(650) 332-8623Painting Terms: A Glossary of Industry Lingo + Detailed Definitions
Learning about the painting business? This glossary of commonly used painting terms and phrases will help you sling lingo like an old pro!
Are you an aspiring painting contractor looking to establish your own company or a newcomer wanting to learn more about the painting industry? Whichever it may be, you need to master the vocabulary.
Like any specialized field, painting comes with its own terms and jargon that painting professionals use daily to communicate, make estimates, and deliver the finished product. Mastering these terms builds credibility with clients and contractors and sets the foundation for running an efficient and profitable painting business.
When you’re unfamiliar with the most common painting terms and definitions, it can lead to miscommunication with clients, budget miscalculations, or even costly mistakes on the job.
Thankfully, learning the language of the trade, and even a few painting slang terms, is easier than you think. In this guide, we’ll break down some of the most common painting terms and definitions you need to know.
Essential Painting Terms and Definitions
Take note of these essential painting terms with their clear definitions so you can use them confidently in your daily operations.
Surface Preparation Terms
Primer
A primer is a type of paint you apply before the topcoat paint to create an even and smooth finish. It allows the topcoat to adhere better to the surface, ensuring a flawless appearance. It’s often used on unpainted surfaces, as well as sanded or repaired surfaces.
Primer paints have a different formulation – compared to regular paint, primer paint is thicker and has more solids, which helps fill in minor surface imperfections and provides a better base for the topcoat. They contain special resins and pigments that fill cracks and crevices and make the surface more resistant to mold or moisture.
Sanding
Sanding ensures the surface is ready for painting and results in a smooth top coat. Without proper sanding, the paint will not adhere properly.
It uses sandpaper to remove the imperfections on walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture. Sanding can also be done using steel wool to roughen surfaces too glossy for paint.
Scraping
Scraping removes old, loose, or deteriorated paint from wood, metal, or plaster surfaces before applying new paint. Painters use tools like wire brushes, paint scrapers, and putty knives to scrape off paint. Power tools and chemical strippers can also be used for more thorough scraping.
Deglossing
Deglossing removes the gloss from a shiny kitchen wall, furniture, or fixture before applying the primer. It is done by sanding the surface manually until the surface looks dull. Once the surface is rid of gloss, it will be easier for the new paint to stick.
Masking
Masking is the process of using tape and other types of covering to protect specific areas from unwanted paint application. It ensures only the intended area is painted and the lines are clean, sharp, and professional.
Caulking
Caulking prepares the surface for painting by filling gaps and cracks and sealing seams, which prevents air infiltration and moisture. This process creates a smooth surface and provides a clean and professional look. It extends the life span of the paint job by improving paint adhesion and reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.
Types of Paints and Finishes
Matte
A matte or flat finish has a smooth texture and a low gloss percentage, giving it a softer look. Because it has no reflective finish, you don’t need to worry about glare or fingerprint marks. It also does an excellent job of hiding surface imperfections.
Because matte finishes contain a lot of pigment, they are easy and quick to apply to extensive surfaces. However, they’re more challenging to maintain and may make a space look smaller.
Satin
Satin finishes are glossier and smoother than matte finishes. Because of their gloss finish, durability, and better washability, they are good choices for interior paint projects, especially in high-traffic areas, such as the dining room. They reflect light and give the illusion of a bigger space.
It can also be used for exterior painting projects and modern settings. However, a satin finish is not good at hiding scratches and imperfections. Because of its vibrant and glossy look,
Gloss
Gloss is the amount of light a paint or varnish reflects. The higher the sheen level, the more reflective the surface. It’s the shiniest finish and is highly washable and durable.
A gloss finish is ideal for areas with high wear, such as skirting boards, banisters, and interior doors. It can also be used for exterior paint, particularly on front doors, and even on metal, as long as it has been adequately primed.
Enamel
Enamel paint produces a smooth, glossy, and hard finish. While this type of paint should be used sparingly, it’s often used to touch up appliances, paint metal railings, and refurbish grilles. It is also great for doors, trims, and windows.
