As 2310 Glassary of Paint & Painting Terms

AS/NZS 2310:2002
AS/NZS 2310
Australian/New Zealand Standard™
Glossary of paint and painting terms

Accessed by BLUESCOPE STEEL LIMITED on 26 May 2009
AS/NZS 2310:2002
This Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard was prepared by Joint Technical
Committee CH-003, Paints and Related Materials. It was approved on behalf of the
Council of Standards Australia on 21 June 2002 and on behalf of the Council of
Standards New Zealand on 24 July 2002. It was published on 12 August 2002.
The following are represented on Committee CH-003:

AUSTROADS
Australian Paint Approval Scheme
Australian Paint Manufacturers Federation
Building Research Association of New Zealand
Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand
Master Painters Australia
National Association of Testing Authorities Australia
New Zealand Abrasive Blasting Association
New Zealand Manufacturers Federation
New Zealand Painting Contractors Association
Surface Coatings Association Australia
Telstra Corporation
Water Corporation Western Australia
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This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 01198.

AS/NZS 2310:2002
Australian/New Zealand Standard™
Originated as AS 2310—1980.
Previous edition AS/NZS 2310:1995.
Third edition 2002.
COPYRIGHT
© Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written permission of the
publisher.
Jointly published by Standards Australia International Ltd, GPO Box 5420, Sydney, NSW 2001
and Standards New Zealand, Private Bag 2439, Wellington 6020
ISBN 0 7337 4643 8
AS/NZS 2310:2002 2
PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
Committee CH-003, Paints and Related Material, to supersede AS/NZS 2310:1995.
Definitions include terms dealing with paint types, paint materials, paint characteristics,
paint defects, the application of paints and other relevant aspects of paint technology.
The objective of the Standard is to provide a better understanding of the terminology used
in the paint industry, for the use of those involved in the manufacture, supply, purchase and
use of paint, and those involved in the writing of Standards for paints and the framing of
painting specifications.
During the preparation of this Standard, account was taken of definitions given in
ISO 4618:1998, Paints and varnishes— Terms and definitions for coating materials,
Part 1: General terms, Part 2: Special terms relating to paint characteristics and
properties, Part 3: Surface preparation and methods of application, and Part 4: Terms
relating to raw materials. Terms that are the same as ISO definitions are marked with (*).
Terms marked with a dagger (†) indicate accepted Australian definitions, which have been
adopted where the ISO definitions were considered inappropriate or less definitive. Terms
that are preferred for general usage have been highlighted in bold print. Some alternative
terms that are not preferred have also been listed, but are not highlighted in bold print.
It should be pointed out that this Standard does not include many commonly used terms that
are not specific to the paint industry. For such words, reference should be made to The
Macquarie Dictionary.
Appendix A includes a list of all referenced documents.
3 AS/NZS 2310:2002
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA/STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND
Australian/New Zealand Standard

Terms Definitions
abrasive blast-cleaning* The impingement of a high-kinetic-energy stream of a blast-
cleaning abrasive on the surface to be prepared.
accelerated weathering The process of evaluating products to obtain information on
durability and performance more quickly than by in-service
testing.
NOTE: Examples of accelerated weathering include the use of inclined
panels, Tator panels, and artificial weathering.
accelerator See catalyst
acrylic paint Paint manufactured with acrylic resins as the main binder, which
may be of latex or solvent-borne type.
acrylic resin Synthetic resin resulting from the polymerization or
copolymerization of various acrylate or methacrylate monomers,
with no more than minor quantities of other monomers.†
activator See catalyst
additive* Any substance, added in small quantities to a coating material,
to improve or modify one or more properties.
adhesion/adhesive strength The sum total of the forces of attachment between a dry film and
its substrate.*
NOTES:
1 The substrate may be bare or already painted.
2 Refer to the AS 1580 series of tests for assessment of adhesion.
aeration Incorporation of bubbles of air in paint during stirring, shaking
or application.
ageing* The irreversible changes in the properties of a film, which occur

with the passage of time.*
NOTE: For liquid paints, see also shelf life.
air drying The formation of a solid paint film from a liquid paint film
under natural ambient conditions.
airless spraying Application of paint by means of equipment consisting of fluid
pump, hose and spray nozzle to produce atomization of the paint
without the use of compressed air or other propellant (see also
spraying).
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.205.4 for assessment of airless spraying
properties.
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AS/NZS 2310:2002 4
Terms Definitions
algal growth A deposit of highly diverse microorganisms that undergo
photosynthesis to produce discolouration which may vary from
green to brown.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.481.1.13 for assessment of algal growth
alkyd resin* Polyester resin resulting from the polycondensation of polyacids

and fatty acids (or oils) with polyhydric alcohols.
NOTE: For oil-free alkyds, see polyester.
alligatoring See crocodiling

aluminium paint A paint that includes particles or flakes of aluminium, which
form a silvery metallic finish.
amino resin* Synthetic resin resulting from the condensation of melamine or
urea or the derivatives such as benzoguanamine with
formaldehyde. These resins are often etherified with alcohols.
anodizing* The treatment of aluminium or another suitable material by an
electrolytic oxidation process to produce a coat of oxidized
material.
anti-carbonation coating Coatings applied to concrete and other cement-based substrates
to retard their carbonation by atmospheric carbon dioxide.
anti-condensation paint Paint that is formulated to minimize the effects of condensation
of moisture under intermittent dry and humid conditions.
anti-corrosive paint* A paint used to protect metal substrates against corrosion.
anti-foaming agent* Additive, that prevents foaming, reduces the foaming tendency
or destroys the foam occurring during manufacture and/or
application of the coating material.
anti-fouling paint A paint formulated to prevent the growth of barnacles and other
water organisms on hulls of ships or other underwater surfaces.
anti-graffiti paint A pigmented or clear paint finish applied to a surface either to
inhibit its defacement by graffiti by virtue of its impervious or
sacrificial nature, or enable the graffiti or the paint film to be
readily removed.
anti-mould additive An additive that inhibits mould growth.

anti-mould solution A preparation consisting of mildewcides or fungicides, used
singly or together in solution, applied to mould-affected surfaces
prior to painting. Available as a pre-painting treatment to be
washed off or a long-lasting treatment with residual effects that
may be overcoated.
antique finish* A paint system to simulate the appearance of old age.
anti-settling agent* Additive that prevents or retards the settling of pigments and/or
extenders and that maintains a uniform consistency during the
storage of the coating material.
anti-skinning agent An additive that is used to prevent the premature oxidation and
formation of an insoluble surface layer when storing of paints
containing drying oils before application as a thin film.
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Terms Definitions
application rate* The quantity of a coating material that is required to produce,
(spreading rate) under defined working conditions, a dry film of a given
thickness on unit area (e.g., L/m2 or kg/m2 ).
approximate colour match When a test sample is separated from a reference sample by
20 mm and is viewed under specified conditions, a small colour
difference can be seen. However, the colour difference is
undetectable when the separation distance is increased to
100 mm. Metamerism may or may not be present.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.601.1 for assessment of colour matching.
artificial weathering The testing of coatings in which ageing is induced by exposure

to simulated conditions such as ultraviolet radiation or moisture
(see ageing).
bagging Application of a thin layer of cement-based coating by wiping
with hessian or similar material, usually to brickwork or
concrete to provide a characteristic uneven, textured finish.
baking* See stoving
barrier coat 1 A type of sealer used to isolate a paint from the underlying
surface to prevent chemical or physical interaction
between them.
2 For industrial coatings, a coating designed to isolate the
substrate from the environment.
Bénard cells A surface phenomenon occurring during the drying of a paint
film characterized by the formation of hexagon-shaped cells.
The edges of the cells may show differential colour effects due
to pigment flotation.
NOTE: The mechanism of cell formation has been attributed to vortex
action in the film induced by rapid solvent evaporation.
binder* The non-volatile part of the medium that forms the film.
biocide Additive intended to prevent attack by any harmful organism in
a coating material or the film thereof.
bituminous paint A black or dark-coloured paint formulated with bitumen as the
binder.
bitty film A film containing bits of skin, gel, flocculated material or
foreign particles, which project above the surface of the film.
black japan A black bitumen-based coating used in earlier times for the
decorative painting of timber coating and ironwork.
blast-cleaning abrasive* A solid material intended to be used for abrasive blast-cleaning.
bleeding* The process of diffusion of a coloured substance into and
through a film from beneath, thus producing an undesirable
staining or colour change.
blistering* The convex deformation in the film, arising from local
detachment of one or more of the constituent coats.
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Terms Definitions
blocking* The unwanted adhesion between two painted surfaces, one of
which at least has been coated, when the articles are left in
contact under load after a given drying period.
blocking resistance The ability of a coating to resist blocking.
blooming The formation of a thin film on top of a paint film thereby
reducing the lustre or veiling its depth of colour.†
blowing See popping
blushing The formation of milky opalescence in clear finishes caused by
the deposition of moisture from the atmosphere or the
precipitation of one or more of the solid constituents of the
finish.†
body See consistency
bodying The increase of consistency of a paint.
boxing Mixing paint by repeated pouring of the contents of two or more
containers from one container to another.
breathing The passage of vapour through a paint film without the paint
film exhibiting blistering, cracking or peeling.
bridging The separation of a paint film from the substrate at internal
corners or other depressions due to shrinkage of the film or the
formation of a paint film over a depression or crack.
brightness The attribute of a visual sensation according to which an area
appears to emit or reflect more or less light.
bronzing The formation in a paint film of a characteristic red or yellow
metallic lustre that is visible only at certain angles of
illumination.†
brushability The ease with which a paint can be uniformly applied with a
paintbrush.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.205.1 for assessment of brushing properties.
brush blasting See whip blasting

