| Abrasives | Specialized substances utilized for the purposes of grinding, polishing, or effectively cleaning hard surfaces. The most prevalent examples include sandpaper and sanding sponges. |
| Acrylic | Acrylic paint is a fast-drying paint composed of finely ground pigment suspended within an acrylic polymer emulsion. It often includes additives such as plasticizers, silicone oils, defoamers, stabilizers, and metal soaps to enhance its performance and usability. |
| Adhesion | Adhesion refers to the strength and effectiveness of the bond between paint and the surface it is applied to. |
| Aerosol | Aerosol paint, commonly referred to as spray paint, is a specialized type of paint that is contained within a pressurized canister. that is equipped with a valve that, when activated, releases a carefully formulated mixture of paint and a propellant. The propellant is typically a pressurized gas or compressed air. This process results in the creation of a fine, uniform mist of paint, which can be effortlessly applied to a wide range of surfaces. |
| Alkyd | Alkyd paints are similar to traditional oil paints. However, unlike oil paints, which consist of pigment suspended in oil, alkyd paints are primarily created using an alkyd resin that is dissolved in a thinner, allowing for improved drying times and enhanced durability in various applications. |
| Angled Brush | An angled paint brush is designed with bristles positioned at a slant. This design allows the user to create clean, precise lines, making it particularly effective for painting small, intricate areas. Ideal for painting doors, and various types of interior trim. |
| Back Rolling | A technique that combines both paint spraying and roller application. This process uses a nap synthetic roller that closely follows the path of the sprayer, ensuring that the paint penetrates deeply into the surface's crevices resulting in a more uniform and durable finish on the painted surface. |
| Basecoat | The first layer of paint or coating on a surface that serves as the foundation for subsequent coats. |
| Bleeding | The effect that occurs when a darker color "bleeds" thru a lighter color. |
| Blending | Blending is the artistic technique of mixing or softening two or more colors together. This process creates a smooth transition between colors, enhancing visual appeal and allowing for the gentle merging of distinct lines. |
| Blistering | Often known as bubbling, occurs when the paint fails to adhere properly to the base coat or substrate. This loss of adhesion can result in bubbling in those areas. |
| Bonder | Modifies the surface characteristics of materials to enhance adhesion. Increases the surface energy, which promotes stronger chemical bonding between the paint and the substrate. This process ensures a long-lasting bond between two surfaces, making it particularly effective on glossy or sealed surfaces. Also serves to block stains from bleeding thru. |
| Caulk | Also known as caulking, is a specialized material designed to effectively seal joints, gaps, or seams to prevent leakage in various structures and piping systems. It is available in multiple formulations, including silicone and acrylic latex, each offering unique properties suitable for different applications. |
| Chalk Finish | Paint with a soft chalky finish or ultra-matte look. It is not a chalk paint and is not made to be written on with chalk but rather refers to the finish of the paint which is achieved by being mixed with plaster of Paris or calcium carbonate. |
| China Bristle | A china bristle brush is crafted from coarse, natural animal hair and is best suited for use with oil and acrylic paints, as well as stains and varnishes. These brushes typically feature natural filaments, which often outperform synthetic brushes in terms of performance and durability. |
| Chinex | Chinex is a modified nylon bristle developed by the Dupont company. It is widely utilized by numerous brush manufacturers as a superior alternative to traditional natural bristle brushes, particularly for use with oil-based and latex paint. This material exhibits characteristics that are comparable to those of China bristle. However, it offers significant advantages, including faster and easier clean-up, an extended brush lifespan, and superior retention of its shape and stiffness. |
| Chisel Tip | Chisel tip brushes feature slanted bristles that allow you to create both thick and thin lines, depending on the angle at which they are held. They offer exceptional control and versatility, making them ideal for a wide range of applications, from detailed work to broader strokes. |
| Color Depth | Color depth is a concept that involves the strategic use of warm and cool colors to create a convincing illusion of depth. By placing warmer colors in the foreground and cooler colors in the background, you can enhance the perception of space. Using a greater variety of shades contributes significantly to the overall sense of depth in the composition. |
