This International Standard specifies a method for assessing, by means of a simple empirical test, the resistance of a coat of paint, varnish or related product to imprinting by a nylon gauze under a specified forte applied for a specified time. The method may be carried out either as a “pass/faiI” test by determining whether the print-free state has been reached after a specified period of drying or, in the case of stoving coatings, after stoving and ageing under specified conditions, or by repeating the print-free test at suitable intervals until the print-free time is obtained.