Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
The ability of a coating to resist being worn away and to maintain its original
Abrasion resistance appearance and structure when subjected to rubbing, scraping, or wear.
A solid substance that, owing to its hardness, toughness, size, shape,
Abrasive consistency, or other properties, is suitable for grinding, cutting, roughening,
polishing, or cleaning a surface by friction or high-velocity impact
Cleaning and roughening of a surface produced by the high-velocity impact of
Abrasive blast an abrasive that is propelled by the discharge of pressurized fluid from a blast
cleaning nozzle or by a mechanical device such as a centrifugal blasting wheel. Also
referred to as abrasive blasting.

Accelerator Additive that increases the speed of chemical reactions

Acid Compound producing hydrogen ions in water. See "pH".

Synthetic resin resulting from the polymerisation of acrylic and /or methacrylic
Acrylic resin monomers, frequently together with other monomers. Has excellent weather
resistance and hardness.
Component which when added to a coating initiates a desired chemical
Activator
reaction.
Any substance added in small quantities to a coating material to improve or
Additive
otherwise modify one or more properties.
Adduct curing A material that is formed by pre-reacting the curing agent with a portion of
agent the resin component of the coating.
The state in which two surfaces is held together by interfacial forces, which
Adhesion
may consist of chemical or interlocking forces, or both.

Adhesive strength Sum total of the forces of attachment between a dry film and a substrate

Aerobic Micro-organism (bacteria) contributing to corrosion. Needs oxygen for growth.

Irreversible changes in the properties of a film which occur with the passage of
Ageing
time
Assemblage of particles of pigments and extenders so joined together that the
Aggregate
assemblage cannot be broken down during normal paint making process.
Air dried Coatings that normally reach a desired hardness without external heat.
Process by which an applied wet coat converts to a dry coating film by
Air drying evaporation of solvent or reaction with oxygen as a result of simple exposure
to air without intentional addition of heat or a curing agent.
Airless spray Process of spraying coating liquids using hydraulic pressure, not air pressure,
(spraying) to atomize.
Alkali Term applied to caustic chemicals. See “pH”
A type of resin formed by the reaction of polyhydric alcohols and polybasic
Alkyd resin acids, part of which is derived from saturated or unsaturated oils or fats. Alkyd
resin used in many types of industrial enamels. Properties vary widely.
Pronounced wide cracking over the entire surface of a coating. Resembles
Alligatoring
alligator skin.
Mixtures of metals that are blended to provide various physical characteristics;
Alloy
e.g. brass, stainless steel, bronze.
Synthetic resin resulting from the condensation of urea or melamine or
Amino resin
derivatives such as benzo-guanamine with formaldehyde
Anaerobic Micro-organism growth contributing to corrosion where no oxygen is present.

Anchor pattern See surface profile.

1 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
The electrode of an electrochemical cell at which oxidation occurs. (Electrons
flow away from the node in the external circuit. It is usually the electrode
Anode
where corrosion occurs and metal ions enter solution.) Positive terminal of an
electrolyte cell; metal that corrodes.
Anodising Generally pertains to an oxide deposited on aluminium electrolytically.
Additive that usually rises to the surface during drying process and thus
Anti-blocking agent
prevents blocking
Additive that prevents foaming or reduces the foaming tendency of a coating
Anti-foaming agent
material
Coating material applied to either the underwater sections of a ship’s hull or to
Antifouling paint other underwater structures to discourage biological growth on the substrate.
Preventing fouling. [See fouling.]

Anti-skinning agent Additive that prevents or retards skinning caused by oxidation during storage

The quantity of a coating material that is required to produce, under defined

Application rate working conditions, a dry film of a given thickness or unit area. Expressed as
l/m2 / gal/ft2 or kg/m2 / lbs/ft2
Volatile solvent such as benzene, toluene Xylene. Usually extracted from coal
Aromatic
tar, but can be made from petroleum. See "Solvent". A term refers to
Hydrocarbon
chemical structure - not smell.
Asphalt Black resinous material of petroleum origin.
The portion of a marine structure that extends upward from the splash zone
Atmospheric zone
and is exposed to sun, wind, water spray, and rain.

Baking See Stoving.

A hardness value obtained by measuring the resistance of rubbers, plastics, or

Barcol hardness coatings to indentation by a steel impresser under spring load in accordance
with Test Method D2583.
A coating that has a high resistance to permeation of liquids and/or gases; A
Barrier coating coating that is applied over a previously coated surface to prevent damage to
the underlying coating during subsequent handling.
The resin portion of a coating whose function is to hold pigments together,
Binder and provides a cohesive film.The non-volatile portion of the vehicle of a
formulated coating material.
Additive to a coating material to prevent organisms responsible for
Biocide
microbiological degradation from attacking a coating material or a film thereof
An asphalt or coal-tar compound used to provide a protective coating for a
Bituminous coating
surface.
The angle of the blast nozzle with reference to the surface during abrasive
Blast angle blast cleaning; The angle of the abrasive particles propelled from a centrifugal
blasting wheel with reference to the surface being abrasive blast cleaned.
Coating material that is applied to a steel substrate immediately after abrasive
blast cleaning in order to preserve the blast quality during fabrication. See
Blast primer
also Shopprimer. Sometimes fully removed after fabrication, sometimes left
in pace if it is in good condition and the subsequent coats are compatible
The diffusion of coloured matter through a coating from underlying surface;
Bleeding
also the discoloration arising from such diffusion.
A dome-shaped projection on the surface of a coating resulting from the local
Blister, blistering loss of adhesion and lifting of the film from an underlying coat or from the
base substrate.
Unwanted adhesion between two surfaces, at least one of which has been
Blocking
coated, when they are left in contact under load after a given drying period

Blooming See blushing.

2 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
Blushing Whitening and loss of gloss of a coating, usually organic, caused by moisture.

Condition whereby a film has such poor flexibility that is disintegrates easily
Brittleness
into small fragments
Brush blast Abrasive Blast Cleaning that conforms to NACE No. 4 Standard and SSPC SP 7
(blasting) Standard.
Resistance encountered when applying a coating material by brush, related to
Brush drag
its shear viscosity

Bubbling Formation of temporary or permanent bubbles in an applied film

Alloy of carbon and iron containing up to 2 percent carbon and up to 1.65

percent manganese and residual quantities of other elements, except those
Carbon steel
intentionally added in specific quantities for deoxidation (usually silicon and/or
aluminium).
Chemical substance, usually present in small amounts relative to the
Catalyst reactants, that increases the rate at which a chemical reaction (e.g., curing)
would otherwise occur, but is not consumed in the reaction.
The electrode of an electrochemical cell at which reduction is the principal
Cathode reaction. (Electrons flow toward the cathode in the external circuit.) Negative
terminal of an electrolytic cell; caustic ions usually produced at the cathode.
Corrosion of a metal when it is a cathode, usually caused by the reaction of an
Cathodic corrosion
amphoteric metal with the alkaline products of electrolysis.
Cathodic The destruction of adhesion between a coating and the coated surface caused
disbondment by products of a cathodic reaction.
Technique to reduce the corrosion rate of a metal surface by making that
Cathodic protection
surfaces the cathode of an electrochemical cell.
T Force exerted by a high velocity liquid forming extreme turbulence. Usually a
combination of corrosion and erosion. The formation and rapid collapse of
Cavitation
cavities or bubbles of vapour or gas within a liquid resulting from mechanical
or hydrodynamic forces.
The degradation of a solid body resulting from its exposure to cavitation. (This
Cavitation damage may include loss of material, surface deformation, or changes in properties or
appearance.)

