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
marine varnish Varnish that is specially designed for immersion in water and exposure to the elements, including the marine atmosphere. It is often called spar varnish.
masking paper A kraft paper that is held in position by a strip of masking tape and used to temporarily protect surfaces adjacent to those being painted.
masking tape Easily removable tape used to temporarily cover bands or small areas next to the area to be painted. It is important to remove masking tape promptly, because it is likely to dry out and leave a troublesome residue if left for more than two days or exposed to sunlight and heat.
masking Temporary covering of areas not to be painted.
mastic A heavy-bodied pastelike coating of high build. Mastic is often applied with a trowel.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) A document that lists hazardous ingredients and safety information related to products used in the workplace.
metallics Paints that include metal flakes.
mildew resistance The ability of a coating to resist the growth of molds and mildew. Mildew is particularly prevalent in warm, humid climates.
mildewcide An agent that helps prevent mold or mildew growth on paint.
mineral spirits Petroleum solvent for paint thinning and clean-up.
nailhead rusting Rust from iron nails that bleeds through the coating and stains the surrounding area.
nap The length of fibres in a paint roller cover.
nonvolatile A paint's solids content the solids left over after the solvent evaporates.
oil paint Oil-based paint that contains oil as the basic vehicle ingredient. Oil paint can be designed for interior or exterior use. It must be thinned and cleaned up with solvent. Pure oil-based paints have largely been replaced by alkyd paints.
opacity The ability of a paint to hide the previous surface.
opaque coating A coating that hides the previous surface.
orange peel Film having the roughness of an orange due to poor roller or spray application.
paint A pigmented liquid that dries to form an opaque, solid film and provide decoration and protection.
paint remover A compound that softens old paint or varnish, permitting loosened material to be scraped off.
paint thinner Thinner.
peeling Detaching of a dried paint film in large pieces. Peeling is usually caused by moisture or grease under the painted surface.
pigments Paint ingredients that are used mainly to provide color and opacity.
pinhole Very small holes in paint film, usually not deep enough to show the undercoat.
polyurethane Coatings ranging from hard glossy enamels to soft, flexible coatings. With thorough surface preparation, polyurethanes provide good to very good adhesion, hardness, flexibility and resistance.
polyvinyl acetate (PVA) A synthetic resin largely used as a vehicle for many latex paints.
pot life The period during which a two-part paint can be applied after it has been mixed.
prime coat Primer.
primer The base coat, or first complete coat, of a paint system that is applied to an uncoated surface. Primer can be latex or alkyd (oil) paint.
propellant The gas used to expel materials from an aerosol container.
putty knife A flat-bladed tool for filling cracks and holes with spackling compound.
recoat time The period that must elapse between applications of coats of paint.
resin A natural or synthetic material that is the main ingredient of paint. It binds the ingredients together and improves the coat's adhesion to the surface.
roller A paint application tool consisting of a revolving cylinder covered with fabric, polyester foam, lamb's wool, etc.
ropiness A stringy look to the paint film. Ropiness is a result of the paint not flowing evenly onto the surface.
runs Blemishes on the film that are caused by excessive flow of the coating.
rust preventive paint or primer The first coat of paint applied directly to iron or steel structures to slow down or prevent rust.