brush marks Lines of unevenness, which remain in the dried paint film after
brush application.
bubbling* The formation of temporary or permanent bubbles in the applied
film.
build Thickness of dried paint film.
burning-off The removal of a coating by a process in which the film is
softened by heat and then scraped off while still soft.
burnishing 1 Shiny or lustrous spots on a paint surface caused by
rubbing the painted surface.
2 The polished or glossy appearance of a metal surface
produced by mechanical action, such as the use of a power
wire brush.
caking Hard settling (see also settling).
carbonation The reaction of atmospheric CO2 with alkaline materials such as
cement, lime and plaster.
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Terms Definitions
catalyst A substance whose presence increases the rate of a chemical
reaction. In some cases the catalyst functions by being
consumed and regenerated; in other cases the catalyst seems not
to enter the reaction and functions by surface characteristics of
some kind. A negative catalyst (inhibitor) slows down a
chemical reaction.
cement-based paint A dry powder formulated with inorganic cement and other
materials, mixed with water just before use.
chalking* The appearance of a loosely adherent fine powder on the surface
of a film arising from the degradation of one or more of its
constituents.*
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.481.1.11 for assessment of chalking.
checking Breaks in the surface of a paint film, which do not render the
underlying surface visible when the film is viewed at a
magnification of 10 × (see also crazing).
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.481.1.7 for assessment of checking.
crows-foot type Checking in which the breaks are in a series of three-pronged

formations in which the prongs radiate from a point with an
angle of approximately 120 degrees between prongs.
irregular pattern type Checking in which the breaks are in no definite pattern.
line type Checking in which the breaks are, in general, in parallel lines.
cheesy The rather soft and mechanically weak condition of a dry-to-
touch film but not a fully cured film.
chemical pre-treatment* General term for any chemical process applied to a surface prior
to the application of a coating material (see also chromating and
phosphating).
chipping* The removal, in flakes, of paint. or rust and mill scale, by use of
hand or power tools.
chlorinated rubber* Polymeric material resulting from the action of chlorine on
natural or synthetic rubber.
chromating* The chemical pre-treatment of the surface of certain metals

using solutions usually consisting essentially of chromic acid
and/or chromates.
chromaticity The property of a colour stimulus (involving the attributes of
hue and saturation but not lightness), which may be defined by
coordinates on a plane diagram in the CIE trichromatic system.
cissing A defect caused by the contraction of a wet paint film from a
surface leaving small circular areas uncoated or of low film
build† (see also crawling).
class of blast Cleanliness of steel stubstrate series of Standards.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1627 series of Standards.
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Terms Definitions
coat A continuous layer of a coating material resulting from a single
application.
coating system* The sum total of the coats of a coating materials that are to be
applied in a pre-determined order or which have been applied to
a substrate.
coal tar The refined liquid or solid distillation product of coke oven
operations; also known as coal tar pitch.
coalescing agent Additive to a coating material based on a polymer dispersion to
facilitate film formation by the temporary softening of the
polymer particles.
cobwebbing The formation of fine filaments of partly dried paint during the
spray application of a fast drying paint.
cohesion The forces that bind the constituents of a film into a whole.
NOTE: Cohesion should not be confused with adhesion.
cold cracking* The formation of cracks in the film resulting from exposure to
low temperatures.
cold curing Chemical hardening without the application of heat.
colour* The sensation resulting from the visual perception of radiation
of a given spectral compensation.
colorant A pigment concentrate that can be added to paints to make a
range of colours.
colour change Any change in the colour of the film other than that due to
chalking or dirt collection.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.481.1.12 for assessment of colour change.
colour rendering A general expression for the effect of a light source on the
colour appearance of objects in comparison with their colour
appearance under a reference light source.
colourfast Resistant to changes in colour.
commercial match See approximate colour match.
(deprecated)
compatibility (of products) The ability of a product to mix with another without causing
undesirable effects such as precipitation, coagulation and
thickening.*
compatibility* 1 Materials The ability of two or more materials to be
(of a paint with the substrate) mixed together without causing undersirable effects.
2 Coating material with the substrate The ability of a
coating material to be applied to a substrate without
causing undesirable effects.
component The term used to describe two or more parts, which, when mixed
together in the proportions recommended, form the paint.
consistency The flow properties of a material measured in an empirical
manner, typically by its resistance to a shear force.
NOTE: Refer to the AS 1580.214 series for assessment of consistency.
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Terms Definitions
contrast ratio An instrumental measure of the ability of a coat of paint to hide
contrasts in colour of the underlying surface.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.213.2 for assessment of contrast ratio.
conventional spraying A method of spraying using compressed air to atomize the paint
and to direct it on to the substrate to be coated.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.205.2 for assessment of conventional
spraying properties.
corrosion (of substrate) Degradation of a metallic surface under a paint system that is
subjected to weathering or immersion. In some circumstances,
the presence of corrosion may readily be detected by the
appearance of blistering or visible corrosion products at the
surface of the test film, otherwise the paint system will first
need to be carefully removed. Types of corrosion are as follows:
(a) Rusting (ferrous corrosion) The formation of brown or
black ferrous oxidation products on iron or steel substrates,
which may be accompanied by brown or red discolouration of
the paint film.
(b) Filiform corrosion A series of threadlike lines, typically
0.1 to 0.5 mm wide, that appear under paint films, which
occur on a wide variety of metals, but only occur on steel
in air of high relative humidity, e.g., 65–95 percent RH.
NOTE: Filiform corrosion is sometimes called underfilm
corrosion. At 100% RH, the threads broaden to form blisters in
the paint film. Causes of the corrosion are varied, with the most
common being porosity, pinholing and localized damage of the
paint film.
(c) Non-ferrous corrosion Degradation of non-ferrous metal
substrates such as aluminium or zinc, which is evidenced
by the presence of corrosion products or pitting of the
metal substrate, and may be accompanied by blistering or
flaking of the paint film due to the presence of a
voluminous corrosion product.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.481.3 for assessment of substrate
corrosion.
(d) Pitting corrosion Localized corrosion of the substrate

which may lead to perforation in severe circumstances.
(e) Undercut corrosion Progression of corrosion under the
paint film away from a scribed line or a sheared edge.
(f) Uniform corrosion Even degradation of the metal
substrate over the whole surface of the test panel.
covering power See opacity
coverage See application rate
cracking Formation of breaks in a paint film, which expose its substrate.
crows-foot type Cracking in which the breaks are in a series of three-pronged
formations in which the prongs radiate from a point with an
angle of approximately 120 degrees between prongs.
irregular pattern type Cracking in which the breaks are in no definite pattern.
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Terms Definitions
line type Cracking in which the breaks are, in general, in parallel lines.
sigmoid type Cracking in which the breaks are in relatively large curves that
meet or intersect.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.481.1.8 for assessment of cracking.
cratering* The formation in the film of small circular depressions that