Cell See electrochemical cell.

Form of paint degradation in weather resulting in loose pigment on surface.

Seen as a white surface residue that forms on the surface of coatings due to
Chalked, chalking
breakdown of the coating by attack from Ultra Violet Light. Most noticeable
with Epoxy Coatings.
Shall refer to the process of abrading an aged or worn coating by mechanical
or hand preparation methods to remove the coating to a point where the
Chased back adhesion is such that the coating is again in a sound condition and well
adhered to the substrate. Usually applied to repairs around damaged or
delaminated coating.
Breaks in the coatings that do not penetrate to the underlying surface. See
Checking
"Cracking".
Adherent, reaction-product layer on a metal surface formed in situ by reaction
Chemical with a suitable chemical, used for protective, decorative, or functional
conversion coating purposes. (It is often used to provide greater corrosion resistance or prepare
the surface prior to the application of an organic coating.)
Chemical pre- Any chemical process applied to a surface prior to the application of a coating
treatment material. See Chromating and Phosphating.
Iron Grit of random shape variously graded is used as an Abrasive Blasting
Chilled iron grit media to prepare surfaces for painting when the item is being blast cleaned in
a grit room or booth.

3 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
Removing coating and surface contaminants from a substrate by mechanical
Chipping means. A type of coating failure caused by mechanical damage, loss of
adhesion, or both.
Matting material used in Epoxy, Polyester and Vinyl Ester coating systems to
Chopped strand
re-enforce the resin system. Most usually made from randomly placed
mat
fibreglass strands and produced in various weights of matting.
Chemical pre-treatment of the surface of certain metals using solutions usually
Chromating
consisting essentially of chromic acid and or chromate.
Appearance in a film of areas of non-uniform thickness which vary in extent
Cissing
and distribution
Black resinous material derived from coal. A resin used in ship bottom
Coal tar
coatings.
One layer of a coating system applied to a surface in a single continuous
Coat (of paint)
application to form a uniform film when dry.
A liquid, liquefiable, or mastic composition that, after application to a surface,
is converted into a solid protective, decorative, or functional adherent film. In
Coating
a more general sense, a thin layer of solid material on a surface that provides
improved protective, decorative, or functional properties.
Coating powder Coating material in powder form which, after fusing and possibly curing, gives
(powder coating) a continuous film.
Process of application of a coating material to a substrate, such as dipping,
Coating process
spraying, roller coating, brushing.
The complete number and types of coats applied to a substrate in a
Coating system predetermined order. (When used in a broader sense, surface preparation,
pre-treatments, dry film thickness, and manner of application are included.)
Forces that bind a film into an integral entity. Not to be confused with
Cohesion
Adhesion.
Coating process whereby the coating material is applied continuously to a coil
Coil coating
of metal which may be rewound after the film has been dried.

Cold cracking Formation of cracks in a film resulting from exposure to low temperatures.

Cold flow Characteristic of many plastics to change shape under continuous pressure.

Cold rolled steel Sheet stocks; has little if any mill scale. Typical use – auto industry.
Sensation resulting from the visual perception of radiation of a given spectral
Colour
composition.
An abrasive blast cleaned steel surface that is free of all visible contaminants
Commercial blast and foreign matter but may have some random staining on no more than 33
cleaned surface percent of the surface area. [See NACE No. 3/SSPC-SP 6 for detailed
specification.]
Compatibility of Ability of a coating material to be applied to a substrate without causing
coating materials undesirable effects.
Compatibility of Ability of two or more materials to be mixed together without causing
materials undesirable effects.
Conductive Accomplished by the addition of pigment, which will conduct (static)
Coating electricity.
A measure of the ability of a material to conduct an electric charge. The
Conductivity current transferred across a material (e.g., coating) per unit area per unit
potential gradient. (Conductivity is the reciprocal of resistivity.)
Person, Persons and / or Company / Firm directly responsible to Owner or
Contractor
Owners representative for completion of the work as contractually defined.
Conventional spray Paint Spray equipment that uses air to atomize the paint.

Converter See PACK B:

4 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
The loss of metal by electrochemical processes. The deterioration of a
Corrosion material, usually a metal, that results from a chemical or electrochemical
reaction with its environment.
A chemical substance or combination of substances that, when present in the
Corrosion inhibitor proper concentration and forms in the environment, reduces the corrosion
rate.
The time rate of change of corrosion. (It is typically expressed as mass loss
Corrosion rate
per unit area per unit time, penetration per unit time, etc.)
Corrosion Ability of a material, usually a metal, to withstand corrosion in a given
resistance environment.
A pigment that, when formulated into a liquid coating material, has the
Corrosion-inhibitive
property of minimizing corrosion of the metal substrate to which the coating is
pigment
applied.

Corrosiveness The tendency of an environment to cause corrosion.

A test piece that is fabricated from the same substrate material, prepared to
Coupon the same standard as the substrate and coated with the same material
(identical batch number) at the same time that the actual substrate is coated.
Cracking (of
Breaks in a coating that extends through to the substrate.
coating)
Circular domes in dried film with a thin sport in centre. Can be minute up to
Crater, Craters
1/8” in diameter.

Crazing A network of checks or cracks appearing on the surface of a coating.

Creep Time-dependent strain occurring under stress.

That stress which, when applied to a material at a specific temperature, will

Creep strength
cause a specified amount of elongation in a specified time.
Localized corrosion of a metal or alloy surface at, or immediately adjacent to,
an area that is shielded from full exposure to the environment because of
Crevice corrosion
close proximity of the metal or alloy to the surface of another material or an
adjacent surface of the same metal or alloy.
The relative humidity above which the atmospheric corrosion rate of a specific
Critical humidity
metal or alloy increases sharply.
Critical pigment
Value of the pigment volume concentration at which the voids between the
volume
solid particles which are nominally touching are just filled with binder and
concentration
above which certain properties of the film are markedly changed.
(CPVC)
Cross hatch A method of testing the adhesion of a coating as described in BS 3900
Pertains to making two passes with a spray gun over the same surface at right
Cross spraying
angles to each other.
Chemical process of developing the intended properties of a coating or other
Curing
material (e.g., resin) over a period of time.
Activator or hardener added to a synthetic resin to develop proper chemical
Curing agent
resistance and hardness. Also called catalyst.
The minimum period between application and the time at which the applied
Curing time
material attains its intended physical properties.
Application of a coating material by passing the article to be coated
Curtain coating horizontally through a descending sheet of a continuously recirculated coating
material.
Curtains Long horizontal runs in film, occurs on vertical surfaces.

