ASTM D4541 is a standard for evaluating the pull-off strength, or adhesion, of various coatings such as paint, epoxy, cured powders, or metallics, on rigid surfaces or substrates such as metal, concrete, and wood. This method assesses how well a coating adheres to its substrate by measuring the force required to detach or rupture the coating. The test involves attaching a loading fixture (dolly) to the coating surface with an adhesive, applying a perpendicular tensile force—that means pulling at a 90-degree angle—and recording the force at which the coating separates.
In commercial real estate, adhesion testing is used to evaluate the bond strength of air barriers to building envelope components, such as exterior sheathing or roofing membranes, to ensure that the barrier performs effectively in preventing air leakage and improving energy efficiency.
