Painting terms, defined
Plain definitions of the painting words that come up on estimates, inspections and supplier calls, written for painters. Each term says where it matters on the job and links the Koira calculator, cost guide or template that goes with it.
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Shared with HandymanCaulkCaulk is a flexible sealant squeezed into joints and gaps to seal out air and water or to give painted trim a clean line.Shared with RestorationContainmentContainment is sealing off a work area with plastic sheeting and zip doors, often under negative air pressure, so dust, mold spores or lead dust do not spread through the house.PaintingCutting inCutting in is brushing a clean paint line along edges and corners, such as at ceilings, trim and outlets, before rolling the open wall.
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PaintingLatex paintLatex paint is water based paint with acrylic or vinyl binders.Shared with DrywallLath and plasterLath and plaster is the older wall system of wood strips, or metal lath, covered with coats of plaster, found in houses built before drywall became common.PaintingLead-safe work practicesLead-safe work practices are the federal rules and methods for disturbing paint in older homes without spreading lead dust: containment, no dry sanding or open flame removal, and careful cleanup.
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PaintingPaint coveragePaint coverage is how many square feet a gallon covers at the right film thickness, listed on the can and the product data sheet.PaintingPaint sheenSheen is how shiny dried paint is, from flat or matte through eggshell and satin to semi gloss and gloss.PaintingPaint thinnerPaint thinner, usually mineral spirits, thins oil-based paint and cleans brushes and tools used with it.Shared with DrywallPopcorn ceilingA popcorn ceiling is a bumpy sprayed texture common on ceilings of houses from past decades.PaintingPrimerPrimer is the first coat that seals the surface and gives paint something to grip.
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Shared with Commercial CleaningSafety data sheetA safety data sheet is the maker's document for a chemical product listing its hazards, safe handling, protective gear and first aid.PaintingStain-blocking primerStain-blocking primer seals water stains, smoke, tannin bleed and marker so they do not come through the finish paint.
More for painters: free painting tools, templates and guides and how the trade runs on Koira. Or browse the whole glossary.