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Glossary

Browse common painting terms and clear definitions from the Colorado Painting glossary.

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Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint uses acrylic polymers as its binder. It dries quickly, holds color well in sunlight, and forms a flexible film that resists cracking and...
Adhesion
Adhesion is how well paint sticks to a surface. When adhesion is poor, paint peels or flakes off long before it should. That’s the main...
Alkyd Paint
Alkyd paint, sometimes called oil-based paint, uses synthetic resins as its binder and dries to a hard, smooth finish. It stands up well to scuffs...
Alligatoring
Alligatoring is a pattern of cracks in old paint that looks like alligator skin. It usually shows up where paint has aged, gone brittle, or...
Basecoat
A basecoat is the first layer of paint applied to a surface. It sets the foundation for your final color and can be used to...
Blistering
Blistering appears as bubbles or raised bumps in the paint film, usually caused by moisture or heat trapped underneath. Finding where that moisture is coming...
Brush and Roll
Brush and roll is the standard technique of painting by hand: brushes for edges and detail work, rollers for broad surfaces. Applied by experienced hands,...
Bubbling
Bubbling happens when paint lifts away from the surface in small blisters. Like blistering, it usually traces back to trapped moisture or air under the...
Caulking
Caulking is a flexible sealant used to fill gaps around windows, doors, and trim. Sealed seams keep moisture and drafts out and give you clean...
Chalking
Chalking is the fine, powdery residue left behind when sun and weather wear away the binder in exterior paint. You’ll feel it if you run...
Coating
A coating is any layer of material applied to a surface that dries into a protective or decorative film. Paints, stains, primers, and sealers all...
Color Consultation
A color consultation is a session where you work with a painting professional to narrow down colors for your project. We talk through lighting, existing...
Commercial Painting
Commercial painting covers offices, retail spaces, and other non-residential buildings. These projects often come with their own constraints, like after-hours scheduling and large surface areas,...
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is how attractive your home looks from the street. Fresh paint on siding, trim, and doors is one of the most direct ways...
Curing
Curing is the period after paint dries to the touch when it continues to harden and build in strength. A coat can look finished long...
Cut-in
Cut-in is the technique of painting straight lines and edges by hand before rolling the larger surfaces. Every edge, corner, ceiling line, and area next...
Drop Cloth
A drop cloth is a protective sheet laid over floors and furniture before painting begins. It catches drips and spatters, and we don’t open a...
Drywall Repair
Drywall repair fixes holes, cracks, and dents in interior walls and ceilings before they get painted. Even small imperfections telegraph right through a new coat...
Durability
Durability measures how well a finish holds up to daily life and the weather without fading, chipping, or peeling. On our exterior painting projects, we...
Eggshell Finish
Eggshell finish sits between flat and satin on the sheen scale. It has a soft, subtle glow that hides small wall flaws better than shinier...
Elastomeric Coating
Elastomeric coating is a thick, flexible coating that stretches with the surface it’s applied on instead of cracking. It’s designed for exterior surfaces like stucco...
Enamel
Enamel paint dries to a hard, often glossy finish that takes a lot of daily wear. Because it cleans up easily and resists scuffs, it’s...
Estimate/Quote
An estimate or quote is the written breakdown of what your project will cost, covering labor, materials, and any prep work. You’ll get a clear...
Exterior Painting
Exterior painting is the process of preparing and repainting the outside of a home or business. In Denver, that means accounting for intense sun, dry...
Fading
Fading is the loss of color intensity that happens when sunlight breaks down the pigments in paint. On sunny exteriors, higher-quality paints with better UV...
Fascia
Fascia is the board that runs along the edge of the roof where it meets the walls. It supports the gutters and closes off the...
Faux Finish
A faux finish is a decorative painting technique that mimics the look of another material, such as marble or wood grain, on a wall or...
Fencing Painting/Staining
Fencing painting or staining applies a protective, decorative finish to wood fences and other outdoor structures. A fresh finish shields the wood from the sun...
Flaking
Flaking is paint that lifts and chips away from the surface in small pieces, usually because adhesion failed somewhere below. Loose paint has to be...
