Wise Dublin painting Contractors Explains the most common terms in the painting industry in Dublin.

Sheen

• Sheen: Refers to the level of glossiness in each style of paint. Common paint types, from highest sheen to lowest, are semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, matte, and flat

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VOC

• VOC (Volatile Organic Compound): A term used to describe solvents released into the air as paint dries. Paint manufacturers must adhere to government VOC restrictions, and some opt for even stricter guidelines

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Masking

• Masking: The process of covering certain areas to protect them from being painted. This includes using tape, plastic sheets, or paper to prevent paint from reaching specific parts of a surface

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Cutting In

• Cutting In: Using a brush to create lines between two colors, work in tight spaces, or do detailed work like painting ceiling lines, corners, or baseboards. This technique is done without tape or masking

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Hide

• Hide (or Hiding Power): The ability of paint to cover and conceal the color or old paint below. Factors such as paint thickness, color being covered, and type of paint affect hiding power

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Bleeding

• Bleeding: When the residues of a previous coat or markings show through the outer paint coat. This can occur when a darker color shows through a lighter-colored fresh paint coat

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Fascia

• Fascia: Boards attached to the exterior of a house, typically around the eaves and soffits

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Other Terms

• Alkyd Paint: A type of paint named after its binder, known for its durability but less versatile than other options. It is often used in special circumstances where high binding is required

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• Enamel Paint: Typically oil/alkyd-based, it dries with a glossy, hard surface. Modern water-based and latex paints may also use the term to advertise gloss and hardness

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• Size Line: Painting around the top edge of the trim, usually done near the end of the day when there isn't enough time to fully paint the trim

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• Hardness: Describes paint's ability to resist dents, scratches, and marring

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• Orange Peel: A rough paint film caused by poor roller or spray application

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• Runs: Blemished or compromised paint film caused by excessive paint coating and flow

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• Sags: Excessive paint flow on the surface, causing runs or sagging due to too heavy a coat of paint or using too much paint thinner

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• Seeds: Small granules or particles contaminating paint, varnish, or lacquer

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• Shellac: A sealer or finish for floors or sealing knots, often found in thin flakes derived from a resinous substance called Lac

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• Mineral Spirits: A common mineral solvent used for cleaning oil-based paints and varnishes, also used as a paint thinner

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• Easing Oil: Paint thinner or substance used to thin paint, such as mineral spirits

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• Satin: A smooth finish with increased gloss and better washability than flat, eggshell, matte, and other finishes

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• Flashing: When the paint doesn't cover the surface properly, or the surface shows through where it has been touched up

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• Pickle: When paint rollers are accidentally soaked in paint overnight, making them unusable

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• Undercoat: The paint applied after the primer to mask the underlying material and provide a key for the top coat

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• Varnish: A resinous or water-based solution that seals and protects surfaces

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• Vinyl Paint: An emulsion paint with good wearing and cleaning properties, available in various finishes

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• Wood Stain: A wood finish that is absorbed into the outer surface to provide color and protection

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• Yellowing: The discolouration of oil-based paint over time

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• Acrylic: A term describing water-based decorating materials

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• Anaglypta: Originally a trade name, now used to describe wallpaper with an embossed surface pattern

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• Angled Brush: A paint brush with angled bristles designed for great accuracy when painting corners and edges

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• Architrave: A moulding that frames a window or door

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• Brushing Out: Spreading paint or other liquid finishes to give an even coverage

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• Caulk: A flexible mastic compound used to seal joints and fill small gaps

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• Cornice/Coving: An ornamental moulding around the wall of a room just below the ceiling

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• Drying Time: The time it takes for a single coat of paint to dry fully

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• Eggshell: An oil or water-based paint with a low sheen finish, looking like the shell of an egg

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• Emulsion: A water-based paint normally used to paint large areas such as walls or ceilings

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• Fitch: A small brush with a long wooden handle used for getting to awkward or recessed areas

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• Flat (Paint): Practically no sheen even when viewed from an angle, often used to describe Matt emulsion

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• Flexible Filler: A filler suitable for use between surfaces where movement occurs due to its ability to absorb small movements in wood or plaster

Basic Painting Terms

1. Primer: A preparatory coating applied before painting. Primers ensure better adhesion of paint to the surface, increase paint durability, and provide additional protection for the material being painted.

2. Basecoat: The first coat of paint applied to a surface after priming. It provides a smooth and even base for subsequent layers of paint.

3. Topcoat: The final layer of paint applied over the basecoat. This coat provides the finished appearance and additional protection to the painted surface.

4. Undercoat: A layer of paint applied before the topcoat, usually after the primer. It helps to build up the opacity of the paint and smooth out the surface.

5. Sealant: A material used to block the passage of fluids through the surface or joints in materials, often used to protect surfaces from moisture.

Paint Types

1. Acrylic Paint: A fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion. It is water-soluble but becomes water-resistant when dry.

2. Oil Paint: A slow-drying paint made with pigment suspended in oil, usually linseed oil. It provides a rich, glossy finish and is highly durable.

3. Latex Paint: A water-based paint known for its ease of use, quick drying time, and easy cleanup with water. Often used for interior and exterior walls.

4. Enamel Paint: A durable paint with a hard, glossy finish. It is typically used for painting surfaces that need a tough, protective coating, such as furniture and trim.

Painting Techniques

1. Brushing: The most common method of applying paint using a brush. Ideal for small areas and detail work.

2. Rolling: A technique using a paint roller to apply paint quickly and evenly on large, flat surfaces.

3. Spraying: Applying paint with a spray gun for a smooth, even coat, often used for large surfaces and detailed work.

4. Cutting In: A technique used to paint edges and corners with a brush before rolling or spraying the larger areas.

Surface Preparation

1. Sanding: The process of smoothing or roughening a surface to create the right texture for paint adhesion.

2. Caulking: Sealing joints or seams in various structures and materials to prevent leakage and create a smooth surface for painting.

3. Masking: Using tape or other materials to cover areas that should not be painted, ensuring clean lines and preventing paint splatter.

4. Degreasing: Removing grease, oil, or other contaminants from a surface to ensure proper paint adhesion.

Paint Finishes

1. Matte: A non-reflective finish that hides surface imperfections but is less durable and harder to clean.

2. Eggshell: A low-sheen finish with a slight gloss, providing a balance between matte and gloss, making it easy to clean.

3. Satin: A smooth, velvety finish with a subtle shine, offering durability and ease of cleaning.

4. Gloss: A shiny finish that reflects light, providing a durable and easy-to-clean surface, ideal for trim and high-traffic areas.

5. Semi-Gloss: A finish with a moderate shine, offering durability and resistance to moisture, often used for kitchens and bathrooms.

Tools and Equipment

1. Brush: A tool with bristles used to apply paint, available in various sizes and shapes for different tasks.

2. Roller: A cylindrical tool with a fabric cover, used to apply paint quickly and evenly on large surfaces.

3. Spray Gun: A device that sprays paint using air pressure, ideal for achieving a smooth, even coat.

4. Paint Tray: A shallow container used to hold paint for rollers, allowing for easy loading of the roller with paint.

5. Drop Cloth: A protective sheet used to cover floors and furniture to prevent paint spills and splatters.
   

By understanding these terms, you'll have a better grasp of the painting process and be able to communicate more effectively with professionals in the industry. If you need further details or have specific questions, feel free to ask!