| Color Retention | The capacity of paint to maintain its original hue over an extended period. Various factors influence this retention, including the specific formulation of the paint itself and the environmental conditions it is exposed to, such as sunlight and humidity. |
| Color Temperature | A concept that describes the perceived warmth or coolness of a color. Typically, colors such as reds, yellows, and oranges are classified as warm colors, while shades of blue and green are categorized as cool colors. |
| Core Size |
The diameter of the tube around which the fabric of the roller is wrapped. The most prevalent or standard core size is 1-1/2 inches, which is widely used in many applications. However, roller covers are also available in a range of other sizes, including mini rollers for tight spaces and jumbo rollers for larger surfaces. |
| Corrosion Resistant | The inherent ability of a material to endure and resist damage caused by corrosion. Typically, corrosion resistant coatings are formulated from substances such as zinc or iron, which provide a protective layer that helps prevent deterioration and extends the lifespan of the material. |
| Coverage | The rate at which a coating, such as paint, spreads across a material's surface. Typically expressed in units like square feet per gallon or square meters per liter. Allows you to accurately determine the amount of paint or coating needed for a specific project. |
| Cratering |
Specific areas on a coated surface where the paint has receded, often in a concentric pattern, resulting in spots devoid of paint. This often occurs due to the presence of incompatible foreign materials, which can either be found within the paint itself or on the surface. |
| Crocodiling |
Crocodiling (or alligatoring) is a term used to describe the patterned cracking that appears in paint, resembling the distinctive scales of a crocodile or alligator. This typically occurs when a topcoat is applied prematurely, before the underlying base coat has had sufficient time to dry completely. Additionally, the natural aging process of the paint can contribute to this issue, particularly due to temperature fluctuations over time or when painting over a previously glossy finish, which can exacerbate the cracking effect. |
| Dead Flat Finish | A water-based ultra-matte option that is distinguished by its extremely low sheen, resulting in minimal to no gloss and significantly reduced light-reflective qualities, making it ideal for various applications. |
| Deglosser | Often referred to as liquid sandpaper, a deglosser is a specialized chemical solution designed to remove the top layer of a shiny finish from various surfaces. It is particularly useful in preparing surfaces for painting or refinishing, as it helps to create a better bond between the new paint or varnish and the existing finish. |
| Drag | A technique where a brush or tool is deliberately pulled across a surface to create a distinct textured effect. This method produces the appearance of fine lines or grains, which can create the look of natural materials, such as wood grain or other intricate textures. |
| Dry to Recoat | The amount of time required for a newly applied coating to be dry enough to allow for the application of an additional coating. Properly observing this time frame is essential for the surface to remain free from any irregularities, which can include issues like loss of adhesion, blistering, or lifting. |
| Dry to Sand | The period of time you should allow a coating to dry before safely sand it. |
| Dry to Touch | The time where a paint can feel dry to the touch but the layers beneath it are still wet. Allows follow the manufacturers dry times to ensure no irregularities. |
| Eggshell Finish | A finish that is somewhat flat yet possesses a subtle gloss. This finish closely resembles the delicate surface of an eggshell, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. It is known for its durability, ease of washing, and resistance to scuffs. Additionally, it reflects more light compared to a traditional matte finish, enhancing its visual impact. |
| Elasticity | The ability of your paint to expand and contract without exhibiting any signs of damage or alterations to its visual appeal. The elasticity of your paint is crucial for its overall durability. This characteristic ensures that the paint maintains its integrity and appearance over time, making it an essential factor to consider when selecting paint for different environments and conditions. |
| Elastomeric Coating | Specialized coatings that contain a significantly higher percentage of solids compared to traditional paints. This composition enables them to effectively bridge small cracks, to create a robust waterproof barrier. Approximately ten times thicker than standard paint, which allows them to form an exceptionally thick yet flexible layer. This flexibility is crucial as it helps to waterproof the exterior surfaces of structures, ensuring long-lasting protection. They can seamlessly bridge hairline cracks, resulting in a complete and airtight waterproof seal. |
