The solvent rub resistance tester is used to evaluate the resistance of paints, enamels, primers and other coatings when exposed to solvent rubbing. Often referred to as a MEK test, this inspection examines how the coating film responds when it is subjected to the repeated rubbing action of a gauze soaked in solvent, normally methyl ethyl ketone.
The MEK test on paints is widely used to inspect coating systems because it provides a quick assessment of the surface resistance of the film. It is used to determine whether the coating has reached an appropriate degree of crosslinking or polymerisation and whether it can withstand repeated rubbing with the solvent specified by the method.
During the test, a gauze saturated with MEK is moved back and forth across the surface of the specimen using a controlled reciprocating motion. Testing continues until the specified number of cycles has been completed or until a visible defect, change in appearance or failure of the coating film appears. Each forward and return movement is counted as a double rub, the parameter used to express the test result.
Compared with manual testing, the solvent rub tester keeps operating parameters such as rubbing frequency, stroke and cycle count under better control. This reduces variations in test execution and facilitates more consistent comparisons between samples, coating processes and different formulations.
SAAB521 is suitable for tests on painted surfaces and coatings that are compatible with the selected test method. It can be used for the quality control of industrial paints, enamels, primers, protective finishes and coatings where it is important to verify surface chemical resistance and film response to the combined action of solvent and rubbing.
Solvent-rub testing is not intended to represent a general long-term abrasion or wear test. Instead, it provides a rapid and controlled indication of a coating’s resistance to solvent rubbing. This makes the method particularly useful for evaluating coating processes, comparing different treatments and detecting variations in the degree of film curing.
Test parameters can be set using the touchscreen, allowing the operator to configure the test and monitor its progress easily. The integrated counter manages the required number of rubs and is used to stop the test when the evaluation criterion defined by the applied procedure is reached.
The solvent rub resistance tester is used for testing in accordance with EN 13523-11, ASTM D4752 and ASTM D5402, which provides technical references for evaluating coating resistance to solvents and rubbing. The applicable standard should be selected according to the coating type, substrate and inspection requirement.
The MEK rub test is useful both in laboratories and in production when a rapid assesment is needed to verify whether a paint or coating performs as expected after drying, crosslinking or treatment. The test makes it possible to identify differences between samples and document the number of double rubs completed before the defect appears.
The SAAB521 solvent rub resistance tester provides a dedicated solution for performing MEK and solvent rub tests on paints and coatings. By controlling the rubbing conditions more consistently than manual testing, it improves test repeatability and provides a more controlled method for evaluating the surface resistance of coating films.
Applications
- MEK tests on paints, enamels, primers and coatings
- Assessment of resistance to solvent rubbing
- Verification of film crosslinking or polymerisation
- Inspection of coating-cycle quality
- Comparison between different formulations or surface treatments
- Quality-control checks on painted samples and panels
- Counting of double rubs until the defect appears
- Solvent rub tests on compatible coatings
- Testing in accordance with EN 13523-11
- Testing in accordance with ASTM D4752
- Testing in accordance with ASTM D5402
FAQ – Solvent rub resistance tester
What is a solvent rub resistance tester used for?
It is used to assess the resistance of paints and coatings to solvent rubbing, checking film behaviour until a defect, visible alteration or coating failure appears.
What is a MEK test?
A MEK test is a test in which a gauze soaked in methyl ethyl ketone is repeatedly rubbed over a painted surface to check film resistance to solvent action and rubbing.
How is the test result counted?
The result is normally expressed in double rubs. One forward and return movement of the test head across the surface corresponds to one double rub.
Why is the MEK test useful for coating inspection?
It provides a quick assessment of film behaviour, helping verify the degree of crosslinking, polymerisation quality and surface resistance of the coating to the solvent.
Does the MEK test replace long-term exposure testing?
No. The MEK test provides a rapid check of resistance to solvent rubbing, but it does not replace prolonged exposure tests when these are required by the specification or inspection method.
Which solvent is used for the test?
The test is normally performed using methyl ethyl ketone, also known as MEK. The solvent and procedure must be consistent with the applicable standard or test method.
What is the advantage over manual testing?
The machine provides better control of parameters such as movement, frequency and number of rubs, which reduces variability associated with manual execution.
Which coatings can SAAB521 be used on?
It can be used on paints, enamels, primers, protective finishes and coatings applied to samples compatible with the selected test procedure.
Which standards does the solvent rub resistance tester refer to?
The instrument is used for testing in accordance with EN 13523-11, ASTM D4752 and ASTM D5402, selected according to the coating, substrate and inspection requirement.
What does the appearance of a defect during the test indicate?
It indicates that the film has reached the limit defined by the evaluation procedure, such as visible alteration, loss of integrity or coating failure in the area subjected to rubbing.
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