Flat Finish
Flat finish, also called matte, reflects almost no light and gives walls a smooth, uniform look. It hides surface imperfections better than any other sheen,...
Glaze
A glaze is a thin, translucent layer of paint applied over a base color to shift its tone, add depth, or create a decorative effect....
Gloss Finish
Gloss finish dries to a shiny, reflective surface that’s tough and easy to wipe down. Trim, doors, and cabinets are its usual homes, where durability...
Grit
In painting, grit refers to the abrasive material on sandpaper, measured in grit size. Coarse grit removes old paint and levels rough surfaces; fine grit...
High-Gloss Finish
High-gloss is the shiniest paint sheen, with a mirror-like reflectivity and a very hard surface. It’s the most durable and easiest to clean out of...
HOA Painting
HOA painting means exterior painting on a home that falls under a homeowners association’s rules. HOAs often approve colors from a specific palette before work...
HVLP Sprayer
An HVLP (High-Volume Low-Pressure) sprayer atomizes paint with a high volume of air at low pressure, which reduces overspray and gives a fine, even coat....
Interior Painting
Interior painting covers walls, ceilings, and trim inside a home or business. It usually starts with protecting floors and furniture, patching and prepping surfaces, and...
Intumescent Paint
Intumescent paint is a fire-protective coating that swells into a thick insulating char when exposed to extreme heat. That char layer slows how fast fire...
Joint Compound
Joint compound, usually called mud, is the paste used to finish drywall seams and cover fasteners. Sanded smooth, it turns a wall of drywall panels...
Knot Sealer
A knot sealer is a primer applied over wood knots before painting. Knots contain sap and resin that bleed yellow or brown stains through fresh...
Latex Paint
Latex paint uses water and synthetic polymers as its base, so brushes and spills clean up with soap and water. It dries quickly, resists fading,...
Lead Abatement
Lead abatement is the controlled removal or containment of lead-based paint in older homes. Disturbing old paint without proper controls releases dangerous lead dust, so...
Low-VOC Paint
Low-VOC paint contains reduced levels of volatile organic compounds, the chemicals that off-gas as paint dries and cause that strong “new paint” smell. Lower VOC...
Masking
Masking means covering windows, trim, floors, and fixtures with tape, paper, and plastic before painting. It’s what keeps paint where it belongs and produces crisp...
Matte Finish
Matte finish is the same non-reflective sheen as flat paint, absorbed into a soft, uniform look. It forgives minor wall flaws and suits ceilings and...
Metal Coating
Metal coating is a protective finish applied to metal surfaces to guard against rust and corrosion. Railings, fences, and structural metal all depend on the...
Mildewcide
Mildewcide is an additive mixed into paint that inhibits mildew and mold growth on the finish. Damp or shaded areas, like north-facing walls, benefit most...
Multi-Family Painting
Multi-family painting covers apartment complexes, townhomes, and condo buildings, where many units share one project. Proper scheduling and coordination keep work out of residents’ way,...
Nap
The nap is the fiber pile on a roller cover that picks up paint and transfers it to the wall. Short naps suit smooth surfaces,...
Neutral Colors
Neutral colors, such as beige, gray, white, and off-white, give a space a quiet backdrop that works with many decor styles. They’re the most common...
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint uses an oil binder and dries slower than latex, which gives it time to level out into a smooth, hard finish. That hardness...
Opacity
Opacity is a paint’s covering power, or how completely it hides the surface underneath once dry. A more opaque paint takes fewer coats to block...
Overspray
Overspray is the fine mist of paint that drifts past the target area during spraying and settles on nearby surfaces. Proper masking and drop cloths...
Paint Finish
Paint finish refers to the level of shine, or gloss, a painted surface shows once it dries. If you’ve ever wondered what paint finish is best for walls, you’re not alone; the specific paint you choose affects almost everything, so making the right choice matters. The finish plays a role in both appearance and functionality, regardless of the surface. Paint serves several purposes.
Painter’s Tape
Painter’s tape is low-tack adhesive tape made for painting projects. It holds a straight edge along trim, windows, and ceilings and releases cleanly without pulling...
