PROTECTIVE COATING SPECIALIST PCS EXAM
2026 ACTUAL TEST PAPER WITH FULL
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
◉ Galvanizing is better than metallizing because Answer: it creates
an intermetallic layer
◉ 3 mechanisms of corrosion control by coatings: Answer: Barrier
protection
Chemical inhibitors
Cathodic (galvanic) protection
◉ Regarding the mechanisms of corrosion control, explain the
chemical inhibitors: Answer: It controls the anodic reaction within
the metal. Mechanism is not always clear. General the inhibitors
react or bind with water so it does not penetrate further. Chemical
inhibitors are only suitable for primer.
◉ What are the desired film properties? Answer: Good adhesion
Low permeability
Continuous film
Flexibility
Abrasion resistance
, Weathering resistance
Resistance to water, fuel, and chemicals
Resistance to biological growth
◉ What are the tests for coating adhesion? Answer: Tape test (ASTM
D3359)
Knife test (ASTM D6677)
Pull-off test for coatings on steel (ASTM D4541)
Pull-off test for coatings on concrete (ASTM D7234)
◉ What test do you use to measure permeability? Answer: ASTM
D1653 (measures water vapor transmission of organic coating
films)
◉ Name the 5 main hardness tests Answer: ASTM D3363 (pencil test
for coatings)
ASTM D2583 (Barcol impressor)
ASTM D2240 (durometer) *thick rubber and plastic films
ASTM D2134 (sward type hardness rocker) *for organic coatings
ASTM D1474 (indentation hardness) *organic coatings
2026 ACTUAL TEST PAPER WITH FULL
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
◉ Galvanizing is better than metallizing because Answer: it creates
an intermetallic layer
◉ 3 mechanisms of corrosion control by coatings: Answer: Barrier
protection
Chemical inhibitors
Cathodic (galvanic) protection
◉ Regarding the mechanisms of corrosion control, explain the
chemical inhibitors: Answer: It controls the anodic reaction within
the metal. Mechanism is not always clear. General the inhibitors
react or bind with water so it does not penetrate further. Chemical
inhibitors are only suitable for primer.
◉ What are the desired film properties? Answer: Good adhesion
Low permeability
Continuous film
Flexibility
Abrasion resistance
, Weathering resistance
Resistance to water, fuel, and chemicals
Resistance to biological growth
◉ What are the tests for coating adhesion? Answer: Tape test (ASTM
D3359)
Knife test (ASTM D6677)
Pull-off test for coatings on steel (ASTM D4541)
Pull-off test for coatings on concrete (ASTM D7234)
◉ What test do you use to measure permeability? Answer: ASTM
D1653 (measures water vapor transmission of organic coating
films)
◉ Name the 5 main hardness tests Answer: ASTM D3363 (pencil test
for coatings)
ASTM D2583 (Barcol impressor)
ASTM D2240 (durometer) *thick rubber and plastic films
ASTM D2134 (sward type hardness rocker) *for organic coatings
ASTM D1474 (indentation hardness) *organic coatings
