Commercial Painting Glossary
Your comprehensive guide to commercial painting, industrial coatings, and surface preparation terminology. Browse alphabetically to understand industry-standard terms and their applications.
A
Airless Sprayer
A paint application tool that uses high hydraulic pressure to atomize paint without compressed air. Delivers a uniform finish at high speed, ideal for large commercial projects.
Usage Example:
Airless sprayers are essential for large-scale commercial painting projects, delivering consistent coverage on walls, ceilings, and structural steel.
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Antimicrobial Coating
Specialized coating containing agents that inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. Critical for healthcare facilities, food processing plants, and other environments requiring enhanced hygiene.
Usage Example:
Antimicrobial coatings are mandatory in hospitals, clinics, and food preparation areas to maintain sterile environments.
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B
Blockfiller
A thick, high-build primer designed to fill the porous surface of concrete block or masonry. Provides a smooth, uniform substrate for topcoats while reducing paint consumption.
Usage Example:
Blockfiller is applied to new concrete block walls before painting to achieve a professional, even finish.
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C
Clear Coat
A transparent protective coating applied over painted surfaces or raw materials to provide additional protection, gloss, and durability without altering color.
Usage Example:
Clear coats protect decorative finishes in high-traffic areas and enhance the longevity of specialty coatings.
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Corrosion Inhibitor
Chemical compounds added to coatings to prevent or slow the oxidation of metal substrates. Essential for protecting structural steel and metal equipment in industrial environments.
Usage Example:
Corrosion inhibitors are critical in coating systems for refineries, chemical plants, and coastal structures.
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D
Dry Time
The period required for a coating to reach a specified stage of cure, including dust-free, tack-free, dry-to-touch, and dry-to-recoat. Critical for project scheduling.
Usage Example:
Understanding dry time ensures proper cure between coats and prevents coating failure from premature recoating.
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E
Elastomeric Coating
A highly flexible, thick coating that can stretch and return to its original shape, bridging small cracks in substrates. Excellent for waterproofing and exterior masonry protection.
Usage Example:
Elastomeric coatings are used on stucco, concrete, and masonry exteriors to prevent water infiltration and accommodate building movement.
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Epoxy Coating
A two-component coating system (resin + hardener) that cures through chemical reaction. Provides exceptional durability, chemical resistance, and adhesion. Widely used for floors and industrial equipment.
Usage Example:
Epoxy floor coatings are the standard for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and commercial kitchens requiring chemical resistance and heavy traffic durability.
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F
Flat Finish
A paint finish with no gloss or sheen, creating a matte appearance. Hides surface imperfections but is less washable than higher-gloss finishes.
Usage Example:
Flat finishes are commonly used on commercial ceilings and low-traffic wall areas where cleanability is not critical.
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Flash Rusting
Rapid oxidation of steel surfaces immediately after cleaning or surface preparation, typically within hours. Caused by moisture exposure before protective coating application.
Usage Example:
Preventing flash rusting requires immediate coating application after abrasive blasting or the use of flash rust inhibitors.
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G
Gloss Level
The degree of light reflectance from a coated surface, typically measured at 60° angle. Ranges from flat (0-5 gloss units) to high-gloss (70+ gloss units).
Usage Example:
Gloss level selection impacts both aesthetics and performance, with higher gloss finishes offering better cleanability and durability.
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H
HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure)
A spray application method using high air volume at low pressure (typically <10 PSI) to atomize coatings. Reduces overspray and improves transfer efficiency compared to conventional spraying.
Usage Example:
HVLP systems are preferred for interior commercial painting where overspray control and finish quality are priorities.
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I
Industrial Coatings
High-performance protective coating systems designed for industrial environments. Withstand extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, abrasion, and corrosion.
Usage Example:
Industrial coatings protect manufacturing equipment, storage tanks, pipelines, and structural steel in refineries, chemical plants, and processing facilities.
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Intumescent Coating
A fire-resistant coating that swells when exposed to heat, forming an insulating char layer that protects the substrate. Used for passive fire protection of structural steel.
Usage Example:
Intumescent coatings are required on structural steel in commercial buildings to meet fire-rating requirements and building codes.
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L
Lead Encapsulation
A specialized coating system that seals lead-based paint, preventing deterioration and lead dust release. An alternative to complete lead paint removal in older buildings.
Usage Example:
Lead encapsulation is a cost-effective solution for managing lead paint hazards in pre-1978 commercial buildings.
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M
Mil Thickness
Measurement of coating thickness where 1 mil = 0.001 inch (25.4 microns). Proper mil thickness is critical for coating performance and warranty compliance.
Usage Example:
Coating specifications typically require minimum dry film thickness measurements, verified using a mil gauge during application.
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N
Neutral Cure Sealant
A silicone sealant that releases neutral (non-corrosive) byproducts during curing. Safe for use on sensitive substrates like metals, mirrors, and natural stone.
Usage Example:
Neutral cure sealants are specified for metal curtain wall systems and other applications where acetic acid cure products would cause corrosion.