| Enamel | Refers to a type of paint that, once applied, dries to form a hard and glossy finish. Historically, this term was primarily associated with oil-based paints; however, advancements in technology have led to the development of water-based enamel options as well. These paints are specifically designed for surfaces that require a long-lasting and durable appearance, making them ideal for various applications. |
| Feathering | Feathering involves the application of paint in a way that the thickness gradually diminishes towards the edges. This is accomplished by applying less pressure to the brush or roller as you move closer to the edges of the painted area creating a soft gradient that helps to blend the new paint with the old, resulting in a flawless finish. Feathering is about blending and smoothing out the paint to ensure that the transition is virtually invisible. |
| Ferrule | The metal band that holds and protects the bristles at the base and connects them to the handle. In most professional-grade brushes, ferrules are crafted from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, nickel-plated steel, or copper-plated steel, which provide durability and resistance to corrosion. Less expensive brushes usually have ferrules made cheaper materials that lack the same level of corrosion resistance and longevity. |
| Filament | Refers to the bristles or hairs of a paint brush and have a wide range of synthetic and natural types. |
| Finish | Often referred to as sheen, this refers to how much light is reflected from the painted surface resulting in a range finishes from high gloss to dead flat. |
| Flagged Bristles | Refers to the end of bristles on a paint brush that have been split. Flagged bristles hold more paint and spread more smoothly and evenly. |
| Flat Finish | A non-reflective finish that has no sheen or glow. It soaks up any light directed at the surface. It is perfect for low traffic areas since it is one of the most difficult finishes to clean. Although it can hide imperfections such as scratches and holes very well. |
| Glazing Compound |
A putty type compound that holds pieces of glass in place and seals spaces where the window meets the frame. |
| Gloss Finish | A finish with a high sheen that bounces light around a room. Their reflectiveness can make a small space feel larger. It is a durable finish that is easy to clean. |
| Gloss Retention | One of the most significant properties of coatings, as it refers to the ability of the coating to retain its appearance over time. A coating with higher gloss retention will exhibit minimal changes in appearance, ensuring that it remains visually appealing and effective for an extended period. |
| Hardness |
A paint or coating's ability to resist scratches and marring. |
| Holdout | The capacity of a surface, which can include a primer or an undercoat, to effectively resist the absorption of subsequent layers of paint, thereby ensuring a more uniform and durable finish. |
| Lacquer |
A clear finish that can be applied to both latex and acrylic paint, to create a protective layer over the underlying color. This finish is designed to be chip-resistant, waterproof, and breathable, making it an excellent choice for various surfaces that require a durable and long-lasting finish. It is available in a range of sheen levels and suitable for application on wood, metal, or previously painted surfaces. |
| Latex | A water-based paint or coating that cleans up easily with soap and water. Dries faster and is cheaper than acrylic paints. Latex produces fewer fumes than acrylic and typically requires fewer coats. |
| Length Out/Trim Length | The distance from the edge of the ferrule to the tip of the bristles. |
| Light Reflectance Value (LRV) | Refers to how much light a paint color can reflect and is based on a scale from 0 to 100. The darker the paint the lower the number and the lighter the paint the higher the number. |
| Low Sheen | A no glare finish that reflects no light. Hides surface imperfections and is easy to clean. |
| Marine Finish | Coatings formulated with special additives and resins designed specifically for marine environments. |
| Matte Finish | Low sheen level finish that absorbs light that results in a powder-like appearance that is great for covering up imperfections. Best for ceilings and low traffic areas as they are more difficult to clean. |
| Mineral Spirits | A petroleum-based solvent used for cleaning up paint tools and spills or to thin oil-based paints. Less toxic and lower in odor than other paint thinners. |
| Nap Size | The length of the fibers or material attached to the roller cover. Thinner naps are designed for smooth surfaces while thicker naps hold more paint and are best suited for rougher surfaces. |
| Natural Bristle | Paint brush bristles made from some type of animal hair. Since they swell in water, they are most often used with oil-based paints and coatings. |
| Nylon Bristle | Bristles made of synthetic fibers. Offers a smooth finish and easy paint pickup. They are typically more affordable than natural finish brushes. |
