Painter's Dictionary
Cut through the painter lingo and learn common painting contractor terms.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint uses synthetic polymers to create a flexible, fast-drying finish. Because the paint stretches and shrinks... Read More
Adhesion
Adhesion is how effectively paint bonds to a surface. If a surface has dirt, grease, or a smooth sheen, paint cannot... Read More
Alkyd Paint
Alkyd paint uses synthetic resins to dry into a hard, smooth shell. This makes it scuff-resistant and easy to clean,... Read More
Alligatoring
Alligatoring is a pattern of deep cracks that resembles alligator skin. It occurs when paint loses flexibility with age,... Read More
Backrolling
Backrolling is using a manual roller over a surface immediately after paint is sprayed on. Sprayers coat quickly, but... Read More
Basecoat
A basecoat is the initial layer of paint applied before topcoats. It covers underlying stains and dark colors, creating... Read More
Beach Colors
Beach colors refer to a paint palette inspired by coastal environments, featuring soft whites, sandy beiges, pale blues,... Read More
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore is a leading manufacturer of premium residential paints widely specified by contractors. The brand is... Read More
Bid
A bid is a contractor's formal proposal outlining the total cost, scope of work, and materials required for a painting... Read More
Blistering
Blistering occurs when bubbles or raised bumps form in paint, caused by trapped moisture or heat underneath. Common... Read More
Block Filler
Block filler is a thick, high-build primer designed for porous masonry surfaces like cinder block and concrete. It fills... Read More
Boxing Paint
Boxing paint is the practice of mixing multiple cans of the same paint color together in a larger container before... Read More
Brush and Roll
Brush and roll is a manual application method using brushes for detailed edges and rollers for large, flat surfaces.... Read More
Bubbling
Bubbling occurs when paint lifts into small blisters, usually caused by trapped moisture, air, or solvents evaporating... Read More
Builder's Paint
Builder's paint is a low-cost, basic paint used in new home construction to minimize costs. It contains lower levels of... Read More
Caulking
Caulking is a flexible sealant used to fill gaps and seams around windows, doors, and trim. It blocks water and air from... Read More
Cedar Siding
Cedar siding is a natural wood exterior material known for its distinct grain. In painting, cedar requires specialized... Read More
Chalking
Chalking is a fine, powdery residue that forms on exterior paint when sun and weather degrade its binder. If you wipe an... Read More
Change Order
A change order is a written agreement that modifies the original painting contract after work has been approved. It... Read More
Chinking
Chinking is a flexible, mortar-like sealant used to seal wide gaps between logs in log structures. Similar to caulk, it... Read More
Coastal Colors
Coastal colors refer to a soft color palette inspired by seaside environments, featuring light blues, soft greens, sandy... Read More
Coating
A coating is any liquid material—such as paint, primer, stain, or sealer—applied to a surface that dries into a... Read More
Color Consultation
A color consultation is a professional service where a specialist helps homeowners select paint colors and finishes. The... Read More
Commercial Painting
Commercial painting refers to applying paint and coatings to non-residential properties, such as offices, retail spaces,... Read More
Coverage
Coverage measures how effectively a paint conceals the surface beneath it and how much square footage one gallon spreads... Read More
Craftsman Colors
Craftsman colors are warm, earth-toned palettes inspired by early 20th-century Arts and Crafts architecture. Featuring... Read More
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal refers to the visual attractiveness of a property when viewed from the street. In painting, it is affected... Read More
Curing
Curing is the phase after paint dries to the touch when it fully hardens and bonds to reach maximum durability. While... Read More
Cut-in
Cut-in is the technique of using a brush to paint precise edges along corners, ceilings, and trim before rolling main... Read More
Drop Cloth
A drop cloth is a protective sheet—typically made of canvas, paper, or plastic—placed over floors, furniture, and... Read More
Drywall Repair
Drywall repair involves filling and smoothing holes, cracks, and dents in interior walls before painting. Because paint... Read More
Durability
Durability describes a paint coating's ability to withstand environmental exposure, physical wear, and cleaning without... Read More
Eggshell Finish
An eggshell finish is a low-shine paint surface positioned between flat and satin on the sheen spectrum. It provides a... Read More
Elastomeric Coating