persist after drying.
NOTE: Not to be confused with cissing in which the underlying
substrate is exposed.
crawling An extreme form of cissing.
crazing The formation of minute criss-cross cracks on the surface of a
paint film.†
NOTE: Crazing resembles ‘checking’ but the cracks are deeper and
broader and exhibit a polygonal pattern resembling crazy paving.
crinkling See wrinkling
critical pigment volume The particular value of the pigment volume concentration for
concentration (cpvc)* which the voids, between the solid particles that are nominally
touching, are just filled with binder and beyond which certain
properties are markedly changed.
crocodiling The formation of criss-cross cracks and checks in a paint film,
which resemble the hide of a crocodile.†
crosslinking Applied to polymer molecules, the setting up of chemical links
between the molecular chains to form a three-dimensional or
network polymer, generally by covalent bonding. When
extensive, as in most thermosetting resins, crosslinking makes
one infusible molecule of all the linked chains. Crosslinking
generally toughens and stiffens coatings and makes them
insoluble.
crosslinking agent A substance that will react chemically with polymeric material,
giving rise to a three-dimensional network that is substantially
insoluble in common solvents.
curing The process of condensation or polymerization of paint by heat,
radiation or chemical means, resulting in the full development of

desirable properties.
curtain coating* The application of a coating material by passing the article to be
coated horizontally through a descending sheet of a continuously
recirculated coating material.
curtaining See sagging
curtain spraying The technique of passing objects to be coated through a curtain
of sprayed paint.
cutting-in Careful painting of an edge, such as the wall colour at the
ceiling line or at the edge of woodwork, to avoid spreading onto
an adjacent area.
defect A failure of a coating system to achieve one or more of its
intended functions.
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Terms Definitions
degreasing* The removal from a surface, prior to painting, of oil, greases and
similar substances by suitable means, either of an organic
solvent or a water-based cleaning agent.
de-nibbing* The removal of small particles that stand proud of the surface of
a paint film.
de-scaling* The removal of mill scale or laminated rust from steel or other
ferrous substrates.
DFT See dry film thickness
dilatancy The property of a paint or pigment paste that is manifested as a
thickening or solidification on application of a shearing force.
diluent A volatile liquid, single or blended, which, while not a solvent,
may be used in conjunction with the solvent without causing any
deleterious effects (see also reactive diluent).*
dipping Application of a coating material by immersing the object to be
coated in a bath containing a coating material and then after the
withdrawal allowing it to drain.
dirt pick-up* The tendency of a dry film to attract to the surface appreciable
amounts of soiling material.
dirt retention The tendency of a dry film to retain on the surface soiling
material that cannot be removed by simple cleaning.
discolouration Any change in the colour exhibited by a paint film as a result of
exposure, including that due to chalking, dirt collection and
biological organisms such as mould.
dispersing agent*/dispersant Additive that facilitates the dispersion of solids in the medium
and that increases the stability of the mixture.
distemper An interior waterborne coating material in which the solid
pigment is bound predominantly with natural glue.
doctor blade A flat bar or similar tool, which is drawn over a surface to
evenly spread wet paint at a uniform thickness.
drag The resistance encountered when paint is spread by contact
application methods.
drier* A compound, usually a metallic soap, that is added to products
drying by oxidation in order to accelerate this process.
NOTE: Water-dispersible driers also exist .
drop-on beads Glass beads of the appropriate size having retroreflective

properties and intended for application to a wet film paint.
dry to handle A state during the drying or curing process when the paint film
has hardened sufficiently for the object to be moved carefully
without marring the film.
dry to sand A state during the drying or curing process when the paint film
can be sanded to remove imperfections without sticking or
clogging of the abrasive paper or tearing of the film.
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Terms Definitions
drying* The sum total of the processes by which a film passes from the
liquid to the solid state.
drying oil An oil, usually of vegetable origin, having the property of
hardening by oxidation to a tough film, when exposed to air (see
also semi-drying oil).
NOTE: The most common example is linseed oil.
dry to recoat The stage during the drying or curing process when the next coat
can be applied without deleterious effects.
dry spray A rough, powdery, non-coherent film produced when atomized
paint dries before reaching the surface.
dry film thickness (DFT) The thickness of the applied surface coating(s) after the curing
or drying time has elapsed.
durability The degree to which films of paint and paint materials withstand
the destructive effect of the service conditions to which they are
subjected.
dust free A stage during the drying or curing process when particles of
fine dust that settle on the surface do not stick to the paint film.
dye stuff* A natural or synthetic substance which imparts the requisite
colour to the coating material in which it is dissolved.
NOTE: These are typically found in wood stains.
efflorescence A deposit of salts, which remains on a surface after diffusion of

the salt solution through the substrate and the evaporation of
water.
egg shell See low-gloss
electro deposition The process whereby a film of a water-based coating material is
deposited, under the influence of electric current, on an object
that forms either the anode or cathode, depending on the nature
of the coating material.
electro beam curing A process for the rapid curing of specially formulated coating
materials by means of a concentrated stream of electrons.
electrostatic spraying A method of application by which an electrostatic potential

difference is applied between the article to be coated and the
atomized coating material particles.
emulsion See latex
enamel paint 1 Paint consisting of pigments, extenders, alkyd or modified
alkyd blend in a hydrocarbon blended solvent.
2 Pigmented organic polymeric binders that simulate the
appearance, flow, smoothness and gloss of fused inorganic
coatings.
epoxy ester* Synthetic resin resulting from the reaction between an epoxy
resin and fatty acids or drying oils.
epoxy resin* Synthetic resin containing epoxy groups generally prepared from
epichlorohydrin and a bisphenol.
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Terms Definitions
erosion 1 Attrition of the paint film by natural weathering, which
may expose the substrate.
2 Attrition of the paint film by physico-chemical action,
such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation or water, or by
mechanical means such as windborne particles, which may
render the underlying surface or substrate visible.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.481.1.6 for assessment of erosion.
etching* Cleaning and roughening a surface using a chemical agent, prior

to painting, in order to increase adhesion.
etch-primer A primer that chemically etches the substrate to promote
adhesion of the subsequent coats.
extender A substance in powder form, which is practically insoluble in
media, usually white or slightly coloured, having a refractive
index usually less than 1.7, which is used to modify or influence
some of its physical or chemical properties other than colour or
opacity.
NOTE: Examples of the use of extenders occur where a modification
of gloss or viscosity properties is required.
exudation* The emergence, on the surface of a film, of one or more of the
liquid constituents.
fading The loss of colour of one or more of the colour pigments within
the film of a coating material.
false body The development of thixotropy, which has unintended effects on
application.
fat edge, fatty edge Accumulation of paint caused by defective brushing across the
edge of a painted surface.
feather edging The tapering of the edge of a film of paint by laying off with a
comparatively dry brush.
feathering, feather sanding The tapering of the edge of a dried paint film with abrasive
paper.
filiform corrosion See corrosion, filiform
filler* A preparation of pastelike consistency, which is applied to

eliminate minor surface defects and/or to produce a smooth,
even surface prior to painting (see also stopper).
NOTE: The term filler is also used synonymously with extender.
filling* The application of a filler to give a level surface.

film* A continuous layer resulting from the application of one or more
coats to a substrate.
fineness of grind The reading, in micrometres, obtained on a standard gauge under
specified conditions of test indicating the depth of the gauge at
which discrete solid particles in the product are first readily
discernible.
NOTE: It is a means of determining the maximum particle size of
pigment extender in the liquid medium (refer to AS 1580.204.1).
finish coat, finishing* The final coat of a coating system.
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Terms Definitions
fire-retardant A paint that significantly reduces the rate of flame spread on a
(or intumescent) paint surface or delays ignition of the paint film or substrate at high
temperature.
NOTE: Most fire retardant paints are intumescent paints.
fish eyes* The presence of craters in a coat each having a small particle of
impurity in the centre.
flaking The complete detachment of pieces of paint film from the
underlying surface or substrate.
flat (finish) A surface with a specular gloss reading not greater than 5 gloss
units when the specular direction is 60 degrees (see also low-
gloss, semi-gloss and full gloss).
flame cleaning* The process by which a reducing flame is applied to a surface,
followed by manual or mechanical cleaning operations.
flame treatment* A method of pre-treatment, by a flame, where the surface of a
plastics material (e.g., polyethylene) is oxidized, to improve the
wetting properties of the coating material and the adhesion of
the coating, or even to render these possible.
flash-off time* The time necessary between the application of successive coats
wet-on-wet or the time for the evaporation of most of the
volatile matter before stoving or curing by radiation.
flash rust* The rapid formation of—
(a) a very thin layer of rust on ferrous substrates after blast-
cleaning; or
(b) rust stains after the application of a water-based coating
material on a ferrous substrate.
flatting-down Rubbing down a painted surface with fine abrasives, to produce
a smooth dull finish.
flatting agent An additive designed to reduce the specular gloss level of a
coating material.
flexibility* The ability of a dried film to follow without damage the
deformations of the substrate to which it is applied.

