Measuring a coating's hardness using the indentation method, the Elcometer 3095 Buchholz Hardness Tester consists of a bevelled disc indenting tool which is fitted into a stainless steel block exerting a constant test load of 500g (17.6oz).

The gauge is places on to the coating for 30 seconds and the length of any subsequent indentation in the coating is measured using the graduated microscope. The result is expressed as units of Buchholz Indentation resistance using the scale printed in the operating instructions.