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 […]
Joint The gap or space created when two building materials come together, such as where two pieces of molding join or where the bathtub and bathroom wall meet.
Inert Chemically inactive; resistant to corrosion. Inorganic Matter other than that of animal or vegetable origin. For example, minerals and simple salts are inorganic materials. Insoluble The inability to be dissolved. Intercoat A layer of paint that is “sandwiched” between two others. Also refers to something occurring between coats, as in “intercoat adhesion.”
Hardboard A generic term for a smooth or textured grainless panel manufactured primarily from compressed wood fibers. Used as exterior siding. Hardness The degree of pressure a material will withstand without becoming deformed or scratched. Hardwood Trees that have broad leaves (in contrast to conifer or softwoods). The term has no reference to the actual […]
Galvanized A ferrous metal that is covered with zinc to protect it from rusting. Glazing Glass, such as that used in doors and windows. Glazing Compound A caulk, sealant, or putty that is used to seal a glass pane into its frame. Gloss The shininess or reflectiveness of a coating. Flat paints have no gloss; […]
Fading Lightening of the paint’s color, usually caused by exposure to light, heat or the weather. Feathering A process used to blend a small area into its surroundings after spot-priming, applying a filler, or scraping off an area of old paint. Ferrous A metal that contains iron; most ferrous metals are subject to rusting. […]
Ease of Application Characteristics of a paint or caulk that facilitate its application, e.g., spatter resistance, lapping properties, and open time. Efflorescence Whitish powder (salt deposits) that sometimes appears on masonry surfaces; it is carried to the surface by moisture. Eggshell An interior paint that has a low luster, satin-like appearance. Its gloss level […]