Cutting in Application of a coating material by brush up to a predetermined line.

5 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
A spring-loaded safety cut-out switch that is held in the operator’s hand in a
Dead man switch closed position. If the operator releases the switch the operating machine will
immediately stop. Most usually used for Abrasive Blasting Equipment.
Removal from a surface, prior to painting, of oil, grease and similar
Degreasing
substances by either an organic solvent or water based cleaning agent.
Deionised water See “demineralised”

Delamination Separation between coats due to very poor adhesion.

Demineralised Purified water from which all mineral salts are removed, leaving only pure
water water.
Removal by rubbing with a fine abrasive paper of small particles which stand
De-nibbing
proud of the surface of a paint film.

De-scaling Removal of mill scale or laminated rust from steel or other ferrous substrates.

Shall mean dry film thickness, which shall be expressed in micro metres
DFT
(microns, µm).

Dielectric coating Coating that does not conduct electricity.

An electrically nonconductive material, such as a coating, sheet or pipe that is

Dielectric shield placed between an anode and an adjacent cathode, usually on the cathode, to
improve current distribution in a cathodic protection system.
Volatile liquid, single or blended, which, whilst not a solvent, may be used in
Diluent
conjunction with the solvent without causing any deleterious effects.
Application of a coating material by immersing the object to be coated into a
Dipping bath containing the coating material and then, after withdrawal, allowing it to
drain.
Shall mean a coating that is applied to a prepared metal substrate without the
Direct to metal use of a Primer, Etch Solution or other adhesion promoting chemical
treatment.
Tendency of a dry film to attract to the surface appreciable amounts of soiling
Dirt pick up
material.
Tendency of a dry film to retain on the surface soiling material which cannot
Dirt retention
be removed by simple cleaning.

Disbondment Loss of adhesion between a coating and the substrate.

Dispersion Suspension of tiny particles in a liquid medium.

Additive that facilitates the dispersal of solids in the medium during
Dispersion agent
manufacture and that increases the stability of the mixture thereafter.
Different metals that could form an anode cathode relationship in an
Dissimilar metals
electrolyte when connected by an electron-conducting (usually metallic) path.
Water that has been vaporised and then condensed to remove impurities. Still
Distilled water
contains dissolved gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen.
Compound, usually a metal soap that is added to products drying from
Drier
oxidation in order to accelerate that process.

Dry film thickness Thickness of a dried film, coating, or membrane.

A rough, powdery non coherent film produced when atomized coating particles
Dry spray
partially dry before reaching the surface.
Stage of drying or curing of an applied coating at which time the coated object
Dry to handle
can be carefully handled without damage.
Stage of drying or curing of an applied coating at which time a subsequent
Dry to recoat
coat can be applied satisfactorily.

6 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
The process in which a liquid film is converted to a solid film by evaporation of
Drying
volatile components.
Fatty oil capable of conversion from a liquid to solid by slow reaction with
oxygen in the air. The "drying' thus refers to a change of physical state, and
Drying 0il
not an evaporation of solvent. Paints can be made from drying oils to this
hardening ability.

Durability Property of a coating to resist the deleterious effects of its environment.

Dry Film Thickness Gauge that uses eddy current technology to calculate the
Eddy current
thickness of the paint film over magnetic and non-magnetic substrates.
Phenomenon that occurs when water soluble salts in the dry film or from the
Efflorescence
substrate migrate to the surface and form a crystalline deposit.
Elastic Springiness, rubbery quality X can be stretched.
The maximum stress to which a material may be subjected without retention
Elastic limit
of any permanent deformation after the stress is removed.
The property of a material that allows it to recover its original dimensions
Elasticity
following deformation by a stress below its elastic limit.
Chemical changes produced by an electrical current or the production of
Electrochemical
electricity from a chemical reaction.
Process whereby a film of water based coating material is deposited, under the
Electrodeposition influence of electric current, on an object that forms either the anode or the
cathode, depending on the nature of the coating material.
Electrolyte A solution of ions in water capable of conducting current.
Electrostatic Method of application by which an electric potential difference is applied
spraying between the article to be coated and the atomised coating material particles.
Emulsion See "Latex".
Emulsion paint
Coating material in which the organic binder is an aqueous dispersion.
Latex paint
A paint that dries to a hard, glossy surface. A coating that is characterized by
Enamel
an ability to form a smooth, durable film.
The surroundings or conditions (physical, chemical, mechanical) in which a
Environment
material exists.
Epoxy formulation that requires elevated temperatures to cure or react.
Epoxy baked
Usually combined with Phenolic resins.
Epoxy formulation that cures by the addition of a catalyst, generally at room
Epoxy catalysed
temperature.
Synthetic resin resulting from the reaction between an epoxy resin and fatty
Epoxy ester
acids and or /oils.
Type of resin formed by the reaction of aliphatic or aromatic polyols (such as
Epoxy resin bisphenol) with epichlorohydrin and characterized by the presence of reactive
oxirane end groups.
The progressive loss of material from a solid surface resulting from mechanical
Erosion interaction between that surface and a fluid, a multicomponent fluid, or solid
particles carried with the fluid.
A conjoint action involving erosion and corrosion in the presence of a moving
Erosion-corrosion corrosive fluid or a material moving through the fluid, leading to accelerated
loss of material.
Compounds formed by the reaction of alcohols with organic acids; e.g. butyl
Ester
acetate.
Primer, often supplied as two reactive components mixed immediately prior to
Etch primer application designed to react with a metal surface to improve adhesion of
subsequent coats.

7 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
Cleaning and roughening a surface using a chemical agent prior to painting in
Etching order to increase adhesion. Generally pertains to the result of the treatment of
a surface with acid.
Material in granular or powder form, insoluble in the medium and used to
Extender
modify or influence certain physical properties.
External When air is used to break up the coating material after it has left the spray
atomisation: gun nozzle.

Exudation See “Sweating”.

Fading Loss of colour of a film of a coating material.

Reducing the thickness of the edges of an undamaged coating film, such as

Feather, adjacent to a damaged coating or rusted area, by abrasion or sanding to taper
Feathering the edge and produce a smooth transitional area from the coating to the
substrate or underlying coating.
A resin-rich coating or lining into which layers of fibreglass reinforcement have
Fibreglass-
been incorporated to produce mechanical and physical properties superior to
reinforced plastic
the base resin itself.
Corrosion that occurs under some coatings in the form of randomly distributed
Filiform corrosion
thread like filaments.
Coating material with a high proportion of extender intended primarily to even
Filler out irregularities in the substrate to be painted. Also used to describe a
material as an “extender”.

