A method is described for the production of a dispersion, especially a coating or sealing compound, having a viscosity of less than about 30,000 mPas, whose viscosity increases to more than 50,000 mPas or that becomes firm as a result of its application, whereby a shear-thickening additive is added to a precursor composition of the dispersion at a shear rate that does not activate the shear-thickening additive. Consequently, it is possible to formulate dispersions, especially sealing and/or coating compounds, in such a way that they have a low viscosity for storage and processing, and only at the time of the use of the dispersion is the final viscosity set by suitable equipment.