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HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure)
An acronym used to describe a series of automotive spray guns. HVLP spray guns allow for the application of paint at lower air pressure (the LP part of the name) than that of conventional guns by using a greater volume of air (the HV part of the name). This lowers the flight velocity of the dropkets and fewer bouce off the object being sprayed. This effect is described as greater “transfer efficiency”. apply a high percentage (about 90%) of paint material to a surface with low levels of overspray, making them more economical and environmentally friendly than older versions. (Older sprayguns applied only 30-60% of the paint to the surface; the rest atomized and floated into the air as overspray). All licensed automotive body/paint shops in the U.S. are required by law to use HVLP spray guns. A spray gun’s status as HVLP is determined by its volatile organic compound (V.O.C.), which is usually stated as a weight in pounds of non-exempt solvent per gallon of paint.
Acrylic Urethane
A coating based on urethane chemistry that also includes acrylic chemistry as part of the cross-linked polymer backbone. (See urethane.)
Adhesion Promoter
Any additive that is sprayed onto a surface to create adhesion for a subsequent layer of paint or clear. Most adhesion promoters are sprayed onto surfaces that either cannot be sanded or are prone to lifting.
Air changes
A term used to gauge how often the air in an area, such as a spray booth, is completely renewed.
Basecoats
A two-stage paint system for automotive refinishing and kustom painting. The first stage consists of the application of the paint; the second stage is the necessary application of a clearcoat for protection and shine. All basecoat systems need a clearcoat without which they are dull and not U.V. protected.
Binder
The paint material that forms the film. So-called because it “binds” the pigment and any additives present into a solid durable film.
Big DA
A duel action sander usually 8 inches and useful for rough work with fillers. Often referred to as a “mud hog”
Blend
The practice of fading out a color into the existing color in order to minimize any visual difference.
Blend area
The area beyond an actual repair, but within the panel, used for fading out a refinish colo
Block sanding
Sanding with the paper wrapped around a bloc or other rigid object, in order to achieve a straight, smooth, surface.
Buffing
A polishing technique used to remove sanding marks or surface imperfections.
Buffing Compound
A soft paste containing fine abrasives in a neutral medium. Used to eliminate fine scratches and polish the topcoat.
Burn through
Unintentionally exposing a lower layer when sanding, buffing, or polishing.
Catalyst
Any chemical used as an additive to catalyze (or stimulate a change) in a paint or clear system. A catalyst triggers a chemical chain reaction and causes the hardening of that paint or system. In automotive paint systems, catalysts usually consist of isocyanates or di-butyl tins that react with urethane resins.
Carbon fiber
A compound where Carbon fibers re laminated within a resin structure. This is usually done with an epoxy resin and is almost always in a cloth form.
CFM
Cubic Feet per Minute. A term used to gauge a volume of air traveling through a given space, or opening.
Chroma
The level of saturation or intensity and richness of a color. Desaturated or “dirty” colors have less chroma while saturated or “clean” colors have more chroma.
Clearcoat: The protective urethane finish sprayed onto a completed automotive paint job. Clearcoats can either be a) “air-dry” clears, which combine with reducers and, when sprayed, dry by evaporation of the reducers, or b) “catalyzed” clears, which require a catalyst and a reducer solvent to harden. All finish clears on automotive vehicles are of the “catalyzed” variety.
Chalking
When a painted surface deteriorates to the point where the structure actually breaks down and leaves dust, or chalk like, deposits on the surface.
Cheater valve
A device that, by restricting the flow, can adjust the air pressure in a compressed air system.
Color Sanding
The sanding of a paint film to prepare for buffing or recoating.
Color master
Panels used by the car manufacturers in the production of automobiles.
Cracking
Splitting of the paint film due do improper curing, over application, or over flexing an otherwise rigid paint system
Cross hatch
A special tool that makes a multiple grooved cut in the paint surface. Used twice, overlapped at 90 degrees, most often it is used to test a material’s adhesion to the substrate.
D.O.I.
Distinctness of Image. A measurement of the accuracy of reflection in a paint film.
Dagger Stroke
The most common of all airbrush techniques. A simple stroke starting with a very fine line that grows in thickness and returns to a fine line at the finish. Many airbrush techniques are a variation of a common dagger stroke.