floating/flotation* The separation of one or more pigments from a coloured coating
material containing mixtures of different pigments, causing
streaks or areas on the surface of the coating material.
flocculation* The formation of loosely coherent pigment agglomerates in a
coating material.
flooding* The separation of pigment particles in a coating material giving
rise to a colour, which, although uniform over the whole surface,
is markedly different from that of the freshly applied wet film.
NOTE: An extreme form of floating.
flow The ability of a paint to spread to a uniform thickness after

application.
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Terms Definitions
flow agent/flow control Additive that improves the flow properties of a coating material.
agent*
flow (flood) coating* The application of a coating material either by pouring or by
allowing it to flow over the object to be coated, and allowing the
excess to drain off.
fluorescence The property exhibited by certain substances whereby light is
absorbed at one wavelength band of the invisible spectrum and
this energy is then re-emitted as a band of light at other
frequencies in the visible spectrum.
fly-off (flying) See spatter
force drying A process in which the drying of a coating material is
accelerated by exposing it to a temperature higher than ambient,
but below that normally used for stoving materials.
french polish A material composed essentially of shellac and methylated spirit
applied in multiple applications to enhance interior timber,
notably furniture. It is applied with a fabric-covered pad.
frying Wrinkling and crazing caused by the interaction of the solvent
component of a topcoat that has been applied either to an
insufficientlycured previous coating or one that is incompatible
with the topcoat.
full-gloss (finish) A surface with a specular gloss reading above 85 gloss units
when the specular direction is 60 degrees.
full coat A paint coating that has been applied in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommended wet film thickness.
fungicidal paint A coating material that discourages the growth of surface
moulds on the dry film. This property is normally conferred by
the use of special additives, although certain pigments may
themselves contribute to the fungicidal property of the paint.
fungal growth The appearance of non-photosynthesizing microorganisms
consisting of spores, hyphae, or both, which may be
characterized by filamented branched structures.
gassing* The formation of gas during storage of a coating material.

gas checking A translucent, finely wrinkled surface effect on the film of a
frosting (deprecated) coating material, which occurs during drying particularly when
the film is exposed to the fumes that arise from combustion of
fuel in a gas oven.
gelling 1 The deterioration of a coating material by irreversible
change, partial or complete, to an insoluble gel
unworkable even by the addition of solvent.
NOTE: This is often termed livering, in the early stages of
deterioration.
2 The reversible formation, usually intentional, of a gel-like
condition that reverts to a useable state by the application
of forces such as stirring or brushing.
NOTE: See also thixotropy.
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Terms Definitions
glaze A translucent or transparent coating usually applied over a
previous finish, to seal, enrich or modify the appearance.
glaze coat A translucent or transparent coating material, sometimes
coloured, applied thinly with the object of sealing or enhancing,
but not obscuring, the ground coat.
gloss The optical property of a surface, characterized by its ability to
reflect light specularly.*
gloss (finish) A surface with a specular gloss reading above 50 gloss units but
not exceeding 85 gloss units when the specular direction is
60 degrees (see also flat, low-gloss, semi-gloss and full-gloss).
gold size An oleo-resinous varnish used in two forms—
(a) a composition that dries rapidly to a tacky condition and
hardens slowly, used as an adhesive for fixing gold leaf to
a substrate; or
(b) a composition, containing a high proportion of driers, that
rapidly dries hard after application, used in the preparation
of stoppers and fillers.
graining The simulation of wood grain by the application of coating
materials.
grain raising The swelling and standing-up of wood fibre resulting from the
absorption of water or solvent(s).
grinning through The effect observed when a paint does not totally obscure the
underlying surface.
grit blasting* A process of abrasive blast-cleaning using particulate material
such as iron, steel slag or alumina (corundum).
ground coat A coating material with good hiding power, which is applied
before a glaze coat or a scumble.
hair cracks Very fine superficial cracks.
hammer finish (tone) A finish similar in appearance to hammered metal obtained from
specially formulated paints.
hard dry condition (time) The stage reached during a drying or curing process when a
paint film has sufficient strength to withstand mechanical
damage.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.401.6 for assessment of hard dry condition.
hardener* One component of a multi-component system, which together by

chemical reaction, form the film having the desired properties.
hardness (of a film)* The ability of a dried film to resist indentation or penetration of
a solid object.
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hazardous paint A dry paint containing ingredients that have the potential to
create human health risk, toxic workplace atmospheres,
hazardous wastes and pollution if disturbed or eroded.
NOTE: Toxic ingredients of paints can include lead, chromates,
arsenic, cadmium, asbestos, and coal tar derivatives such as phenols or
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
heat-resistant paint A coating material that retains its specified properties at
temperatures above 120°C.
NOTE: The term is used in a comparative sense but is of little value
unless it is referred to some standard of performance under specified
conditions.
heritage paint Paint, either coloured or with texture of pattern, that reflects the
appearance of those earlier times of an actual formula of an
earlier composition.
hiding power* The ability of a coating material to obliterate the colour or the
colour difference of a substrate.
high build coating (paint) A paint that enables the application in one coat of a thick film of
paint greater than 100 µm.
high-gloss See full gloss
holding primer See shop primer
holiday A localized defect, characterized by a coating having areas of
very low or zero coating thickness.
hot spraying The spraying of a coating material that has been reduced in
viscosity by heating rather than by addition of solvents.
hue The attribute of colour perception by means of which an object
is judged to be red, green, yellow, blue or intermediate between
some adjacent pair of these
NOTE: Black, white and neutral grey have no hue.
hungry (surface) A surface that is highly absorbent of paint.

impact resistance The ability of the film of a coating material to resist a sudden
blow without cracking or flaking.
NOTE: Refer to AS/NZS 1580.406.1.
impingement/impinging The action of blast cleaning that causes or places (impinges) the
profile on to the surface of the steel (can also mean a foreign
body or particle embedded in the coating or substrate).
incorporation The thorough mixing of a paint to ensure that no layering or
sediment remains.
induction period The period of time, recommended by the manufacturer, after
mixing, which multipack product must be allowed to sit prior to
the use of the product.
inhibitor A material used in small proportion, to slow a chemical reaction.
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Terms Definitions
intumescent paint A paint that, when heated by a flame, swells into a crust that
insulates the substrate and retards substrate ignition (see also
fire-retardant paint).
isocyanate resin* Synthetic resin containing free or blocked isocyanate groups
based on aromatic, aliphatic or cyclo-aliphatic isocyanates.
NOTE: Isocyanates, either as monomers or more commonly as
polymers, adducts or prepolymers, are used in conjunction with
moisture or compounds containing reactive hydroxyl groups in the
formation of polyurethane coatings .
joint tape A special tape used over joints to provide reinforcement or to
conceal the joint for painting.
kalsomine A dry powder from which paint is made by mixing with water.
Consists essentially of calcium carbonate or clay and glue or
casein (see also distemper).
key Any special quality, such as roughness of the substrate, which
assists adhesion of a paint film to a substrate.
knotting compound A quick-drying composition used to paint knots or other
resinous areas to prevent bleeding of resin through subsequent
finish coats.
lacquer A fast-drying clear or pigmented coating that dries solely by
evaporation of solvent.
ladder (paint) A pattern due to a miss in laying-off (see also laying-off).
lap That part of a freshly applied coat which overlaps and blends
with a previously applied coat that has not reached the hard dry
condition (see also wet edge).
lapping defect Defect characterized by obtrusive joins at the extremities of
areas of the substrate painted at different times during the same
day’s painting schedule.
latex* Stable dispersions of microscopic, insoluble resin particles in
water. (Synonymous with emulsion.)
laying-off The final light strokes of a brush on a paint film which has been
spread so as to even and smooth the film as much as possible.

