This is a simple and effective technique to evaluate the hardness of many coatings.

The pencil lead, prepared beforehand by rubbing it on fine abrasive paper (400), is maintained at an angle of 45° and pushed with uniform pressure onto the sample, leaving either a superficial trace or causing destruction down to the substrate.

The Elcometer 3080 Pencil Hardness Tests are supplied complete with stand and a series of 14 pencils, ranging from 6B to 6H hardness values.