An elastomeric coating is a thick, flexible finish designed for exterior surfaces like stucco and masonry. Unlike... Read More
Enamel
Enamel paint is a durable coating that dries into a hard, smooth finish. Known for high scuff and stain resistance, it... Read More
Estimate
An estimate is a written document provided by a contractor that outlines the projected cost and scope of a painting... Read More
Exterior Painting
Exterior painting involves applying protective coatings to a building's outer surfaces, including siding, trim, doors,... Read More
Fading
Fading is the gradual loss of color intensity or hue shift on painted surfaces, primarily caused by sunlight exposure.... Read More
Fascia
Fascia is the horizontal architectural board installed along the lower edge of a roofline, directly supporting gutters... Read More
Faux Finish
A faux finish is a decorative painting technique that replicates the appearance of materials like wood, marble, stone,... Read More
Feathering
Feathering is a surface preparation technique where the sharp edges of intact paint surrounding a scraped area are... Read More
Fence Painting
Fence painting is the process of applying protective coatings—such as exterior paint or solid stain—to wooden, metal, or... Read More
Fence Staining
Fence staining is the application of a liquid finish that absorbs directly into wooden fence fibers rather than forming... Read More
Film Build
Film build refers to the cumulative thickness of applied paint layers once dry, measured in thousandths of an inch... Read More
Flaking
Flaking is a paint failure where small, thin pieces of the paint film detach and break away from the underlying surface.... Read More
Flashing
Flashing refers to an uneven sheen or gloss on a painted surface, where certain areas appear shinier or duller than... Read More
Flat Finish
A flat finish is a non-reflective paint coating with no gloss or sheen. Because it absorbs light rather than reflecting... Read More
Glaze
A glaze is a translucent or semi-transparent coating applied over a cured base coat of paint. Formulated with extended... Read More
Gloss Finish
A gloss finish is a highly reflective, smooth paint coating with the highest level of sheen. It creates a durable,... Read More
Grit
Grit measures the coarseness of abrasive particles on sandpaper, expressed as a numerical rating. Lower numbers... Read More
HOA Painting
HOA painting refers to exterior painting projects executed in strict compliance with Homeowners Association regulations... Read More
HVLP Sprayer
An HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) sprayer is a precision paint application tool that uses high air volume at low... Read More
High-Gloss Finish
A high-gloss finish is the most reflective paint coating available, providing a shiny, glass-like appearance. It creates... Read More
House Painting
House painting is the process of applying protective and decorative liquid coatings to residential interior and exterior... Read More
Interior Painting
Interior painting is the application of liquid coatings to inside structural surfaces, including walls, ceilings, doors,... Read More
Intumescent Paint
Intumescent paint is a specialized, fire-retardant coating designed to provide passive fire protection to structural... Read More
Joint Compound
Joint compound, commonly called drywall mud, is a gypsum-based paste used in interior wall preparation. Contractors... Read More
Knot Sealer
Knot sealer is a specialized coating, typically shellac-based, applied to bare wood knots before general priming and... Read More
Lap Marks
Lap marks are visible lines or dark bands created when wet paint overlaps an adjacent section that has already begun to... Read More
Latex Paint
Latex paint is a water-based coating that utilizes synthetic acrylic or vinyl polymers as binders rather than natural... Read More
Lead Abatement
Lead abatement is the specialized, legally regulated process of safely removing, encapsulating, or enclosing hazardous... Read More
Lead Test
A lead test is a chemical or technical evaluation used to detect toxic lead pigments in existing paint films prior to... Read More
Low-VOC Paint
Low-VOC paint is a coating formulated with reduced levels of Volatile Organic Compounds—carbon-based chemicals that... Read More
Masking
Masking is the preparation technique of covering non-paintable surfaces—such as trim, glass, floors, and hardware—before... Read More
Matte Finish
A matte finish is a non-reflective paint sheen with little to no gloss. It absorbs light rather than reflecting it,... Read More
Metal Coating
Metal coating refers to specialized paints and primers formulated to bond to metal substrates like steel, iron, and... Read More
Mildewcide
A mildewcide is a chemical additive blended into exterior and bathroom paints to inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, and... Read More
Modern Colors
Modern colors in residential painting refer to a palette of clean, understated hues — warm whites, soft greiges,... Read More