lead paint A dry paint film containing more than 1.0% lead by weight.
NOTE: Refer to AS 4361.1 and AS 4361.2 .
leafing The orientation of particles of flaky pigments, to form a

continuous sheet at the surface of the film.
levelling The flowing-out of a paint film after application so as to produce
a level surface.
life, of coating The period of time during which a paint film continues to serve
the purpose for which it was intended.
lifting The softening, swelling or separation from the substrate, of a dry
film resulting from the application of a subsequent coat or
chemicals used as solvents.
light bodied A paint of low consistency.
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livering 1 Early stage of gelling.
2 Thickening of a paint material caused by a chemical
reaction between the pigment and binder.
low sheen See low-gloss
low temperature The ability of a latex paint coating to form a continuous film
coalescence when dried at low temperatures typically less than 10°C.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.409.2 for assessment.
low-gloss (finish) A surface with a specular gloss reading above 5 gloss units but
60 degrees.
luminance factor The ratio of the luminance of a reflecting surface in a given
direction to that of an ideal white diffusing surface when viewed
in the same direction and when illuminated in the same way.
luminosity See brightness
luminous fractional The ratio of the luminous flux reflected from, to that incident
reflectance on, a specimen for specified angles.
lustreless A surface finish practically free from gloss or side sheen.
Usually defined as having less than 5 percent reflectance when
viewed at 15 degrees to the surface.
marbling 1 A specialized decorative paint effect creating a finish
resembling the appearance of marble.
2 The imitation of the appearance of polished marble by the
skilful use of suitable tools and coating materials.
marine varnish Varnish specially formulated for either intermittent immersion
in water or exposure to marine atmospheres.
masking A temporary covering of that part of a surface which is to
remain unpainted.
masking-tape A strip of paper or cloth similar to adhesive tape which can be
used to temporarily cover areas not to be painted and then easily
removed.
mastic A heavy-bodied paste-like material often applied with a trowel

to produce a thick protective film.
matting agent* A product incorporated in a coating material to reduce the gloss
of the dry film.
matt(e) See flat
medium* The sum total of the constituents of the liquid phase of a coating
material.
membrane A high or ultra-high-build coating usually intended to provide a
moisture or vapour barrier, or to mask imperfections in the
substrate.
metallic finish See aluminium paint and polychromatic finish.
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Terms Definitions
metamerism The phenomenon exhibited by two surfaces, which appear to be
the same colour when viewed under one light source (e.g.,
daylight) but which do not match when viewed under a different
light source (e.g., incandescent lamp).
micaceous iron A grey lamellar pigment used as a major component of paint,
oxide (MIO) which enhances the weathering and corrosion resistance of the
paint.
mill scale* The layer of iron oxides that are formed during the hot rolling of
steel.
mineral turpentine A blend of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons commonly used
as a thinner for alkyd paints and coatings.
miss An application defect characterized by the complete absence of a
film in certain areas.†
mist coat A thin coat of paint, applied by spraying, not intended to form a
protective film but to enhance the performance of subsequent
coats.
moisture curing A process by which a film of a coating material hardens upon
exposure to atmospheric moisture.
mould growth The presence of dark brown to black spots on a paint film
resulting from microbiological action of moulds, fungus or
algae. These microbiological activities may also cause
discolouration of the paint system.
mudcracking 1 Visible, irregular cracking or checking in thick films of
paint caused by shrinkage tension during drying.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.409.1 for assessment of mudcracking.
2 The formation of deep cracks during drying, occurring

primarily with highly pigmented paints applied in thick
layers on porous substrates.
multi-pack product 1 A product, the materials for which are supplied in separate
parts, which must be mixed in the proportions laid down
by the manufacturer.*
2 A coating material that is supplied in two or more separate

components, which have to be mixed before use in the
proportions laid down by the manufacturer.
nap The length of fibres on a paint roller cover (see also roller).
natural resin Resin of vegetable or animal origin.
natural turpentine A solvent obtained by distilling the oleo-resin of pine trees,
which is capable of being used as a solvent and thinner for paint.
It is also called vegetable turpentine and wood turpentine.
neutral background A background having a colour (usually pale) and appearance
(usually flat) that do not contribute significant bias to the visual
assessment of a coated test panel.
NOTE: Although a grey colour, e.g., N35, light-grey, from AS 2700,
is normally regarded as the neutral colour. Other colours may be
designated as acceptable for particular situations.
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nibs Small pieces of foreign material, such as pieces of skin or
coagulated medium, which project above the surface of an
applied film.
Newtonian liquid A liquid whose viscosity remains constant at constant
temperature, irrespective of the rate of shear.
nitrocellulose A synthetic resin prepared by nitration of purified cellulose,
cotton linters or wood pulp.
no-pickup time The minimum drying period after which the paint is not picked
up by a rubber-faced roller; usually applies to road-marking
paints.
NOTE: Refer to AS/NZS 1580.401.8.
non-drying oil An oil that undergoes little or no oxidation when exposed to air
and therefore has no dry film-forming properties (see also
drying and semi-drying oils).
NOTE: An example of a non-drying oil is castor oil.
non-volatile content by The mass remaining after the removal of volatiles, expressed as
mass a percentage of the total mass under specified conditions.
non-volatile content by Non-volatile content of a paint, expressed as a percentage of the

volume total volume under specified conditions.
non-volatile matter 1 The residue remaining after the removal of volatiles.†

2 The residue obtained after evaporation under specified
conditions of test.
oil length The ratio of oil to resin in a binder. The oil length may be
expressed in terms of parts by mass of oil to one part by mass of
resin, or in percentage terms.
oil stains Stains containing drying oils, oleo-resinous varnishes or alkyd
resins.
oleo-resinous Generally refers to varnishes composed of vegetable drying oils

in conjunction with hard resins, which may be either natural or
synthetic.
opacity The ability of a paint to obliterate the colour difference of a
substrate.
orange peel 1 A surface property, usually considered a defect, giving the
dimpled appearance of an orange skin to a sprayed film.
2 An effect resembling the texture of the surface of an
orange.
organosol A dispersion of finely divided resin particles in an organic
liquid, which may be wholly or partially volatile.
overspray The sprayed coating material that does not impinge on the
surface to be coated.
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Terms Definitions
paint 1 A product in liquid form, which, when applied to a
surface, forms a dry film having protective, decorative or
other specific technical properties.†
NOTE: Differs from the ISO definition, which includes powder
coatings but excludes non-opaque films.
2 A pigmented coating material, in liquid, paste or powder
form, which, when applied to a substrate, forms an opaque
film having protective, decorative and specific technical
properties.
paint or varnish system The sum of the various coats of paint or varnish which are to be
applied to, or which have been applied to, a substrate.*
paint remover A compound that softens paint or varnish and permits the
softened material to be scraped off, or hosed off with water.
peeling 1 Localized loss of adhesion between the surface film and
underlying components of a paint system without
complete detachment of loose fragments of the film.†
2 The spontaneous detachment from the substrate of areas of
the film due to a loss of adhesion.
phenolic resin* Synthetic resin resulting from the polycondensation of
aldehydes, in particular formaldehyde, with phenol, its
homologues or derivatives.
phosphating The treatment of metal surfaces by chemical solutions
containing metal phosphates and phosphoric acid as the main
ingredients, to form an adherent corrosion-inhibiting layer that
serves as a good base for paint.
pickling The removal of rust and mill scale from ferrous substrates by
means of an acid solution usually containing an inhibitor.
pigment* A substance, generally in the form of fine particles, that is
practically insoluble in media and which is used because of its
optical, protective or decorative properties.
NOTE: In particular cases, for example, in corrosion-inhibiting
pigments, a certain degree of water solubility is necessary.

