Painting by Robertson Glossary of Terms
Welcome to the Painting by Robertson Glossary — your go-to reference for painting, surface prep, and finishing terminology. This guide defines key industry terms, DIY jargon, and professional slang used across our six main services: interior painting, exterior painting, wallpaper removal, pressure washing, textured ceiling removal, and drywall repair (not installation). We reference this glossary throughout our blogs and service pages to build transparency, educate clients, and establish Painting by Robertson as a trusted authority in the painting industry.
Whether you’re a homeowner planning a repaint or a DIYer learning the ropes, this glossary helps decode pro-level language so you understand every step of the process, from surface prep to final touch-ups.
A
Accent Wall – A single wall painted in a different color or finish to create a focal point in a room.
Acrylic Paint – Fast-drying water-based paint made with acrylic resin, ideal for both interior and exterior applications.
Alligatoring – Cracked or patterned paint finish resembling reptile skin, often caused by aging or improper application.
Alkyd Paint – Durable oil-based paint with smooth leveling properties, often used on trim and doors.
B
Back Rolling – Rolling immediately after spraying to push paint into surfaces for better coverage and adhesion.
Basecoat – The initial layer of paint or primer that preps the surface for topcoats.
Bleed-Through – When old stains, tannins, or previous colors show through new paint layers.
Blocking – When two painted surfaces stick together after drying, caused by humidity or low-quality paint.
Boxing Paint – Mixing multiple cans of the same color together to ensure color consistency.
C
Caulk – Flexible sealant used to fill seams and gaps before painting for a cleaner, professional finish.
Chalking – Powdery residue that forms on aging exterior paint, signaling it’s time for repainting.
Color Consultation – Professional guidance to help choose wall, trim, and accent colors that fit your space and lighting.
Cutting In – Painting along edges or corners with a brush to create crisp lines before rolling the main surface.
Cross-Hatching – Applying paint strokes in perpendicular directions for even texture and coverage.
D
Drop Cloth – Canvas or plastic sheet that protects floors and furniture from paint drips and overspray.
Dry Time – The period required for paint to dry before recoating or handling.
Dulling – Loss of sheen caused by improper mixing or excessive humidity.
Dust Containment – Setup of plastic sheeting and HEPA vacuums during ceiling or drywall work to control debris.
DIYer – “Do-It-Yourself” painter who completes home projects without professional help.
E
Eggshell Finish – A soft, low-luster finish ideal for hallways, living rooms, and dining spaces.
Edge Feathering – Blending brush edges into surrounding paint to eliminate lap marks.
Elastomeric Paint – Flexible exterior coating that expands and contracts to bridge minor cracks in stucco or masonry.
Enamel – A durable, hard-drying paint finish commonly used on cabinets, doors, and trim.
F
Feather Sanding – Gradual sanding of paint edges or patches to blend with surrounding surfaces.
Finish Coat – The final layer of paint that provides color depth and protection.
Flashing – Uneven gloss or shading due to surface irregularities or inconsistent application.
Frog Tape – Premium painter’s tape known for producing sharp, clean lines without bleed-through.
G
Grinning – When previous paint or primer shows through the topcoat due to poor coverage.
Gloss Level – The sheen or reflectivity of a finish, ranging from flat to high gloss.
Gun (Paint Gun) – Sprayer tool used for even application on large or textured surfaces.
H
High-Build Primer – Thick primer used to fill minor surface flaws before painting.
Hot Weather Application – Painting in direct sunlight or high temperatures, which can cause blistering.
HVLP – High Volume Low Pressure spray system used for fine, controlled finishes.
J
Joint Compound – Gypsum-based material used to fill drywall seams, cracks, and repairs before painting.
L
Lap Marks – Visible streaks caused when wet and dry paint overlap unevenly.
Latex Paint – Water-based paint popular for interior walls due to easy cleanup and flexibility.
Leveling – The ability of paint to smooth itself out while drying to eliminate brush marks.
Low-VOC Paint – Eco-friendly paint with fewer chemical emissions, ideal for indoor spaces.
M
Masking – Using tape or coverings to protect surfaces that should not be painted.
Matte Finish – A non-reflective finish perfect for concealing wall imperfections.
Mildew Remover – Cleaning agent used during exterior or pressure washing prep to remove organic growth.
Mud Pan – Tool used to hold joint compound during drywall patching or repair.
N
Neutral Base – Paint base used for darker tints that require more pigment.
Nester’s Edge – Slang for a slightly uneven paint line left by a DIYer not fully cutting in.
O
Oil-Based Paint – Paint with oil binders known for toughness, long drying time, and rich sheen.
Orange Peel – Slightly bumpy texture resembling orange skin, often from roller or sprayer technique.
Overspray – Fine mist of paint that lands outside the intended surface while spraying.
P
Peeling – When paint lifts or separates from a surface due to poor adhesion or moisture.
Pigment – The colored particles in paint responsible for tone and opacity.
Popcorn Ceiling – A textured ceiling finish popular in older homes, often removed for a smooth modern surface.
Power Wash Prep – The cleaning process before exterior painting to remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint.
Primer – The preparatory coating that seals surfaces and improves paint adhesion.
Punch-Out List – Contractor slang for the final checklist of touch-ups after a job.
PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) – Measurement of water pressure output from a pressure washer.
R
Recoat Window – The ideal time frame between coats to ensure proper bonding.
Resin – The binding component in paint that provides durability and adhesion.
Roller Nap – The thickness of the roller cover; thicker naps hold more paint for textured surfaces.
S
Sand & Prime – Final prep step for drywall repair or patching before painting.
Satin Finish – A subtle sheen that balances durability with a smooth look.
Scuff Sanding – Light sanding between coats to promote adhesion.
Sheen – The measure of light reflectivity in a paint finish.
Sizing – Coating applied to walls before wallpapering to improve adhesion and allow future removal.
Soft Washing – Gentle cleaning using low pressure and detergents to protect siding and painted surfaces.
Spatter – Small paint droplets caused by rolling or brushing too quickly.
Spray Rig – Slang for a professional spray setup used for large painting projects.
Surface Preparation – The cleaning, sanding, patching, and priming done before applying paint or coating.
T
Tack Cloth – Sticky cloth used to remove dust before painting.
Tenting – When tape lifts and causes uneven paint edges.
Tint Base – The base paint used to mix custom color formulas.
Touch-Up – Small repainting or patching work after the main job is complete.
U
Undercoat – Intermediate layer between primer and topcoat for durability and uniformity.
Urethane – Hard, durable coating often used on high-traffic trim or woodwork.
W
Washability – How easily a painted surface can be cleaned without damage.
Weatherproof Coating – Exterior paint designed to resist UV, rain, and humidity.
Wet Edge – Keeping the paint wet between strokes to avoid lap marks.
Wood Filler – Compound used to repair cracks, dents, or holes in wood before painting.
Y
Yellowing – The gradual discoloration of oil-based paints over time without sunlight exposure.
Z
Zinsser – A trusted brand of primer and sealer often used for stain blocking and prep.
How to Use This Glossary
Each term in this glossary can be linked from our blog posts and service pages for clarity and SEO value. If a painting term or process isn’t listed, contact Painting by Robertson — our experts are happy to explain materials, finishes, and surface prep methods specific to your project.