DA sander
DA sander
A sander that has a duel action. A round sander, most are air powered, that has a driven shaft carrying a head that spins freely. Also know as a “random orbit” sander due to its unpredictable travel.
Delaminate
When two layers become separated from one another.
Drop Shadows
Drop Shadows: An airbrushed shadow beneath a graphic that gives the graphic a 3-D or floating illusion. Often used in lettering.
E-Coat
Slang for a variety of coatings applied though a process of electro deposition. Most often use on replacement body parts and identified as a black primer.
Elasticity
The ability of a coating to stretch and return without damage to the structure.
Evaporation rate
The rate at which a solvent dries up. Knowledge of the evaporation rate of certain solvents, and solvent blends, helps a painter adapt to changes in the application environment
Evaporation rate
The rate at which a solvent dries up. Knowledge of the evaporation rate of certain solvents, and solvent blends, helps a painter adapt to changes in the application environment
F/X or Effects
Term used to describe the airbrush or kustom-painted pattern or texture on a graphic or kustom mural.
Fade
An intentional gradation of two colors for an artist effect.
Fading
The loss of color, usually due to UV rays deteriorating the pigment within a paint.
Fan
The spray pattern unique to a full size spray gun. It is achieved by introducing air, from the side, into the stream of paint to form a fan or oblong pattern..
Fish Eyes
A surface depression or crater in the wet paint film. Fish eyes are caused by repulsion of the wet paint by a surface contaminant such as oil or silicone. The depression may or may not reveal the surface under the paint.
Finish
Any coating, treatment, or effect, used to personalize or identify an object.
Fixation
The ability of a material to hold a metallic, pearl, or other iridescent effect with a paint film
Fiberglass
A compound where glass fibers are laminated within a resin structure. This is usually done with a polyester resin. The glass fibers can be in the form a woven cloth or a more random arrangement called matt.
Film thickness gauge
A tool used to determine the thickness of a given film. Usually magnetic the gauge will read in microns or mils.
Flake
A pigment consisting of flat or shaped reflective particles. Usually aluminum, polyester, or mica or metallic, providing special color effects to the final paint job.
Flight loss
The evaporation of solvent, from a paint mixture, as the material flies through the air.
Flexibility
The ability flex, with the substrate, while the paint system remains intact
Flex block
Similar to a long board and designed to flex for the even sanding of curved surfaces.
Galvanized
A process of bonding zinc to a surface in order to increase corrosion resistance.
Galvineal A from of Galvanized metal.
Gold Leaf
Pounded gold sheets or a substitute composite material manufactured to appear as gold. The material is extremely thin and delicate; allowing it to conform to curved surfaces and be laminated onto vehicles for such techniques as lettering, striping, and mural details. Gold leaf is normally sold in books and can be purchased through most hobby stores or automotive paint/signage suppliers
Gradation
The gradual transition from one color to another.
Gravelomter
A tool that can spray gravel at a surface in a controlled manner to gauge the materials ability to with stand chipping, and delamination, due to impact.
HMIS
Hazardous Material Information System
Hologram Pearl
Often referred to as six- or eight-sided pearls, these are actually very finely ground hologram foils that shift through the color spectrum in up to eight different shades of color. Available only in a liquid form, hologram pearls are quite costly, usually starting at $450 for a sprayable quart. House of Kolor’s line is known as Kameleon Kolors.
Hue
The colors we see such as: red, blue, green, yellow and all the shades in between.
Intercoat clear
An air-dry clear used between painting stages or basecoats as a protective barrier.
Interference Pearl
Either a mica or foil substrate that acts with the same characteristics of a standard pearl, but casts two colors instead of the standard one (e.g.: blue/green, violet/blue). These pearls are used to create a shifting effect in the colors of the vehicle as you change your viewpoint to the surface. They are often referred to as “Flip-Flop.”
Isopropyl Alcohol
An inexpensive, fast evaporating solvent, co-solvent or dilutant . Also called rubbing alcohol.
Jitterbug sander
A square sander that orbits the paper in a circular motion.
Kandy
A term used to describe the family of transparent colors used in automobile painting and kustomizing. The original term “kandy” derives from the “hard candy” look that the ol’ school lacquers gave when layered multiple times. Today’s kandies are predominantly urethane-based but still maintain this appearance when sprayed. These highly transparent paints are perfect for color process airbrushing and color layering in murals.