pigment volume* The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the total volume of the
concentration (pvc) pigments and/or extenders and/or other non-film-forming solid
particles in a product to the total volume of the non-volatile
matter.
pile A fibrous surface produced on a roller covering in which the
fibre stands up from the basic covering material.
pinholing* The presence in the film of small holes resembling those made
by a pin.
pitting The formation of holes or pits by localized corrosion in a metal
surface.
plastic paint See latex paint
plastisol Dispersion of finely divided resin particles in a plasticizer or
mixture of plasticizers, which on heating softens and fuses the
resin particles.
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Terms Definitions
plasticizer* A substance added to a coating material to make the dry film
more flexible.
polychromatic finish A finish that has a metallic lustre and gives an iridescent
scintillating effect, the colour of which varies when viewed from
different angles.
polyester resin* Synthetic resin resulting from the polycondensation of polyacids
and polyols. Depending on their structure a distinction is drawn
between saturated and unsaturated polyester resin.
polymer A substance, the molecules of which consist of one or more
structural units repeated many times.
polyurethane resin* Synthetic resin resulting from the reaction of polyfunctional
isocyanates with compounds containing reactive hydroxyl
groups.
popping A small bubble-like defect in a paint film resulting from the
expansion on hydration of extraneous material in the plaster
substrate; also known as blowing.
pot-life The maximum time, after mixing the blended or reduced
material, that a multi-pack product can be retained for use before
there is a deterioration of the properties of the deposited dry
film, or before thickening adversely affects the application
qualities of the material.†
The maximum time during which a coating material, supplied as
separate components, has to be used after it has been mixed.
powder coating 1 A coating material, usually containing pigments, resins
material and other additives, that is applied in the form of a powder
to a suitable substrate and is then fused to form a coherent
film.
2 A solvent-free coating material in powder form which,
after fusing and possible curing, gives a continuous film.
practical spreading rate The spreading rate that, in practice, is obtained on the particular
substrate being coated.
NOTE: It is normally expressed in square metres per litre or square

metres per kilogram.
pre-construction primer See pre-weld primer
pre-fab primer See pre-weld primer
premix beads Glass beads of appropriate size and with retroreflective
properties, which are incorporated into paint during
manufacturing, or by the applicator, prior to the application of
the marking material.
preservative (in can)* Biocide used to prevent growth of microorganisms during
storage of water-based coating material or stock solution.
pressure pot A pressure vessel containing paint and fitted with a compressed
air supply to force paint to a spray gun.
pre-treatment (metal) The chemical treatment of unpainted metal surfaces before
painting.
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Terms Definitions
pre-weld primer A fast-drying, abrasion-resistant primer for application to blast-
cleaned steel plates and bars before cutting and welding into
complex structures.
preparation grade* The classification describing the quality level of the cleaning
achieved by a given procedure.
primer coat, prime coat 1 The first coat of a painting system that helps bind
subsequent coats to the substrate and which may inhibit its
deterioration.†
2 The first coat of a coating system applied to a substrate.
profile The measurable depth from peak to valley of the roughness of
the surface of the steel series of Standards.
NOTES:
1 Profile is not cleanliness of the surface or class of blast.
2 Refer to AS 3894 series of Standards .
promoter See catalyst
pseudoplasticity The fluid condition when consistency is decreased with stirring.
The effect is dependent on the shear rate but is independent of
time (see also thixotropy).
putty A mouldable material that hardens on ageing, and which
contains drying oils or synthetic resins and has a high mineral
filler content, and is used for filling deep holes or wide gaps.
rag rolling A specialized decorative paint effect created by rolling a sausage
of bunched-up rag over the wet paint.
reactive diluent A low molecular weight liquid, usually monomeric, used to
reduce the viscosity of some resins while maintaining
100 percent solids.
recoating time The time necessary for a coat of paint to cure sufficiently to
allow a further coat to be applied without marring the underlying
paint film.
reducer See thinner

reference film A film of the material under test, prepared in the same manner
and at the same time as the test film, that is used to compare the
condition of the test film after a period of exposure with its
original condition.
reflectance The ratio of the luminous flux reflected from a surface to the
incident luminous flux. Reflectance is usually expressed as a
decimal in the range 0 to 1, but may also be expressed as a
percentage.
NOTES:
1 Measured values of reflectance depend on the angle of incidence,
the method of measurement of the reflected flux, and the spectral
character of the incident flux.
2 Where the reflectance is with respect to a narrow wavelength
range, the term ‘spectral reflectance’ is normally used.
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Terms Definitions
relative dry hiding power The ability of a paint to reduce the contrast of a black and white
surface to which it is applied and allowed to dry. It is
quantitatively expressed in terms of the proportional spreading
rate of paint required to produce the same contrast reduction as
that obtained with the paint chosen as standard.
resin A natural or synthetic organic material used to bind pigments

together, and to the substrate.†
A collective expression for macromolecular materials,
predominantly amorphous, that range from solids to liquids
having relatively low molecular mass. Resin is an important
constituent of the binder.
NOTE: High polymers such as polyvinyl acetate, chlorinated rubber
and nitrocellulose are not classified as resins.
retarder 1 A slow-evaporating solvent used as a thinner to slow down
the speed of drying of a paint or lacquer to improve the
application properties or produce a better film.
2 Product added to slow down a chemical or physical
change.
rheology The study of the flow properties of materials.
roller (paint) A tool used for the application of paint or texture coating having
a revolving cylinder covered with lambswool, fabric, foamed
plastics or other material.
roller application* A coating process whereby the coating material is applied by
means of a hand-held roller.
roller coating* A coating process whereby flat articles are passed between two
or more horizontally mounted rigid rollers from which a coating
material is transferred to one or both faces of the sheet or article.
NOTE: The process can be used for the application of a coating
material both to individual items (e.g., panels, flush doors) and strip
materials.
ropiness* An effect that is characterized by pronounced brush marks that

have not flowed out because of the poor levelling properties of
the coating material.
rosin A natural resin obtained from various pine trees, which is used
as an ingredient of varnishes and paints.
runs Paint film defects in the form of localized sagging paint in
narrow ribbons flowing downwards on vertical surfaces from
surface irregularities or excessive paint thickness.
rust grade* A classification describing the degree of rust formation on a
steel surface prior to cleaning.
sags* Local irregularities in the film thickness caused by the
downward movement of a coating material during drying in a
vertical or in an inclined position.
NOTE: Small sags may be called runs, tears or droplets, large sags
may be called curtains.
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Terms Definitions
sagging Excessive flow of paint on vertical surfaces causing
imperfections with thick lower edges in the paint film.
sanding 1 The levelling of, the removal of gloss or imperfections
from, or provision of key for subsequent coats on, a
surface by rubbing with abrasive papers or compounds.
2 An abrasive process used to level and/or roughen the
substrate.
sanding sealer (surfacer) A heavily pigmented sandable undercoat used for building the
surface to a smooth condition.
sand finish See texture paint
saponification The formation of a soap by the reaction of a fatty acid and an
alkali.
NOTE: In painting practice, saponification refers to the decomposition
of the vehicle of a film by alkali and moisture in the substrate, such as
in new concrete or rendering based on cement, sand and lime.
Saponified films may become sticky and discoloured. In very severe
cases the film may be completely liquified by saponification.
satin See semi-gloss
satin finish See semi-gloss
scheduled paints Paints defined as belonging to First, Second or Third Schedule
in Appendix I of the Uniform Paint Standard published by the
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.
scumbling A painting technique in which portions of a newly applied
colour coat are removed or textured while still wet, in order to
expose part of the underlying colour. It is used to achieve a
variety of broken colour effects.
scrubbability See washability
sealant A permanently flexible material used to fill expansion joints and
gaps in buildings so as to provide a weatherproof seal.
sealer A product used to seal substrates to prevent materials from
bleeding through to the surface, to prevent reaction of the
substrate with incompatible top coats or to prevent undue

absorption of the following coat into the substrate.
seediness Undesirable particles or granules, other than dust, found in paint
or varnish.
semi-drying oil An oil in which the degree of unsaturation and, hence, the
drying characteristics are inferior to those of a drying oil such as
linseed oil.
NOTE: Typical semi-drying oils are sunflower and soya oil.
semi-gloss (finish) A surface with a specular gloss reading above 20 gloss units but
60 degrees.
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Terms Definitions
settling 1 Separation of paint in a container in which the pigments
and other dense insoluble materials accumulate and
aggregate at the bottom (see also caking).
2 The deposition of a residue on the bottom of a can of a
coating material. A hard settling cannot be redispersed by
simple stirring.
sheen 1 A property of a finish that appears to possess gloss when
seen at glancing angles to the surface, but which when
viewed at an angle normal to the surface, appears flat.
2 Gloss which is observed on an apparently matt surface at
glancing angles of incidence.
shelf life The period a paint may be stored in sealed unopened containers
without the paint showing any significant deterioration in
quality.
shellac The product obtained by refining seedlac by heat processes or by
both heat and solvent processes.
shop primer A fast-drying, abrasion-resistant primer for application in the
workshop to fabricated steel units.
shot peening/blasting 1 A metal cleaning process in which the surface is blasted
by shot.
2 A process of abrasive blast-cleaning using small metal
spheres.
side sheen See sheen
silicone resins* Synthetic resin in which the basic structure consists of siloxane
(silicone-oxygen-silicone linkages).
silking* The formation of parallel microscopic irregularities left on or in
the surface of the dry film of a coating material giving the
appearance of watered silk.
sinkage* The partial absorption of a film of a coating material by the
substrate, mainly perceptible as local differences in gloss and/or

