TQC Sheen Steel Surface Roughness Comparator

Brought to you by TQC Sheen, our paint testing specialist brand, our robust surface roughness comparator is made of quality steel and offers comparison standard testing according to ISO 8503-01.  

ISO 8503-1 is an international ISO standard procedure that will help you to assess abrasive, blast-cleaned surfaces of steel substrates before applying protective paints and coatings.   

A portable surface comparator 

The TQC Sheen surface roughness tester comes in its own leather pouch for ease of transport. It’s available for shot and grit blasting and indicates the surface condition of blasted steel according to ISO 8503. This is in grades of fine, medium, and coarse – allowing for comparison in the lab or on-the-go.    

Importance of surface roughness testing  

The surface roughness of steel can play an important part in its suitability for a range of uses, especially when it comes to engineering applications. Surface roughness testing with a surface finish gauge can also determine how your steel surfaces will interact with their environment, and which paints and coatings may be most suitable.   

Easy-to-use surface finish gauge  

Using a surface roughness comparator like our TQC Sheen model is so easy. Simply place the appropriate surface comparator (G for Grit, S for Shot) on a blast cleaned surface. The finish can be compared against the four sections of the surface finish gauge; it’s a simple matter of identifying (by sight and touch) the standard surface:   

• Fine grade between segment 1 and segment 2  

• Medium grade between segment 2 and segment 3  

• Coarse grade between segment 3 and segment 4  

Testing standards compliant  

Our surface finish comparator is made from high purity nickel and has been designed to help you comply with a range of internationally recognized testing standards, including ASTM D4417 Method A, ISO 8503-1 and ISO 8503-2.   

Alternative surface testing options   

The TQC Sheen Steel Surface Roughness Comparator is a manual tool. If you’d prefer a digital gauge for assessing the roughness of your steel surfaces, you may be interested in the TQC Sheen Surface Roughness Gauge.   

The smoothest of roughness testing advice

We’ve been making surface finish gauges for decades and have learnt a lot of best practice during this time. We like to share this knowledge with customers and the wider industry. 

Across the knowledgebase section of our website, you’ll find blogs that explore all manner of surface roughness and steel testing subjects.   

Why not have a look at this blog that compares two variables of common roughness/smoothness testers? Then you could try this one that delves into creep failure vs fatigue in metals