Value The lightness or darkness of a color, i.e. light blue, medium blue and dark blue have different values. Varnish A liquid composition that is converted to a transparent solid film after being applied in a thin layer. Varnish Stain A varnish that has a transparent color added. It usually has less penetrating power than […]
Ultraviolet Absorber A substance used in some exterior coating that absorbs UV radiation, and reduces or delays damaging UV effects from sunshine to the coating or substrate. Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) The portion of the radiant energy of the sun’s spectrum that causes damage to coatings and sealants and to the surface of unprotected wood. Ultraviolet […]
Tack Cloth A fabric impregnated with a tacky substance that is used to remove dust from a surface after sanding or rubbing down, and prior to further painting. It should be stored in an airtight container to preserve its tackiness. Tacky The stage in the paint’s drying process at which the film is sticky when […]
Sag Narrow (or wide curtain-like) downward movement of a paint or varnish film; may be caused by the application of too much coating, the collection of excess quantities of paint at irregularities in the surface (cracks, holes, etc.), or excessive material continuing to flow after the surrounding surface has set. Also referred to as runs […]
Re-Coat Time Interval required between the application of successive coats of paint. This time period is usually listed on the label. Reducer Material that lowers a paint’s viscosity but is not necessarily a solvent. (See Diluent.) Reflectance The ratio of the light that radiates onto a surface to the amount that is reflected back. Related […]
Paint An opaque coating generally made with a binder, liquids, additives, and pigments. Applied in liquid form, it dries to form a continuous film that protects and improves the appearance of the substrate. Peeling The detachment of paint from the surface in ribbons or sheets. Like flaking, it is the result of loss of adhesion […]
Oil-Based Paint Paints made with a drying oil, such as linseed, soya or tung oil, as the vehicle and binder, and mineral spirits or paint thinner as the thinning agent. They generally dry very hard, but take longer to dry than latex paints and require more time to recoat. Opacity The ability to keep light […]
Nail Head Rusting The rusting of the exposed heads of iron nails. It can show through and discolor the coating covering it. Can occur if bright nails, rather than galvanized, are used outdoors. Nap The fibers on a paint roller cover. Naphtha A petroleum distillate solvent used mainly by professional painters to thin oil-based coatings […]
Marbling A decorative painting technique that imitates the color and figure of marble. Maring Finishes Paints and varnishes specifically formulated to withstand saltwater immersion and exposure to marine atmosphere. Masonry Mineral-based building material such as cement, mortar, stone, brick, and stucco. Mildew A black, gray or brown fungus that can grow on the surface of […]
Lacquer Coating based on synthetic thermoplastic film-forming material that is dissolved in organic solvent. Dries by solvent evaporation. Lap Area where a coat of paint or other coating extends over an adjacent fresh coat. The painter’s objective is to make this juncture without visible lap marks. Latex A milky-white, fine dispersion of a solid resin […]