MEK Solvent Rub Test

The actual SOLVENT RUB MEK TEST that is the industry standard can be obtained through the Powder Coating Institute Handbook. Book is a wealth of knowledge. It is quite a detailed test description that I would not want to list out here. You can access them online at www.powdercoating.org.

Now, for our method of onsite testing, I simply take a bottle of MEK and dip a q-tip into into it. I shake off the excess and then with one hand I hold the q-tip and without much pressure (as if I was writing with a felt tip pen) I go back and forth over a 1 inch area approx 5-10 times. What I look for is a dramatic lift of pigment to the q-tip or a dramatic drop in gloss. These can be indicators that the part is under cured.

That said, I want to make it clear that some pigments lift easier than others and some powders lose gloss easier with the solven rub. The only TRUE cure test by solvent rub that I rely on is when it is done under lab conditions with other testing as back-up.

I hope this helps.

Travis