Filling Application of filler to give a level surface.

A thin, not necessarily visible layer of material. Also see Coat & Coating. Layer
Film
of coating or paint. A wet-film is one that has just been applied
Transition of an applied coating material from the liquid to the solid state or,
in the case of a powder coating material, through a liquid phase. Film
Film formation
formation is brought about by drying and or hardening. Both changes can
proceed simultaneously.
Term related to the size of the largest particles in a mill base or in a coating
Fineness of grind
material.

Finish coat See topcoat.

Presence of craters in a coat, each having a small particle of impurity in the

Fish eye
centre. [See crater].

Flaking Detachment of small parts of a coating due to loss of adhesion.

Process by which a reducing flame is applied to a surface, followed by manual

Flame cleaning
or mechanical cleaning operations.
The time necessary between the application of successive coats wet-on-wet or
Flash off time the time for the evaporation of most of the volatile matter before stoving or
curing by radiation.
Lowest temperature of a test portion, corrected to a barometric pressure of
Flash point 101.3 kPa, at which the application of an ignition source causes the vapour to
ignite.
Rapid formation of a very thin layer of rust on ferrous substrates after blast
Flash rust cleaning, or of rust stains after the application of a water based coating on a
ferrous substrate.
Ability of a dry film to follow deformation into a substrate without damage to
Flexibility
the coating film.
Flexible Ability of a film to bend without breaking.

8 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
Separation of one or more pigments from a coating material containing
Floating mixtures of different pigments, causing streaks or areas of uneven colour on
the surface of the coating material.

Flocculation Formation of loosely coherent pigments agglomerates in a coating material.

Flooding Pigment that floats to the surface of a film usually in streaks.

Flow Property of a coating material that enables levelling

Application of a coating material either by pouring or by allowing it to flow

Flow coating
over the object to be coated, and allowing the excess to drain off.
Process by which the drying of a coating material is accelerated by exposing it
Force drying to a temperature higher than ambient, but below that normally used for
stoving.
Foreign thinner A thinner that is not specifically recommended by the coating manufacturer.
Marine growth, weeds, barnacles; growth of attachments to hulls of ships or
Fouling marine structures. Includes the accumulation of deposits on heat exchanger
tubing.
Formation of a large number of very fine wrinkles in the form of frost-like
Frosting
patterns.
A list of metals and alloys arranged according to their corrosion potentials in a
Galvanic series
given environment.
A coating of zinc applied by various processes including hot dipping and
Galvanised coating
electrolytic and mechanical deposition.
Galvanizing Coating with molten metallic zinc by dipping.
Naturally occurring minerals sand suitable for Abrasive Blasting when it is
Garnet (almandite
washed, graded and blended to ensure chloride levels and particle size are
garnet)
suitable for abrasive blast cleaning operations.

Gassing Formation of gas during storage of a coating material.

Shall mean the condition coating reaches when it is partially cured and no
Gelled longer liquid enough to be applied.Coating which has coagulated and formed a
jelly-like body.
Corrosion that is distributed more-or-less uniformly over the surface of a
General corrosion
material.
Optical property of a surface, characterised by its ability to reflect light
Gloss
specularly. A coating that displays a highly reflective surface.
Glossy Description of a surface that displays a mirror-like finish.
Angular abrasive particles made from by-product steel or iron slag. Frequently
Grit
used instead of silica sand for blast cleaning.
Abrasive blast cleaning using grit (steel, slag or aluminium oxide) as the
Grit blasting
abrasive. Refer to ISO 11124-1 or ISO 11126-1 for full details.
Removal of loose rust, loose mill scale, and loose coating by hand chipping,
Hand tool cleaning
scraping, sanding, and wire brushing. [See SSPC-SP 2.]

Hardeners See curing agent.

Hardness Ability of a dry film to resist indentation or penetration by a solid object.

Haze Milky opalescence in high gloss or clear coatings.

9 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
That portion of the base metal that is not melted during brazing, cutting, or
Heat-affected zone welding, but whose microstructure and properties are altered by the heat of
these processes.
Heavy scale Iron oxide rust formed in layers from 3mms to 12mms thick.
Hiding Power Ability of a coating material or a coating to obliterate the colour or the
(coverage, opacity) differences in colour of a substrate.
High build Shall refer to coatings that can be applied up to 750 microns DFT in one coat.
Term applied to coating materials in which the content of volatile matter is
High solids kept to a minimum, consistent with the maintenance of satisfactory application
properties.
High-pressure Water cleaning performed at pressures from 34 to 70 MPa (5,000 to 10,000
water cleaning psig).
High-pressure Waterjetting performed at pressures from 70 to 210 MPa (10,000 to 30,000
waterjetting psig).
Holding primers are those primers, which are applied in a workshop or plate
Holding primer
shop or at a worksite and form part of the specified coating system.

Holiday Absence of film from certain areas of coated substrate. See miss.

Any discontinuity or bare spot in a painted area such as a pinhole, void or

Holiday
inclusion within the coating film or coating system.
Method of test by Low Voltage Wet Sponge or High Voltage DC current
Holiday testing
instrument to detect defects, low film, voids or inclusions (pinholes) in the
(detection)
coating film.
Normally used in structures and Tankage; has mill scale on surface. See "Cold
Hot rolled steel
Rolled".
Spraying of a coating material that has been reduced in viscosity by heating
Hot spraying
rather than by addition of solvents.

Hot-dip galvanizing Applying a coating of zinc by immersion of steel in a bath of molten zinc.

HSE Health, Safety and Environment.

HSEMS Health, Safety and Environment Management System.

Hydraspray Trade name meaning hydraulic spray. See "Hydraulic Spray".

Paint at 1500 psi or higher is forced through an aperture. No air is used for
Hydraulic spray
atomisation.
Hydrocarbon Extracts from petroleum; e.g. gasoline lubrication oil.
Synthetic resin resulting from copolymerisation of aliphatic and / or aromatic
Hydrocarbon resin
hydrocarbons sometimes with aldehydes.
Immersion Refers to an environment, which is submerged continuously.

Impact resistance Ability of a material to resist damage from impact.

An electric current supplied by a device employing a power source that is

Impressed current external to the electrode system. (An example is direct current for cathodic
protection.)
A non-metallic phase such as an oxide, sulphide, or silicate particle in a metal.
Inclusion
See Holiday.
Minimum time interval needed between mixing and application of coating
Induction period
materials supplied as a multi-coat product. Do not confuse with pot life.
The time period after adding the converter or catalyst that the coating shall be
Induction time left before use to allow the chemical reaction between the Pack A and the Pack
B to commence.
10 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
Inhibitive A pigment added to coatings capable of retarding the corrosion of the metal
Pigment over which the coating is applied. Examples: red lead, chromate salts.
Inhibitors Compounds added in small concentrations to prevent corrosion.
Chemicals such as salts, acids, alkalis, etc. Based on all chemical elements
Inorganic
except carbon.
A solvent borne or water borne inorganic zinc silicate coating that contains a
minimum of 74% by weight of metallic zinc in the dry film. The product shall
Inorganic zinc
conform to SSPC Paint Specification No. 18 “Zinc Rich Primers, Type 1 and
Type 2”
Inorganic zinc-rich Coating containing a metallic zinc pigment (typically 75 mass percent zinc or
coating more in the dry film) in an inorganic vehicle.

