Overview
EN ISO 9117-2:2010 - "Paints and varnishes - Drying tests - Part 2: Pressure test for stackability (ISO 9117-2:2010)" specifies a laboratory method to determine whether a single-coat film or multi-coat system is sufficiently dry after a defined drying period to resist damage when two painted surfaces (or a painted and another surface) are placed in contact under pressure. Commonly called the pressure test for stackability or block resistance test, it simulates practical conditions when painted articles are stacked during storage, transport or production.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Tests resistance to damage caused by unwanted adhesion between adjacent painted surfaces after a specified drying period.
- Test conditions: Performed at (23 ± 2) °C and ambient relative humidity (RH measured and reported); RH control in a climate chamber is not mandatory.
- Specimen preparation: Panels prepared per ISO 1514, coated as specified, dried/aged horizontally with free air circulation, then cut into at least six strips of (30 ± 1) mm width (or larger pieces up to 100 × 75 mm if necessary).
- Apparatus: Plunger with a 50 ± 1 mm diameter head and mass (250 ± 2) g, recommended ball-joint alignment; additional weights in the range 100 g–1 000 g to apply a defined load.
- Procedure: Two coated test pieces are overlapped at 90° and loaded for a specified time. After removal, surfaces are examined for impressions, sticking, detachment or other damage.
- Pressure calculation: Pressure on the contact area is calculated from the combined masses and the contact area (formula provided in the standard).
- Reporting: Test report must include product ID, specimen and coating preparation details, dry film thickness (ISO 2808), RH, applied load/pressure, contact time, time to examination, test results and any deviations or anomalies.
- Precision: No precision data are currently available in the standard.
Applications and who uses it
This standard is used by:
- Paint and varnish manufacturers for product development and QC.
- Independent test laboratories and certification bodies verifying stackability and block resistance.
- OEMs and specifiers in industries such as furniture, automotive, metal packaging, appliance manufacturing and powder-coating, where stacked handling or storage occurs.
- Logistics and production engineers assessing risk of sticking or surface damage during handling, packing and transport.
Practical uses include validating drying schedules, specifying allowable post-dry handling times, and comparing formulations or curing regimes for stackable finished goods.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 9117-2:2010, pressure test for stackability, paints and varnishes, drying test, block resistance, stackability test, paint drying test.