INDEX

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Glossary

A comprehensive glossary dedicated to the terminology used in architectural on-site paint spraying. This resource is designed to help professionals, enthusiasts, and clients alike understand the specialised language and techniques involved in this essential aspect of building and renovation projects.

Whether you are new to the field or looking to deepen your knowledge, this glossary provides clear and concise definitions to enhance your understanding and communication within the industry.

Abrasive Blasting

A surface preparation technique that involves propelling abrasive materials against a surface to remove contaminants and create a smooth surface for painting.

Abrasive Media

Materials used in abrasive blasting, such as sand, glass beads, or aluminium oxide.

Adhesion

The ability of paint or coating to stick to the surface on which it is applied.

Airless Sprayer

A device that uses high pressure to atomise paint, resulting in a smooth and even coat without the need for compressed air.

Alkyd Paint

A type of paint that uses alkyd resin as a binder, known for its durability and glossy finish.

Anti-Graffiti Coating

A coating designed to prevent graffiti paint from adhering to surfaces, making it easier to remove.

Application Rate

The amount of paint applied per unit area, usually measured in square feet per gallon.

Architectural Coatings

Paints and coatings used on buildings and structures to protect and decorate surfaces.

Atomisation

The process of breaking up a liquid into small droplets, essential for spray painting.

Backrolling

A technique where a roller is used immediately after spray application to ensure even coverage and penetration.

Base Coat

The first layer of paint applied to a surface, providing a foundation for subsequent layers.

Blast Cleaning

The process of cleaning a surface using high-speed abrasive particles.

Bleed Through

When underlying stains or colours seep through the topcoat of paint.

Blistering

The formation of bubbles or blisters in the paint film due to improper application or moisture.

Block Filler

A thick paint used to fill porous surfaces like concrete blocks before applying the topcoat.

Brush Marks

Visible streaks left on a surface after using a brush to apply paint.

Coating Thickness

The thickness of a layer of paint or coating, usually measured in mils (thousandths of an inch).

Colour Matching

The process of creating a paint colour that precisely matches a sample or existing colour.

Colour Retention

The ability of a paint to maintain its original colour over time.

Compressed Air

Air that is pressurised to power tools and equipment, including paint sprayers.

Corrosion Inhibitor

A substance added to coatings to prevent rust and corrosion on metal surfaces.

Coverage

The area that a given amount of paint will cover, usually expressed in square feet per gallon.

Crack Bridging

The ability of a coating to cover and protect minor cracks in the substrate.

Cross-Linking

Chemical bonds formed between polymer chains in a coating, increasing its strength and durability.

Decorative Finishes

Special paint effects and finishes used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a surface.

Diluent

A solvent added to paint to reduce its viscosity and improve application properties.

Dry Film Thickness (DFT)

The thickness of a paint film after it has dried, measured in mils or microns.

Drying Time

The time required for paint to dry to the touch or become fully cured.

Edge Banding

Painting or coating the edges of materials to protect and enhance their appearance.

Elastomeric Paint

A flexible, rubber-like paint that can expand and contract with surface movement.

Electrostatic Spraying

A method of applying paint using electrically charged particles to improve transfer efficiency and reduce overspray.

Emulsion Paint

A water-based paint used for interior and exterior surfaces, known for its quick drying and low odour.

Epoxy Coating

A type of paint that uses epoxy resin, known for its strong adhesion and chemical resistance.

Facade

The front or face of a building, often the primary surface for painting and coating.

Feathering

The technique of blending paint edges to create a smooth transition between painted and unpainted areas.

Finish Coat

The final layer of paint applied to a surface, providing the desired appearance and protection.

Flash Point

The temperature at which a paint or solvent can ignite.

Gloss Level

The degree of shine or lustre of a paint finish, ranging from matte to high gloss.

Graining

A decorative technique that simulates the appearance of wood grain.

High-Build Coating

A coating that can be applied in thick layers, providing enhanced protection and durability.

High-Volume Low-Pressure (HVLP) Sprayer

A type of paint sprayer that uses low pressure to atomise paint, reducing overspray and waste.

Impact Resistance

The ability of a paint film to withstand mechanical impact without damage.

Industrial Coatings

Paints and coatings used in industrial environments to protect surfaces from corrosion and wear.

