To delve into this, it’s helpful to understand both pencil hardness and the renowned MOHS scale. Pencil hardness testing originated as a quality control method in the early 1900s, where if two different pencils caused identical scratch damage to a coating, they were deemed to possess the same hardness. This method was then adopted by the coatings industry, employing variations of standardized pencil hardness to gauge coating hardness.
Modern-day applications have seen pencil hardness become a pivotal yet sometimes misleading marketing tool, particularly for companies offering vehicle protection coatings labeled as “Ceramic,” “Glass,” or other “Nanocoatings.” Have you ever wondered why a coating supposedly rated 9H can be scratched with just a fingernail?
While some companies tout their certifications from independent test entities, the validity of these claims warrants scrutiny. Test data often involve coating steel plates and subjecting them to assessments, yielding high ratings like 9H according to ASTM and BS standards. However, when dealing with thin films, typically less than 5 microns thick, the substrate plays a crucial role. In essence, you’re not measuring the film’s hardness but rather that of the steel beneath it.
Independent studies have revealed significant variations in hardness depending on the substrate. This discrepancy challenges the integrity of the widely flaunted 9H rating. Some companies, perhaps foreseeing a more educated consumer base, opt for lower ratings to avoid potential backlash. Others claim to be 9H on the MOHS scale, a dubious assertion considering the impracticality of scratching glass with a dried sample.
Navigating through the marketing haze, installers are advised to collaborate with suppliers who eschew embellished marketing ploys. After all, it’s the installer’s reputation that hangs in the balance.
While genuine 9H coatings do exist, they’re not easily found amid the sea of “9H” pop-up ceramic coating companies. True 9H coatings are typically thicker, exceeding 150 microns, and possess a notably slippery surface to confound pencil hardness tests. Additionally, certain industrial-grade coatings designed for rugged applications and subjected to high-temperature oven baking can indeed achieve authentic 9H hardness.
For skeptics, we conducted rigorous independent testing on all our coatings, adhering to the same protocols. The results spoke for themselves – glowing 9H reports across the board, as anticipated.
