Designation: D562 − 10

Standard Test Method for

Consistency of Paints Measuring Krebs Unit (KU) Viscosity
Using a Stormer-Type Viscometer1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D562; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope 5. Significance and Use

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of Krebs Unit 5.1 This test method provides values that are useful in
(KU) viscosity to evaluate the consistency of paints and related specifying and controlling the consistency of paints, such as
coatings using the Stormer-type viscometer. consumer or trade sales products.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the METHOD A
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only. 6. Apparatus
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 6.1 Viscometer, Stormer, with the paddle-type rotor as illus-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the trated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The stroboscopic timer attachment
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- in Fig. 1 can be removed and the instrument used without it but
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- with a sacrifice of speed and accuracy. The stroboscopic timer
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. gives the 200 r/min reading directly.
2. Referenced Documents 6.2 Container, 500-mL (1-pt), 85 mm (33⁄8 in.) in diameter.
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 6.3 Thermometer—An ASTM Stormer Viscosity thermom-
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers eter having a range from 20 to 70°C and conforming to the
requirements for Thermometer 49C, as prescribed in Specifi-
3. Terminology cation E1. In addition, temperature measuring devices such as
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: non-mercury liquid-in-glass thermometers, thermocouples, or
3.1.1 consistency, n—load in grams to produce a rotational platinum resistance thermometers that provide equivalent or
frequency of 200 r/min (Stormer Viscometer). better accuracy and precision, that cover the temperature range
for thermometer 49C, may be used.
3.1.2 Krebs units (KU), n—values of a scale commonly used
to express the consistency of paints generally applied by brush 6.4 Stopwatch, or suitable timer measuring to 0.2 s.
or roller. 6.5 Weights, a set covering the range from 5 to 1000 g.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—This scale is a function of the “load to
produce 200-r/min” scale. 7. Materials

4. Summary of Test Method 7.1 Two standard oils, calibrated in absolute viscosity
(poise), that are within the viscosity range of the coatings to be
4.1 The load required to produce a rotational frequency of measured. These oils should differ in viscosity by at least 5 P.
200 r/min for an offset paddle rotor immersed in a paint is
determined. NOTE 1—The normal range of the Stormer is covered by oils having
viscosities of 4 P (70 KU), 10 P (85 KU), and 14 P (95 KU).

1
7.1.1 Suitable standards are silicone, hydrocarbon, linseed,
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
and castor oils. Silicone and hydrocarbon oils calibrated in
Subcommittee D01.24 on Physical Properties of Liquid Paints & Paint Materials. poises are commercially available. Uncalibrated linseed and
Current edition approved July 1, 2010. Published July 2010. Originally approved castor oils may be calibrated with any apparatus that provides
in 1947. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D562 – 01 (2005). DOI: measurements of absolute viscosity.
10.1520/D0562-10.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 1

 D562 − 10
where:
O = viscosity of oil in poises and
D = density of oil.

8. Calibration4
8.1 Remove the rotor and weight carrier from the viscom-
eter. Make sure the string is wound evenly on the drum and
does not overlap itself.
8.2 Attach a 5-g weight onto the string and then release the
brake. If the viscometer starts to run from this dead start and
continues to run through several revolutions of the string drum,
it is satisfactory for use. If it does not start unaided when the
5-g weight is applied, the instrument should be reconditioned.
8.3 Check the dimensions of the paddle-type rotor. They
should be within 0.1 mm (60.004 in.) of the dimensions shown
in Fig. 2.
8.4 Select two standard oils having assigned values of load
to produce 200 r/min within the range of the values expected
for the coatings to be measured (see 7.1).
8.5 Adjust the temperature of the standard oils to 25 6
FIG. 1 Stormer Viscometer with Paddle-Type Rotor and Strobo- 0.2°C. The temperature of the Stormer apparatus should be the
scopic Timer same. If the specified temperature cannot be obtained, record
the temperature of the oil at the beginning and end of test to
0.2°C.
8.6 Determine the load in grams to produce 200 r/min with
each of the two oils, using either Procedure A described in
Section 9 or Procedure B described in Section 10.
8.6.1 If the oil temperature was not at 25 6 0.2°C during the
test, correct the measured load in grams for the deviation from
that temperature.
NOTE 2—Load corrections for deviations of oil temperature from the
specified temperature can be made by means of a previously established
plot of load versus oil temperature (see Appendix X1).
8.7 If the measured load (corrected for any temperature
deviation from standard) is within 615 % of the assigned load
values for the oils, the Stormer apparatus can be considered to
be in satisfactory calibration.