One of enamel paint’s great features is its ability to adhere to various materials, such as glass, aluminum, stainless and galvanized steel, wood, porcelain, plastic, caulking, and ceramic. But it can take up to 24 hours to dry, has a strong odor, and can be flammable in wet form.
Acrylic
Acrylic paint is a quick-drying, water-based paint made of pigment and plastic acrylic resin. It’s easy to work with and lasts long, making it an excellent option for interior and exterior painting jobs. It can be applied on wood, masonry, and drywall, producing a smooth finish.
Latex
Latex is another water-based paint commonly used in interior and exterior painting jobs. It’s made of synthetic polymers that create a durable and non-toxic film when the water evaporates. It’s safe for indoor use, durable, and versatile, making it popular with professional painters and DIY enthusiasts.
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Brush and Tool Terminology
Cut-In
A cut-in is a technique painting professionals use when painting tight areas of a room, such as skirting boards, wall edges, window and door frames, ceiling lines, and architraves.
It’s also often used on detail work since smaller, more angled paint brushes provide better control and greater precision on corners and edges.
Cut-ins are typically done before painting the main waller areas with a paint roller to ensure a smooth and seamless blend of the roller-painted and brush-painted surfaces.
Roller Nap
A roller nap refers to the length or thickness of the fibers on a paint roller cover. The nap, or the pile, holds and applies paint to surfaces. It ensures a nice and even finish and reduces the number of coats needed.
How much paint or how paint is applied to different surfaces depends on your choice of nap length. The longer the nap roller, the more paint it can hold and the more textured the appearance. On the other hand, shorter nap rollers give smoother, sleeker finishes.
Trim Brush
With its narrower width of around 1 to 2.5 inches than your regular paintbrushes, a trim brush is used specifically for precision work. Painters use it to paint corners, edges, tight spots, and detailed areas like baseboards, molding, and window and door frames. Because of the trim brush’s angled bristles, it’s ideal for precision strokes and clean, sharp lines.
Paint Sprayer
A paint sprayer is a tool for quickly and evenly applying on surfaces by spraying a fine mist of paint through a nozzle. It uses air pressure or electricity to atomize the paint into tiny droplets. It does the job faster than regular paint brushes and rollers, especially when painting large, uneven surfaces. It is typically used in large home projects and professional settings.
Taping Knife
A taping knife is an essential tool in painting and drywall finishing. It’s a flat, broad tool that allows you to apply, spread, scrape, and smooth materials, such as spackle, joint compound, or drywall tape, over joints and seams. It comes in different sizes for even spreading and smoothing of materials over bigger areas.
Color and Mixing Terms
Hue
Hue is the primary color of paint and what people first think of when referring to colors by name, like yellow, red, green, or blue. Painting contractors consider the right hue for a particular space based on mood, lighting, design objectives, and how the right combinations of hues can create cohesion or contrast in a room.
Shade
Shade refers to the darker version of a color achieved by mixing the original hue (color) with black or a darker pigment. Painting contractors use the term “shade” when helping clients pick a specific color scheme, particularly when discussing how to create depth, contrast, or mood in a space.
Painting contractors use shade to create aesthetic effects or achieve specific design goals. They may recommend lighter shades for ceilings to create the illusion of taller or airier spaces and darker shades to achieve coziness or depth.
Color Match
Color match refers to the process of accurately matching a specific paint color to an existing color, surface, or reference. It’s often done when repainting a space in the existing color, touching up damaged areas, or matching new paint to other elements, like finishes, fabric, or furniture.
Color matching can be done manually by experienced painting contractors. Alternatively, paint store technology uses computerized color-matching systems that scan a sample of the existing color and generate a precise formula for mixing the same hue.
Undertone
Undertone refers to the subtle underlying color that influences the appearance of a paint color. While the hue or surface color is dominant and immediately visible, the undertone is the secondary color that affects how the hue looks in various lighting or against other colors.
For example, gray paint may have brown, blue, or purple undertones, while beige paint may have pink, green, or yellow.
