In coating inspection by VT, when is it typically used?

• A. Only after final certification, regardless of context.
• B. When visual cues are sufficient or as a screening step before thickness tests.
• C. Only for color matching after repairs.
• D. Only in laboratory conditions.

Answer: (B)

Visual inspection in coating inspection is a quick, non-destructive first pass. It’s most effective when what you can see with the naked eye is enough to judge acceptability, or it can serve as a screening step before performing thickness measurements. In practice, inspectors use VT to identify obvious defects—like holidays, runs, or obvious surface flaws—and to decide early whether a coating should proceed to thickness testing or can be cleared from further checks. This approach is practical for field work and shop conditions, and it’s not limited to color matching, final certification, or laboratory-only scenarios.