Every industry has terminologies that form the vocabulary used by industry experts. With regards to painting, there is jargon often used by construction experts to describe their painting ideas and projects.
As a homeowner, knowing some of these terms will ensure that you understand concepts and discussions better when they come up. It will further help you evaluate the knowledge of anyone posing as a home remodeling professional.
Our home remodeling pros at The Construction Group have curated a list of essential painting terms you might not know or have heard, or maybe you just want to refresh your knowledge. Check them out below!
1. Glazes
This is a term used to refer to a thin, transparent layer of paint. Glazes are applied over one another to create depth and change the color of a painting. Glazes were traditionally painted on top of a Grisaille, a black and white underpainting, and thin layers of color were applied once the original form had been defined.
2. Bleeding
Bleeding is a painting term that refers to a situation when the residues of previous paint are showing on the outer coat. In other words, it could be referred to as a situation where a darker hue reflects through a lighter paint coat.
3. Sags
In painting, sags are referred to as an overflowing of excessive paint on the surface of any coating due to excessive paint thinner usage.
4. Mineral Spirits
Mineral spirits are usually foul-smelling solvents used for cleaning oil paints. Sometimes, it’s used as a paint thinner. Be sure to stay out of the way anytime this substance is used, as inhaling it can cause harm.
5. Paint Hardness
Hardness in painting is used to describe the ability of paints to resist scratches and dents. So, anytime you buy paint, you might as well ask them about the hardness.
6. Seeds
These are small particles or granules other than dust that can contaminate your paint.
7. Orange Peel
This is when the film of the paint is rough due to a bad roller or improper application of the paint.
8. Easing Oil
Easing oil could be any material or substance used to provide thinning to paints.
9. Flashing
This describes a situation where the paint hasn’t covered the surface of the wall properly or revealed the underneath material.
10. Flat Paint
No reflection to very low reflection when dry. It's best for well-lit, like offices and dining rooms. Can also conceal scratches or other blemishes well.
11. Semi-Gloss
Highly durable, stain and moisture-resistant paint that has on average 50% amount of gloss. More durable than satin – best to use in rooms you also want to brighten – or for cabinets and doors.
12. Satin
Satin describes the material that helps to provide a smooth finish and glossy appearance on paints. Satin paints have about a 30% mix of gloss. Best overall paint for high-traffic areas such as living rooms, family rooms, kitchens, and bathroom walls
13. Masking
Masking is when painter’s tape or other related products are used to cover and protect things like windows, floor, furniture, and trim to avoid dripping.
14. Nap
Don’t be fooled by this term. Nap is the length of fibers on a paint roller. Different naps are used for different sheens of paint.
Lengths range from short (for smooth plaster or sheetrock) to long nap (used for very rough surfaces such as bricks).
15. Exterior Primer
Exterior primer is used as a base coat on wood and metal surfaces and helps not only to cover up imperfections, but provides a surface for paint to adhere to.
Work With a Reliable Home Remodeling Contractor
Do you own a home in the Twin Cities and need to revamp your home interiors or exteriors? We’ve got you covered with our experienced team, and our work speaks for itself!
You can get a free quote today, schedule a free consultation using our contact form, or speak directly with us at 651 731-5857.