Intercoat Adhesion

The adhesion between different layers of paint or coatings.

Lacquer

A type of clear or coloured coating that dries to form a hard, durable finish.

Levelling

The ability of a paint to flow out and form a smooth, even surface without brush or roller marks.

Mar Resistance

The ability of a paint film to resist scratching and abrasion.

Masking

The process of covering areas that should not be painted, using tape, paper, or other materials.

Mildew Resistance

The ability of paint to resist the growth of mildew and mould.

Mixing Paddle

A tool used to mix paint thoroughly, ensuring a uniform consistency.

Mixing Ratio

The proportion of paint components that must be mixed together to achieve the desired properties.

Multi-Component Coatings

Paints that require mixing two or more components before application, such as epoxies and polyurethanes.

Orange Peel

A textured imperfection in the paint film that resembles the surface of an orange.

Overcoating

Applying a new layer of paint over an existing one.

Overspray

Paint that misses the intended surface and settles elsewhere.

Paint Booth

A controlled environment where spray painting is conducted to contain overspray and contaminants.

Paint Pot

A container used to hold paint for use with a spray gun or brush.

Paint Shield

A tool used to protect areas from paint spray while painting edges and corners.

Paint Thinner

A solvent used to dilute paint, making it easier to apply.

Paint Viscosity

The thickness or thinness of paint, affecting how it flows and spreads.

Peel Resistance

The ability of paint to resist peeling from the surface.

Pigment

The colourant used in paint, providing colour and opacity.

Pigment Volume Concentration (PVC)

The ratio of pigment to binder in a paint, affecting its colour, durability, and gloss.

Plasticiser

A substance added to paint to increase its flexibility and prevent cracking.

Pot Life

The time a mixed paint remains usable before it starts to cure or harden.

Primer

A preparatory coating applied before the main paint, enhancing adhesion and durability.

Protective Coatings

Coatings designed to protect surfaces from corrosion, wear, and environmental damage.

Recoat Time

The time required before a new layer of paint can be applied over the previous one.

Reflective Coatings

Coatings that reflect light, often used for safety markings and signs.

Rheology

The study of the flow and deformation of paint, important for understanding its application properties.

Roller Nap

The thickness of the fibres on a paint roller, affecting the texture of the applied paint.

Sacrificial Coating

A temporary coating applied to protect the underlying surface, intended to be removed and replaced as needed.

Sandblasting

A method of cleaning or etching a surface by blasting it with sand or other abrasive materials.

Satin Finish

A paint finish that has a low to medium gloss, offering a smooth and silky appearance.

Scrubbability

The ability of a paint film to withstand scrubbing and cleaning without damage.

Self-Priming Paint

Paint that includes primer properties, eliminating the need for a separate primer coat.

Sheen

The degree of lustre or gloss of a paint finish, ranging from flat to high gloss.

Shelf Life

The period during which stored paint remains usable.

Slip Resistance

The ability of a surface to resist slipping, important for safety in flooring applications.

Spray Booth

An enclosed area designed for spray painting, providing ventilation and containment.

Spray Gun

A tool used to apply paint in a fine spray, typically powered by compressed air or an airless system.

Surface Preparation

The process of cleaning and treating a surface before painting to ensure proper adhesion.

Topcoat

The final layer of paint that provides the desired appearance and protection.

Touch-Up

The process of applying paint to small areas that need repair or improvement.

UV Resistance

The ability of paint to withstand damage from ultraviolet light.

Undercoat

A layer of paint applied before the topcoat, often used to build up thickness and provide a smooth surface.

Viscosity Cup

A tool used to measure the viscosity of paint, ensuring proper consistency for application.

Wet Edge

The period during which the applied paint remains wet enough to blend with subsequent strokes.

Wet Film Thickness (WFT)

The thickness of a layer of paint or coating when it is still wet, measured in mils or microns.

Wet-on-Wet

A painting technique where a second layer of paint is applied before the first layer has dried.

Wrinkling

The formation of wrinkles in the paint film due to improper application or drying conditions.

Yellowing

The discolouration of paint over time, often due to exposure to UV light or certain environmental conditions.

Zinc-Rich Coating

A coating that contains a high percentage of zinc dust, providing excellent corrosion resistance for steel surfaces.

Commercial

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