A simple test of the adhesion and elasticity of a paint film supported on a rigid surface of metal or wood is to dig into or scratch the film with a knife blade or the edge of a coin. A brittle film will break up into little pieces.

If a continuous flake or ribbon can be detached, the film is elastic. The method also gives some idea of how hard the film is. A cross-hatch test can give a quantitative measure of adhesion and elasticity. A chequered pattern is cut into the test piece with a very sharp knife and the resistance of the cut pieces to lifting with a knife point or the use of special adhesive tape tests these properties.

Impact resistance of paint films can be measured by dropping a steel ball on the coated steel panel and taking a measure of the paint lifting beyond the denting of the panel. Bending of coated panels over rods of different diameters or over a tapering steel mandrill will also provide a measure of elasticity and adhesion within the system.

The Erichsen test pushes a steel ball into the back of a steel panel and measurement of the distance travelled before paint coatings crack are made. In testing a complete paint system of primer undercoat and finish, failure may occur in any one of the paint layers.