9. Procedure A (Without Stroboscopic Attachment)

9.1 Thoroughly mix the sample and strain it into a 500-mL
(1-pt) container to within 20 mm (3⁄4 in.) of the top.
9.2 Bring the temperature of the specimen to 25 6 0.2°C
and maintain it at that temperature during the test. The
temperature of the Stormer apparatus should be the same.
9.2.1 If the specified temperature cannot be obtained, record
NOTE 1—1 in. = 25.4 mm. the temperature of the specimen at the beginning and end of
FIG. 2 Paddle-Type Rotor for Use With Stormer Viscometer test to 0.2°C.
9.3 When the temperature of the specimen has reached
7.1.2 Assign a value of load to produce 200 r/min to each oil equilibrium, stir it vigorously, being careful to avoid entrap-
by converting its viscosity value in poises to load in grams by ping air, and place the container immediately on the platform
the following equation:3 of the viscometer so that the paddle-type rotor is immersed in
L 5 ~ 610O1906.6 D ! /30
the material to the mark on the shaft of the rotor.

3 4
Geddes, J. A., and Dawson, D. H., “Calculation of Viscosity From Stormer Jackson, C. F., and Madson, W. H., “A Method for the Standardization of Krebs
Viscosity Data,” Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Vol 34, 1942, p. 163. Modified Stormer Viscometers,” ASTM Bulletin, No. 161, 1949.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 2

 D562 − 10
9.4 Place weights on the hanger of the viscometer and
determine a load that will produce 100 revolutions in the range
of 25 to 35 s.
9.5 Using the information gained in 9.4, select two loads
that will provide two different readings (time to give 100 FIG. 4 Stroboscopic Lines Appearing as Multiples that May be
revolutions) within the range of 27 to 33 s. Make these Observed Before 200-r/min Reached
measurements from a running start, that is, permit the rotor to
make at least 10 revolutions before starting the timing for 100
revolutions. produce 100 revolutions in 30 s. The table provides KU values computed
9.6 Repeat the measurements outlined in 9.5 until two for a range of 27 to 33 s for 100 revolutions.
readings for each load are obtained that agree within 0.5 s. 11.2 Procedure B:
11.2.1 If desired, determine from Table 2 the KU value
10. Procedure B (With Stroboscopic Timer) corresponding to the load to produce 200 r/min.
10.1 Follow Procedure A (9.1-9.3) for the preparation of the
12. Report
specimen.
12.1 Report the following information:
10.2 Connect the lamp circuit of the stroboscopic attach-
12.1.1 The load in grams to produce 200 r/min (100
ment to an electrical power source.
revolutions in 30 s),
10.3 Place weights on the hanger of the viscometer and 12.1.2 The calculated KU,
determine a load that will produce 100 revolutions in the range 12.1.3 The temperature of the specimen during the test and
from 25 to 35 s. whether a correction was applied for any deviation from 25°C,
10.4 Using the information gained in 10.3, select a weight and
(to the nearest 5 g) that will produce the 200-r/min pattern (Fig. 12.1.4 Whether Procedure A or Procedure B was used.
3) on the stroboscopic timer, that is, where the lines appear to
be stationary. 13. Precision and Bias
10.4.1 Lines moving in the direction of paddle rotation 13.1 Precision—On the basis of a study in which determi-
indicate a speed greater than 200 r/min and therefore, weight nations were made on five paints by two operators at each of
should be removed from the hanger. Conversely, lines moving five laboratories on each of two different days; the within-
opposite to direction of paddle rotation indicate a speed less laboratory coefficient of variation was found to be 3 % in load
than 200 r/min and weight should be added. grams or 1.5 % in KU, and the between-laboratory coefficient
NOTE 3—There are other patterns that appear at speeds other than 200
of variation was found to be 10 % in load grams or 4 % in KU.
r/min (See Fig. 4). The pattern for 200 r/min should be determined before 13.1.1 The following criteria should be used for judging the
running any tests. acceptability of results at the 95 % confidence level.
10.5 Repeat the determination in 10.4 until a consistent 13.1.1.1 Repeatability—Two results each the mean of two
value of load is obtained (that is, to within 5 g). measurements, obtained on the same material by the same
operator at different times should be considered suspect if they
11. Calculation differ by more than 1.7 % in KU.
13.1.1.2 Reproducibility—Two results, each the mean of
11.1 Procedure A:
two measurements on the same material, obtained by operators
11.1.1 Calculate the load to within 5 g, to produce 100
in different laboratories should be considered suspect if they
revolutions in 30 s by interpolating between the load weights
differ by more than 5.1 % in KU.
recorded for the readings made between 27 and 33 s for 100
revolutions. METHOD B (Digital Display Stormer-Type Viscometer)
11.1.2 Correct the load determined for any deviation of the
specimen temperature from the specified temperature (see 14. Apparatus
Appendix X1).
14.1 Viscometer, Digital Display, with the paddle-type rotor
11.1.3 If desired, determine from Table 1 the KU corre-
as illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5.
sponding to the load to produce 100 revolutions in 30 s.
14.2 Container, 500 mL (1 pt), 85 mm (3 3⁄8 in. in diameter.
NOTE 4—Table 1 has been constructed so that it is not necessary to
interpolate between loads to obtain the KU corresponding to the load to 14.3 Thermometer, ASTM Stormer viscosity thermometer
having a range from 20 to 70°C and conforming to the
requirements for Thermometer 49C as prescribed in Specifi-
cation E1.

