New Stockist: B&Q
Click to shop our products on B&Q Marketplace.
Understanding painting terminology can transform your home improvement or creative project. Whether you’re sprucing up your space or starting an exciting new venture, knowing terms like “sheen,” “primer,” and “VOC” helps you navigate conversations with paint professionals or follow detailed how-to guides. Therefore learning these common paint terms empowers you to make informed decisions and ensures you achieve the best results for your project.
This post breaks down essential paint terminology step by step, giving you the knowledge and confidence to tackle your next painting endeavor like a pro. Let’s dive in and explore these important concepts together!
This technique involves painting the areas that rollers can’t reach, like edges, corners, or spaces around sockets and switches. Cutting in is typically the first step when applying paint to a surface. This can be achieved with a slim angled brush such as Hemway's 1.5 inch cutting-in paint brush. Painter’s tape is often used with this to ensure clean lines and prevent paint getting on other surfaces.
Eggshell paint has a soft, subtle finish that mimics the texture of an actual eggshell. It’s less shiny than satin or silk, but offers more sheen than matte. Ideal for achieving a classic look, it’s a popular choice for walls, ceilings, and even bathroom ceilings.
Emulsion is a water-based paint that contains acrylic resins for enhanced durability. It’s available in various sheen levels, such as matte, eggshell, gloss, satin, and silk. The shinier the finish, the more hard-wearing the paint. Emulsion is the go-to choice for interior walls and ceilings.
Using painter's tape
Cutting in
Before painting, use filler to patch up any cracks, holes, or gaps in the surface. Filling in is an essential preparation step to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Gloss paints are highly reflective, durable, and typically oil-based. They’re available in two levels—semi-gloss and high-gloss—and their mirror-like finish complements wooden surfaces beautifully, especially in lighter colours.
Masonry paint is an acrylic-based paint formulated for exterior surfaces. Its weather-resistant properties make it perfect for rough and uneven outdoor surfaces.
Matte paint features a smooth, velvety finish that conceals imperfections and stains. Unlike gloss, it doesn’t reflect light, creating a soft, understated look. This finish works well in rooms where you want a traditional and cosy feel.
A primer is a specially formulated base coat that helps paint adhere better to the surface, while also covering stains and providing a long-lasting finish. It’s especially important for metal and wood surfaces and highly recommended for bare plaster walls.
Filling in
Emulsion
Self-priming paints have enough resin in their formula to adhere directly to surfaces without the need for a separate primer.
Sheen refers to the level of gloss in the paint. The higher the sheen, the shinier the finish. Popular options include matte, eggshell, and gloss, each offering unique looks and benefits.
An undercoat is a preparatory layer of paint applied beneath the topcoat. It helps create a professional, vibrant finish and ensures the top layer adheres smoothly.
VOC stands for "Volatile Organic Compounds" which are chemicals often found in household products like paint. Water-based paints have significantly lower VOC levels, meaning less odour and a safer application.
__________
To recap, here are some of the terms we've learned:
This comprehensive guide prepares you to tackle your next painting project with confidence and clarity. Additionally you will understand the differences between various paint finishes and master essential techniques, empowering you to make well-informed decisions at every stage. By applying this knowledge, you can achieve a flawless, professional-looking finish. So, grab that brush or roller, and start transforming your space today!
Get 10% off your first order by signing up here.