Abstract
Methods for objectively deriving quantitative application characteristics of a coating composition or applicator independent of human application variation. The method comprises applying a coating composition to a test bed using a coating composition applicator using a controlled sensing arm according to one or more pre-programmed movement routines, sensing force, torque, or combinations thereof while preventing relative movement of the test bed and controlled sensing arm, and deriving a quantitative application characteristic of the coating composition that is independent of human variation.