This glossary of Paint terms is one of the largest available on the Internet.

(Click on any letter below)

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Paint Terms Beginning with the Letter: E

EGGSHELL FINISH: The degree of gloss between a flat and gloss finish.

ENAMEL: Broad classification Paints that dry to a hard finish. They may be flat, gloss, or semi-gloss.

EPOXY: Clear finish having excellent adhesion qualities; extremely abrasion and chemical resistant. Epoxies are alcohol proof and very water resistant.

EFFLORESCENCE: A deposit of salts that remains on the surface of masonry, brick, or plaster when water has evaporated.

EROSION: The wearing away of a paint film caused by exposure to the weather.

EXTENDER: Inexpensive and inert pigment added to paint for bulk and to lower costs.

ETCH: Surface Preparation by chemical means to improve the adhesion of coatings.

EXTERIOR: The outside surfaces of a structure.

EMULSION PAINT: Paint in which particles are suspended in water or oil with the aid of an emulsifier as in latex paint.

Painting tips & tricks of the day

Acoustic Ceiling Cleaning
Acoustical tile ceilings act as "sponges" for sound, soaking up excess noise to create a more pleasant environment. Unfortunately, these tiles also absorb airborne dirt, grease, cigarette smoke, nicotine, and bacteria, making ceilings dirty. Professional cleaning solution can break down the dirt film into micro-dust particles that evaporate into the atmosphere and are filtered away through the air handling system.

Acoustic tile ceilings can usually be professionally cleaned for about 20% of the cost of replacement and 50% of the cost of painting. Partial replacement of ceiling tiles results in a "checkerboard" look. Regular cleaning assures the uniform appearance of your ceiling for years to come. Painting is messy and it can destroy the acoustical value and can alter the fire rating of your tiles. Cleaning ceiling tiles retains these qualities without leaving a lingering odor.

Caution must be taken with the use of thinners & cleaning products. Do a small discrete test area on the affected material with the cleaner/thinner to ensure that it will not damage the material to be cleaned.