Paint Terms
ACRYLIC
A synthetic resin used in some latex paints.
ADHESION
A feature of paint that enables it to stick to the surface.
AEROSOL
Products that use compressed gases to propel paint
onto a surface. The container is always under pressure
and should be handled as per the instructions on the
side panel.
ALLIGATORING
Cracked paint surface caused by a hard paint film being
applied over a soft film.
ANTI-FOULING PAINT
The final coat of paint applied to the hull of a ship
below the water line. Its purpose is to prevent the
growth of marine life, such as barnacles, which greatly
retard the speed of a ship.
BINDER
The ingredient in paint that links the pigment particles
together.
BLEEDING
The migration of dye/stain from lower layers to surface
film causing stains.
BLISTERING
The formation of bubbles or bumps on the painted
surface caused by moisture in wood, painting a second
coat before the first has properly dried, or excessive
heat or grease under the paint.
BLUSHING
Cloudiness in lacquer film caused by moisture of too
rapid evaporation of solvents.
BODY
The viscosity of a paint, varnish, or enamel.
BRISTLE BRUSH
Refers to paint brush fibers that are natural in their
origin, like hog bristle. Suited to oil-based paints but
not suggested for latex paints.
BURNISHING
Shiny spots on the paint surface that are apparent after
rubbing the paint surface.
CHALKING
A loose powder that appears on the surface of the
paint after being exposed to the elements.
CHECKING
Paint failure that appears as many small cracks in the
surface of the paint.
COAT
One application of paint, varnish, etc.
COLORANT
Concentrated pigment that can be added to paint to
make specific colors via a designed formula.
COVERAGE
A measurement of a paint's ability to spread over or
hide the previous surface. (Expressed as square feet.)
CURE
Chemical or physical change necessary for a paint film
to become hard and dry.
CUTTING IN
Careful painting along a borderline such as a wall where
it meets the ceiling or at the edge of woodwork where
it meets the wall.
CRAWLING
Paint which runs together into little drops and does not
wet surface properly.
DRAG
Describes a material that is difficult to apply by
brushing.
DRIERS
Compounds of certain metals used to speed up the
drying of a paint film.
DRY
The effect of solidification or hardening of a paint film.
DRY ADHESION
How well the paint sticks to the wall when it is dry.
DULL
To reduce the gloss or sheen of a finish by using
sandpaper.
EFFLORESCENCE
Covering of salt particles or fine powder.
EGGSHELL
Little or no gloss.
FEATHER
A technique of brushing paint.
FLASHING
Surface where there are spots that are different in color
or gloss.
FILM
A layer or coat of material applied to a surface.
FLOW
The ability of the paint to level out and spread into a
smooth film after application.
FUNGICIDE
An agent that helps prevent mold/mildew growth on
paint surfaces.
GLOSS
The apparent shininess of the paint after drying. The
higher the gloss the more glass-like the paint appears.
HOLDOUT
Sealing of a surface so the next coat will have a uniform
sheen.
LAP
Point where a newly painted area joins a previously
painted area.
LEVELING
The ability of a film to be free of application marks.
LIFTING
The wrinkling of a finish coat.
MASKING TAPE
Paper or cloth tapes that are easily removed and used
to cover areas temporarily that are to be painted.
ORANGE PEEL
A texture seen in dried paint film that is not unlike that
seen in an orange's peel. Usually occurs as a result of
rolling paint when it has partially dried or using too high
a pile in the roller.
PEARL
A sheen level that is quite low, but not as low as flat.
PEELING
Separation of a paint film from the surface caused by
paint being applied to a dirty, greasy or damp surface.
POWDER
Excessive chalking of a paint film.
PIGMENTS
Paint ingredients used to impart color and increase
hiding power.
PILE
Refers to the length or height of the material on a paint
roller sleeve. High pile rollers have longer fibers holding
more paint and can create some texture in the paint
finish.
POROSITY
The rate of absorbency of a surface. Unpainted drywall
is considered to have high porosity because it has a
tendency to heavily absorb paint.
PRIMER
The first coat or the undercoat.
PUNKY
Rooted wood which has become soft to touch.
SAG
Excessive flow that causes runs in paint during
application. The cause is usually as a result of applying
too much paint or thinning the paint too much.
SAND
To remove the gloss from an old finish, using an
abrasive material such as sandpaper, or to smooth a
surface.
SCRUBBABILITY
The ability of paint to withstand hard washing with
soap, water and other household cleaners without
apparent surface deterioration.
SEALER
Used to cover porous surfaces so that a topcoat may
adhere to them.
SET-UP
A paint film that has dried permanently.
SHADE
The act of darkening a color.
SHADOW
When preceding paint films show through the last coat
applied.
SHEEN
Similar to gloss. The degree of shine of the dried paint
surface.
SHEEN UNIFORMITY
The even distribution of the gloss level over the entire
paint surface.
SHOP COAT
A primer applied at the time of manufacture.
SHINER
A spot that is glossier than the surrounding areas.
SILK
A sheen level between Semi-Gloss and Pearl. Usually
used on kitchen and bathroom walls.
SKIN
A layer of semi-hard paint or varnish in a can caused
by exposure to air in a partially used container.
SPAR
A varnish designed for exterior use only.
SPATTER
Small drips of paint thrown off the roller while applying
the paint. Moving the roller too quickly can cause
spatter.
SPOT PRIMING
Applying primer only to areas requiring additional
protection due to rusting or peeling or over bare spots.
TACK CLOTH
A piece of cheesecloth saturated with a tacky varnish.
Used for wiping up dust and other loose particles.
TACK FREE
A paint film that is not sticky to touch, but is not cured
hard dry.
THINNER
Volatile liquids used to lower and/or regulate the
consistency of paint.
TINT BASE
A can of paint not intended for use without adding
additional colorant to create specific color.
UNDERCOAT
A primer.
VEHICLE
The liquid portion of paint.
WET ADHESION
Refers to how well the paint sticks to the wall when it
gets washed.
YELLOWING
A yellow color or cast that develops over white or light
colors or in some clear finishes.