Industry Terms for Estimating and Invoicing
Square Footage
Square footage is the total area that needs to be painted, measured in square feet. It is a critical factor in determining the amount of paint required and the cost of a painting job. Multiply the length and width of a surface, such as a wall or ceiling, to cover the total area.
Coverage Rate
Coverage rate refers to the amount of surface area a specific volume of paint can cover, usually measured in square feet per gallon (or square meters per liter in some countries).
It indicates how much paint is needed to fully coat a surface, helping painting contractors correctly estimate the quantity of paint required for a project.
Typical coverage rates are around 350 to 400 square feet per gallon for a smooth surface with one coat of paint.
Labor Cost
Labor cost is the total expense associated with the time and effort of workers performing painting services. It includes the wages paid to painters and related costs, such as benefits, taxes, overtime, and other labor-related expenses.
Material Markup
Material markup refers to the percentage or amount added to the cost of materials, such as paint, brushes, primer, tape, etc., a painting contractor charges. It covers the cost of materials and includes a profit margin for the contractor. It is typically included when a painting contractor provides a painting job estimate.
The Bottom Line
In understanding the most common painting terms and definitions, you’ll be able to communicate better with your contractor and ensure the painting job meets all your requirements and expectations.
Whether planning the best hue for a room or discussing material markups, knowing the language of the trade helps save money and time. Having the right tools and software is also just as important, especially when managing the complexities of a painting business.
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For more information on small business apps, check out these resources. You can also find out more about specific state labor laws that apply to employees hours and payroll records:
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Georgia Labor Laws: A Complete Guide to Wages, Breaks, Overtime, and More for 2025
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Pennsylvania Labor Laws: A Complete Guide to Wages, Breaks, Overtime, and More (2025)
Missouri Labor Laws: A Complete Guide to Wages, Breaks, Overtime, and More (2025)
Here are some essential commercial painting terms that can help you understand the industry better:
Sheen: Refers to the level of glossiness of a paint finish. Common sheen levels include flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss.
Caulking: The application of a flexible sealant to fill gaps, cracks, or joints between surfaces for a smooth appearance.
Cissing: Occurs when paint seeps into cracks and indentations, causing the underlying surface to show through.
Chipping: The process of removing paint particles from a surface using a sharpened implement.
Delamination: When the adhesion fails, causing paint to peel away from the surface.
Overspray: Paint spray that lands on unintended surfaces during application.
Prep (Preparation): The activities performed before painting, including masking, taping, sanding, and covering furniture or plants.
Primer: A preparatory coating applied to surfaces before painting to enhance adhesion and create a smooth base.
Re-Coat Time: The amount of time required before applying a second coat of paint.
Rolling: The technique of applying paint using a roller brush or cover.
Spraying: A method of applying paint using a spray gun for large areas or achieving a smooth finish.
Substrate: Any surface that will be painted.
Taping: Using painter’s tape to mask off areas for clean lines between different colors or surfaces.
Texture Coating: A specialized product that adds texture to surfaces for decorative or functional effects.
Topcoat: The final layer of paint applied to achieve the desired color and finish.
Touch-Up: Applying paint to small areas or imperfections to match existing colors and finishes.
These terms are fundamental in commercial painting and can help facilitate clearer communication with clients and contractors. Understanding these concepts will also enhance your ability to plan and execute painting projects effectively.
Here are some essential wall painting terms and techniques that can help beginners and DIY enthusiasts understand the various methods used to enhance interior walls:
Key Wall Painting Terms
Base Coat: The initial layer of paint applied to a surface, usually a solid color that serves as the foundation for additional techniques.
Glaze: A transparent or semi-transparent coating applied over a base coat to create effects such as depth or texture.
Faux Finish: Decorative painting techniques that simulate the appearance of materials like marble, wood, or stone.
Stenciling: A technique that uses a cut-out template to apply patterns or designs on walls.
Texturing: The process of adding dimension and interest to walls through various techniques, such as sponging or rag rolling.
Popular Wall Painting Techniques
- Color Washing
A technique that involves applying a glaze over a base coat to create a soft, layered effect. It adds depth and can mimic the look of old plaster.
