Painting Glossary
Plain-language definitions of common painting terms — so you know exactly what your painter is talking about.
Whether you're getting painting quotes, reviewing a contract, or just trying to understand what your painter is describing, this glossary covers the most common painting terms you'll encounter. Terms are listed alphabetically.
Backrolling
A technique used after spraying paint where a roller is immediately run over the freshly sprayed surface. Backrolling pushes paint into the texture of the surface, improves adhesion, and produces a more uniform finish than spraying alone. It's commonly used on stucco and rough exterior surfaces.
Cut-in
The process of painting edges, corners, and areas near trim with a brush before rolling the main surfaces. Cutting in creates a clean line where walls meet ceilings, trim, or adjacent surfaces. A skilled painter can cut in freehand without tape; less experienced painters may use painter's tape to achieve a straight line.
Dry Time vs. Cure Time
Dry time is how long it takes for paint to feel dry to the touch — typically 1–4 hours for latex paint. Cure time is how long it takes for the paint to reach its full hardness and durability — often 2–4 weeks. Paint can be recoated once it's dry, but it shouldn't be scrubbed or subjected to heavy wear until it's fully cured.
Eggshell
A paint sheen level with a slight, low-lustre finish — similar to the surface of an eggshell. Eggshell is more washable than flat or matte paint and is a popular choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. It hides surface imperfections better than satin or semi-gloss while still being cleanable.
Elastomeric Coating
A thick, flexible exterior coating designed to bridge hairline cracks and provide a waterproof barrier. Elastomeric coatings are commonly used on stucco and masonry surfaces in Calgary because they can accommodate the movement caused by freeze-thaw cycles. They're significantly thicker than standard exterior paint and are typically applied by brush and backrolled.
Flat / Matte
A paint finish with no sheen. Flat paint hides surface imperfections well and is often used on ceilings. It's not very washable, so it's less suitable for high-traffic areas or surfaces that need frequent cleaning. Ceiling flat is a specific formulation designed to minimize roller marks on ceilings.
Gloss
A high-sheen paint finish that is very durable and washable. Gloss paint is typically used on trim, doors, and cabinets where a hard, cleanable surface is desired. It highlights surface imperfections, so thorough prep work is essential before applying gloss paint.
Knockdown
A textured ceiling or wall finish created by applying joint compound or texture material and then "knocking down" the peaks with a trowel or knife before it fully dries. Knockdown texture is less pronounced than stipple and has a more modern appearance. It's a popular alternative to smooth ceilings in Calgary new construction.
Primer
A preparatory coating applied before paint to improve adhesion, seal porous surfaces, and block stains. Primer is not the same as paint — it's formulated to bond to the substrate rather than for colour or durability. Primer is typically needed on new drywall, bare wood, over stains, or when making significant colour changes.
Satin
A paint sheen level between eggshell and semi-gloss. Satin has a soft, velvety sheen and is more washable than eggshell. It's a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and children's rooms — areas that see more traffic and need more frequent cleaning.
Semi-gloss
A paint finish with a noticeable sheen that is very durable and washable. Semi-gloss is commonly used on trim, doors, window frames, and kitchen and bathroom walls. It's more reflective than satin and highlights surface imperfections, so good prep work is important.
Spraying
A paint application method that uses an airless sprayer to atomize paint into a fine mist and apply it to a surface. Spraying produces a very smooth, even finish and is faster than brushing or rolling for large areas. It's commonly used for cabinet painting, exterior siding, and new construction. Spraying requires careful masking to protect adjacent surfaces.
Stipple
A textured ceiling finish common in Calgary homes built from the 1960s through the 1990s. Stipple (also called popcorn ceiling) is created by applying a thick, textured compound to the ceiling. Many Calgary homeowners choose to have stipple removed when repainting, as smooth ceilings look more modern and are easier to clean.
VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Chemical compounds in paint that evaporate at room temperature, contributing to the paint smell and indoor air quality concerns. High-VOC paints have stronger fumes and require more ventilation. Low-VOC and zero-VOC paints have become increasingly popular and are now available in most product lines from major manufacturers. They're a good choice for occupied homes, especially those with children or people with chemical sensitivities.
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