When it comes to the wonderful world of paint, it may seem like it has a language of its own. From terms like “scrubbability” and “hiding power” to “substrate” or “blistering,” understanding what each term means, can increase your understanding of your painting project’s needs and how it can be completed for best results.
Understanding the basics regarding the different types of paint and the qualities associated with each type will help you communicate your needs to your painting contractor for the best possible outcome.
Types of Paint
Commercial paint types are broken down into whether they’re oil-based or water-based. When we talk about paint bases, we are focusing on the solvent used in paint. Solvents are the liquid component that is mixed with pigments and binders to create the paint. Solvents allow paint to be applied to surfaces and then evaporate as the paint dries. Solvents also determine what finish and durability your paint will have. There are two common paint types that you as a building owner or manager should be familiar with:
Oil-Based Paint — are typically made of an organic substance such as mineral turpentine, esters, ketones, or xylenes. These are typically used with pigments that are hard to dissolve by other methods.
Water-Based Paint — are primarily made of water. These are known as latex or acrylic paints and are fast-drying water-based paints. These tend to be more flexible after drying which allows them to expand and contract with weather conditions with less cracking.
Higher quality paints will allow for more solids to be suspended in the solvent to leave a healthy layer of paint pigment on your surfaces. Water-based paints have a higher resistance to UV rays and are typically used for exterior paint projects as their color lasts. Oil-based paints can contain a wider array of pigments due to the ability to dissolve them and are commonly used in interior projects for this reason.
Terms Relating to Surfaces
The surfaces underneath your paint should be a focal point of your painting project. Understanding the composition of the surfaces will help you understand why prep work is so important to the entire project.
Substrate — typically refers to a surface that will be painted. These can be made of many different materials. Knowing what material a substrate is made of, along with its properties, will allow the painter to best prep and paint for the highest quality.
Adhesion — refers to how well dry paint attaches to a surface. Adhesion is dependent mainly on the binders that your paint contains and how well your substrates are prepped.
Your substrate will need proper care including removing old paint, sanding, repairs, cleaning, and drying in order for paint to properly adhere to the surface. Professional painters understand the care and precision that goes into prep work to produce a quality paint project that will last for years to come.
Paint Quality Terms
The ability of your paint to withstand the test of time is one of the greatest factors you should consider. Paint that is durable will leave a lasting impression on all who utilize your building. Some terms that will be important to your paint quality are noted here:
Hiding Power — simply put, ‘hiding power’ is how well paint can prevent a previous paint application from showing through. Markings, previous paint color, and imperfections on a surface can be covered with paint that has high hiding power.
Scrubbability — is a term that describes how well paint resists excessive wear. This is measured by scrubbing a paint film until the binders break down and paint is removed from a surface.
Paint Drying Terms
Once paint is applied and allowed to dry, the finish should be smooth, even in color and texture, and display a finish that varies in sheen. Uneven dry time, improper application, or moisture on your surfaces can influence how durable your paint is. Here are a few key terms and things to look for after your surfaces have been painted.
Blistering — also known as bubbling, occurs when paint film lifts from your substrate due to lack or loss of adhesion. This typically is caused by excessive moisture, heat, or a combination of the two and will ultimately result in the paint peeling off.
Washability — refers to stain resistance, and how well paint returns to its original look after being cleaned. Marring (loss of color), stains, or burnish (shiny spots) are all results of paint that have a low washability.
Professional painting contractors use terms that you may or may not be familiar with. Helping you understand what these terms mean and how they impact your surfaces is important for your confidence in maintaining regular painting and maintenance for your surfaces, as well as your professional relationship with your painting contractor.
At Streamline Painting, our goal is to protect surfaces and relationships with our business partners. From Houston, Conroe, Spring, and The Woodlands, our clients know we are committed to bringing quality service and lasting results. For the past 25 years, we have helped business owners understand the benefits of maintaining and painting their building and how it makes an impact on every aspect of their building’s health. Visit our website or call us today for your free estimate.
