Painters glossary

Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a painter provider in Rock Hill, SC.

What is a faux finish?: Faux finish is a decorative painting technique that uses paint, glaze, and application methods to replicate the appearance of natural materials such as marble, wood grain, stone, or aged plaster.
What is a flat finish?: Flat finish (or matte) is a paint sheen that reflects no light, creating a non-glossy surface that conceals wall imperfections and is commonly applied to ceilings and interior walls.
What is a satin finish?: Satin finish is a paint sheen with a soft, subtle luster that sits between flat and semi-gloss, offering good durability and easy cleaning while resisting fingerprints better than flat paint.
What is a semi-gloss finish?: Semi-gloss is a paint finish with moderate shine and reflectivity that falls between eggshell and high-gloss sheens, valued for durability and moisture resistance on trim, doors, and cabinets.
What is acrylic latex paint?: Acrylic latex paint is a water-based paint formulated with acrylic resin that dries quickly, resists fading and cracking, and offers easier cleanup than oil-based alternatives.
What is an airless sprayer?: An airless sprayer is a paint application tool that forces paint through a small nozzle at high pressure (typically 1,500 to 3,000 PSI) to atomize it into a fine mist for even coverage on surfaces.
What is an eggshell finish?: Eggshell finish is a paint sheen with a subtle, soft luster between flat and satin that provides light reflection and durability on interior surfaces.
What is an HVLP sprayer?: An HVLP (high volume low pressure) sprayer is a painting tool that atomizes paint using lower air pressure and higher volume to minimize overspray, commonly used for fine finish work on cabinets, trim, and detailed surfaces.
What is back-rolling?: Back-rolling is the practice of rolling a paint roller over freshly sprayed paint to work it into the surface, improving adhesion and creating a more uniform finish.
What is caulking?: Caulking is a flexible sealant material applied to cracks, gaps, and joints in building surfaces to block water, air, and pests from entering before paint is applied.
What is chalking in paint?: Chalking is the breakdown of a paint film into a fine powder on the surface, caused by ultraviolet light and weather exposure, indicating the paint has lost its protective qualities and requires recoating.
What is color consultation?: Color consultation is a service in which a painter or design consultant advises clients on selecting paint colors, finishes, and color combinations suited to their space and goals.
What is cut-in in painting?: Cut-in is the technique of carefully brushing paint along edges, corners, and trim lines before rolling the field of a wall or ceiling.
What is drywall mud (joint compound)?: Joint compound, or drywall mud, is a gypsum-based paste applied to drywall seams, fastener holes, and wall damage to create a smooth, paintable surface.
What is elastomeric coating?: A thick, flexible, waterproof coating applied to exterior masonry and stucco that stretches and contracts with temperature and structural movement.
What is Lead-Safe Certified (RRP)?: Lead-Safe Certified (RRP) is EPA accreditation confirming a painter has completed training in lead-safe work practices required when renovating, repairing, or painting homes built before 1978.
What is oil-based paint (alkyd)?: Oil-based (alkyd) paint is a synthetic resin coating that dries slowly and offers high durability, making it popular for exterior trim, doors, and metal surfaces that need protection from moisture and weathering.
What is paint mil thickness (DFT)?: Mil thickness, or dry film thickness (DFT), is the depth of a paint coating measured in thousandths of an inch (mils), used to verify proper application and durability of paint jobs.
What is paint sheen?: Paint sheen is the degree of light reflection from a painted surface, measured on a scale from flat (matte) to glossy, which affects appearance, washability, and durability.
What is popcorn ceiling?: Popcorn ceiling is a spray-applied textured finish with a bumpy, acoustic appearance commonly found in homes built through the 1980s, difficult to paint over or remove.
What is pressure washing for surface prep?: Pressure washing for surface prep is the use of high-pressure water to clean exterior surfaces before painting, removing dirt, mildew, algae, and chalked paint to ensure better paint adhesion and durability.
What is primer?: Primer is a preparatory paint coating applied to a surface before the final topcoat to improve adhesion, hide stains, block moisture, and ensure even coverage.
What is skim coating?: Skim coating is the application of a thin layer of drywall joint compound to walls or ceilings to fill minor imperfections and create a smooth, paintable surface.
What is the difference between wood filler and wood putty?: Wood filler is a hardening compound used to patch holes and gaps that will be sanded smooth and painted, while wood putty is a flexible, non-hardening material used to fill holes and cracks that need to remain slightly yielding.