Acrylic
A water-based paint formulation containing acrylic resins.
Acrylic paints are known for their fast-drying time, low odour, and ease
of clean-up with water. They provide excellent colour retention,
flexibility, and resistance to cracking and fading, making them suitable
for interior and exterior applications
Adhesion:
The ability of a paint or coating to stick to the surface it’s applied
to. Proper adhesion is critical for ensuring that the paint does not peel or flake off, which is why surface preparation, such as cleaning and priming, is vital
before painting.
Adhesion Promoter:
A chemical additive or primer that enhances the paint’s bonding to difficult surfaces. It’s especially useful for painting over materials like metal or plastic.
Alkyd:
A type of synthetic resin used in oil-based paints. Alkyd paints
offer excellent durability, adhesion, and smooth finish. They are
commonly used for trim work, cabinets, and furniture due to their high-
gloss and hard-wearing properties.
Anticorrosive:
A property or additive in paint that prevents rust and corrosion, especially important in paints used on metal surfaces exposed to moisture or harsh environments.
Basecoat:
The initial layer of paint applied to a surface, typically serving as a foundation for additional coats. Basecoats are often used in multi-layer systems for added colour depth and durability.
Binder:
The component of paint that holds the pigment particles together and adheres them to the painted surface. Binders determine the paint’s durability, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors. Common binders include latex (for water-based paints) and alkyd (for oil-based paints).
Binder Migration:
The movement of binder to the paint surface as it dries, which can cause a sticky or glossy finish. This is often a factor in water-based paints.
Bleed-through:
Occurs when stains, wood tannins, or other underlying materials seep through a paint layer, causing discoloration. Priming with a stain-blocking primer is essential to prevent bleed-through, especially on wood and previously stained surfaces.
Blistering:
The formation of bubbles or raised areas on a painted surface, usually caused by moisture or poor surface preparation. Blistering can lead to peeling if not addressed.
Blocking resistance:
The ability of a paint to resist sticking to itself or other surfaces when pressed together. This property is crucial for
surfaces that come into contact with each other, such as doors, windows, and cabinets, to ensure the paint does not transfer or cause
damage.
Chalking:
The formation of a powdery residue on the surface of paint as it weathers and breaks down due to UV exposure. Chalking is a natural aging process for exterior paints, but excessive chalking may indicate poor paint quality or improper surface preparation.
Cohesion:
The internal strength of a paint film, which keeps it intact and
prevents it from cracking or peeling over time. Good cohesion is essential for
the longevity of the paint job, especially in environments with varying
temperatures and humidity levels.
Coverage:
Indicates the area a specific quantity of paint can cover on a surface. Typically measured in square feet or square meters per litre. Coverage depends on factors such as surface porosity, texture, application method, and desired finish.
Cratering:
Small depressions or pits on the painted surface caused by contaminants or improper application. Cratering can affect the smoothness and appearance of the paint finish.
Dry Fall:
A specialty paint that dries into a dust-like form upon reaching the floor, used primarily for ceilings and industrial spaces to reduce cleanup.
Drying time:
The duration it takes for paint to dry and cure after
application. Drying times vary based on factors like paint type,
temperature, humidity, and thickness of application. Quick-drying
paints offer shorter drying times, allowing for faster completion of
painting projects.
Efflorescence:
The migration of salts to the surface of a porous material, such as concrete or brick, where they form a white, powdery deposit. This can occur under painted surfaces and cause paint to peel or
blister. Efflorescence-resistant paints and proper surface preparation
can help prevent this issue.
Elastomeric Coating:
A high-build coating that provides superior flexibility and
durability, especially on surfaces prone to cracking or movement. Elastomeric
coatings are ideal for exterior walls and surfaces that expand and contract
with temperature changes, offering long-lasting protection against
weathering and moisture.
Emulsion:
A type of water-based paint that contains small droplets of liquid
pigment dispersed in water. Emulsion paints are popular for interior walls and
ceilings due to their quick drying time, low odour, and easy cleanup. They
provide a smooth finish and are available in various sheens.
Enamel:
A type of paint that dries to a hard, glossy finish, often used for
surfaces that require durability and easy cleaning, such as trim, doors, and
cabinets. Enamel paints are available in both oil-based and water-based
formulations, offering a smooth and resilient finish suitable for high-traffic
areas.
Fading:
The gradual loss of colour intensity in paint over time due to exposure to sunlight, weather, and other environmental factors. Paints with high UV resistance and fade-resistant pigments are designed to maintain their colour longer, especially in outdoor applications.
