Glossary “paint thickness gauge” Definition:
Instrument used to measure the thickness of a coat of paint.. Two types of paint thickness gauges are used: magnetic and electronic.

Glossary “paint viscosity” Definition:
Term that refers to the paint’s thickness or ability to resist flow.

Glossary “paint solvent” Definition:
Liquid solution that carries pigment and binder so it can be sprayed.

Glossary “paint surface chips” Definition:
A result of mechanical impact damage to the paint film: door dings, damage from road debris, etc.

Glossary “paint surface protrusion” Definition:
Particle of paint or other debris sticking out of the paint film after refinishing.

Glossary “paint system” Definition:
All materials (primer, catalysts, paints) are compatible and manufactured by the same company.

Glossary “paint thickness” Definition:
Measurement of the distance between the surface of the paint and the body of the vehicle. Viscosity of paint; affected by reducing or thinning.

Glossary “paint scuffing” Definition:
Term used to describe roughing the paint for better paint adhesion.

Glossary “paint sealer” Definition:
An innercoat between the topcoat and the primer or old finish to prevent bleeding.

Glossary “paint selection” Definition:
Determining the right paint for the job, so that the new paint matches the old and to assure long life.

Glossary “paint settling” Definition:
Term that describes when paint sits idle and pigment, metallic flakes, or mica particles settle to the bottom.

Glossary “paint shop” Definition:
Area in a repair facility where the vehicle is refinished by refinishing technicians or painters.

Glossary “paint prep area” Definition:
An area where the vehicle is readied for painting or refinishing.

Glossary “paint preparation” Definition:
Preparing a vehicle for spraying or refinishing.

Glossary “paint reference charts” Definition:
Found in service manuals, they give comparable paint manufacured by different companies.

Glossary “paint runs” Definition:
Excess paint thickness flows down when spraying.

Glossary “paint film breakdown” Definition:
Term for checking, cracking or blistering of paint.

Glossary “paint formula” Definition:
Percentage of each ingredient that is needed to match an OEM color.

Glossary “paint mixing” Definition:
Blending the paint and thenner or reducer to the correct thickness or viscosity.

Glossary “paint mixing instructions” Definition:
Directions on how to mix the paint, usually given on the paint can label.