A vehicle's paintwork is more than just a visual accent - it plays a key role in protecting the vehicle from environmental influences and contributes significantly to its durability and lasting value. In the automotive industry in particular, vehicle paintwork is exposed to extreme conditions. They not only have to withstand impacts, scratches and the effects of the weather, but also a wide range of chemicals that occur during daily operation. These include aggressive substances such as road salt, petrol, diesel, brake fluids, oils and cleaning agents, which can attack the paint surface and significantly impair its protective function.
The chemical resistance of paintwork is therefore a decisive quality factor to ensure that the paintwork fulfills its protective function in the long term. A vehicle whose paint is not sufficiently resistant can suffer corrosion damage more quickly, which impairs both safety and appearance. Especially at high speeds or in challenging environments, such as in coastal or winter regions with high levels of road salt, the demands on the chemical resistance of the paintwork are particularly high.
It is therefore essential for car manufacturers and suppliers to test the chemical resistance of their paintwork using stringent test procedures. These tests ensure that the paintwork remains stable even under extreme chemical stress and does not show any damage such as discoloration, cracking, blistering or peeling. Comprehensive and precise tests are the only way to identify weak points at an early stage and improve paint quality in the long term.
Tests for resistance to chemicals:
Our chemical resistance tests simulate realistic scenarios in which vehicle paintwork comes into direct contact with aggressive substances. The aim is to analyze the effects of these chemicals on the paint layer and ensure that the coating retains its protective function even under extreme conditions. These tests are an essential part of guaranteeing the longevity and quality of your vehicle paintwork.
Efficient test methods for chemical resistance:
Tests for resistance to chemicals are carried out in accordance with industry-specific standards and guidelines. This involves exposing painted samples to defined chemicals such as acids, alkalis, solvents or fuels under controlled conditions. Different scenarios - from long-term exposure to short-term strong effects - are simulated according to customer requirements. The paintwork is then examined for possible changes, including color deviations, loss of gloss or structural damage.
The areas of application for these tests are diverse: body components are tested for their resistance to fuels and road salt, while plastic and metal parts for the vehicle interior are tested for their resistance to cleaning agents and chemicals. Engine compartment components, on the other hand, are tested for their resistance to oils, coolants and brake fluids.
In order for the tests to be carried out properly, the samples must be delivered in perfect condition without damage or contamination. Shockproof packaging is necessary to avoid damage during transportation. In addition, information on the coating composition and the coating systems should be enclosed.
The limit values for chemical resistance define clear requirements: Maximum tolerances for gloss or color changes, no peeling or blistering and the preservation of the corrosion protection function after exposure. The tests are carried out in accordance with ISO standards or manufacturer specifications and include tests with typical automotive chemicals such as petrol, diesel, brake fluid, road salt and cleaning agents. The duration and concentration of chemical contact and temperature conditions are customized to accurately simulate real-life exposure scenarios.
For reliable results, we recommend additional samples for possible repeat or comparative testing. The samples should be sent to our test laboratory in shockproof packaging, including information on the coating composition, the coating systems and the drying method.
Please contact our experienced team for more information.
