This part of ISO 9117 specifies a test method for determining the surface-drying characteristics of a coating of a paint or varnish which dries by the action of air or by chemical reaction of its components. The method is not intended to apply to stoving products. The method described may be carried out: ⎯ as a “go/no go” test, by determining the surface-drying state after a specified time, to assess compliance with a particular requirement; ⎯ by determining the surface-drying state at suitable intervals until the surface-drying time is obtained.