Glossary of painting terms
A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P R S T U V W
dispersion Suspension of minute particles in a suitable medium.
drier A paint ingredient that aids the drying or hardening of the film.
drop-sheet A sheet of cloth or plastic used to protect surfaces during painting of nearby areas.
dry dust free The stage of drying when particles of dust that settle on the surface do not stick to the paint film.
dry tack free The stage of drying when the paint no longer feels sticky or tacky when touched.
dry to handle The stage of drying when a paint film has hardened enough that the painted surface may be used without becoming marred.
dry to recoat The stage of drying when the next coat can be applied.
drying time The period from the time a coating is applied until the time when it attains a specified state of tackiness or hardness.
drywall Any substitute for plaster such as wallboard, plasterboard, gyproc or sheetrock. Drywall typically consists of several thicknesses of fibre board or paper that have been bonded to a hardened core of gypsum.
efflorescence A deposit of salts that remains on the surface of masonry, brick or plaster when water has evaporated.
eggshell A gloss range between flat and semi-gloss. The sheen closely resembles the lustre of an eggshell. Note that eggshell is a degree of gloss, not a color.
enamel A paint that forms an especially smooth, hard film. Enamels may be obtained in a full range of glosses and can be either latex or alkyd (oil). Consumers, however, often associate the term with alkyd (oil-based) products.
epoxy Products made from synthetic resin derived from petroleum. Epoxies, which are generally cured by catalysts, are perhaps the most durable of all coatings.
erosion The wearing away of a paint film as a result of exposure to the weather.
etch Prepare the surface by chemical means to improve the adhesion of coatings.
fabric roller An application tool made from a high nap fabric and designed to apply paint by saturating with paint and rolling across the surface.
feather sanding Sanding to taper the edge of dried paint film.
ferrule The metal band that connects the handle and stock of a paint brush.
filaments The part of a synthetic paint brush that holds and applies the paint. In a natural bristle brush, the filaments are often referred to as bristles.
filler A composition used for filling fine cracks and pores to make the surface smooth before paint is applied.
film A layer or coat of paint or other material applied to the surface. The layer remaining after the paint has dried is often called the dried film.
finish coat Topcoat.
flaking Small pieces of paint surface coming off. Cracking or blistering usually occurs before flaking.
flammable Easily set on fire.
flash point The temperature at which a coating or solvent produces vapors that are capable of being ignited when exposed to a spark or flame.
flat Practically no gloss even when the surface is viewed from an angle. A flat finish has even less gloss than an eggshell finish. Flat paint is less durable than higher gloss paint.
flexibility The ability of a coating to expand and contract during temperature changes.
flow The ability of a coating to level out and spread into a smooth film. Paints that have good flow usually level out uniformly with few brush or roller marks.
foam roller A tool that is similar to a fabric roller but made from synthetic foam rubber. It is designed for clear, fine finishes.
frieze A horizontal band of decoration around a room, building, mantle, etc.
fungicide An agent that helps prevent mold or mildew growth on paint.