Kandy Koncentrates
A term coined by House of Kolor to name its line of Kandy Intensifier pigments. These Kandy Koncentrates or KKs are used either to intensify an existing basecoat system or in combination with intercoat clear for airbrushing. They are highly effective for airbrushing because of their very finely ground pigments.
Kevlar fiber
Similar to carbon fiber but lighter and stronger. Usually used only in racing, ballistics, or other extremely high demand projects.
Kustom
Anything that is modified from the original factory specs. When using kustom with a “K,” the term refers to any art form or vehicle from the “hot rod” genre.
Kustom Kulture
Anything having to do with the art form or genre of the kustom hot rod or kustom car such as artwork, music, clothing, or actual vehicle kustomizations.
Lacquers
Paints that dry by evaporative loss of solvent. The film remains susceptible to attack by the same or similar solvents. Lacquers can be based on nitrocellulose or acrylic resins. For automotive applications, these paints are illegal according to V.O.C. regulations in almost every state in the U.S.
Latex
An emulsion, usually a dispersion of a polymer in water. Often used in gloves or protective material. Also used as a liquid application masking system.
Lead
A metal commonly used in the manufacture of driers and pigments. Highly toxic, lead has been eliminated in a large number of automotive spray products.
Lettering Quill
A long-handled, short- quilled brush used specifically for lettering and touch-ups.
Liner
A long-handled, long-quilled lettering brush used for outlining letters and some striping applications.
Lifting
When a material expands to a point where the forces of the expansion exceed it’s adhesive properties. When this happens the coating will lift from the surface often in a wrinkling pattern.
Long board
A long, flat, and often narrow, sanding board. Most often used dry and for preliminary bodywork, fillers, and surfacers.
Masking
Any material used to prevent material from being applied to a certain area. Paper, tape, plastic sheeting are all types of masking.
Mandrel bending
A method of determining a coatings flexibility by bending it over a rounded object, or shaft. They vary from about 4mm to about 22mm. This test can be specified at any temperature.
Metallic Paint
Paint that contains metallic pigment, usually in the form of tiny flakes. Generally, these are aluminum or mica and are used to enhance the eye appeal of the finish.
Melt in
The action as a new application is absorbed into the previously sprayed areas.
Microencapsulation
Microencapsulation: The act of encasing certain chemicals in micro-spheres. Chemicals are released and activated only when the capsule in which they are encased dissolves (much like a time-release capsule used in medication). In waterborne systems, capsules remain intact, dissolving only when exposed to air.
Mil
A unit of measure common in measuring coatings. Not metric and not ASTM standard it is a carry over from American industry. 1mil is equal to 25.4 microns.
Mottling
When metallic, pearl, or other iridescent effect is uneven and not oriented properly.
N.A.C.E.
National Autobody Congress and Automotive and Collision Exposition. One of the largest collections of buyers, manufacturers, and distributors of collision repair and automotive repainting accessories in the world. This show is held once a year in Las Vegas different locations around the United States, usually in November December.
Non-sanding
Similar to a wet on wet, however, with no recoat window a non-sanding option is more common in fleet and industrial painting.
O.S.H.A.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Inquiries can be directed to OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, Public Affairs Office, 200 Constitution Ave., Washington, DC 20210 or phone (202) 693-1999. You can also visit OSHA’s web site at www.osha.gov.
Ol’ School
In kustom painting, this term refers to any older method or technique, e.g., the “ol’ school” method of painting.
Orange Peel
An irregularity in the surface of a paint film, resulting from the inability of the wet film to “level out” after being applied. Orange peel appears as a characteristically uneven or dimpled surface to the eye, but usually feels smooth to the touch.
Orientation
The act of even distribution of a metallic, pearl, or other iridescent effect within a paint film.
Overspray
As the paint film dries it reaches a point when it will no longer melt in the new spray. The material left on the surface will stay as a dusty low gloss texture.
Overall
A term used to describe the painting of a complete object, car, or motorcycle.