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O
Orange Peel
A textured coating finish resembling the surface of an orange peel, caused by improper spray technique, incorrect viscosity, or environmental conditions during application.
Usage Example:
Orange peel is generally considered a defect in commercial painting and indicates the need for application adjustments.
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P
Paint Sheen
The relative gloss level of a coating, typically categorized as flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss. Affects both appearance and performance characteristics.
Usage Example:
Higher sheen levels offer better durability and cleanability, making them ideal for high-traffic commercial areas and healthcare facilities.
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Polyaspartic Coating
An advanced aliphatic polyurea coating with rapid cure time and superior UV resistance. Often used as a topcoat over epoxy floor systems or as a single-coat floor finish.
Usage Example:
Polyaspartic coatings enable fast-track projects with same-day return to service while providing excellent chemical resistance and color stability.
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Primer
The first coat in a multi-coat system, designed to promote adhesion to the substrate, seal porous surfaces, and provide a uniform base for topcoats. Essential for coating system performance.
Usage Example:
Proper primer selection and application is critical to prevent coating failure. Different substrates require specific primer types.
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Pot Life
The working time available after mixing multi-component coatings (like epoxies) before the material becomes too viscous to apply properly. Also called working time or open time.
Usage Example:
Understanding pot life prevents waste and ensures proper coating performance. Two-part epoxies typically have pot lives ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours.
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Q
Quarry Tile
Unglazed ceramic tiles made from natural clay, commonly used in commercial kitchens and food processing facilities. Special coatings can restore and protect aged quarry tile surfaces.
Usage Example:
Specialized quarry tile coatings restore the appearance and improve the cleanability of worn commercial kitchen floors.
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R
Recoat Window
The timeframe within which a subsequent coat must be applied to ensure proper inter-coat adhesion without additional surface preparation. Critical for multi-coat systems.
Usage Example:
Missing the recoat window may require sanding or abrading the previous coat to ensure proper adhesion of subsequent coats.
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Rust Converter
A chemical treatment that converts iron oxide (rust) into a stable, paintable surface. Used when complete rust removal is not practical or economical.
Usage Example:
Rust converters provide an alternative to abrasive blasting for lightly rusted steel surfaces in structural and maintenance painting.
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S
Sagging
A coating defect where the wet film flows downward, creating curtains or runs. Caused by excessive film thickness, improper viscosity, or incorrect spray technique.
Usage Example:
Preventing sagging requires proper coating application techniques and maintaining recommended wet film thickness.
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Surface Preparation
The process of cleaning and preparing substrates before coating application. Includes cleaning, degreasing, sanding, abrading, or blasting. The most critical factor in coating system success.
Usage Example:
Proper surface preparation accounts for 70-80% of coating system performance. Inadequate prep is the leading cause of premature coating failure.
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SSPC Standards
Standards published by the Society for Protective Coatings defining surface preparation, coating application, and inspection requirements for industrial coatings. Industry-recognized benchmarks.
Usage Example:
SSPC-SP standards (like SP-10 Near-White Blast) are specified in industrial coating projects to ensure consistent surface preparation quality.
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T
Topcoat
The final coat in a multi-coat system, providing color, gloss, and primary protection from environmental exposure. Determines the aesthetic appearance and long-term performance.
Usage Example:
Topcoat selection depends on exposure environment, desired appearance, and required durability for the specific application.
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TPO Roof Coating
Specialized coating for thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply roofing membranes. Restores weathered membranes and extends roof life without complete replacement.
Usage Example:
TPO roof coatings are a cost-effective alternative to roof replacement, extending service life by 10-15 years.
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U
Urethane Coating
A coating based on polyurethane chemistry, offering excellent abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and gloss retention. Available in one or two-component formulations.
Usage Example:
Urethane coatings are ideal for high-traffic floors, exterior trim, and industrial equipment requiring superior durability.
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V
VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Carbon-containing chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. Regulated by EPA and state/local air quality districts due to environmental and health impacts.
Usage Example:
VOC limits vary by region and coating type. Low-VOC and zero-VOC coatings are increasingly required in commercial projects to meet environmental regulations and LEED certification.
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W
Warranty
A guarantee from the contractor or coating manufacturer covering specific aspects of the coating system for a defined period. May cover material defects, application defects, or both.
Usage Example:
Commercial painting warranties typically range from 1-10 years depending on the coating system, substrate, and exposure conditions. Understanding warranty terms and exclusions is critical.
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Wet Film Thickness
The thickness of a coating immediately after application, before solvent evaporation. Used to ensure proper dry film thickness will be achieved after curing.
Usage Example:
Measuring wet film thickness during application ensures the specified dry film thickness will be achieved, critical for warranty compliance.
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Z
Zinc-Rich Primer
A primer containing high concentrations of metallic zinc (typically 75-95% by weight in dry film) that provides galvanic protection to steel substrates. The gold standard for corrosion protection.
Usage Example:
Zinc-rich primers are mandatory in aggressive corrosive environments like coastal areas, chemical plants, and wastewater treatment facilities.
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