This International Standard specifies an empirical method for assessing the resistance of a coating of paint, varnish or related product to cracking and/or detachment from a metal sustrate when subjected to gradual deformation by indentation under standard conditions (see 7.1). For a multi-coat system, each coat may be tested sparately or the complete system may be tested. The method may be carried out as follows: either as a "pass/fail" test, by testing to a specified depth of indentation to assess compliance with a particular requirement; or by gradually increasing the depth of indentation to determine the minimum depth at which the coating cracks and/or becomes detached from the substrate.