Glossary
Paint Glossary
Primer, sheen, cut-in, undertone: the words painters use, explained in plain English. Search or scroll.
- Acrylic latex
- A water-based paint that is flexible, easy to clean up and the most common choice for walls and exteriors.
- Alligatoring
- Cracking in a scaly pattern, like alligator skin, usually from layers of old paint.
- Back-brushing
- Brushing paint into a surface right after spraying it so it sinks in and levels.
- Bonding primer
- A primer made to stick to slick surfaces such as laminate, tile or glossy cabinets.
- Caulk
- A flexible sealant used to close gaps at trim, windows and siding.
- Chalking
- A powdery residue that forms on aging exterior paint as sun breaks down the binder.
- Cut-in
- Painting the edges and corners by hand with a brush before rolling the main area.
- Drop cloth
- A heavy sheet that protects floors and furniture from paint.
- Efflorescence
- White, powdery salt deposits on masonry caused by moisture.
- Eggshell
- A low-sheen finish with a soft glow, popular for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Flashing
- A patchy, uneven sheen where a repair or bare spot absorbs paint differently.
- Flat
- A finish with no shine that hides flaws well but marks more easily.
- Glaze
- A translucent coating used to add depth in faux finishes and on cabinets.
- Lap marks
- Visible streaks where wet paint overlaps dry paint.
- Limewash
- A mineral-based wash that gives brick and plaster a soft, matte, aged look.
- Masking
- Covering areas with tape and paper so they do not get painted.
- Mildew
- A surface fungus that grows in damp places and shows as dark spots.
- Nap
- The thickness of a roller cover, chosen to suit the texture of the surface.
- Primer
- A first coat that seals, bonds and evens out a surface before paint.
- Satin
- A smooth, slightly glossy finish that is washable and common in family rooms.
- Scrubbable
- A paint that can be washed repeatedly without wearing away.
- Semi-gloss
- A shiny, tough finish used on trim, doors, kitchens and baths.
- Sheen
- How much light a painted surface reflects, from flat to high gloss.
- Skim coat
- A thin layer of joint compound that smooths a rough or damaged wall.
- Spackle
- A light filler used to patch small holes and dents.
- Stain-blocking primer
- A primer that stops stains such as water, smoke and tannin from bleeding through.
- Tinted primer
- A primer mixed toward the topcoat color so deep colors cover in fewer coats.
- Undertone
- The subtle hidden hue in a color, such as the green or pink in a gray.
- VOC
- Volatile organic compounds, the chemicals that give some paints their smell.
- Wet edge
- Keeping the leading edge of the paint wet while you work so coats blend without marks.
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