Oxidation
A process involving the chemical combination of oxygen and the vehicle of a paint that leads to drying. Also, the destructive combination of oxygen with a dry paint film that leads to degradation or the destructive combination of oxygen and a metal (for example, rust).
Pearl
A mica substrate or any other substance used to add color or a metallic sheen to paint. Pearls come in a variety of colors and in dry, liquid, or paste consistencies. For airbrushing, the most popular form is the finely ground dry pearl. Pearls can be added directly to either the paint or the clearcoat. Their primary purpose is to create a secondary color cast to a paint job without affecting or diminishing the initial color of the vehicle.
Pencil hardness
A test method where a coating’s hardness is compared to, and rated against, different grades of actual pencils.
Phosphate coatings
Used as a surface treatment, this coating will inhibit corrosion and when used under a subsequent e-coat.
Pigment
Small particles added to paint to influence such properties as color, corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, etc. Pigments may be colored, semitransparent, black, white, or colorless. They must be incorporated into a paint system by some dispersion process.
Polymers
Very large molecules built up by the combination of many small molecules through a chemical process called polymerization. Polymers often consist of thousands of atoms, usually in chains or networks of repeating units.
Powder-Coat
A system of painting metal in which a powdered material is sprayed on the surface and then baked at 350-400 600°. The powder takes on the appearance of paint, but is much stronger. This system is similar to the ceramic glazing process, but powder coating is performed at a lower temperature.
Powder-Paint
A similar technology to powder coating, but performed at a lower temperature —140°. This is a more practical method because it can be used on plastics, but it has less durability than powder-coating.
Polyurethane
A urethane made up of a blend of different resins where the design criteria dictate certain characteristics.
Polishing
The final step of “buffing” o used alone for minor surface restoration. Generally done with a softer pad, or by hand.
Polishing
The final step of “buffing” o used alone for minor surface restoration. Generally done with a softer pad, or by hand.
PPG
Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co., or more currently referred to as ”Pittsburgh Paint & Glass,” is one of the largest manufacturers of automotive paints and vehicle window glass.
Regulator
A device that uses a diaphragm to automatically regulate the air pressure when compressed air is used for spraying of paints
Refinish
Repairing or otherwise duplicating an existing finish.
Restoration
The act of restoring, or re-manufacturing, an object so it matches its original condition.
Restification
The act of restoring, or re-manufacturing, an object with updated performance or safety features while maintaining an original appearance.
Respirator
A device that positions filter over a users face in order to filter contamination from the ambient air.
RTS
RTS
Material that has had all hardeners, reducers, and any other additive added already is considered to be “ready to spray. This is useful in calculating amount needed, or the cost of, any material needed for a project.
S.E.M.A.: (Specialty Equipment & Manufacturing Association)
The largest after-market automotive product show in the United States, held annually in Las Vegas in November.
Scotch-Brite
Spun plastic scouring pad manufactured by 3M and used for scuffing or light sanding duty. Scotch-Brite is available in different grits that vary according to color. Red Scotch-Brite is recommended for prepping a surface.
Semi Gloss
Usually a clearcoat that has neither a fully glossed nor a matte finish. Often referred to as a “satin” finish.
Sheering
When a surface flex’s, layers within the film with different elastic properties, may sheer apart as they stress the adhesion of each layer.
Silver Leaf
Silver Leaf: A pounded aluminum alloy that has many of the same characteristics as gold leaf, without the high cost.
Single-Stage
Refers to a type of catalyzed or air-dry painting system that needs no clearcoat, hence a “single-stage” application. These paints tend to be slow drying and, if they contain catalysts, are more toxic then the airbrush-friendly, two-stage basecoat systems.
Sizing
The glue used to adhere gold or silver leaf to a surface. Though there are a number of water-based sizings, the original solvent-based sizing is still the best for automotive and exterior signage applications.
Single component material
A material that dries by the evaporation of the solvent contained in the liquid form. A single component material is often “reversible” creating a specific recoating hazard.
Solvent/Reduce
A liquid that dissolves something, usually resins or other binder components. Commonly an organic liquid. In automotive applications: any type of petroleum-based reducer used specifically for thinning down or cleaning any solvent-based automotive paints or clears. The reducers are usually rated by temperature use or drying speed. The cleaning solvents are normally more caustic or fast evaporating.
