This International Standard specifies a gravimetric method for determining the mass per unit area (surface density) of anodic oxidation coatings on aluminium and its alloys. The method is applicable to all oxidation coatings formed by anodizing aluminium and its alloys, either cast or wrought, and is suitable for most aluminium alloys, except those in which the copper content is greater than 6 %. NOTE 1 A high content of copper in the alloy can lead to increased dissolution of the basis aluminium. NOTE 2 If the thickness is known with sufficient precision (for example, using the method specified in ISO 2128), determination of the mass per unit area (surface density) of the coatings will enable its apparent density to be calculated. Conversely, if the conditions of application of the coating and its density are known, the determination of its mass per unit area (surface density) can permit calculation of the average mass and an approximate evaluation of the thickness (see the Note in Clause 6).