Intermediate coat Any coat between the primer and the top coat or finishing coat.

Refers to a spray gun in which the material is mixed with air before being
Internal mix
discharged through the tip.
The swelling or bubbling of a coating usually caused by heating. (The term is
Intumescence
commonly used in aerospace and fire-protection applications.)
An electrically charged particle derived from soluble mineral chemicals on
dissolving in water. Ions are both positively and negatively charged, and
Ion
splitting of the original chemical when it dissolves forms equal amounts of
each.
Ferric oxide - rust. Reddish in colour. Also used as paint pigment in the form
Iron oxide
of a very pure powder.
Synthetic resin containing free or blocked isocyanate groups based on
Isocyanate resin
aromatic, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic isocyanates.
Inspection and Test Plan as developed by the Contractor detailing Stage
ITP
Inspection for ‘Review’, ‘Witness’ and ‘Hold’ points throughout the Contract.
Ketone Class of organic compounds; e.g. Acetone, MEK.

Lacquer Type of coating that dries solely by evaporation of solvent.

Lacquer thinner Used to describe such solvents as ethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate and toluene.
The under bound top surface of new concrete. Can be unreacted cement,
Laitance
unbound sand and aggregates and dusts.
Milk-like fluid made up of microscopic particles of rubber or synthetic resin
Latex
suspended in water. The suspension is stable.
A paint containing a stable aqueous dispersion of synthetic resin produced by
Latex paint emulsion polymerization, as the principal constituent of the binder. (Modifying
resins may also be present.)
Property of metallic particles to float to the surface of a freshly applied coating
Leafing
material in order to give a lustrous appearance.
Ability of a coating material to flow out after application so as to minimize any
Levelling
surface irregularities caused by the application process.
Softening and raising or wrinkling of a previous coat by the application of a
Lifting
subsequent coat or due to the influence of solvent.
A coating or layer of sheet material adhered to or in intimate contact with the
interior surface of a container used to protect the container against corrosion
Lining
by its contents and/or to protect the contents of the container from
contamination by the container material.
Is the percentage mix of free solvent that is available to combine with air until
Lower explosive
it reaches a percentage of saturation where it will ignite if an ignition source is
limit (LEL)
introduced to the air / solvent mix.
Low-pressure water Water cleaning performed at pressures less than 34 MPa (5,000 psig). [also
cleaning called power washing or pressure washing]

11 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
Instrument that uses magnetic resistance to display the thickness of coatings
Magnetic DFT
over magnetic substrates.
Temporary covering of those areas that are not to be painted. Carried out with
Masking papers, plastics and solid materials most usually held in place with removable
masking tape.
Term used to describe a heavy body coating, usually one that has tolerance
for application over a less than perfectly prepared surface or over aged
coatings. Aromatic resin of the mastic tree, commonly used in lacquers and
Mastic varnishes. A material of relatively viscous, paste-like consistency that can be
poured when heated but often requires mechanical manipulation (e.g., using a
trowel) to apply, which dries or cures to form a thick protective coating.
(Mastics usually contain fillers to produce the desired consistency.)
Matt Shall mean a coating that displays no gloss or sheen on the surface.

Matting agent Product incorporated into a coating film to reduce the gloss of a dry film.

MEK Ketone solvent, methyl ethyl ketone.

The coating of a surface with a thin metal layer by thermal spraying, hot
Metalizing or metal
dipping, or vacuum deposition. Method of applying atomised molten metal to a
spray
surface; e.g. zinc and aluminium.
MIBK Ketone solvent, methyl isobutyl ketone.
Microbiologically
influenced Corrosion affected by the presence or activity, or both, of microorganisms.
corrosion
Micron, Microns Shall mean Micrometres and can be expressed as “Microns” or “µm”.
Layer of iron oxide formed on the surface of steel plates and sheet during hot
Mild scale
rolling. May be 50-125mrn thick.
Unit used to designate film thickness, 1 mil = 0.001 (one thousand) of an inch
Mils (mil)
= 25 µm.
An area of the substrate that was not coated when the area was being
Miss, misses
painted. Absence of film from certain areas of coated substrate. See holiday.
Molecule of low molecular weight capable of conversion into polymers, plastics
Monomer
and synthetic resins.
Descriptive of coatings of spotted appearance, blotches of different colour or
Mottled
shades of a colour.
MSD Material Safety Data

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet.

Formation of an irregular broken network of cracks in a film, which occurs due
Mud cracking
to volume reduction during drying or curing.

Natural resin Resin of vegetable or animal origin.

An abrasive blast cleaned steel surface that is free of all visible contaminants
Near-white metal
and foreign matter, but may have some random staining on no more than 5
blast cleaned
percent of the surface area. [See NACE No. 2/SSPC-SP 10 for detailed
surface
specification.]
Neutral Term used to describe an environment, which is neither acid nor alkaline.
A metal with a standard electrode potential more positive than that of
Noble metal
hydrogen.
Term used to designate metals and alloys that do not contain iron or steel;
Non-ferrous
e.g. brass, aluminium, magnesium.
Non-immersed,
Refers to an environment, which is not continuously submerged.
non-immersion

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 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
Solvent and detergent blend often used to remove heavy deposits of asphalt’s
Oil cleaner
and oils.
Opacity (hiding Ability of a coating material or a coating to obliterate the colour or the
power, coverage) differences in colour of a substrate.
The dimpled appearance of a dried coating resembling the surface of a navel
Orange peel orange due to lack of flow out of wet film. The rough appearance of a metal
surface resulting from large grain size and deformation.
Chemicals based on carbon, as contrasted to mineral chemical compounds.
Organic Carbohydrates, synthetic resins solvents and an enormous variety of
chemicals are organic.
Organic zinc, A one, two or three component Zinc Rich primer that contains a minimum of
Organic zinc rich 77% by weight of zinc dust in the dry film and conforms to SSPC Paint
primer Specification 18 “Zinc Rich Primers Type 2 Organic”.
Blistering of film due to salt deposits beneath the coating. Wet blisters, filled
Osmotic blistering
with salt solution, are formed.
Application of a coat of a coating material over and beyond a previously
Overlap
applied coat.
Paint is deposited on a surface that was not supposed to be coated. Sprayed
Overspray coating that is dry when it hits the surface, resulting in dusty, granular
adhering particles.
Refers to the Resin Package or larger volume package of a two part protective
Pack A
coating.
Refers to the Converter (Catalyst) or smaller volume package of a two part
Pack B
protective coating.
A pigmented liquid or resin applied to a substrate as a thin layer forms an
Paint
opaque film having protective, decorative or specific technical properties.

