Glossary of Painting Terms and Definitions A-M

Glossary of Terms

Bid - A written document that spells out exactly what the painting contractor will do and the exact amount of money he or she will charge. Make sure you understand everything in this bid and keep a written copy.
Blistering - Bubbles or "pimples" on the painted surface. This is most likely caused when paint is applied before the previous coat was dry. Excessive heat can also cause paint to blister.
Bond -If a contractor damages something during the course of a job and fails to pay for court-ordered damages within a certain amount of time (often 30 days), the bond provides payment. These are intended more as an incentive for contractors to pay for damages than being a comprehensive safety net for homeowners, so make sure your contractor is also insured.
Brush - A tool used to apply paint. There are many types of brushes available, and selecting the right one is important to the finished product. "Brush" is also used to describe how paint will be applied - i.e., brushed, rolled, sprayed, etc.
Caulk -A flexible (semi-drying or slow-drying) compound used to seal joints or fill crevices around windows, chimneys, etc., before or after painting.
Color chip - A color sample of paint applied to a small card.
Color retention - A paint's ability to keep its original color and to resist fading.
Cracking - A break in the paint that exposes the surface underneath it.
Cutting-in - The brushing technique used to create a sharp edge. This is used where the ceiling meets the wall, around trim, etc.
Contract - A written document that spells out exactly what the painting contractor will do and the exact amount he or she will charg. Unlike a bid, this is a legal, binding document. Insist on a contract. Both parties should sign.
Durability - The degree paint stands up to the environment. Exterior paint's durability is affected by harsh weather, the intensity of the sun, etc. Interior paint can be affected by direct sunlight, heat, moisture, etc.
Enamel - A hard, high-gloss paint. Can be either latex or oil-based.
Faux finish - A specialty finish like color washing, marbleizing, sponge painting, etc. Expect to pay a lot more for this type of finish. Make sure you see samples of rooms the contractor actually completed before signing a contract. Done right, these can take your breath away; done wrong and you'll hire someone to paint over it before another day dawns.
Finish coat - Final coat of paint. Sometimes referred to as a topcoat.
Flaking - Small pieces of paint that fall off the surface.
Flat - A non-glossy paint finish. Less durable than a semi-gloss or gloss finish.
Fungicide - A substance that helps prevent mildew or mold.
Gloss - The shine of a paint; the amount of light a finished surface reflects. Generally, the higher the gloss, the more durable the finish. Semi-gloss or high-gloss paints are often used in rooms where walls may be washed, such as a kitchen, bath, or child's room.
Hiding power - Used to refer to how well a coat of paint can block out the surface beneath it.
Holidays - defects in a painted surface in which small spots have been left uncoated. Also called misses, skips, vacations, and voids.
Insurance - Contractors have insurance that covers property damage and bodily injury that result from the contractor's work. Liability insurance usually doesn't cover the cost of repairing bad work. That's what the bond is for.
Lacquer - A clear or tinted coating. Quick drying.
Lacquer thinner - Solvent used to thin or clean up lacquer.
Latex paint - the most common type of paint used. Water based. Can be flat, semi-gloss, or glossy.
Masking - Temporarily covering a surface next to an area being painted.
Masking paper - An inexpensive paper used to temporarily mask off a surface next to the area being painted.
Masking tape - A tape used to temporarily cover small areas next to a surface begin painted. Also used to hold masking paper in place.
Mildew resistance - The ability of a paint or finish to resist most and mildew.