Application of scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) for corrosion studies of organic
coatings on reactive metals is presented. SVET was used to monitor the electrochemical
processes at painted steel immersed in either 10 mM Na2SO4 or 10 mM NaCl aqueous
solutions. The coated samples were investigated after a scratch was operated through the
polymer matrix down to the metal-substrate surface in order to simulate a defect across the
coating. SVET imaging probes that the electrochemical behaviour of the system is different
depending on the electrolyte employed. Enhanced coating delamination originating from the
defect is observed when chloride ions are present in the environment