Parking Lot Striping
Parking lot striping is the painting of lines, arrows, and stall markings on asphalt or concrete. Clear markings keep traffic flowing, direct drivers and pedestrians...
Peeling
Peeling happens when a paint film separates from the surface beneath, usually due to poor adhesion or moisture working behind the coating. The failed paint...
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a clear, durable protective coating applied over stained or painted wood, especially floors and furniture. It forms a hard film that resists scratches,...
Power Washing
Power washing uses a high-pressure water spray to strip dirt, mildew, and loose paint from exterior surfaces. It’s the first step in exterior prep for...
Primer
Most people have heard of primer, but find themselves asking: What exactly is primer, and what does it do? Primer is a coating you apply to surfaces before painting. To put it simply, primer creates a compatible base for paint to bond firmly and evenly to other materials. When applied properly, primer protects the underlying surface from moisture, covers previous wear and tear, and improves the paint’s finished appearance. 
Quality Control
Quality control is the ongoing review of work as the project moves along, checking coverage, lines, and finish quality at each step. Catching an issue...
Residential Painting
Residential painting is the interior and exterior painting of homes. Beyond the color change, it protects the structure from weather and wear, which is where...
Resin
Resin is the binding ingredient in paint, the component that forms the film after the paint dries. It determines how well the coating resists fading,...
Roller
A roller is a cylindrical tool covered with a fiber nap that applies paint quickly and evenly across large, flat surfaces. Different nap materials and...
Rust Inhibitor
A rust inhibitor is a primer or additive that stops metal from corroding under the new coating. On exterior railings and fences, it’s applied first...
Satin Finish
Satin finish offers a soft sheen between eggshell and semi-gloss, with better cleanability than the lower sheens. It holds up well in high-traffic interior spaces...
Scraping
Scraping removes old, loose, or peeling paint with hand tools before a new coat goes on. Paint won’t bond to a flaky surface, so scraping...
Sealant
Sealant is a material used to fill gaps and cracks before painting, creating a tight barrier against moisture and air. Sealed joints give the paint...
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss sits between satin and gloss, offering noticeable shine with strong durability. Kitchens, bathrooms, and trim are its common spots, where moisture resistance and cleanability...
Sheen
Sheen describes how much light a dry paint surface reflects, ranging from flat through eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss up to high-gloss. Higher sheens clean easier,...
Siding Repair
Siding repair fixes or replaces damaged exterior panels before painting begins. Paint applied over cracked, rotted, or loose siding won’t last, so repairing the surface...
Solvent
A solvent is a liquid that dissolves other substances. In painting, solvents thin oil-based paints and varnishes for smoother application and clean brushes and equipment...
Specialty Coatings
Specialty coatings are engineered paint products built for specific challenges, such as extreme weather, heavy wear, or fire protection. They go beyond standard paint when...
Stain
Stain is a liquid finishing product that combines color pigments with a carrier solvent, such as water or oil. It doesn’t sit on a material’s surface as paint does; instead, the moment it contacts a surface, stain penetrates into the pores and forms a deeper bond. When you stain wood, you can still see the wood’s grain and texture. It elevates the surface’s natural look and feel, hides imperfections, and doesn’t peel, crack, or bubble.
Stucco Painting
Stucco painting applies a protective exterior finish to stucco walls. Stucco’s texture and porosity call for specific prep and coating choices, and a quality job...
Substrate
A substrate is the surface being painted, whether that includes drywall, wood siding, stucco, or metal. The substrate determines which primers, paints, and prep steps...
Surface Preparation
Surface preparation is the cleaning, scraping, sanding, patching, caulking, and priming that happens before paint is applied. It’s the single biggest factor in how long...
Tape and Float
Tape and float is the drywall finishing step where joint tape and joint compound are applied over the seams between drywall panels. Layers of compound...
Texture Finish
A texture finish adds physical depth to a wall surface, whether to hide imperfections or achieve a particular look. Different application methods produce different textures,...
Thinner
Paint thinner is a solvent used to reduce the viscosity of oil-based paints, varnishes, and stains for smoother application. It also cleans brushes and tools...