Multi-Family Painting
Multi-family painting refers to painting services performed on apartment complexes, condominiums, townhomes, and other... Read More
Nap
Nap refers to the thickness of the fabric pile on a paint roller cover, measured in fractions of an inch. Smooth... Read More
Neutral Colors
Neutral colors are muted paint shades—such as grays, beiges, off-whites, and taupes—that lack strong chromatic... Read More
New Build
A new build refers to the initial coating phase for newly constructed residential or commercial structures. Unlike... Read More
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint utilizes natural or synthetic oil resins and organic solvents instead of water. It cures through... Read More
Opacity
Opacity, or hiding power, measures a paint film's ability to obscure the underlying substrate or previous color.... Read More
Overspray
Overspray refers to airborne paint mist generated during spray application that drifts away from the intended target... Read More
PPG Paints
PPG Paints is a global manufacturer of commercial, industrial, and architectural coatings widely utilized by... Read More
Paint Finish
Paint finish, or sheen, refers to the degree of gloss or light reflectivity in a dried paint film, ranging from flat to... Read More
Paint Sprayer
A paint sprayer is a mechanical device that uses fluid pressure or compressed air to atomize liquid paint into a fine... Read More
Painter's Plastic
Painter's plastic is thin polyethylene sheeting used to cover and protect large surfaces, furniture, and fixtures during... Read More
Painter's Tape
Painter's tape is a pressure-sensitive masking tape engineered with specialized low-tack adhesives. Applied along trim,... Read More
Parking Lot Striping
Parking lot striping involves applying high-visibility, fast-drying traffic paint to define parking stalls, directional... Read More
Patching
Patching is the surface preparation process of filling holes, cracks, and gouges in substrates like drywall, plaster, or... Read More
Peeling
Peeling is a paint film failure where cured paint separates and lifts away from the substrate or underlying coat in... Read More
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a synthetic resin coating applied primarily to wooden substrates like floors, trim, and cabinetry to... Read More
Power Washing
Power washing is a high-pressure mechanical cleaning method used to prepare exterior substrates like siding, concrete,... Read More
Primer
Primer is a preparatory coating applied to substrates before topcoat application. Formulated with specialized resins, it... Read More
Priming
Priming is the preparatory application of a specialized base coat to raw or repaired substrates prior to topcoating. It... Read More
Project Deposit
A project deposit is an upfront partial payment made by a client to a painting contractor before work begins. This... Read More
Quality Control
Quality control is the systematic inspection process used by painting contractors to verify that surface preparation,... Read More
Quote
A quote is a formal, binding document provided by a painting contractor that outlines the fixed cost for a project. It... Read More
Repaint
A repaint is a project involving the application of new coatings over previously painted substrates rather than raw, new... Read More
Residential Painting
Residential painting refers to the specialized surface preparation and coating application for living structures, such... Read More
Resin
Resin is the binder component of paint that holds pigment particles together and adheres the dried film to the... Read More
Roller
A paint roller is a cylindrical applicator consisting of a metal or plastic frame and a removable fabric cover used to... Read More
Rust Inhibitor
A rust inhibitor is a primer or additive that prevents oxidation on metal surfaces by creating a barrier against... Read More
Sanding
Sanding is the process of abrading a surface with sandpaper or a sanding block to smooth imperfections, remove old... Read More
Satin Finish
Satin finish is a mid-level paint sheen that sits between eggshell and semi-gloss, offering a soft, velvety luster with... Read More
Scraping
Scraping is the mechanical removal of loose, peeling, or flaking paint from a surface using a putty knife, paint... Read More
Sealant
A sealant is a flexible compound applied to gaps, joints, and transitions between building materials to prevent air,... Read More
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss finish is a high-reflectivity paint sheen that is highly durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean. It... Read More
Sheen
Sheen describes the level of light reflectivity in a dried paint film, ranging from flat through matte, eggshell, satin,... Read More
Sherwin Williams
Sherwin-Williams is one of the largest and most recognized paint manufacturers in the United States, offering a... Read More
