Glossary of House Painting Terms
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HOUSE PAINTERS GENERAL GLOSSARY
Adhesion – How well dry paint stays attached to the surface.
Aeration – Bubbles that form in paints during preparation and can affect the application.
Atomize – When a paint gun turns paint into particles or mist.
Bare Substrate – A surface without a coat of paint.
Base – The initial layer in a multiple part paint application.
Blast Cleaning – Surface preparation of steel by use of compression propelled abrasive materials.
Bleeding – Discoloration in a new coat of paint when the old application shows through.
Blending – Merging two colors together so the difference is indiscernible. Also called feathering.
Blistering – Bubbles under the surface of a paint coat.
Blushing – Milky look caused by moisture mixing into drying paint. Also called grinning through.
Breathe – Allowing moisture from the surface through the paint.
Bridging – When the base does not fill in a flaw or scratch.
Brittle – Dry paint coat lacking in flexibility.
Checking – Small cracks marring the paint surface. Also called crows feet or crazing.
Chipping – Removing paint and particles with a sharpened implement.
Cissing – Retraction of paint into indents which causes the surface to show through.
Color Match – Two colors with no visible difference.
Crocodiling – When wide, crossing cracks form in paint layers.
Curdling – Partial drying of paint.
Delamination – Peeling of paint. Also called flake-off.
Grinding – Removal of flaws by mechanical sanding.
Hardness – A paints resistance to damage.
Hiding Power – Paints ability to cover the surface or layer of paint underneath. Also called opacity.
Hold-Out – A paints ability to resist the next coat soaking into it.
Jelling – When paint dries before application.
Lap – Section where an application extends over another coat.
Lifting – When moisture reaches and swells an undercoat, wrinkling the topcoat.
Livering – Thickening of paint that indicates it is jelling.
Mudcracking – Cracks formed by paint shrinking when it dries.
Masking – Using tape and other coverings to prevent paint from applying to certain areas.
Nap – Paint roller fibers.
Overspray – Sprayed paint that does not hit the surface.
Peeling – Curling and detaching of paint from loss of adhesion.
Re-Coat Time – Time necessary before a second application.
Runs – Thin, downward ribbons of paint. Also called sags.
Spot Priming – Applying primer to small areas where the surface has become exposed.
Substrate – Surface which will be painted.
Touch-Dry – When paint no longer feels tacky to the touch.
Water Spotting – Spots created by a reaction of paint to water when drying.
PAINT PRODUCT GLOSSARY
Additive – Chemical introduced to paint to change or add properties.
Acrylic – Paint created from a group of plastics, known for its color and gloss.
Air Dry – Allowing paint to dry at room temperature. Air drying paints are designed for this.
Alkyd – A synthetic material added to oil-based paints that can modify other properties.
Anti-Condensation Paint – Paint that will minimize the effects of moisture.
Anti-Corrosive Paint – Paint designed to prevent corrosion on steel.
Basecoat – High color paint that requires a clear finish.
Binder – Component in the paint that holds it together and allows adhesion.
Brushability – Ease of applying a coat with a paint brush. Also called consistency.
Cast – A shade of a color.
Catalyst – Additive that speeds drying time and improves other elements. Also called activator, accelerator, or curing agent.
Coat – A single application of paint.
Colorant – Pigment used to create the color in paint.
Color Fast – Color able to retain its cast over time. Also called color retention.
Contrast Ratio – Ability of paint to hide the previous coat.
Coverage – How well a paint spreads over the surface.
Concentration – Ratio of elements that cause the sheen of the paint.
Cure – Process of paint drying.
Die-Back – Loss of gloss over time.
Durability – How well paint holds up to the elements.
Fading – Loss of color and/or gloss over time.
Filler – Substance used to fill in dents and damage, and smooth masonry.
Flex Agent – Additive that decreases brittleness.
Gloss – Amount that paint reflects light.
Gloss Retention – Ability of a paint to maintain its shine.
Hard Setting – When solid paint collects at the bottom of a container.
Hue – The primary color of a paint.
Intumescent Paint – Paint that swells when exposed to flame, allowing extra time for evacuation.
Lacquer – A clear coat of paint that dries quickly.
Metamerism – When two colors match under one but not all conditions.
Mildew Resistance – A paint’s ability to prevent mildew growth.
Moisture Resistance – A paints ability to withstand moisture and prevent the damage it can cause.
Pigment – Part of the paint that provides the color.
Primer – Paint designed to prepare a surface for other coats. It often protects the surface as well.
Resin – Binding agents in paint.
Sealer – Paint that prevents interactions between coats before and after it.
Sheen – Gloss level of paint.
Skinning – When a thick layer forms on the top of paint in a can.
VOC – Volatile Organic Compounds are components in paint regulated by the EPA.
RELATED TERMS GLOSSARY
Baseboards – Protective and decorative trim at the bottom edge of a wall.
Color Wheel – List of colors that helps in choosing paint.
Corrosion – Corruption of metal by other elements and materials.
Crown Molding – Molding that gracefully flares at the top edge of a wall.
Depth – Comparative lightness or darkness between shades of color.
Epoxy – A stain-resistant coat that fills some flaws.
E.P.A. – Government agency in charge of environmental regulations.
Humidity – Amount of moisture in the air.
Masonry – Structures made from minerals.
Mildew – Fungus that can grow on paint and epoxy, especially in damp, low light conditions.
M.S.D.S. – Sheets with safety information on all chemicals, including paints.
Putty – Substance for filling imperfections.
Siding – Material used to create the exterior of a home, usually wood, aluminum, or vinyl.
Trim – Finishing or decorative molding.
