| Term |
Definition |
| Acrylic Paint |
Water-based paint commonly used for both interior and exterior painting in Colorado homes. |
| Latex Paint |
A fast-drying water-based paint suitable for interior walls and ceilings. |
| Oil-Based Paint |
Durable paint ideal for trim and high-traffic areas, slower drying than latex. |
| Flat Finish |
Non-reflective paint ideal for hiding imperfections on ceilings and low-traffic walls. |
| Eggshell Finish |
A low-sheen paint popular for interior walls, offering a soft, washable surface. |
| Satin Finish |
A smooth, slightly glossy finish ideal for active rooms like kitchens or hallways. |
| Semi-Gloss |
Higher sheen than satin, used on trim, cabinets, and doors for easier cleaning. |
| Gloss Finish |
Very shiny and durable finish, often used on doors, furniture, or accent features. |
| Elastomeric Paint |
Highly flexible exterior paint ideal for stucco and Colorado’s freeze-thaw conditions. |
| Caulking |
The act of sealing joints or seams with flexible material to prevent water and air penetration. |
| Sanding |
Smoothing surfaces before priming or painting, essential for adhesion. |
| Scraping |
Removing old or peeling paint to prepare the surface for repainting. |
| Masking |
The use of tape and plastic to protect surfaces from overspray or stray paint. |
| Power Washing |
High-pressure cleaning method used before exterior painting to remove dirt and mildew. |
| Primer |
A preparatory coating applied before paint to enhance adhesion and coverage. |
| TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) |
Heavy-duty cleaner often used in prep to remove grease, smoke, and dirt. |
| Joint Compound |
Material used to repair holes or smooth seams in drywall before painting. |
| Spackle |
A lightweight compound used for patching small holes or dents in drywall. |
| Skim Coating |
A method of applying a thin layer of joint compound over walls to create a smooth finish. |
| Feathering |
Blending new paint or patching into surrounding areas to avoid harsh lines. |
| Accent Wall |
A single wall painted in a different color for visual emphasis. |
| Popcorn Ceiling |
A textured ceiling style popular in older homes; often removed for modern aesthetics. |
| Baseboard Painting |
Detail work done on baseboards to refresh or match room trim. |
| Ceiling Paint |
Flat paint designed specifically for overhead application, usually splatter-resistant. |
| Flashing |
Thin metal used around rooflines and joints to prevent water damage. |
| Fascia |
The board running along the roof edge, often painted to match trim. |
| Soffit |
The underside of a roof overhang, which may require ventilation and paint. |
| Lead Paint |
Toxic paint banned in 1978, still found in older homes and requiring special handling. |
| Weatherproofing |
The act of sealing and painting to protect surfaces from the Colorado elements. |
| Orange Peel Texture |
A slightly bumpy wall texture resembling an orange peel, common in modern drywall. |
| Knockdown Texture |
A mottled drywall texture achieved by knocking down partially dried compound. |
| Drywall Tape |
Used to reinforce joints between drywall sheets before mudding and painting. |
| Epoxy Coating |
Durable resin-based coating ideal for garages, basements, and industrial floors. |
| Self-Leveling Epoxy |
A smooth-pouring epoxy that levels itself, used in commercial-grade applications. |
| Polyaspartic Coating |
Fast-drying, UV-stable coating often used in Colorado garages with quick turnaround needs. |
| Concrete Stain |
Penetrates the concrete surface to add permanent color without peeling. |
| Concrete Paint |
Coating that adheres to concrete surfaces, often used for patios or basements. |
| Asphalt Sealcoating |
Protective surface treatment for asphalt driveways against UV and weathering. |
| Crack Filler |
A flexible or hard-setting material used to repair cracks in concrete or asphalt. |
| UV Resistance |
Paint's ability to resist fading from Colorado’s strong sunlight. |
| Low-VOC Paint |
Eco-friendly paint with minimal off-gassing, ideal for interior use in airtight homes. |
| Mountain Color Palette |
Earthy tones like sage, rust, and granite gray that match Colorado’s natural environment. |
| South-Facing Fade |
Refers to increased UV exposure and fading on south-facing exterior walls in Colorado. |
| Freeze-Thaw Resilience |
The ability of paint and coatings to withstand expansion and contraction during temperature swings. |
A+ Rating