This document specifies a general procedure for determining the viscosity of paints, varnishes and related products, as well as binders. The method is primarily used to determine the relative viscosity of a product and to monitor this while thinning during a manufacturing process. It describes a relative measurement of viscosity using disc or ball spindles at specified speeds.

The method specified in this document is suitable for all paints and varnishes whether they are Newtonian in behaviour or not. It can also be applied to materials containing dispersions of particles.