Paint system See coating system.

Surface that has shown no active corrosion or an atmosphere that is not

Passive
corrosive.
Pattern (spray) Shape of stream of material coming from the spray gun.

Pebbly Rough, irregular surface having a coarse grainy texture.

Peeling Detachment of large areas of the coating due to loss of adhesion.

Permeability Property of a coating that allows liquid or a vapour to diffuse through it.

Value indicating the acidity of a solution. Pure water has a pH value of 7

pH
(neutral) Acidity ranges down to pH 1 and alkalinity up to pH 14.
Synthetic thermosetting resin resulting from the polycondensation of phenol,
its homologues and / or derivatives with aldehydes, in particular
Phenolic resin
formaldehyde. Can be formulated to produce coatings, varnishes, moulding
materials and adhesives.
Chemical pre-treatment of the surface of certain metals using solutions
Phosphating
essentially consisting of phosphoric acid and or phosphates.
Removal of rust and mill scale from ferrous substrates by electrochemical
Pickling
procedures or by means of an acidic solution usually containing an inhibitor.
A solid substance, generally in fine powder form, that is insoluble in the
Pigment vehicle of a formulated coating material. It is used to impart colour or other
specific physical or chemical properties to the coating.
Pigment volume Ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the total volume of the pigments and / or
concentration extenders and / or other non-film-forming solid particles in a product to the
(PVC) total volume of the non-volatile matter.
A minute hole through a coat or coats that looks like it was made with a pin
Pinhole, pinholes
and exposes an underlying coat or the substrate.

13 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
Localized corrosion of a metal surface that is confined to a small area and
takes the form of cavities called pits. Can result in forming holes in a metal
Pitting
surface. May be described as shallow or deep, small or large in diameter, and
quantity or number per unit area.
Resinous material that may be moulded into desired shapes or dissolved to
Plastic
form a coating.
Organic liquid added to coatings and sheet lining compositions to improve
Plasticiser
flexibility.
Dispersion of vinyl resin particles in liquid Plasticiser. Liquid film is converted
Plastisol
to tough solid by heat fusion.

Polyester resin Type of resin formed by the polycondensation of polyacids and polyols.

Substances composed of giant molecules formed by the union of a group of

Polymer
simple molecules (monomers).
Polymerisation Uniting of monomers to form polymers.
Synthetic resin resulting from the reaction of polyfunctional isocyanates with
compounds containing reactive hydroxyl groups. When used as a coating
Polyurethane
binder, it generally produces a tough, durable, glossy protective coating with
good chemical and ultraviolet light resistance.
The maximum elapsed time during which a coating can be effectively applied
Pot life
after all components of the coating have been thoroughly mixed.
Potable water Water fit for human consumption – drinking water.

PPE Personal Protective Equipment.

ppm parts per million.

Practical spreading Spreading rate which is obtained in practise on the particular substrate being
rate coated.
One or more coats applied in a shop or plant prior to shipment to the site of
erection or fabrication. Also used as a temporary primer to preserve the
Pre-fabrication
quality of the blast finish during the fabrication stage. Sometimes fully
primer
removed after fabrication, sometimes left in pace if it is in good condition and
the subsequent coats are compatible. See shop primer.
Described degree of visual cleanliness of a substrate after corrosion products
Preparation grade or other contamination has been removed by a prescribed preparation
method. For carbon steel see ISO 8501-1 and ISO 8501-2
Pressure Vessel that contains coating, which is delivered to the spray gun by
Pressure pot
pressurizing the vessel with compressed air.
First coat applied to a surface. See "System Coating". Formulated to have
Primer good bonding and wetting characteristics and may or may not contain
inhibitive pigments.
Term used to describe anchor pattern on a surface, produced by abrasive
Profile
blasting or acid treatment.

Protective coating A coating applied to a surface to protect the substrate from corrosion.

A test performed on a cured coating film or system where a “dolly” is attached

to a paint film surface with epoxy glue. When the glue is cured the dolly is
Pull off
pulled from the surface and the force required to break the adhesive or the
coating is measured.
QA Quality assurance

QC Quality control
Typically refers to a coating that can have another coat of the same product
Recoatable
applied to an older, weathered surface with minimal or no surface preparation.
Reducer See "Thinner".

14 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
Ratio of the quantity of water vapour actually present in air to the greatest
Relative humidity
amount possible at the given temperature. Expressed in per cent.
A clear to translucent, solid or semisolid, viscous organic substance, often of
relatively high molecular mass, which exhibits a tendency to flow when
subjected to stress and usually has a softening or melting range. (Natural
Resin resins originate from secretions of certain plants and insects. Synthetic resins
are physically similar polymerized synthetic materials, either thermoplastic or
thermosetting, which are used to form plastics. Resins are commonly used as
the binder in various paints, coatings, adhesives, and synthetic plastics.)
Liquid thinner added to a coating used to slow the drying rate and improve
Retarder
flow out.
The coating fails to stay on the surface and runs down the substrate. Often on
Run, runs vertical surfaces. Sagging and curtaining caused by improper thinning or poor
application.
Formation of visible iron oxide, a result of corrosion of iron or steel. May be
described in order of severity; scattered pinpoints, blush or powdery, freckled
Rust
or streaked, light scale, paper thin, flaked, medium scale (layers up to 3mm
thick), heavy scale (over 3mm thick).

Rust bloom Discoloration indicating the beginning of rusting.

Rust grade Degree of mill scale and rust on a steel surface prior to cleaning.

Rust tubercles Round protuberances of rust growth that resemble marine tubercles on coral.
Refers to International Standards Organisation (ISO) and other recognised
Sa 1, Sa 2.5, Sa 3 Abrasive Blast Cleaning Standards for Carbon Steel Cleaning prior to applying
Protective Coatings.
Treatment of concrete with a cement grout to fill voids such as rock pockets. A
Sacking
burlap sack may be used to work the grout in uniformly.

Sacrificial anode See galvanic anode.

A specially manufactured spring steel clip that is inserted across both sides of
Safety clip (s) Blast Hose Couplings, High Pressure Air and Water Hose Couplings to ensure
the connection is locked against accidental breakage.
Non-uniform downward flow of a wet applied coating under the force of gravity
Sag
resulting in an uneven coating having a thick lower edge.
A solution in water of a chemical compound known as salt; i.e. solution of
Salt solution
sodium chloride brine, as distinguished from acids and alkalis.
Portion of material taken from a larger quantity in a manner intended to be
Sample
representative of the whole, typically used for test purposes.

Sanding Abrasive process used to level and / or roughen a surface.

