm x min. 4 mm
Available quality systems: Accredited test method
Standard: ISO 12944-6
Method expert: Ryan Johnsson

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