Solvent Popping
Bumps or small craters that form on the paint film, caused by trapped solvent.
Spot repair
The category of repair where only an area of an object is painted.
Squeegee
A rubber block used to wipe off wet sanded areas and to apply filler, putty, or vinyl application tapes.
Standard formula
A refinish manufacturer’s original, most commonly occurring, or most popular, formulation for an OEM color formula.
Static charge
The electrical charge, from static electricity, that can attract dirt and, even sparks, to a plastic part.
Substrate
The object or material to be painted. It may be bare metal, plastic, or an exsisting finish or an old finish.
Supplied air system
Supplied air system
A device that provides independent airflow to the users face in order to avoid contamination from ambient air.
Sword Striper
A type of short-handled, long-bristled brush used specifically for pinstriping. The name “sword” comes mainly from the sword/dagger look of the brush head.
Tack Coat
An intentionally thin, or misted, coat The first clear coat medium spray application, allowed to flash only until it is quite sticky. Also used as a protective coating to prevent reversion by the wet coat to the underlying surface.
Tail Solvent
A slow evaporating solvent that leaves the paint at a slow rate and allows the film to continue to flow and level. When trapped under layers of material from over-application, tail solvents can cause solvent pop, or worse, delamination.
Thinner
Thinner: Solvent added to a lacquer to reduce its viscosity to a sprayable consistency. (See solvent/reducer.)
Tint
An individual pigment from a family of pigments used on a mixing machine to produce a color match to the vehicle to be painted. Sometimes called tinting base or base system.
Toner
A reference to a base pigment system. (See Toner and Pigment.)
Touch-up Gun
Any small spray gun used to spray small areas, graphics, or door jambs in a vehicle. They are usually characterized by their small size and equally small spray pattern.
Two-Stage
Any automotive paint system that requires a second stage of clear-coating to seal and gloss the finish. (See basecoats.)
Two component material
A material consisting of two separate components that, when fully reacted, will form a third, new, compound. Two component materials tend to be non-reversible making them more stable choices for surfacers, clears, and products requiring substantial durability.
Urethane
A type of paint or polymer that results from the reaction of an isocyanate catalyst with a hydroxyl containing component. Urethanes are noted for their toughness and abrasion resistance. (See polyurethane.)
UV Inhibitor
Any additive to a paint or clearcoat which blocks the sun’s damaging UV (ultra-violet) rays from penetrating the clear and either fading or oxidizing the underlying basecoat color. UV Inhibitors act much the same way as sunscreen.
UV Stabilizers
Chemicals added to paint to absorb the ultraviolet radiation present in sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation decomposes the polymer molecules in paint film and thus UV stabilizers are used to prolong paint life.
V.O.C. (Volatile Organic Compounds)
The amount of material released into the atmosphere during paint spraying or product manufacturing. The V.O.C. regulation relates directly to the level of a chemical’s toxicity and its ability to diffuse or break down in the atmosphere within a given amount of time.
Variant formula
A formula developed to compensate for field variations in an OEM formula.
Velocity
A measurement of a materials speed of travel.
Water-Based
Any paint or clear that is primarily water or uses water as a reducing element in its chemical make-up.
Waterborne
A type of paint that uses water as its primary carrier rather than typical solvents. This is not a waterbased system, merely a carrier for a solvent-based, microencapsulated system.
Wet-Sand
A technique involving the sanding of a surface while it is being flushed with water. This is helpful in keeping the sanding paper clean of sanding residue. This is especially helpful when using the finer grits of paper above 320-400. This permits the smoothing of surface defects before subsequent coats are applied.
Wet on wet
The term used to describe a material’s ability to be applied directly onto a fresh, partially cured, material. One can identify a wet on wet material by the presence of a “recoat window” that dictates the time in which the subsequent coating must be applied.
Wet Edge
The leading edge as one applies by spray is the wet edge. Maintaining a wet edge will assure subsequent passes will flow into the wet film.
Zen
The unattainable level that everyone tries to achieve or acceptance that the well-traveled road to perfection is the true goal. In automotive kustomizing: observance and respect for what has come before, while still furthering one’s own attempts. (This is Craig Fraser’s description of Zen — any similarity to other existing forms of Zen is completely coincidental and absolutely unintentional.)
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