Paint Terms

Acrylic
A general class of resinous polymers derived from esters,
amides, or other acrylic acid derivatives.
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Alkali Resistant
Paint used n anew plaster, which is durable in contact with
lime.
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Anchoring
Mechanical bonding of a coating to a rough surface as
contrasted with adhesion, which is chemical bonding.
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Anti-Corrosive Paint
Metal paint designed to inhibit corrosion.
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Anti-Fungus Paint
These paints contain toxic compounds, which kill any fungi
attempting to feed from it. Some paint have a fungicide
added to them, these sometimes do not last the duration of
the paint films life.
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Anti-Slip Paint
Paint that contains a grit that forms a grippable surface that
breaks the tension of the water.
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Antiquing
This is the process of artificially ageng paint. It can be
achieved by rubbing over the new paint with a darker glaze or
colour wash. This creates a dirtier colour.
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Bambooing
The imitation of bamboo achieved by painting turned or
carved wood to copy the bamboo knot and grain, then
decorating it. It was popular during the eighteenth century. It
is often used to change the look of an old piece of furniture.
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Bleeding
Undercoat staining through the topcoat.
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Blistering
Bubbles or blisters in the paint film. It is caused by water
vapour being attracted by heat and forming spaces beneath
the film, or resins from knots in the timber being attracted to
heat, or paint being used on surfaces which have extreme
heat.
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Blushing
Milky opalescence in lacquer usually caused by lack of
compatibility in the paint or being applied in cold or wet
weather.
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Chalking
Is a powdery deposit being formed on a dry paint film
surface. The powder in unbound pigment. This is caused by
painting over surfaces that haven't been sealed sufficiently,
or the paint is deficient in binder, caused by over thinning.
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Colorwash
This is a diluted layer of paint or propriety product that is
applied over a base coat to provide a wash or glimpse of
color. Used often in country homes.
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Crackle-Glaze Paint
This imitates old peeling paint and provides a cobweb look. It
is applied between two water based coats of differing colours.
This then produces a series of cracks on the top layer and
exposes the base coat colour underneath.
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Craquelure
A process that was developed to imitate the crazing of very
old varnish. It is achieved by applying two varnishes to a
surface that dry at different rates. It achieves a finer crazing
than by using the crackle glaze but is a more expensive
method.
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Deviling
Scratching plaster to prepare the surface for the next coat.
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Distemper
A type of paint made by mixing the pigment with glue or size.
Now largely superseded by emulsion paints.
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Distressing
Making a finish look older than it really is or time worn or
rugged. It is achieved by using two different colors, base and
top coat and partially removing the top coat to expose the
base underneath.
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Drier
A chemical preparation added to paint which causes it to dry
quickly.
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Efflorescence
A white fluffy surface deposit that is caused by salts in plaster
being drawn to the surface.
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Eggshell Paint
This is now referred to as semigloss paint. This si a paint with
a finish midsheen between matte and gloss.
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Finishing Coat
These are the final coats. They provide the final color and
gloss level required. They are the protection layer from
weather, moisture, knocks and chips. They are the aesthetic
layer of the paint system.
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Flaking
Paint or varnish lifting away from the surface in flakes
because of a breakdown of the adhesion. It occurs when
painting damp surfaces or powdery surfaces.
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Fresco
Method of painting on wet plaster with tempera colors. The
plaster absorbs the pigment, and when dry, the painting
becomes hard and durable and a part of the plaster.
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Gilding
The application of a gold finish. It can be achieved by
applying gold leaf, or by using metallic powders.
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Glazing Compound
Putty used to set glass in window frames and to fill nail holes
and cracks.
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Graining
A painted imitation of the fiber lines of wood.
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Grain Raising
Swelling and standing up of the wooden grain caused by
absorbed water and solvents.
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Japanning
A type of varnishing. It was to imitate the lacquering work
from the east. It was initially produced using heat hardened
spirit based varnishes.
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Lacquer
A glossy type of paint finish. Usually applied by spraying.
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Lacquering (Japanning)
This is the layering of numerous coats of varnish, sanding in
between coats. This creates a smooth, lustrous effect. The
original technique came from Eastern cultures and the sap of
the lac tree was used.
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Negative Stencil
The paint is passed through the voids that surround the
design.
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Primer
This is the first coat of paint that is applied that is applied to
a raw surface. This is used to "stick" to the substrate and
provide adhesion for the remaining coats of paint. It provides
a smooth stable surface for the following coats and prevents
corrosion and chemical attack of the substrate.
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Rivelling
Wrinkles occurring in the paint as it dries. It happens
because the paint has been applied too thickly. To prevent it,
ensure the paint is applied to the normal film thickness.
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Thinners
Solvents used to thin coatings.
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Checking, Cracking, Crocodiling, Alligatoring
Names for splits that appear in the film surface coating. It is
caused by the use of excessive dryers or recoating before the
under coat is dry.