The kinetics of capillary imbibition into sedimentary rocks has been measured experimentally and calculated with a model that has been described previously by Hammecker and colleagues (1993). The validity of this model has been discussed and compared to other models. Three limestones, two clean sandstones and three clayey sandstones have been studied. The capillary processes are discussed as a function of their petrography and the pore structures. The role of the grain surface, described by the specific surface area, has been especially studied. The influence of clay coating on detrital grains on capillary processes has been quantified.