- Sponging
This method uses a natural sea sponge to apply or remove paint, creating a textured effect. It’s simple and can be done with multiple colors for added dimension.
- Rag Rolling
Involves rolling a rag dipped in paint over the wall to create a mottled texture. This technique is effective for adding subtle patterns and depth.
- Ombré
An effect where one color gradually fades into another, often from dark to light. It requires careful blending of colors for a seamless transition.
- Strié
A French term meaning “streaking,” this technique creates fine lines on the wall, resembling fabric textures like linen. It involves using a brush to drag paint in vertical or horizontal strokes.
- Stippling
Involves applying paint using a stippling brush or sponge to create tiny dots or textures on the wall, which can help disguise imperfections.
- Feathering
A blending technique where you gradually reduce pressure on the brush to seamlessly transition between two colors, often used for soft gradients.
- Crackling
This technique creates an aged look by applying a crackle medium between layers of paint, resulting in a distressed finish.
- Dry Brushing
A method where a dry brush is lightly dragged across the surface, allowing some of the base color to show through for a textured effect.
- Patterned Rolling
Using rollers with raised patterns to apply paint creates decorative effects similar to wallpaper but with paint.
These terms and techniques provide a solid foundation for anyone looking to explore wall painting and decorative finishes in their home projects. Understanding these concepts will help you achieve desired aesthetics and effectively communicate your ideas when working with professionals or fellow DIYers.
Here are some commonly used painting phrases and terms that painting contractors often use, along with their definitions:
- Primer: A preparatory coating applied to surfaces to improve adhesion and create a uniform base for paint.
- Cutting In: The technique of painting edges and corners with a brush before using a roller for the main area.
- Bleeding: When a darker color seeps through a lighter topcoat, often due to insufficient coverage or improper application.
- Drop Cloth: Protective coverings placed over floors and furniture to catch drips and spills during painting.
- Drip Line: An undesirable effect where excess paint drips down from vertical surfaces.
- Back-Rolling: Using a roller to smooth out brush marks or achieve consistent texture after applying paint with a sprayer.
- Bump It: A phrase meaning to quickly apply a coat of paint without extensive preparation.
- Flashing: When the paint surface appears glossy or wet in certain areas, indicating uneven coverage.
- Orange Peel: A texture resembling the skin of an orange, often due to poor application techniques.
- Topcoat: The final layer of paint applied to achieve the desired color and finish.
- Touch-Up: Applying small amounts of paint to repair imperfections in an existing finish.
- Sags/Runs: Excessive paint flow that causes the paint film to sag or run down the surface, usually due to too heavy a coat.
- Sheen: The level of glossiness in paint, categorized as flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or high gloss.
- Caulking: The application of a flexible sealant to fill gaps and cracks between surfaces for a smooth appearance.
- Scuff Sanding: Light sanding done to roughen up surfaces for better adhesion of paint.
- Lap Marks: Visible lines that occur when overlapping strokes of paint dry at different rates.
- Texture Coating: A specialized product that adds texture to surfaces for decorative effects.
- Color Match: Selecting a color that is identical to another color, often used in touch-ups or repairs.
Understanding these terms can help facilitate clear communication between clients and contractors, ensuring everyone is on the same page throughout the painting process.
The terms “sheen” and “sheen level” are often used interchangeably in the context of paint finishes, but they can have slightly different meanings:
Sheen refers to the overall glossiness or reflectiveness of a paint finish. It describes how much light is reflected off the surface after the paint dries. Different types of sheen include flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss.
The sheen affects not only the appearance of the color but also the durability and washability of the painted surface. For example, higher sheen paints tend to be more durable and easier to clean.
Sheen level specifically quantifies the degree of glossiness in a paint finish. It is often measured on a scale (e.g., 0 to 100), where 0 represents no gloss (flat) and 100 indicates maximum gloss (high gloss).
When discussing sheen levels, it helps consumers understand the specific finish they are selecting for their projects. For example, a “satin sheen level” would indicate a moderate level of reflectiveness, suitable for areas that require some durability without a high shine.