15. Materials
15.1 Standard Oils, two, calibrated in absolute viscosity that
FIG. 3 Stroboscopic Lines Opening When Timer is Adjusted to are within the viscosity range of the coatings to be measured.
Exactly 200 r/min These oils should differ in viscosity by at least 25 KU.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 3

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved);

TABLE 1 Krebs’ Stormer Chart with Interpolations

Load, g
Seconds 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 350 375 400 425 450 475 500 525 550 575 600 625 650 675 700 725 750 775 800 825 850 875 900 950 1000
for 100
Revolu-
tions

D562 − 10
Krebs Units
4

27 49 57 63 69 74 79 83 86 89 92 95 97 100 102 104 106 109 111 113 114 116 118 120 121 123 124 126 127 129 130 131 132 133 134 136 138
28 51 59 65 70 75 80 84 87 90 93 96 98 100 102 105 107 110 112 114 115 117 118 120 121 123 124 126 127 129 130 131 132 133 134 137 139
29 53 60 66 71 76 81 85 88 91 94 97 99 101 103 105 107 110 112 114 115 117 119 121 122 124 125 127 128 130 131 132 133 134 135 137 139
30 54 61 67 72 77 82 86 89 92 95 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 121 122 124 125 127 128 130 131 133 134 135 136 138 140
31 55 62 68 73 78 82 86 90 93 95 98 100 102 104 106 108 111 113 115 116 118 120 122 123 125 126 128 129 131 132 133 134 135 136 138 140
32 56 63 69 74 79 83 87 90 93 96 99 101 103 105 107 109 111 113 115 116 118 120 122 123 125 126 128 129 131 132 133 134 135 136 138 140
33 57 64 70 75 80 84 88 91 94 96 99 101 103 105 107 109 112 114 116 117 119 121 122 123 125 126 128 129 131 132 134 135 136 137 139 141
 D562 − 10
TABLE 2 Krebs Units Corresponding to Load Required to Produce 200-r/min Rotation
(For use with Stormer Viscometer equipped with Stroboscopic Timer)
Grams Grams Grams Grams Grams Grams Grams Grams Grams Grams Grams
KU KU KU KU KU KU KU KU KU KU KU
100 61 200 82 300 95 400 104 500 112 600 120 700 125 800 131 900 136 1000 140
105 62 205 83

110 63 210 83 310 96 410 105 510 113 610 120 710 126 810 132 910 136 1010 140
115 64 215 84

120 65 220 85 320 97 420 106 520 114 620 121 720 126 820 132 920 137 1020 140
125 67 225 86

130 68 230 86 330 98 430 106 530 114 630 121 730 127 830 133 930 137 1030 140
135 69 235 87

140 70 240 88 340 99 440 107 540 115 640 122 740 127 840 133 940 138 1040 140
145 71 245 88

150 72 250 89 350 100 450 108 550 116 650 122 750 128 850 134 950 138 1050 141
155 73 255 90

160 74 260 90 360 101 460 109 560 117 660 123 760 129 860 134 960 138 1060 141
165 75 265 91

70 53 170 76 270 91 370 102 470 110 570 118 670 123 770 129 870 135 970 139 1070 141
75 54 175 77 275 92

80 55 180 78 280 93 380 102 480 110 580 118 680 124 780 130 880 135 980 139 1080 141
85 57 185 79 285 93

90 58 190 80 290 94 390 103 490 111 590 119 690 124 790 131 890 136 990 140 1090 141
95 60 195 81 295 94

