Know the language
Painting Glossary
Simple explanations of terms you may hear while planning a painting project.
- Primer
- A preparatory coating that improves adhesion, seals surfaces, and helps the finish coat look even.
- Sheen
- The amount of light a dried paint surface reflects, from flat or matte to high gloss.
- Cutting in
- Carefully painting edges and corners with a brush before rolling the larger surface.
- Coverage
- The area paint can coat effectively, usually stated in square feet per gallon.
- Flashing
- Uneven-looking shine or color caused by differences in the surface or application.
- Dry time
- The time needed before the surface feels dry. This can be shorter than the recoat or cure time.
- Cure time
- The full period required for paint to reach its final hardness and durability.
- Caulking
- Sealing joints and small gaps to create a cleaner finish and reduce moisture entry.
- Back rolling
- Rolling over freshly sprayed paint to improve adhesion and create a consistent texture.
- Substrate
- The underlying surface being painted, such as drywall, stucco, wood, metal, or masonry.
- Topcoat
- The final visible coat that provides the desired color, sheen, and protection.
- VOC
- Volatile organic compounds released by some coatings; low-VOC choices reduce these emissions.