Additive - A chemical introduced to paint to change or add properties.

Acrylic - Paint created from a group of plastics known for its color and  gloss .

Air Dry - Allowing paint to dry at room temperature. Air-drying paints are

designed for this.

Alkyd - A synthetic material added to oil-based paints. Can modify other paint

properties.

Anti-Condensation Paint - Paint that will minimize the effects of moisture.

Anti-Corrosive Paint - Paint designed to prevent corrosion on steel.

Basecoat - High-color paint that requires a clear finish.

Binder - A component in the paint that holds it together and allows adhesion.

Brushability - Ease of applying a coat with a paintbrush. Also called consistency.

Cast - A shade of a color.

Catalyst - An additive that speeds drying time and improves other elements. Also

called an activator, accelerator, or curing agent.

Coat - A single application of paint.

Colorant - Pigment used to create the color in paint.

Colorfast - Color able to retain its cast over time. Also called color retention.

Contrast Ratio - Ability of paint to hide the previous coat.

Coverage - How well a paint spreads over the surface.

Concentration - Ratio of elements that cause the sheen of the paint.

Cure - The process of paint drying.

Die-Back - The loss of gloss over time.

Durability - How well paint holds up to the elements. We choose the most

durable paints we can find—Tuscaloosa contends with many elements.

Fading - Loss of color and/or gloss over time.

Filler - Substance used to fill in dents and damage and smooth masonry.

Flex Agent - Additive that decreases brittleness.

Gloss - Amount that paint reflects light.

Gloss Retention - Ability of paint to maintain its shine.

Hard Setting - When solid paint collects at the bottom of a container.

Hue - The primary color of paint.

Intumescent Paint - Paint that swells when exposed to flame, allowing extra time

for evacuation.

Lacquer - A clear coat of paint that dries quickly.

Metamerism - When two colors match under one but not all conditions.

Mildew Resistance - A paint’s ability to prevent mildew growth.

Moisture Resistance - A paint’s ability to withstand moisture and prevent the

damage it can cause.

Pigment - Part of the paint that provides the color.

Primer - Paint designed to prepare a surface for other coats. It often protects the

surface as well.

Resin - Binding agents in paint.

Sealer - Paint that prevents interactions between coats before and after it.

Sheen - Gloss level of paint.

Skinning - When a thick layer forms on top of paint in a can.

VOC - Volatile Organic Compounds; a component of some paints regulated by

the  EPA .