16. Calibration
16.1 Check the dimensions of the paddle-type rotor. They
should be within 6 0.1 mm (0.004 in.) of the dimensions
shown in Fig. 2.
16.2 Select two standard oils having viscosities in KU
within the range of the values expected for the coatings to be
measured (see 15.1).
16.3 Adjust the temperature of the standard oils to 25 6
0.2°C. The temperature of the viscometer should be the same.
If the specified temperature cannot be obtained, record the
temperature of the oil at the beginning and end of the test to
0.2°C.
16.4 If the oil temperature was not at 25 6 0.2°C during the
test, correct the measured KU viscosity for the deviation from
that temperature.
NOTE 5—Corrections for deviations of oil temperature from the
specified temperature can be made by means of a previously established
plot of load grams versus oil temperature (see Appendix X1).
16.5 If the measured viscosity (corrected for any tempera-
ture deviation from standard) is within 65 % of the specified
KU values for the standard oils, the viscometer can be
considered to be in satisfactory calibration.

17. Procedure
FIG. 5 Digital Stormer-Type Viscometer
17.1 Thoroughly mix the specimen and pour into a 500–mL
(1–pt) container to within 20 mm (3⁄4 in.) of the top.
17.2 Bring the temperature of the specimen to 25 6 0.2°C,
15.2 Suitable Hydrocarbon Oils, calibrated in KU and and maintain it at that temperature during the test. The
traceable to NIST, available commercially. temperature of the viscometer should be the same.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 5

 D562 − 10
17.3 If the specified temperature cannot be obtained, record 18. Report
the temperature of the specimen at the beginning and end of the 18.1 Report the following information:
test to 0.2°C. 18.1.1 The measured Krebs Units (KU) and the Grams
17.4 When the temperature of the specimen has reached (gm).
equilibrium, stir it vigorously, being careful to avoid entrap- 18.1.2 The temperature of the specimen during the test and
ping air, move the operating handle to the top position, pull the whether a correction was applied for any deviation from 25°C.
front locator out and place the container immediately on the
19. Precision and Bias
base of the viscometer against the locating pins and release the
front locator locking and centering the can. 19.1 Precision—On the basis of a study in which measure-
ments were made on five paints by two operators in each of six
17.5 Turn on the main power switch and select either KU or laboratories (five with Brookfield KU-1 viscometer and one
Gram (gm) display. Be sure that the HOLD reading switch is in with an electronic Stormer viscometer) on each of two different
the up position. days, the following criteria should be used for judging the
17.6 Move the operating handle to the lower (immersing the acceptability of results at the 95 % confidence level.
paddle spindle into the specimen). The fluid should be close to 19.1.1 Repeatability—Two results, each the mean of two
the immersion groove on the paddle shaft. The paddle will start measurements on the same material by the same operator at
rotating when it is within about 12 mm (1⁄2 in.) of the lower different times, should be considered suspect if they differ by
position. more than 2.0 % in KU.
19.1.2 Reproducibility—Two results, each the mean of two
17.7 Wait 5 s for the display reading to stabilize. measurements on the same material, obtained by operators in
17.8 Press the HOLD reading switch down to “hold” the different laboratories should be considered suspect if they
display and use the display selector knob to display KU or differ by more than 5.0 % in KU.
gram units, or both. 19.2 Bias—Since there is no accepted reference material for
this test method, bias cannot be determined.
17.9 Raise the operating handle to the top position, and let
the specimen drain from the paddle spindle. 20. Keywords
17.10 Loosen the thumb screw and remove the paddle 20.1 consistency; Krebs units (KU); Stormer-type viscom-
spindle for cleaning. eter; viscosity

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. EFFECT OF SPECIMEN TEMPERATURE ON STORMER CONSISTENCY

X1.1 For maximum accuracy in determining the effect of Mean Value at Change per 1°C
specimen temperature on consistency, measurements should be 25°C Change
Load, KU Load, KU
performed at three different specimen temperatures covering g value g value
the range of interest. The change in load or KU per 1°C change
can be determined from these results. Hydrocarbon oil No. 1 149 72 14 2.5
Hydrocarbon oil No. 2 217 85 18 2.0
X1.2 It has been observed that the consistency of an oil is Hydrocarbon oil No. 3 286 93 11 1.5
Bodied linseed oil 195 81 8 1.0
considerably more sensitive to temperature than is the consis- Heavily bodied linseed oil 440 108 40 2.0
tency of a paint. Water-based exterior paint 300 95 4 0.5
Water-based exterior paint 425 105 4 0.5
X1.3 Some typical effects of temperatures on the consis-
tency of oils and paints are given below:

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 6

 D562 − 10
ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the ASTM website (www.astm.org/
COPYRIGHT/).

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 7