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
sags Runs or sags in paint film that flows too much during application. Sags are usually caused by applying too heavy a coat of paint or thinning the paint too much.
sandpaper A sheet of abrasive-coated paper that is used for smoothing rough surfaces.
sash brush An angled brush used for cutting-in.
satin finish Semi-gloss finish.
scrubbability The ability of a paint film to withstand scrubbing and cleaning with water, soap, and other household cleaning agents.
sealer A coating used to prevent excessive absorption of subsequent coats into a porous surface.
seeds Small undesirable particles or granules other than dust that are found in a paint, varnish or lacquer.
semi-gloss A degree of gloss that is glossier than low lustre but not as glossy as high gloss.
semi-transparent A degree of ability to hide the underlying surface greater than transparent but less than opaque or solid color.
set up The quality of a film that has dried until it is a film. The film is said to have "set up".
settling Paint separation in which pigments and other solids accumulate at the bottom of the container.
sheen Gloss.
sheen uniformity The even distribution of luster over a dried paint film.
shellac A natural resin, usually in the form of thin flakes, that is derived from a resinous substance called lac. Shellac is used to seal and finish floors, seal knots, etc.
skin A tough covering that forms on paint when the container is not tightly sealed.
solids The solids content of a paint that is left over after the solvent evaporates. (Same as nonvolatile.)
solvent The volatile part of oil-based paints that evaporates during drying. Solvent-based thinners are used for thinning and cleaning up oil-based paints. In latex paints, water performs similar functions.
spackling compound A material used as a crack filler for preparing surfaces before painting.
spar varnish Marine varnish.
spatter Small particles or drips of paint that occur during the application of paint.
spot priming Application of primer to spots that require additional protection because the old paint has been removed.
spraying A method of application in which the paint is broken up into a fine mist that is directed onto the surface.
spreading rate Coverage.
stain A solution designed to color a surface without hiding it. Solid color and latex stains are available. Stains may be latex or oil-based.
stippling A finish made by using a stippling brush or roller stippler on a newly painted surface before the paint is dry.
streaking The irregular occurrence of lines or streaks of various lengths and colors in an applied film. Streaking is usually caused by some form of contamination.
strip To remove old finishes with paint remover.
stucco A masonry finish that is usually applied to the exterior surfaces of buildings in place of siding or other materials.
substrate The surface that is being painted.
synthetic brush A paint brush with filaments that are made from a non-absorbent plastic material such as polyester or nylon, rather than animal hair. Synthetic brushes are usually used for latex paint.
tack rag A loosely woven woolen cloth that is treated (dipped into a varnish oil and wrung out) to remain tacky. It picks up dust when it is used to wipe a surface.
tackiness Slight stickiness of the surface of an incompletely dried film when pressed with the finger.
tacky The sticky condition of coating during drying at a stage between the wet and dry-to-touch stages.
tannin blocking The process of making tannin stains insoluble so they cannot stain the topcoat; e.g., by means of a primer before the topcoat on cedar siding.
tannin Soluble natural stain in woods such as cedar.
texture The roughness or irregularity of a surface.
thickener A substance added to a liquid to increase its viscosity.
thinner Volatile liquid used to adjust consistency or to modify other properties of paint, varnish and lacquer. Thinner is used to thin and clean up paint.
thixotropy The property of a material that causes it to change from a thick, pasty consistency to a fluid consistency upon agitation, brushing or rolling.
tint base In a custom color system, the basic paint to which colorants are added; i.e., white or accent base.
tinting The final adjusting of a color of paint to the exact shade required. Tinting is achieved by adding small portions of colorant to a tint base of prepared paint.
topcoat A coat designed to provide a "finish" capable of providing protection and color. (Previous coats are referred to as primers and undercoats.)
touch-up Improving imperfect spots in a paint job.
TSP Tri-sodium phosphate, a cleaning agent. After the TSP has been dissolved in water, the solution is used in surface preparation. (After cleaning with TSP, the surface should be rinsed.)
TSP substitute A biodegradable cleaning agent that can be used instead of TSP.
turpentine A paint thinner (now replaced by mineral spirits) obtained by distilling pine tree secretions.
undercoat For unpainted surfaces, the coat between the primer and the topcoat. For previously coated surfaces, the undercoat is applied directly to the old paint.
urethane A product resulting in a tough, chemical-resistant finish. Urethane requires mineral spirits for thinning and cleaning up.
urethane Polyurethane.