Welcome to our glossary of useful terms and defnitions. Please click on the alphabet below to view more.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Washability:

Ease with which washing will remove dirt from the surface of the paint without causing damage.

Water repellents:

Exterior clear finishes that are specially formulated to cause water to bead up on the surface and minimise penetration of water into the substrate.

Water-based paint:

Paint made with acrylic, vinyl acetate copolymer or other latex resin types, and thinned with water. It dries more quickly than solvent-based paint, has relatively low odour, some water vapour permeability, and cleans up easily. The liquid component is predominantly water.

Weather etch:

A method of improving the adhesion to a metal substrate by allowing it to weather naturally before painting.

Weather resistance:

The ability of a coating or sealant to withstand the effects of wind, rain, sun and temperature fluctuation, and retain its appearance and integrity.

Wet adhesion:

The ability of dry paint or sealant to adhere to the surface in spite of wet conditions. This is of particular importance for exterior paints and sealants.

Wet edge retention:

The length of time a newly applied coating can stand, then be brushed or rolled again, without showing lap marks.

Wet film thickness:

Thickness of a liquid film immediately after application, before it begins to dry.

Wire-brushing:

Cleaning a surface with a wire brush, or wire power brush.

Wood filler:

Heavily pigmented product used to fill the grain of wood before undercoats or finishes are applied. Used on open-grain hardwoods such as oak, ash, walnut and chestnut. Used for furniture and trim