Siding
Siding refers to the exterior cladding material applied to the walls of a house to protect against weather and provide... Read More
Siding Repair
Siding repair involves fixing damaged, rotted, cracked, or missing sections of exterior cladding before painting.... Read More
Soffits
Soffits are the horizontal surfaces on the underside of roof overhangs, eaves, and stairways. On a house exterior,... Read More
Solvent
A solvent is a liquid used to dissolve, thin, or clean up paint and coatings. In oil-based paints and stains, mineral... Read More
Spanish Colors
Spanish colors in residential painting refer to warm, sun-drenched palettes inspired by Mediterranean and Spanish... Read More
Specialty Coatings
Specialty coatings are paints and finishes engineered for specific performance requirements beyond standard interior or... Read More
Stain
A stain is a semi-transparent or solid-color coating applied to wood surfaces to enhance or change the color while... Read More
Stucco Painting
Stucco painting involves applying paint or elastomeric coatings to exterior stucco surfaces made from cement, sand, and... Read More
Substrate
Substrate is the technical term for the underlying surface or material that paint is applied to, such as drywall, wood,... Read More
Surface Preparation
Surface preparation encompasses all the steps taken to ready a surface for painting, including cleaning, scraping,... Read More
Surfactant Leaching
Surfactant leaching is a phenomenon where water-soluble surfactants in latex paint migrate to the surface during drying,... Read More
Tape and Float
Tape and float is a drywall finishing technique where paper or fiberglass mesh tape is embedded in joint compound over... Read More
Texture Finish
A texture finish is a paint or compound application that creates a three-dimensional surface pattern rather than a... Read More
Thinner
Paint thinner is a solvent used to reduce the viscosity of oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes to achieve the... Read More
Tinting
Tinting is the process of adding colorant to a base paint to achieve a specific color. Paint stores use computerized... Read More
Touch-up
Touch-up refers to the application of paint to small areas that have been damaged, scuffed, or missed during the... Read More
Traditional Colors
Traditional colors in residential painting refer to classic, historically-inspired palettes featuring deep navy blues,... Read More
Trim
Trim refers to the decorative and functional woodwork that frames doors, windows, floors, and ceilings in a home,... Read More
UV Resistance
UV resistance is a coating's ability to withstand degradation caused by ultraviolet rays from sunlight. Painting... Read More
Undercoat
An undercoat is a specialized layer of paint applied after the primer but before the final topcoat. It provides a... Read More
VOCs
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature as... Read More
Varnish
Varnish is a transparent, hard protective finish applied primarily to wood surfaces to seal and shield them from... Read More
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is an exterior cladding made from synthetic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. When painting vinyl siding,... Read More
Viscosity
Viscosity measures a liquid coating's resistance to flow or its internal thickness. Painting contractors evaluate... Read More
Walkthrough
A walkthrough is a final joint inspection conducted by the painting contractor and client after job completion. They... Read More
Warping
Warping is the distortion or bending of wooden or composite substrates, caused by uneven moisture absorption, humidity... Read More
Waterproofing
Waterproofing involves applying specialized elastomeric coatings or hydrophobic sealants to prevent liquid water from... Read More
Weathering
Weathering is the gradual breakdown and physical deterioration of exterior paint films caused by natural environmental... Read More
Whip Line
A whip line is a short, highly flexible hose attached between a painting contractor's main airless spray hose and the... Read More
Wood Rot Repair
Wood rot repair involves identifying and fixing timber degraded by fungal decay caused by excessive moisture. Painting... Read More
Wrinkling
Wrinkling is a surface defect where paint cures into a crinkled, wavy texture instead of a smooth film. It occurs when... Read More
Xylene
Xylene is a strong hydrocarbon solvent used by painting contractors to thin heavy-duty industrial coatings, such as... Read More
Yellowing
Yellowing is the gradual discoloration of cured paint, turning white or light-colored coats into a yellowish hue over... Read More
Zero-VOC Paint
Zero-VOC paint contains minimal or non-traceable amounts of volatile organic compounds, typically fewer than 5 grams per... Read More
Zinc-Rich Primer
Zinc-rich primer is a heavy-duty protective coating containing high concentrations of elemental zinc powder. Painting... Read More