Painter Glossary

  • Primer: Initial coat applied to prepare surfaces for painting.
  • Undercoat: Layer applied after primer to enhance paint adhesion.
  • Topcoat: Final layer of paint applied for color and finish.
  • Brush: Tool with bristles used to apply paint.
  • Roller: Tool with a cylindrical sleeve used to apply paint evenly.
  • Paint Tray: Container used to hold paint for rollers.
  • Drop Cloth: Protective covering placed on floors and furniture.
  • Painter’s Tape: Masking tape used to protect surfaces from paint.
  • Spackle: Filler used to patch holes and cracks in walls.
  • Putty Knife: Tool used to apply spackle and scrape surfaces.
  • Sandpaper: Abrasive material used to smooth surfaces.
  • Caulk: Sealant used to fill gaps and cracks.
  • Sealer: Protective coat applied before painting.
  • Eggshell Finish: Low-sheen paint finish with subtle gloss.
  • Satin Finish: Smooth paint finish with a soft sheen.
  • Semi-Gloss Finish: Shiny paint finish with moderate gloss.
  • Gloss Finish: Highly shiny and reflective paint finish.
  • Matte Finish: Flat paint finish without gloss or shine.
  • Flat Finish: Smooth paint finish with no gloss.
  • Stain: Coloring agent used to change wood or surface color.
  • Wood Stain: Specifically for staining wood surfaces.
  • Varnish: Clear protective finish for wood.
  • Lacquer: Fast-drying, durable finish for wood and metal.
  • Enamel: Smooth, glossy paint often used for trim and furniture.
  • Acrylic Paint: Water-based paint known for quick drying.
  • Latex Paint: Water-based paint known for easy cleanup.
  • Oil-Based Paint: Paint using oil as a binder, known for durability.
  • Alkyd Paint: Hybrid paint combining oil-based and acrylic qualities.
  • HVLP Sprayer: High-volume, low-pressure paint sprayer.
  • Airless Sprayer: Paint sprayer that uses high pressure to atomize paint.
  • Brush Marks: Visible lines left by paintbrush strokes.
  • Roller Marks: Texture left by paint roller application.
  • Nap: Texture height of a roller sleeve.
  • Trim: Decorative moldings and woodwork around doors and windows.
  • Casing: Frame around doors and windows.
  • Baseboard: Molding along the bottom of walls.
  • Crown Molding: Molding at the ceiling-wall junction.
  • Wainscoting: Wooden paneling applied to the lower part of walls.
  • Eaves: Lower edges of a roof that overhang the walls.
  • Fascia: Trim board along the roofline.
  • Soffit: Underside of a roof overhang.
  • Stippling: Painting technique using a stippling brush or roller to create texture.
  • Feathering: Blending paint to create a smooth transition.
  • Cutting In: Applying paint carefully along edges and corners.
  • Blocking: Undesirable sticking of painted surfaces.
  • Bleeding: Seepage of underlying paint or stains through a topcoat.
  • Blistering: Bubbling of paint film due to moisture or improper application.
  • Peeling: Paint film lifting from the surface.
  • Cracking: Splitting of paint film.
  • Fading: Loss of color intensity due to exposure to light or weather.
  • Flashing: Gloss variation after paint application.
  • Adhesion: Ability of paint to stick to a surface.
  • Opacity: Paint’s ability to cover underlying colors or surfaces.
  • Coverage: Area a specific amount of paint will cover.
  • Drying Time: Time required for paint to dry completely.
  • Curing Time: Time required for paint to reach full hardness and durability.
  • Solvent: Substance used to thin paint or clean brushes.
  • Reducer: Solvent used to lower viscosity of paint.
  • Extender: Additive used to increase paint volume without affecting color.
  • Retarder: Additive used to slow down drying time.
  • Primer Sealer: Primer with sealing properties to prevent stains and promote adhesion.
  • Drywall: Panels used for interior walls and ceilings.
  • Plaster: Material used for interior wall finishing.
  • Masonry: Paint suitable for concrete, brick, and stone surfaces.
  • Deck Stain: Specifically for staining outdoor decks.
  • Weatherproof: Paint resistant to weather conditions.
  • Mildew-Resistant: Paint formulated to resist mildew growth.
  • Algae-Resistant: Paint resistant to algae growth.
  • Anti-Graffiti: Paint designed to facilitate graffiti removal.
  • Faux Finish: Decorative painting technique to mimic textures like marble or wood.
  • Glazing: Technique involving thin layers of translucent paint for depth.
  • Distressing: Creating an aged or weathered look on wood or furniture.
  • Trompe-l’œil: Painting technique creating optical illusions of depth.
  • Gilding: Applying thin layers of gold leaf or metallic finishes.
  • Murals: Large-scale paintings on walls or ceilings.
  • Stenciling: Decorating with pre-cut stencils and paint.
  • Stencil Brush: Specialized brush for stenciling.
  • Gesso: Primer used for preparing canvas or wood for painting.
  • Canvas: Cloth used for painting surfaces.
  • Palette: Surface for mixing and holding paint.
  • Easel: Stand for holding canvases or artwork.
  • Palette Knife: Tool for mixing or applying paint.
  • Artist’s Tape: Low-tack tape for masking off areas in artwork.
  • Brush Cleaner: Solution used to clean paint brushes.
  • Paint Thinner: Solvent used to thin oil-based paints.
  • Linseed Oil: Oil used as a medium in oil paints.
  • Turpentine: Solvent used with oil paints and varnishes.
  • Medium: Substance used to alter paint properties or consistency.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemicals emitted by paints and solvents.
  • Flash Point: Temperature at which a paint’s vapors ignite.
  • Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Document detailing hazards and safety precautions for paint products.
  • Lead Paint: Paint containing lead, now restricted due to health concerns.
  • Asbestos Paint: Paint containing asbestos fibers, now restricted due to health concerns.
  • Eco-Friendly Paint: Paint formulated to have minimal environmental impact.
  • Low-VOC Paint: Paint with reduced volatile organic compounds.
  • Non-Toxic Paint: Paint formulated to be safe and non-hazardous.
  • Acid Etching: Surface preparation technique for metals and concrete.
  • Deglossing: Removing gloss from surfaces before painting.
  • Power Washing: Cleaning technique using high-pressure water spray.
  • Color Wheel: Tool for understanding color relationships and mixing.