texture.
size A water-thinned sealer or adhesive made from glue, casein or
cellulose derivatives.
skinning 1 The formation of a tough, skin-like covering on liquid
paints and varnishes when exposed to air.
2 The formation of a skin on the surface of a coating
material in the can during storage.
smut Residual matter remaining on the surface after chemical
cleaning.
solids content See non-volatile content by mass and volume solids
solvent A single liquid or blends of liquids, volatile under specified
drying conditions, in which the binder is completely soluble.
solvent-borne paint A paint that is dispersed or dissolved in suitable organic
solvents.
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Terms Definitions
spar varnish See marine varnish
spatter Small particles or drips of liquid paint thrown or expelled from a
paintbrush or roller during the application of paint.
spectral match Two or more materials that appear identical in colour under any
visible light source.
specular gloss The luminous fractional reflectance at the specular direction (see
luminous fractional reflectance).
spot priming The priming of small areas of a previously painted surface
where the substrate has been exposed.
spraying A method of applying paint in which paint is atomized by
compressed air or by high liquid paint pressure, the atomized
paint being directed onto the surface being coated.
spreading rate The surface area that can be covered by a given quantity of
coating material to give a dried film of requisite thickness ( e.g.,
m2 /L or m2 /kg) (see also practical spreading rate and theoretical
spreading rate).
stain A solution or suspension of colouring matter in a vehicle
designed primarily to be applied to create colour effects rather
than to form a protective coating. Also used to describe a
transparent coating that colours without completely obscuring
the grain of the surface.
stainer See colorant
steam cleaning* The removal of surface contaminants from metallic components
by the action of steam jets.
stippling The process of producing a broken colour or pimpled texture by
applying spots of a different colour or by disturbing the surface
of the paint film before it has set by means of a brush, roller or
sponge.
stopper* A stiff paste used for filling holes, cracks and similar surface
defects.
stopping The filling of blemishes in work to be painted, such as nail holes
or cracks, to bring them to an even surface (see also filler and

putty).
stoving* The hardening process by which the crosslinking (increase in
molecular size) of a binder results from the application of heat at
a predetermined minimum temperature.
NOTE: For stoving generally, a temperature range and a time period
are prescribed whereby the temperature limits are specific for the
material.
streaking The formation of irregular lines or streaks of various colours in
a paint film caused by contamination or incorrect incorporation
of colorant.
stripe coat Additional coat applied to edges, holes, welds and corners to
ensure complete coverage, before spray application of the main
coat.
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29 AS/NZS 2310:2002
Terms Definitions
styrene resin Synthetic resin resulting from the polymerization of styrene or
its copolymerization with other monomers.*
substrate* The surface to which the coating material is applied or is to be
applied.
sugar soap A product that, after mixing with water, gives an alkaline
solution used for washing down sound paintwork before re-
painting.
sulfide staining Dark grey or black stains that occur on paint films, which are
caused by the reaction of compounds of lead or other metals,
within the paint, with sulfur compounds.
surface coating A coating or membrane applied to a surface during or after
fabrication for the purpose of enhancing durability, appearance
or other property.
surface dry time A stage in the drying cycle when the surface of the film has
reached a tack-free condition.
NOTE: The situation is variously quantified by several test methods,
such as AS 11580.401.1, AS 1580.401.3, AS 1580.401.5, and
AS 1580.401.6.
sweating 1 Exudation of oily matter from the film of a coating after
the film has apparently dried.
2 The emergence, on the surface of a film, of one or more of
the liquid constituents of the coating material.
swelling* The increase in the volume of the film as a result of the
absorption of liquid or vapour.
synthetic resin* Resin produced by chemical reactions such as polyaddition,
polycondensation or polymerization.
tack-free The stage during the drying and curing process when, under firm
pressure, the paint film is free from stickiness or tackiness.
tackiness The degree of stickiness of a paint film after a given drying
time.
tack-rag 1 A piece of loosely woven cloth that has been dipped into a
varnish oil and wrung out. When the rag becomes tacky or
sticky, it is wiped over a surface to remove small particles
of dust.
2 A piece of cloth impregnated with a sticky substance that
is used to remove dust from a substrate after abrading and
prior to painting.
tannin bleed Visible discolouration of the paint film caused by migration of
tannin components from the underlying timber.
tear-drops Drops of paint that collect on the bottom edges of items painted
by dipping (see also fat edge).
terebine A solution of driers used to accelerate drying of alkyd paints.
texture The roughness or irregularity of a surface.
texture paint A paint that can be manipulated by brush, roller, trowel or other
tool to produce various types of rough, sandy or patterned
effects.
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AS/NZS 2310:2002 30
Terms Definitions
theoretical spreading A spreading rate calculated solely from the volume of non-
rate* volatile matter.
thickening* The increase in the consistency of a coating material but not to
the extent as to render it unsuitable.
thickening agent* Additive that increases the viscosity of the liquid coating
material.
thinner* 1 A volatile liquid, single or blended, added to a product to
lower the viscosity.
2 A single liquid or blend of liquids, volatile under specified
drying conditions, added to a coating material to influence
properties, primarily the viscosity.
thixotrobic agent, Additive that is used to impart thixotropy in a coating material.
thixotrope: additive*
thixotropy The property of a paint whereby the consistency is reduced on
brushing or stirring but increases again on standing (see also
pseudoplasticity).
through dry condition See hard dry condition
tie-coat A coat applied to a previous coat to improve the adhesion of
subsequent coats.
tinter See colorant
tint-base The basic paint to which colorants are added as required to make
a wide range of colours.
NOTE: Depending upon the extent of pigmentation, these products are
typically termed light, mid, deep and accent.
topcoat See finish coat
total solids See non-volatile content by mass or non-volatile content by
volume
touch-dry The stage during the drying or curing process when the paint
film no longer feels sticky when lightly touched.
NOTE: AS 1580.401.1 provides a method that reflects this stage.
touch-up Spot painting to repair damaged or defective films to produce an

even fault-free finish.
turpentine See mineral turpentine and natural turpentine
two-pack product A coating material that is supplied in two parts that have to be
mixed in the correct portions before use. The mixture will then
remain in a useable condition for a limited time.
undercoat 1 An intermediate coat formulated to prepare a primed
surface or other prepared surface for the finishing coat.
2 Any coat between the priming coat and the finishing coat.
ultra-high build A minimum dry film thickness of 1 000 µm achieved in a one
coat application.
uv curing* The hardening of coating materials by exposure to ultra-violet
radiation.
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31 AS/NZS 2310:2002
Terms Definitions
unsaturated polyester Polyester resin characterized by carbon-carbon double bonds in
resin* the polymer chain, which facilitates subsequent crosslinking
with reactive solvents, particularly styrene.
vanadium staining Unsightly staining, usually red-brown in appearance, that
develops staining on light coloured bricks containing traces of
vanadium compounds that bleed through any applied paint film.
varnish A coating material, which, when applied to a substrate, forms a
solid, transparent film having protective, decorative or specific
technical properties.*
NOTES:
1 Certain varnishes contain matting agents.
2 Certain varnishes may be of the two-pack type.
varnish system See paint system
vehicle The sum total of the constituents of the liquid phase of a coating
material.*
vinyl resin Synthetic resin resulting from the polymerization or
copolymerization of monomers containing vinyl groups.
viscosity The quantifiable relationship between applied shear force and
shear rate for a fluid.
viscosity dynamic The ratio of the applied shear stress to the velocity gradient.*
NOTE: The SI unit for dynamic viscosity is the pascal second (Pa.s).
The traditional unit is the centipoise (cP); 1 cP = 1 mPa.s.
viscosity kinematic The ratio of the dynamic viscosity to the density of the liquid.*
NOTE: The SI unit for kinematic viscosity is the square metre per
second (m2 /s). The traditional unit is the centistokes (cSt);
1 cSt = mm2 /s.
volatile organic Fundamentally, any organic liquid and/or solid that evaporates
compound (VOC)* spontaneously at the prevailing temperature and pressure of the
atmosphere with which it is in contact.
NOTE: As to current usage of the term VOC in the field of coating
materials, see volatile organic compound content (VOC
content/VOCC).
volatile organic Mass of the volatile organic compounds present in a coating

