Specifies a method for assessing the adhesion of a multi-coat or single coating of paint, varnish or related product by measuring the minimum tensile stress necessary to rupture or to detach the coating in a direction perpendicular to the substrate. A wide range of substrates may be used in the application of the test. Specifies different procedures according to whether the substrate is deformable. The coating may be applied, for special purposes, to a test cylinder; in this case, a method for determination of the coating thickness needs to be agreed between the parties concerned. The test result is the minimum tensile stress needed to break the weakest component (cohesive failure) or the weakset interface (adhesive failure) of the test assembly. Also describes apparatus and supplementary information for the test.