The physical processes involved in the curing of organic coatings are described, and the mechanisms for supplying energy noted. Thermal curing at 120-220°C is commonly used; also possible is radiation curing by, in order of increasing energy, microwave (MW), infra-red (IR), ultra-violet (UV), x-rays, electron beams (EB) and gamma-rays. These methods could save energy and reduce the proportion of volatile solvents in the coating. Formulations curable by UV are listed, as are general requirements for coatings curable by EB and MW. -- AATA