Descriptive term generally with reference to decorative paints, usually

Satin finish
intermediate between semi-gloss and flat.
Scotchbrite A proprietary non-metallic woven fibre abrasive pad for surface preparation.
Organic material that provides a flexible, impermeable continuous barrier
Sealant
between two adjacent surfaces.
Coating material, generally unpigmented, applied to absorbent substrates
Sealer
prior to painting to reduce the absorbity and to consolidate the substrate.

Settling Deposition of sediment on the bottom of a can of a coating material.

Shall This action is Mandatory.

Gloss which is observed on an apparently matt surface at glancing angles of
Sheen
incidence.

15 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
The maximum length of time packaged materials (e.g., coating materials) can
Shelf life
be stored, at specified conditions, and remain in usable condition.
One or more coats applied in a shop or plant prior to shipment to the site of
erection or fabrication. Also used as a temporary primer to preserve the
Shop Primer
quality of the blast finish during the fabrication stage. Sometimes fully
(shopprimer)
removed after fabrication, sometimes left in pace if it is in good condition and
the subsequent coats are compatible. See pre-fabrication primer.
Abrasive blast cleaning using small metallic spheres (usually steel shot) as the
Shot blasting
abrasive.
Inducing compressive stresses in the surface layer of a material by
Shot peening bombarding it with a selected medium (usually steel shot) under controlled
conditions.
Should This action is recommended.
Clean sand made up of sharp silica particles. Common sand such as Beach
Sand etc. When used for Abrasive Blasting it shatters and releases fine
Silica sand
particles of silica that is dangerous and can be disease forming when inhaled
over long periods.
Synthetic resin in which the basic structure consists of siloxane (silicone-
Silicone resin
oxygen-silicon linkages).
Formation of a skin on the surface of a coating material in the can during
Skinning
storage. Oxidative drying paints are susceptible to skinning.
Coating that is applied to the interior of a container by revolving the container
Slush coat
and then draining out the excess coating.
Single liquid or blend of liquids, volatile under specified drying conditions and
Solvent
in which the binder is soluble. See Thinner & Diluent.
Removal of oil, grease, dirt, soil, salts, and contaminants using organic
Solvent cleaning solvents or other cleaners such as vapour, alkali, emulsion, or steam. [See
SSPC-SP 1.]
The spontaneous chipping, fragmentation, or separation of a surface or
Spalling
surface coating.
A high-voltage electrical test in which a spark is used to detect a discontinuity
Spark test
and pinhole in a coating.
The portion of a marine structure that is intermittently wetted by waves, wind-
Splash zone blown water spray, and tidal action. (Surfaces that are wetted only during
major storms are not included.)
The average area covered by a unit volume of coating material at a specified
Spreading rate dry film thickness. (Spreading rate is usually specified as square metres per
litre or square feet per gallon.)
A spring that is fitted to the external surface of a high pressure hose where
Spring guard the hose is connected to the high pressure paint outlet and the inlet of the
Spray Gun. The spring is to prevent kinking of the hose at this point.
St 2 & St 3 Refers to hand and power tool Surface Preparation Standards of steel.
Water of sufficient purity and quality that does not impose additional
Standard jetting contaminants on the surface being cleaned and does not contain sediments or
water other impurities that are destructive to the proper functioning of waterjetting
equipment.
Shall mean recognized International documents describing methods or
Standards
materials. ISO, ASTM, NACE, SSPC etc.

Steam cleaning Removal of surface contaminants by the action of steam jets.

Small particles of steel with spherical shape that are commonly used as
abrasive in abrasive blast cleaning or as a selected medium for shot peening.
Steel shot
Used as an Abrasive Blasting media to prepare surfaces for painting when the
item is being blast cleaned through a blast nozzle or Wheel Abrader Machine.

16 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
Hardening process by which the cross linking (increase in molecular size) of a
Stoving binder results from the application of heat at a minimum temperature and for
a minimum time specific to the material
A single coat of paint applied by brush to all welds, sharp edges, nozzles,
angles, bolt heads, nuts and the interface of connections or any other surface
Stripe coat that will be hard to cover evenly by spray method. The stripe coat can be
called for in Primer, Intermediate or Finish Coats but is commonly used prior
to primer coats being applied.
The surface area of a marine structure that is always covered with water and
Submerged zone extends downward from the splash zone and includes that portion of the
structure below the mud line.

Substrate Surface to which a coating material is applied or is to be applied.

The irregular peak and valley profile on a bare surface that can result from
Surface profile operations such as abrasive blast cleaning or power tool cleaning. Also called
Anchor Pattern
Pigmented composition for filling depressions to obtain a smooth uniform
Surfacer
surface before applying finish coats; usually applied over a primer.

Sweating Migration of liquid components of a coating material to the surface of a film.

Sweep blast
See brush-off blast cleaned surface.
cleaned surface
Increase in the volume of a film as a result of the absorption of liquid or
Swelling
vapour.
Synthetic Manufactured; as opposed to - naturally occurring.
Resin produced by chemical reactions such as polyaddition, polycondensation
Synthetic resin
or polymerization.
A coating consisting of successive applications of primer coats, intermediate
System coating
(body) coats and finish (seal) coats.
A thin wet coat applied to the surface that is allowed to dry just until it is
Tack coat tacky before application of a thicker wet coat. (Use of a tack coat allows
application of thicker coats without sags or runs.)
State of a coating when a finger touching the surface no longer leaves a
Tack free
pronounced mark.
A newly applied coat of paint is left to partially cure by solvent loss,
atmospheric or chemical reaction so that it becomes sticky without surface
Tack off
hardness. At this time the coating will accept another coat of the same
material.
Piece of cloth impregnated with a sticky substance that is used to remove dust
Tack rag
from a substrate after abrading and prior to painting.
A test in which an adhesive tape is applied to a cured coating, generally after
Tape adhesion test making cuts through the coating to the substrate, and rapidly removed to
evaluate the adhesive bond of the coating to the substrate.
Surface discoloration of a metal resulting from formation of a film of corrosion
Tarnish
product.
Small run on a vertical or inclined surface having the appearance of a
Tear
teardrop. Also used to describe a large crack in a dry film.
Tensile strength Resistance of a material to stretching forces.

Textured coating Coating which, after drying, is characterised by a regularly structured surface.

Theoretical
Spreading rate calculated solely from the volume of non-volatile matter.
spreading rate

17 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
A high-temperature process by which finely divided metallic or non-metallic
Thermal spraying materials are deposited in a molten or semi-molten condition to form a coating
on a surface when cooled.
Thermoplastic
A coating with a binder that is formed from a thermoplastic material.
coating
Thermoplastic resin Resin having the property of becoming soft upon the application of heat.
Regains hardness of cooling.
A polymeric material (typically a resin) that undergoes a chemical cross-
linking reaction (by mechanisms involving heat, oxidation, catalysis, light
Thermoset
[often ultraviolet], electron beam, or chemical additive) leading to a relatively
infusible state.

