Glossary
a
A fast-drying paint made from pigment mixed with an acrylic polymer medium.
Chemical introduced to paint to change or add properties.
How well dry paint stays attached to the surface.
Allowing paint to dry at room temperature. Air drying paints are designed for this.
A synthetic material added to oil-based paints that can modify other properties.
The temperature of the air in the immediate vicinity of a project area.
A brush with bristles that come to a point at the top, used for painting corners and edges.
Paint that will minimize the effects of moisture.
Paint designed to prevent corrosion on steel.
The process of applying a coating to a surface.
b
The process of rolling over a freshly sprayed coating to ensure even distribution.
A surface without a coat of paint.
The initial layer in a multiple-part paint application.
Protective and decorative trim at the bottom edge of a wall.
High color paint that requires a clear finish.
Component in the paint that holds it together and allows adhesion.
When stains or colors from the underlying surface come through a newly painted surface.
Discoloration in a new coat of paint when the old application shows through.
Merging two colors, so the difference is indiscernible. Also called feathering.
Bubbles under the surface of a paint coat.
Allowing moisture from the surface through the paint.
When the base does not fill in a flaw or scratch.
Dry paint coat lacking in flexibility.
A tool used for applying paint, typically made of bristles.
Ease of applying a coat with a paintbrush. Also called consistency.
c
A shade of a color.
Additive that speeds drying time and improves other elements. Also called an activator, accelerator, or curing agent.
Small cracks marring the paint surface. Also called crow's feet or crazing.
Removing paint and particles with a sharpened implement.
Retraction of paint into indents which causes the surface to show through. Cissing is caused by surface contamination. Wax, grease or even just poorly prepared surfaces will prevent paint adhering to the surface.
A single application of paint.
Two colors with no visible difference.
List of colors that helps in choosing paint.
Pigment used to create the color in paint.
Ratio of elements that cause the sheen of the paint.
Ability of paint to hide the previous coat.
Corruption of metal by other elements and materials.
How well a paint spreads over the surface.
When wide, crossing cracks form in paint layers.
Molding that gracefully flares at the top edge of a wall.
Process of paint drying.
d
Peeling of paint. Also called flake-off.
Comparative lightness or darkness between shades of color.
How well paint holds up to the elements.
e
United States Federal Government agency in charge of environmental regulations.
A stain-resistant coat that fills some flaws.
f
Loss of color and/or gloss over time.
Substance used to fill in dents and damage and smooth masonry.
Additive that decreases brittleness.
g
Amount that paint reflects light.
The ability of a hobem paint to maintain its shine over time.
Removal of flaws by mechanical sanding.
h
i
The ability of one coat of paint to stick to another coat.
j
Thickening of paint to an unusable form due to drying or curing, before being used.
k
The recessed panel that sits beneath base cabinets.
l
A clear coat of paint that dries quickly.
Section where an application extends over another coat. Lap marks in paint appear as a deeper color or an increased gloss where wet and dry layers overlap during paint application. Keeping a “wet edge” is the key to avoiding lapping paint. While painting, you need to move quickly enough so, the paint being applied can seamlessly flow into the just-applied paint.
Lead paint or lead-based paint is paint containing lead. In the past, lead was added to paint to accelerate drying, increase durability, maintain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that causes corrosion.
When moisture reaches and swells an undercoat, wrinkling the topcoat.
m
Masking is the act of covering areas of a wall, ceiling, or floor to prevent paint from being applied to these areas. Common materials used for masking are tape, paper, and plastic.
A wall, structure, or fascia built from brick, concrete, or stone.
A document that lists information relating to occupational safety and health for the use of various substances and products.
A form of fungus that can grow on walls and painted surfaces, often the result of a room or space with high humidity or moisture, like a bathroom.
n
Paint roller fibers.
o
Sprayed paint that does not hit the surface.
p
q
An advanced-grade siliconized acrylic latex caulk that is paint-ready in as little as 30 minutes
r
Time necessary before a second application.
Binding agents in paint.
Thin, downward ribbons of paint - also called Sags.
s
Paint that prevents interactions between coats before and after it.
Gloss level of paint.
Material used to create a home's exterior, usually wood, aluminum, or vinyl.
Applying primer to small areas where the surface has become exposed.
Surface which will be painted.
u
The part of the electromagnetic spectrum which can cause fading of paint. Located just beyond the visible part of spectrum.
An undertone color can be seen through another layer of color on top of it.
w
Decorative wood panelling along the lower wall to protect the wall from scuffs.
Decorative designs printed on an adhesive-backed roll of paper that are stuck to your wall for visual appeal.
x
A rendering or image of the internal composition of something, produced by using high-energy electromagnetic waves called X-Rays to pass through an object. X-rays are sometimes used to inspect walls to see the underlaying structure, wiring, and plumbing.
y
Development of a yellow color or cast in white, a pastel, colored or clear finishes.
z
Rust-inhibiting pigment, greenish-yellow in color that is used with a high-hiding pigment.
Substance used as a white pigment for high-hiding power hardness and gloss. Reduces yellowing, increases drying; provides resistance to sulfur fumes and mildew. Used with linseed oil for self-cleaning exterior paints.