Methods for characterizing the mar resistance

Abstract In this paper, several methods—currently being discussed in the automotive and paint industry—to determine the mar (scratch) resistance of clearcoats are presented. Especially procedures that create a single scratch have recently been developed (micro- or nano-scratch method). These methods are different from more practically oriented procedures that are based on relatively simple methods to try to test or even come close to reality (e.g. car wash brush method). The methods were compared based on measurements of different clearcoats considering other physical parameters (micro-hardness, cross-linking density).