| Nylon/Polyester Bristle | A bristle blend of nylon and polyester that provides a smooth finish and is durable, cost effective and easy to clean. They work best with water-based latex paints and finishes. |
| Oil-based | Paint that contains either natural or synthetic oil as one of the base components. A durable paint that holds up well over time. |
| Opacity | Refers to how much light is allowed to pass thru a paint or coating or how well a coating will cover a surface. The three types are transparent, semi-transparent and opaque. |
| Opaque | Paint that doesn't allow light to shine thru. Covers completely and reflects light off the surface. |
| Orange Peel | Imperfection in a paint job that resembles the surface of the skin of an orange. This can happen when the paint is applied incorrectly or in humid conditions or when the surface or room painting in is too hot or too cold. |
| Overspray | Fine paint particles that do not land on the surface you are painting. |
| Oxidation | A chemical reaction that results in yellowing or discoloration. |
| Patina Finish | A tarnished looking finish created by applying a thin layer of an aging product. |
| Penetrating Stain | Oil-based wood stain that is uniquely formulated to enter the pores of the wood resulting in a more vibrant color finish. |
| Permeable | A coating that allows water to pass thru it. All paints are permeable to water just to varying degrees. The permeability level is crucial as it indicates the paint's ability to "breathe," allowing moisture to escape and preventing damage to underlying materials. |
| Pigment | Substances that create color in paints and coatings. |
| Polyester Bristle | Polyester bristles have a lower paint pick up rate requiring you to dip your brush more often. However, they hold their shape well providing more control. |
| Polymer | Paint made of acrylic or vinyl resins or a combination of both with water as the base. It is a thin layer coating that provides excellent corrosion resistance and adherence. |
| Polyurethane | A synthetic coating that dries to form a protective coating on wood or over other surfaces and enhances the finish or look. |
| Primer | A prep coating that is applied to a surface prior to painting that increases the durability and adhesion of the paint being applied. Seals in stains and creates a smoother finish. Allows paint to bond to surfaces. |
| Recoat Time | The time it takes for a layer of paint to dry completely and be ready for an additional coat to be applied. Adherence to the recoat time is critical and you should always follow the manufacturers recommendations. |
| Sanding Sealer | A product that seals porous surfaces prior to painting. It allows you to require less coats as it keeps the paint or stain from soaking further into the wood. |
| Satin Finish | A finish with a subtle shine that reflects more light than matte or flat finishes but less than gloss finishes. It is durable, easy to clean and can absorb moisture, so it is a popular finish choice in bathrooms and kitchens as well as for trim and doors. |
| Semi-Transparent | Stain finishes that add color to the wood while still allowing some of the natural wood grain to shine thru. Can mask flaws and are more durable than transparent stains. |
| Semi-Gloss Finish | Paint with a slightly shiny finish that is easy to clean and works well in high traffic areas. |
| Shellac | An easy to apply finish that enhances the natural grain of wood. |
| Silicone | A flexible and durable sealant commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, around windows and doors and other areas where water is present. |
| Spackling | A paste type of putty used to repair gaps, cracks and holes in drywall and other surfaces. Hardens to a durable, sandable surfaces. |
| Substrate | The material or surface to which a paint or coating is applied. |
| Synthetic Bristle | Bristles made from synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester or a blend. They are designed to mimic natural bristles but offer many advantages that include cost, durability and versatility. |
| Transparent | Stains that provide minimal color and allow the natural beauty of the wood to show through. They tend to be less durable than semi-transparent stains. |
| Undertone | A paint hue's underlying color. |
| Value Scale | A graduated scale that organizes shades from light to dark. |
| Wood Filler | Wood fillers contain genuine wood fibers, which are typically derived from wood byproducts such as sawdust or shavings. The fibers are suspended in a binding agent, which can be either water or a petroleum-based substance, ensuring that the mixture holds together effectively. When applied, wood fillers dry to a hard finish; however, it is important to note that they do not contribute any structural strength to the wood they are used on. Their primary purpose is to fill holes and gaps in wooden surfaces, enhancing the overall appearance and integrity of the material. |
