Glossary of Painting Terms and Definitions O-Z
Glossary of Terms
- Oil-based paint - A type of paint not often used anymore because of environmental reasons. However, it can be used for either interior or exterior purposes.
- Opacity - Ability to hide the surface underneath it.
- Opaque coating - A layer of paint that hides the surface underneath it.
- Paint remover - A product that softens old paint or finishes, allowing previous coats of paint to be scraped off.
- Peeling - Paint that comes off in large pieces. This is usually caused by moisture (and sometimes grease) beneath the painted surface.
- Primer - The first coat of paint. Sometimes it is a different color than the final coat. It may be used to mask a particularly hard-to-cover color that has been previously applied to a surface.
- Prep work - Work done before the actual painting is done. This includes things like sanding, filling holes and crack, caulking, etc.
- Punch list - A list of touch-ups and items the contractor needs to do after the job is "finished." This could include touching up holidays, replacing switch plate covers, etc. Contractors expect this.
- Recoat time - Time between applying coats of paint.
- Roll - Technique of applying paint to a surface using a roller instead of a brush.
- Sanding - Using sandpaper to smooth a surface. Frequently part of prep work to ensure surfaces are smooth so paint can be applied seamlessly.
- Satin finish - A semi-gloss finish of latex paint.
- Solvent - The "volatile" part of oil-based paints. Solvents are very toxic. Do not stay inside a house until they have completely dried and you have aired your house out thoroughly. Keep pets away as well.
- Spackle - Filling a crack or hole with a compound designed specifically for this purpose before painting.
- Spray - Painting a room or exterior by "spraying" paint through a tool. Paint goes on quickly this way.
- Stains - Used to color wood.
- Texture - The degree of roughness of paint or finish on a surface.
- Touch-up - Final stages of painting in which any imperfect spots or "holidays" are taken care of.
- Undercoat - A coat of paint either between the primer and the topcoat (on a new surface) or applied directly to the old paint.
- Varnish - A transparent or translucent finish. Usually tinted.
- Washability - The ability of a paint to be easily cleaned without wearing away.
- Water-based paint - A latex paint.
- Weathering - The effects of weather on paint. Sometimes this is a look a client wants; other times it's something a client wants to avoid.