Tinting
Tinting is the process of adding colorant to a base paint to reach an exact shade. It’s how painters match a specific color, whether from...
Touch-up
A touch-up is a small amount of paint applied to fix a scratch, scuff, or thin spot in a finished surface. Saved paint from the...
Trim
Trim is the finished woodwork that frames a home, including baseboards, crown molding, door frames, and window casings. It’s what gives a room its finished...
Undercoat
An undercoat, commonly called a primer, is the base layer applied before the topcoat. It builds adhesion, blocks stains, and evens out the surface so...
UV Resistance
UV resistance describes how well a paint withstands ultraviolet light without fading or breaking down. Denver’s high-altitude sun is hard on exteriors, so UV-resistant paints...
Varnish
Varnish is a clear protective finish made from resin, a drying oil, and a solvent. Applied over stained wood, it brings out the grain while...
Viscosity
Viscosity is a liquid’s resistance to flow, essentially its thickness. Paint that’s too thick leaves brush marks and builds unevenly; paint that’s too thin drips...
VOCs
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are substances in paint that vaporize at room temperature. Paint manufacturers add these chemicals to keep the product workable and ensure it dries properly after application. However, while VOCs help paint function properly, they pose risks to personal health and the environment. But why are VOCs dangerous?
Walkthrough
A walkthrough is the final inspection done together with you when the project is complete. We go through the work room by room, mark anything...
Waterproofing
Waterproofing creates a barrier that keeps water out of a structure, whether through coatings, membranes, or sealed joints. On exteriors, keeping water from reaching the...
Weathering
Weathering is the gradual wear that sun, wind, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles inflict on exterior materials. It’s what eventually fades and cracks paint, which is...
Wood Rot Repair
Wood rot repair replaces or rebuilds wood damaged by moisture before it gets painted. Rotted wood won’t hold paint or hold up structurally, and painting...
Wrinkling
Wrinkling happens when the top layer of paint skins over and dries faster than the coat underneath, leaving ridges and folds. It usually comes from...
Xylene
Xylene is a clear liquid solvent found in many oil-based paint products. It thins coatings like varnishes and lacquers for smoother application and dissolves tough...
Yellowing
Yellowing is the off-color tint that older paints, especially oil-based ones, develop with age, often in rooms with little light. That’s why choosing the right...
Zero-VOC Paint
Zero-VOC paint contains no volatile organic compounds, so it releases nothing into the air as it dries. It’s the healthiest option for interior projects, especially...
Zinc-Rich Primer
A zinc-rich primer is loaded with zinc dust and designed to protect steel and other metals from rust through an electrochemical barrier. The zinc corrodes...
N L.
5 days ago
Everyone at Colorado Commercial and Residential Painting was great to work with and they did a great job painting our house.
Jan W.
1 week ago
Just had our kitchen and garden level painted by Colorado Commercial & Residential Painting. They did a great job. They were on-time and everything was masked. Clean up was very thorough, no mess left behind. Price was reasonable too. Would highly recommend them. They do exterior too.
tgbraun13
1 week ago
Have a house up on Sand Lily in Genesee - painted the entire exterior. Ben's entire crew did a great job of completing the paint job and finished a day early. Results are great. They had to fix a lot of bird holes as well. Prep and cleanup went great. Very efficient operation and professional to work with.
Murad G.
3 weeks ago
We had a great experience getting the exterior of our house painted! The work was excellent, the attention to detail was impressive, and the finished result looks amazing. I especially want to thank Trevor for being professional, responsive, and easy to work with throughout the entire process. He made everything smooth and stress-free from start to finish. We’re very happy with the results and would definitely recommend Trevor and his team to anyone looking for quality exterior painting. 5 stars all the way!
Danielle R.
1 month ago
If I could give Trevor and his team 10 stars I would. We were quoted by 3 companies and this company was honest, trustworthy, priced well and beyond professional. The attention to detail and commitment to making sure the job was done to our satisfaction, was evident every step of the way. We will definitely be repeat customers!
Fredrick B.
