ISO 9211 describes surface treatments of components and substrates, excluding ophthalmic optics (spectacles), by the application of optical coatings and gives a standard form for their specification. It defines the general characteristics and the test and measurement methods wherever necessary, but it is not intended to define the process method.

This document describes specific test methods of abrasion, adhesion and resistance to water for coating environmental durability tests that are identified in ISO 9211‑3 but not described in other normative references. They are typically performed in sequence with other environmental durability tests, an example is shown in ISO 9211‑3:2008, Annex A.