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
varnish A liquid composition that dries to form a transparent or translucent finish.
varnish stain Varnish that is colored with a dye. It does not have the same power of penetration as a true stain, and it leaves a colored coating on the surface.
vehicle The liquid portion of a paint. The vehicle is composed mainly of solvents, resins and oils.
velvet A gloss range between flat and eggshell.
vinyl A resin with poor adhesion but good hardness, flexibility and resistance. Vinyl is used in plastics, wallcoverings, wood adhesives, swimming pools, tank linings and marine equipment.
viscosity The fluid thickness of a product. Viscosity is often referred to as consistency. The higher the viscosity, the thicker the fluid.
volatile matter The portion of a coating that evaporates after application.
washability The ability of a paint to be easily cleaned without wearing away.
water spotting Defective appearance of the paint surface that is caused by water droplets.
water-based paint Latex paint.
weathering Paint film deterioration as a result of exposure to the weather.
wet edge The length of time during which a paint can be brushed before it becomes too dry to flow out and blend together.
wrinkling Ridges and furrows that develop in a paint film when the paint dries.