acrylic paint
Acrylic paints are water-based synthetic paints known for performance and long-lasting color. Acrylic paints are water-soluble when wet but become flexible, durable and water-resistant once dry. Acrylic paints can be diluted with water and can be mixed together to create new paint colors.
Also known as: acrylic house paint, acrylic latex paint, acrylic enamel, acrylic interior paint, acrylic exterior paint, acrylic painting, acrylics
antique finish / antique faux finishing
A specialized finish usually applied to furniture and woodwork to give the appearance of age and antiquing. Antique finishes may appear worn, cracked, rough or hand-rubbed and are often used on furniture, accent walls and room trim to complement décor.
Also known as: antiquing, antiqued wood painting, faux antique finish, antique oil finish, shabby chic painting, antique painting, distressed paint, distressing, aged-look painting, country-antique finish
cutting in
The painting technique that creates a neat line where two edges or colors meet as “cutting in.” When cutting in, painters usually use a trim brush with beveled or angled bristles to apply a finished-line edge.
Also known as: cutting, cutting in paint, cut-in, cut-in walls, cutting-in ceilings, cut-in paint
eggshell finish
Eggshell finish is a type of paint finish that has a slight sheen and appears mildly shiny. It often has the same appearance as an eggshell, hence its name.
Also known as: egg shell finish, eggshell paint finish, satin finish paint, eggshell paint, egg-shell paint
elastomeric paint
Elastomeric finishes are thick, flexible and waterproof rubberized paints. Elastomerics create a waterproof barrier on almost any surface, including masonry and stucco. Elastomeric paints are generally used on home exteriors and are available in almost every brand and color.
Also known as: elastomeric exterior paint, elastomeric masonry, elastomeric stucco paint, elastomeric rubberized paint, rubber paint, elastomeric coatings, waterproof paint barrier
enamel finish
A type of household paint that dries to a hard finish. Enamel finishes may be flat paint, gloss paint or semi-gloss paint.
Also known as: enamel interior paint, enamel exterior paint, hard enamel finish, glossy enamel paint
epoxy finish
Epoxy is a type of paint that is made from tightly-binding chemicals. Epoxies resist standing water and extreme surface conditions, so epoxy finishes are a good choice for industrial painting and other areas that need a tough, protective coating.
Also known as: polyester epoxy, fusion bonded epoxy powder coatings (FBE), epoxy resin, powder coatings, two-part epoxy coatings
faux finishing
Faux finishing encompasses a wide range of decorative painting techniques used to make one surface appear like another. Common faux finishes include: texturizing, color washing, paint combing, marbleizing, wood graining, stria, rag painting, stenciling, metallic paints, glazing, plaster of paris, sponge painting, faux brick finishes, wall murals, smooth finishes, and other similar wall treatments.
Also known as: faux painting, faux finishes, faux finish painting, faux paint texture, decorative painting, decorative faux finishes
finish coat
The final coat of paint applied to walls, ceilings and other structures is referred to as the finish coat.
Also known as: finishing coat, final coat, top coat, finished coat
flaking paint
When paint fails and small pieces flake off, the paint is said to be flaking. Like peeling, cracking and blistering paint, flaking paint occurs when a layer of paint detaches from the surface it has been applied to. Once a paint job starts flaking, the best fix is to completely strip and sand the surface and reapply a better quality paint.
Also known as: paint flakes, flaking paint, chipped paint, peeling paint, paint flaking off
flat finishes
Flat finish is the most common paint finish used for interior painting. Flat finishes reflect the least amount of light, and have no sheen or gloss. They are common interior and exterior paint choices.
Also known as: flat paint finish, flat finish, flat finish paint, no-gloss paints, flat paint, flat paint colors
gloss paint finish
Glossy paints have a shiny sheen and reflect light. Gloss finishes are shiny and durable, although they may be more prone to scratching and flaws than flat paints. Glossy finishes are generally used as accent paints on cabinets, trim and furnishings.
Also known as: glossy paint, glossy paint finish, gloss finish, high gloss paints, demi-gloss finish, gloss paints, semi-gloss
lacquer finishes
Lacquers are fast-drying, clear or lightly-pigmented varnishes. Lacquer dries as solvents evaporate and often requires a curing process to develop a hard coating. Lacquer is commonly applied to wood and furniture.
Also known as: lacquer, lacquer spray, gloss lacquer, clear lacquer, lacquer sealant, lacquer sealer, shellac, varnish
latex paint
Latex paint are synthetic, water-based paints that dry quickly and are easy to clean. Latex paints are opaque and are easy to paint over with another latex-based paint.
Also known as: acrylic paint, acrylic latex paint
metallic paints
Metallic paints are interior paints that have metal flecks. The metal flakes are reflective and create a shimmery, luminous appearance. Metallic paints are often used on accent walls and with dark paints in large rooms.
Also known as: metallic paints, polychromatic paint, metal flake paint, metal paint, metallic-finish paint, metallics
paint fading
Paints that are exposed to high amounts of light, heat and weathering can experience fading. Fading can be postponed by choosing higher quality paints, choosing lighter colors and applying more coats of paint.
Also known as: paint fading, residential paint fading, faded paint, paint fade restoration, sun faded paint, sun fading paint
paint thinner
Paint thinners are solvents used to thin and clean up oil-based paints. Many paint thinners are made of toxic or potentially dangerous chemicals. Paint thinners should be used carefully and sparingly. Using a water-based paint will make it unnecessary to use paint thinners.
Also known as: paint solvent, acetone, mineral spirits, turpentine, naptha, touline, xylene, MEK, DMF, liquid thinner
peeling paint
When a layer of paint detaches from the lower layers of paint, it is referred to as peeling paint. Paint peeling can be caused by moisture or poor adhesion due to improper preparation. Peeling paint must be stripped, sanded and reapplied to a clean surface.
Also known as: paint peeling, interior peeling paint, exterior paint peeling, fixing peeling paint, peeling house paint, peeling bathroom paint, peeling paint texture
primers
Coats of primers are painted onto a surface before applying paint and finish coat. Primers assure a strong bond and prevent paint from peeling, chipping and flaking.
Also known as: primer, priming, paint prepping, preparation, primer coat, wood primers, primer sealer, primer spray
satin finish
Satin finishes have a rich texture and a slight glossy finish. They are also known as eggshell finishes. Satin finish paints are hard-wearing and easy to clean.
Also known as: satin interior paints, satin finishes, satin wall finish, satin-finish paint
stain
Stain is a water-based or oil-based glaze that is applied to surfaces to add color. Unlike paint, which sits on the top of the surface, stain is absorbed into the surfaces. Stain is often used on wood and to permanently stain the surface.
Also known as: wood stain, staining, interior stains, exterior stains, surface stains, wall staining, paint staining
textured paints
Textured paint has grainy material within the paint or that can be applied with brushes, rollers, trowels or other tools to create special effects. Textured paint effects are often used to hide flaws, imperfections, accent furniture and decor, or hide stains and wall damage.
Also known as: texture paint, texturized paint, paint texturing, applying texture to paint
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