Perform the Concrete Hardness Scratch Test

What happens here

With your scratch test kit open, begin by selecting a tester with a lower hardness number, for instance, a '4'. Apply firm, consistent pressure as you drag the tip across an inconspicuous area of your concrete floor. Observe if the tester leaves a visible scratch mark. If it doesn't scratch, move up to the next higher number tester, in this case, a '5'. Continue testing progressively harder tips (e.g., '6', '7') until a distinct scratch is made on the concrete surface. In the video, a tester with a '4' rating did not scratch the floor. Moving to a '5' started to leave a mark, and a '6' definitely scratched the surface. This indicates the concrete's hardness is somewhere between '5' and '6'. As the recommended range for epoxy application is '5' to '7', this particular concrete floor is deemed suitable for coating.

Goal: Determine the exact hardness level of the concrete