2 months ago
Colorado Painters did a great job with very clean and professional detailed look. They were very responsive to our timing needs, requirements and scheduling . Stephen, Ben, the paint teams and Jordan came together and provided a very nice paint job to finish out our sizable garage at a very very reasonable and effective price. Well Done, highly recommended!
Kenny
2 months ago
I had a great experience with this company. From getting a quote, to scheduling, to working with the crew they made the process easy. Also, the quality of the work and professionalism from the crew was top notch. Highly recommend this company.
Shelby C.
2 months ago
The team did an incredible job. The painting was done quickly, they protected our floors, cleaned up each day, and the final result looks amazing. I was kept informed on their progress every day and whole process was seamless. Highly recommend!
Joseph F.
2 months ago
I am absolutely thrilled with the exterior painting job recently completed on my home! From start to finish, the crew demonstrated unparalleled professionalism. They arrived on time every day, worked diligently, and treated my property with the utmost respect. Their attention to detail during the preparation phase was particularly impressive. They thoroughly power washed, scraped, and caulked every surface, ensuring a flawless foundation for the new paint. The final result is stunning—the colors are vibrant, the lines are crisp, and the finish is completely even. It has drastically transformed the curb appeal of my house. Furthermore, they maintained a clean workspace and did a fantastic job packing up all materials at the end of each day. Communication was seamless, and the project manager made sure I was 100% satisfied before considering the job done. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable, and beautiful exterior paint job!
Kari A.
2 months ago
Trevor and the team did a fantastic job painting the exterior of my house in Superior. The process was really easy, from paint selection to scheduling and the onsite work. I’d highly recommend them!
Kristin M.
2 months ago
Our crew for our job was outstanding! They were professional, efficient and attentive. Our house was a challenge with steep peaks and multiple finishes but they didn’t hesitate and the final product looks amazing.
Cindy R.
2 months ago
Colorado Painting staff were professional, friendly, timely and efficient in painting the exterior of my house. They cleaned up well after themselves. Very helpful as well.
Jeanne F.
3 months ago
We were extremely impressed with the entire experience with Colorado Painti! They communicated well with what was included, when they would be coming and were organized, efficient and the work crew was great. We could not have been more pleased!
Jessica W.
3 months ago
We are very happy with the work done by Colorado Commercial Painting. Crew showed up on time and the work was completed quickly and cleaned up perfectly.
Constance M.
3 months ago
Colorado Painting did an excellent job on our interior painting project. We had the majority of our home painted and we couldn't be more pleased with the outcome! Ben did an excellent job of checking in with me and the crew several times a day to see if we needed anything and to ensure things were running smoothly. Leo did a fantastic job managing his crew and making sure everyone was providing the best workmanship. They paid attention to every little detail and even did some amazing work on some drywall damage we needed to repair. The work was excellent quality!
Alyssa V.
3 months ago
The Erics we're all amazing with their help from the beginning to the end of our project. Their assistance with questions and concerns were quickly answered and taken care of professionally. Thank you for all of your hard work!
Jim T.
3 months ago
Did a great job.
Allison P.
3 months ago
Colorado Painting was great to work with. Their team was professional and fast. Their caulking and siding repair before painting stopped a leak we had around a sliding glass door. And the whole house paint job looks great! Also, our deck paint was peeling and the wood was chipping. They replaced a floor board in our deck and patched up holes and then painted and our deck looks brand new again!
Meghan G.
3 months ago
We couldn't be happier with our experience with Colorado Commercial & Residential Painting. From start to finish, the communication was outstanding. Ben, Joel, Joel Sr., and the entire crew were professional, responsive, and incredibly easy to work with throughout the project. What stood out most was their attention to detail and commitment to getting everything right. They took the time to address every question and concern, and they never made us feel rushed. The crew consistently showed up, followed through on their promises, and continued working with us until we were 100% satisfied with the final result. It's clear they take pride in their work and genuinely care about their customers. The finished product exceeded our expectations, and we would absolutely recommend Colorado Painting to anyone looking for a company that values quality, communication, and customer satisfaction.
janell44
3 months ago
I appreciated the great communication, from beginning to the end of the project. Good workmanship and attention to detail. I would highly recommend.
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