1.1 This International Standard specifies a method for determining the flow time of paints, varnishes and related products that can be used to control consistency. 1.2 Four flow cups of similar dimensions, but having orifice diameters of 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm and 6 mm, are specified. Two methods for checking the flow cups for wear and tear are given (see Annex A). Flow cups with a replaceable jet are not covered by this International Standard as the close tolerances on the supply of the material under test to the jet are not met. Commonly used dipping flow cups are also not covered by this International Standard. In general, the fabrication tolerances for such flow cups are greater than those of the flow cups specified in this International Standard. Therefore flow time determinations with dipping flow cups give a precision which is lower than that obtained with the flow cups specified in this International Standard (see Clause 9). 1.3 The method is limited to testing materials for which the breakpoint of the flow from the orifice of the flow cup can be determined with certainty. This point is difficult to determine and reproduce for materials with flow times in excess of 100 s due to slowing-down effects.