compound content (VOCC)* material, as determined under specified conditions.
NOTE: The properties and the amount of compounds to be taken into
account will depend on the sphere of application of the coating
material. For each sphere of application, the limiting values and the
methods of determination or calculation are stipulated by regulations
or by agreements.
volume solids See non-volatile content by volume
wash primer See etch-primer
washability The ease with which dust, soiling and surface stains can be
removed by washing from a dry film of a coating material
without detriment to its specific properties.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1580.459.1 for assessment of washability.
water blasting (wet) Cleaning of a surface with a jet of water at water nozzle pressure
below 70 MPa (10 000 psi), which may contain certain additives
such as corrosion inhibitors and abrasives.
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AS/NZS 2310:2002 32
Terms Definitions
abrasive inducted Addition of abrasives to the water to help lean the surface and
impinge a profile.
low pressure water cleaning Pressure range of 20–35 MPa (3000–5000 psi).
high pressure water cleaning Pressure range of 35–70 MPa (5000–10 000 psi).
sand inducted See abrasive inducted
water jetting Cleaning of a surface with a jet of water at water nozzle pressure
above 70 MPa (10 000 psi), which may contain certain additives
such as corrosion inhibitors and abrasives
high pressure water jetting Pressure range of 70–170 MPa (10 000–25 000 psi)
ultra high pressure water Pressure above 170 MPa (above 25 000 psi).
jetting
waterborne paint Paint in which the pigment and the binder are dispersed or
dissolved in a continuous phase that consists essentially of
water.
NOTE: Latex paints are a specific type of waterborne paint where the
binder is dispersed as an emulsion.
water spotting Spotty appearance on a dry paint film caused by the drying out
of droplets of water.
water repellants 1 Low viscosity coatings or penetrating silicone- based
products that are designed to retard wetting and
penetration of a surface by water.
2 An additive that confers water-repellent properties on a
dry film by reducing the degree of water absorption or by
increasing the interfacial tension between the dry film and
incident moisture.
weathering The exposure of paint films to the weather, to determine their
behaviour to natural elements and pollution.
weld-through primer See pre-construction primer
wet abrasive-blast cleaning Abrasive-blast cleaning with water added, or water blasting with
abrasive particles added.
wet edge The period of time during which the physical condition at the
boundary of the film of a coating material allows the same
product to be applied to an adjacent area and to be blended
imperceptibly with the existing film (see also lap).
NOTE: The existing film is said to present a wet edge.
wet film thickness (WFT) The thickness of the wet paint immediately after application.
wetting agent* Additive to improve the contact between the medium and the
pigment/extender particles or between the coating material and
the substrate, generally by reducing the surface tension.
wet-on-wet A technique whereby a further coat is applied before the
previous one has dried, and the composite film then dries as a
single entity.
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33 AS/NZS 2310:2002
Terms Definitions
whitening in the grain* White or silvery areas, mainly in deep-grained wood, which
appear as the formation of the clear film progressess.
whitewash A flat, waterborne paint for exterior use, consisting mainly of
slaked lime and calcium carbonate (whiting); also called ‘lime
wash’.
whip blasting, Light abrasive blast cleaning usually performed to remove the
brush blasting bloom which sometimes develops when a grit blasted surface is
allowed to stand too long before it is recoated; a method of
preparing surfaces before painting using light abrasive blast
cleaning.
working-up Any lifting, mixing, dissolution, incorporation, or other
interaction observed between two paint films during the
application of the overlying film.
NOTE: Such interaction is indicative of deterioration of the underlying
coating during its curing period, especially if insufficient time has
been allowed between coating applications.
wrinkling* The development of rivels in the film of a coating material
during drying.
NOTE: Some decorative paints are formulated to form more or less
regular wrinkles in the film.
zinc-rich primer An anti-corrosive primer for iron and steel, incorporating
metallic zinc dust as a pigment dispersed in an organic or
inorganic vehicle.
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AS/NZS 2310:2002 34
APPENDIX A
REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
(Normative)
The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
AS
1580 Paints and related materials—Methods of test (all methods)
1627 Metal finishing—preparation and pretreatment of surface (all methods)
2700 Colour strands for general purposes
3894 Site testing of protective coatings (all parts)
4361 Guide to lead paint management
4361.1 Part 1: Industrial applications
4361.2 Part 2: Residential and commercial buildings
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35
NOTES
AS/NZS 2310:2002
AS/NZS 2310:2002
36
NOTES
Standards Australia
Standards Australia is an independent company, limited by guarantee, which prepares and publishes
most of the voluntary technical and commercial standards used in Australia. These standards are
developed through an open process of consultation and consensus, in which all interested parties are
invited to participate. Through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth
government, Standards Australia is recognized as Australia’s peak national standards body.
Standards New Zealand

The first national Standards organization was created in New Zealand in 1932. The Standards
Council of New Zealand is the national authority responsible for the production of Standards.
Standards New Zealand is the trading arm of the Standards Council established under the Standards
Act 1988.
Australian/New Zealand Standards

Under an Active Co-operation Agreement between Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand,
Australian/New Zealand Standards are prepared by committees of experts from industry,
governments, consumers and other sectors. The requirements or recommendations contained
in published Standards are a consensus of the views of representative interests and also take
account of comments received from other sources. They reflect the latest scientific and industry
experience. Australian/New Zealand Standards are kept under continuous review after publication
and are updated regularly to take account of changing technology.
International Involvement
Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand are responsible for ensuring that the Australian
and New Zealand viewpoints are considered in the formulation of international Standards and that
the latest international experience is incorporated in national and Joint Standards. This role is vital
in assisting local industry to compete in international markets. Both organizations are the national
members of ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International
Electrotechnical Commission).
Visit our Web sites
www.standards.com.au www.standards.co.nz
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Administration 155 The Terrace Wellington 6001
Phone (02) 8206 6000 (Private Bag 2439 Wellington 6020)
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AS/NZS 2310:2002

Australian/New Zealand Standard™

Glossary of paint and painting terms

The following are represented on Committee CH-003:

Keeping Standards up-to-date

Alternatively, both organizations publish an annual printed Catalogue with full

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 01198.

Australian/New Zealand Standard™

Glossary of paint and painting terms

Third edition 2002.

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA/STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND

Australian/New Zealand Standard

ageing* The irreversible changes in the properties of a film, which occur

alkyd resin* Polyester resin resulting from the polycondensation of polyacids

alligatoring See crocodiling

anti-mould additive An additive that inhibits mould growth.

artificial weathering The testing of coatings in which ageing is induced by exposure

brush blasting See whip blasting

crows-foot type Checking in which the breaks are in a series of three-pronged

chromating* The chemical pre-treatment of the surface of certain metals

(d) Pitting corrosion Localized corrosion of the substrate

cratering* The formation in the film of small circular depressions that

radiation or chemical means, resulting in the full development of

drop-on beads Glass beads of the appropriate size having retroreflective

efflorescence A deposit of salts, which remains on a surface after diffusion of

electrostatic spraying A method of application by which an electrostatic potential

etching* Cleaning and roughening a surface using a chemical agent, prior

filler* A preparation of pastelike consistency, which is applied to

filling* The application of a filler to give a level surface.

deformations of the substrate to which it is applied.

flow The ability of a paint to spread to a uniform thickness after

gassing* The formation of gas during storage of a coating material.

hardener* One component of a multi-component system, which together by

hungry (surface) A surface that is highly absorbent of paint.

NOTE: Refer to AS/NZS 1580.406.1.

spread so as to even and smooth the film as much as possible.

leafing The orientation of particles of flaky pigments, to form a

mastic A heavy-bodied paste-like material often applied with a trowel

2 The formation of deep cracks during drying, occurring

2 A coating material that is supplied in two or more separate

non-volatile content by Non-volatile content of a paint, expressed as a percentage of the

non-volatile matter 1 The residue remaining after the removal of volatiles.†

oleo-resinous Generally refers to varnishes composed of vegetable drying oils

pigments, a certain degree of water solubility is necessary.

NOTE: It is normally expressed in square metres per litre or square

reducer See thinner

resin A natural or synthetic organic material used to bind pigments

ropiness* An effect that is characterized by pronounced brush marks that

substrate with incompatible top coats or to prevent undue

substrate, mainly perceptible as local differences in gloss and/or

or cracks, to bring them to an even surface (see also filler and

touch-up Spot painting to repair damaged or defective films to produce an

volatile organic Mass of the volatile organic compounds present in a coating

Standards New Zealand

Australian/New Zealand Standards

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ISBN 0 7337 4643 8 Printed in Australia

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