hintsandthings.co.uk »How To

Painting vocabulary – how to communicate with your painter

The decision has been made: you want to spruce up your interior by giving it a fresh look with a new coat of paint. You hire a painting and decorating company, set the meeting, and you suddenly realize you have some troubles with technical vocabulary. Do you want to understand what your painters are saying? Here are the most important terms.

Drop cloths

This is a type of plastic or material cover painters use to protect furniture and floors from unwanted paint stains. Usually an experienced painting and decorating company is equipped with this item . They are often preferred for their durability and water-resistant properties. They are typically made from polyethylene or similar materials, providing a reliable barrier against paint spills and splatters. These cloths are easy to clean and can be reused.

If you are an eco-friendly, you may suggest your own cotton drop cloths. They are an excellent alternative. These cloths are typically made from natural cotton fibres, making them biodegradable and less harmful to the environment.

Primer

Primer is the term that is quite confusing while communicating with painters. Primer – also called undercoat – is a preparatory substance applied on walls as a first layer. It creates a foundation for a flawless paint job and ensures maximum adhesion of the following paint coats. It also guarantees that the paint will go evenly.

Texture

Painting and decorating company form people who not only excel at painting, but are also great in creating textures. If you want to add a little depth to your walls and make it more interesting, you should discuss textures with your painting contractors. If the team you chose is well-trained, experienced and certified, they will probably offer you the solution you will enjoy.

Mud cracks

On your way to refreshed interior, you will probably encounter many painters that see themselves as professionals. Some of them work too fast instead of doing the job properly. As a result you may see mud cracks, which are formed by paint when it dries. Such cracks arise when the painter applies too thick layer of paint to hide imperfections. No worries, professional painting and decorating company will never let for such a mistake. If you hire the team of impeccable reputation, nothing like this will happen after they are finished.

Eggshell and gloss paints

Painting is a complex activity that requires taking slow steps. You should be prepared if a painter asks you what type of finish you want to have on your walls. You can choose from eggshell that provides very low shine, but is much more durable than matte finish, or gloss paint, which reflects different amount of light depending on the paint (low gloss, semi-gloss, high gloss).

Ultimately, the choice between eggshell and gloss paints will depend on your specific needs and the look you want to achieve in your space. Both finishes have their unique advantages, so it’s essential to weigh these factors carefully when making your decision.

Adhesion

If you want your paint to stand the test of time, adhesion is the term that you should be interested in. It refers to how well the dried paint stays on the surface without cracking or blistering. This is probably the most important attribute while looking for suitable paint type. Your choice is even more essential when you look for exterior paints. In this case, adhesion is extremely crucial because of weather conditions that particularly affect external surface of your house.

With this basic terms, you will be able to communicate properly with your painting and decorating company. Remember that professionals should carefully explain if anything seems new to you – a fluent communication is the key to mutual satisfaction.