Film Thickness:
Refers to the thickness of a dried paint layer, often measured in microns. Proper film thickness is crucial for achieving optimal durability and coverage.
Flash point:
The lowest temperature at which a paint can produce
enough vapour to ignite in the presence of an ignition source, such as
a flame or spark. Understanding the flash point is important for safe
handling, storage, and transportation of paint products, especially
flammable or solvent-based paints.
Flocculation:
The clumping together of pigment particles within paint, which can lead to uneven colour distribution and poor coverage. Proper dispersion of pigments is essential for a smooth and consistent finish.
Feathering:
A technique used to blend the edges of a painted area into the
surrounding surface. Feathering prevents harsh lines and ensures a seamless
transition, often used during touch-ups or when two different paint colours
meet.
Hiding Power:
The ability of paint to obscure or cover the underlying surface or colour. High hiding power is particularly useful when applying light colours over dark surfaces.
Levelling:
The ability of a paint to flow out smoothly after application, minimising brush marks and roller stipple. Good levelling results in a uniform, smooth finish. This property is particularly important for achieving a high-quality appearance on surfaces like trim and cabinetry.
Marring:
The tendency of a painted surface to show marks or scratches when rubbed or contacted with objects. Paints with higher gloss levels or harder
finishes typically offer better resistance to marring.
Mildew resistance:
The ability of a paint to resist the growth of mildew and mold. This property is especially important for paints used in damp or humid environments, such as bathrooms and basements. Mildew-resistant paints contain special additives that inhibit fungal growth.
Opacity:
The measure of how well a paint can cover or hide the underlying surface or colour. High-opacity paints provide better coverage with fewer coats, making them more efficient and cost-effective. Opacity is influenced by the type and amount of pigment and the thickness of the paint film.
Pigment:
The finely ground particles that provide colour and opacity to paint. Pigments can be natural or synthetic and are responsible for the colour intensity and hiding power of the paint. They can also provide additional properties, such as UV resistance and durability.
Polyurethane:
A type of resin used in high-performance coatings known for exceptional durability, abrasion resistance, and gloss retention. Often used on floors and high-traffic surfaces.
Primer:
A preparatory coating applied to surfaces before painting to
improve adhesion, enhance durability, and provide a uniform base for
paint application. Primers help seal porous surfaces, block stains, and
promote better paint coverage, especially on new or heavily stained
surfaces.
Sagging:
The downward movement of wet paint on vertical surfaces, resulting in an uneven or wavy appearance. Proper paint consistency, application techniques, and drying conditions are essential to prevent
sagging.
Saponification
A chemical reaction between alkali (like concrete) and oil-based paints that causes paint to break down, resulting in a soft, soapy layer. This is a common issue when using oil-based paint on unsealed, alkaline surfaces.
Sheen:
Refers to the level of glossiness or shininess in a paint finish.
Common sheen options include flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss,
and high gloss. Different sheens offer varying levels of durability, ease of
cleaning, and aesthetic appeal.
Stain resistance:
The ability of a paint finish to repel stains and resist
soiling from common household substances like dirt, grease, and food.
Paints with enhanced stain resistance are easier to clean and maintain,
making them ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms,
and children’s rooms.
Surface Tension:
The cohesive force at the surface of a liquid paint that affects how it spreads and levels out. Surface tension impacts the smoothness and application properties of paint.
Tack-free time:
The period after paint application during which the
surface becomes touch-dry and does not feel sticky or tacky to the
touch. Tack-free time may vary depending on the type of paint and
environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity.
Thermoplastic:
The property of certain paints that makes them soft and pliable at elevated temperatures. Thermoplastic paints are useful for applications requiring flexibility and temperature resistance.
Thixotropy/shear-thinning:
The property of certain gels or fluids that are thick or viscous under static conditions but become fluid when
agitated or stirred. In paints, thixotropic formulations help prevent drips and sags during application, providing better control and a smoother
finish.
Undercoat:
A coating applied before the topcoat to enhance the adhesion, durability, and overall appearance of the final paint layer. Undercoats help to create a smooth, even surface and can improve
the hiding power and longevity of the topcoat.
VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds):
Chemicals emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids, including paints. High VOC levels can contribute to air pollution and have potential health risks. Low or zero VOC paints are often preferred for environmentally friendly and health-conscious painting projects.
Weather Resistance:
The ability of paint to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, UV exposure, and temperature fluctuations, without deteriorating.
