What indicates a failed X-cut test?

A failed X-cut test is indicated by the removal of more than 1/16 inch of paint. This test is designed to assess the adhesion of paint to the substrate beneath it. During the procedure, an X-shaped cut is made through the layers of paint down to the substrate. If more than 1/16 inch of paint chips or peels away, this suggests that the paint system is insecure and potentially hazardous, as it could lead to lead dust or chips being released in older homes where lead-based paints may be present.

The threshold of 1/16 inch is set to identify instances where the adhesion is compromised, meaning the paint may not be suitable for occupancy or further disturbance. It's crucial for inspectors and risk assessors to understand this limit to evaluate the safety of the environment properly. In contrast, a different outcome, such as less than 1/16 inch of paint removed, no paint removed at all, or issues related to the test procedure itself, do not indicate a failure of adhesion according to the standards established for this assessment.