Common Painting Terms

adhesion The degree of attachment between a coating film and the underlying paint or other substrate.

alkali A substance such as lye, soda or lime that can be highly destructive to paint films.

atomize - When pressure in the gun nozzle breaks up the paint and solvents into fine particles.

binder Film-forming ingredient that binds the particles together in a paint.

blistering The forming of bubbles or pimples on the painted surface. Caused by moisture or excessive heat during application.

blushing A gloss film turning flat or white. Blushing is usually caused by moisture condensation during the drying process.

catalyst An ingredient that speeds up a chemical reaction. Catalysts are sometimes used in two-component epoxy systems.

flow The ability of a coating to level out and spread into a smooth film.

gloss The ability of the finished surface to reflect light in a mirror like manner.

HAPS hazardous air pollutants

orange peel Film having the roughness of an orange due to poor roller or spray application.

pinhole Very small holes in paint film, usually not deep enough to show the undercoat.

pot life The period during which a two-part paint can be applied after it has been mixed.

recoat time The period that must elapse between applications of coats of paint.

sags Runs or sags in paint film that flows too much during application.

substrate The surface that is being painted.

texture The roughness or irregularity of a surface.

thinner Volatile liquid used to adjust viscosity or to modify other properties of paint. Thinner is also used to clean up paint.

VOC Volatile Organic Content - Solvents