How is viscosity characterized in the context of paint technology?

Viscosity is characterized in paint technology as a measure of resistance to flow at a given rate because it describes how thick or thin a liquid is. In the context of paints, viscosity influences how easily the paint can be applied, its leveling properties, and its overall application behavior. A paint with low viscosity flows easily, making it ideal for applications requiring smooth finishes, while a paint with high viscosity may be thicker, resulting in different application characteristics like brush marks or texture. Understanding viscosity is crucial for formulators, as it helps in achieving the desired performance and application properties of the paint.

The other aspects mentioned, such as adherence, drying time, and color intensity, are important in paint technology but refer to different properties and behaviors of the paint rather than its viscosity specifically.