Thermoset coating A coating with a binder that is formed from a thermoset material.

Thermosetting Resin having the property of becoming insoluble and heat resistant upon the
resin application of heat.
Thin film coating
Coating systems having a total DFT less than 500 microns.
system (thin film):
A liquid (solvent) added to a coating to adjust viscosity. Usually supplied by
the Coating Manufacturer / Supplier that are intended to be used with specific
Thinner (thinners)
coatings for the purpose of reducing the viscosity to aid in the application of
the coating
A specific type of variable consistency behaviour. A thixotropic coating
formulation shows a false body" or apparent high viscosity, but on stirring or
Thixotropy other agitation readily flows and shows low viscosity. Thixotropic paints
quickly set and do not run or wrinkle.
Example: Margarine, whipped cream.

Tie coat Coat designed to improve intercoat adhesion.

Dispersion of pigments, with or without extenders and binders, that is

Tinter
compatible with paint and is used to modify the colour.

Topcoat The final coat of a coating system. [also referred to as finish coat]

The total solid film-forming portion of the package of paint, expressed as per
Total volume
cent by volume, or in square metres per litre at a nominated film thickness
Solids
(microns)
A worn airless spray tip causes an area of thick coating at the edges of an
Tramlines
airless spray pattern which.

U V curing Hardening of coating materials by exposure to ultra violet radiation.

Ultra high build Refers to coatings that can be applied to a Dry Film Thickness of over 750
(UHB) microns in one coat.
Ultrahigh-pressure
Waterjetting performed at pressures above 210 MPa (30,000 psig).
waterjetting

Underfilm corrosion See filiform corrosion.

Corrosion that proceeds at exactly the same rate over the surface of a
Uniform corrosion material. (This is the assumption when calculating corrosion rate or corrosion
loss from mass loss or electrochemical measurements.
Polyester resin characterised by carbon-carbon double bonds in the polymer
Unsaturated
chain that facilitate subsequent cross linking with reactive solvents,
polyester resin
particularly styrene.
A binder for enamels. The resins are chemically combined with the oil at high
Varnish temperature to jive a product of increased hardness and much faster drying
time. Chemical resistance is also improved.
Liquid portion of a coating; a fluid or mixed solution made up of the binder
Vehicle
and solvent.

18 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
Synthetic resin resulting from the polymerisation or copolymerisation of
Vinyl resin
monomers containing vinyl groups.
Viscosity The consistency of a liquid paint composition.
A holiday, hole, or skip in a coating. Hole in a casting or weld deposit usually
Void
resulting from shrinkage during cooling.
Solvent component of the vehicle. The non-volatile components are known as
Volatile
the film formers.
Any organic liquid and / or solid that evaporates spontaneously at the
Volatile organic
prevailing temperature and pressure of the atmosphere with which it is in
compound (VOC)
contact.
Volatile organic Mass of the volatile organic compounds present in a coating material, as
compound content determined under specified conditions.
Thin, inhibiting or passivating primer, usually formulated with chromate or
Wash primer
phosphate pigment in a synthetic resin (e.g., polyvinyl butyral) binder.
Ease with which dust, soiling and surface stains can be removed by washing
Washability
from a dry film without detriment to its specific properties.
The process whereby a surface is washed down with hot or cold fresh
Washing (washed)
(potable) water as part of the coating application process. Cleaning is
down
performed at low pressure.
Use of pressurized water discharged from a nozzle to remove unwanted
Water cleaning
matter from a surface.
Water-based
Coating material in which the main component of the volatile matter is water.
coating material
Water-borne
Coating material in which the main component of the volatile matter is water.
coating material
Water-dilutable
Coating material whose viscosity is reduced by the addition of water.
coating
Use of standard jetting water discharged from a nozzle at pressures of 70 MPa
Waterjetting
(10,000 psig) or greater to prepare a surface for coating or inspection.
Water-reducible
Coating material whose viscosity is reduced by the addition of water.
coating
Water-thinnable
Coating material whose viscosity is reduced by the addition of water.
coating
Coatings that have been exposed to the elements for a period of time. May
Weathered
display a chalked surface and the coating may be embrittled.

Weight coating An external coating applied to a pipeline to counteract buoyancy

Join two or more pieces of metal by applying heat and/or pressure with or
Weld without filler metal, to produce a union through localized fusion of the
substrates and solidification across the interfaces.
Round particles of molten iron stuck to steel and solidified in the vicinity of the
Weld splatter
weld area. Must be removed prior to painting.
A Weld Through Primer shall refer to those temporary coatings applied at the
mill or factory, which will subsequently be completely removed prior to
Weld through
applying any of the coating systems noted in the specification unless otherwise
primer
approved. Welding can be carried out without removing the coating prior to
welding.
Designates the coating after application but before the solvent evaporates.
Wet film Solvent content in the wet film constantly changing due to evaporation of
solvent.

Wet film gauge Device for measuring wet film thickness of a coating.

19 
 
 Coating Terminology

Reproduced from ISO 4618:2006 and NACE/ASTM G193 – 10b

 
The thickness of a coating measured immediately after application before any
Wet film thickness
appreciable solvent has evaporated or drying has taken place.
Abrasive blast cleaning where water is either injected into the abrasive stream
Wet sand
or applied as a shroud over the abrasive as it leaves the blast nozzle. Use of
Blasting
water during abrasive blast cleaning has the effect of reducing dust.
A low-voltage electrical test suitable for detecting discontinuities in thin-film
Wet sponge test
coatings.
Wet-on-wet Application technique whereby a further coat is applied before the previous
application one has dried, and the composite film then dries to a single entity.
Wet film thickness, which shall be expressed in micro metres (microns, μm) or
WFT
Mils.
Whip blast See Brush Blast.
A manufactured wire rope harness that is placed over the ends of two high
pressure coupled air or paint lines to arrest the line from freely whipping
Whip check
around through the air or over the ground if the lines become separated under
pressure.
White metal blast An abrasive blast cleaned steel surface that is free of all visible contaminants,
cleaned surface foreign matter, and staining.
The white powdery corrosion product that can form on zinc, zinc-coated or
White rust
aluminium-based alloy surfaces. [See rust.]
Matting constructed from loomed fibreglass fibres used as a re-enforcing mat
for epoxy, polyester and vinyl ester coating systems. Most usually used as a
Woven glass mat:
final sealing tissue over Chopped Strand Matting to prevent “strike through” of
fibreglass strands from the chopped strand matting beneath it.

Wrinkling Development of ripples in a film of coating material during drying.

Anti-corrosion coating material for iron and steel incorporating zinc dust in a
Zinc rich paint
concentration sufficient enough to give initial galvanic protection.
Anti-corrosion coating material for iron and steel incorporating zinc dust in a
Zinc rich primer
concentration sufficient enough to give initial galvanic protection.

20