Fire Resistance
The ability of a coating to withstand fire or to protect the substrate to which it is applied from fire damage.

Fire Retardant
A coating which will (1) reduce flame spread, (2) resist ignition when exposed to high temperature or (3) insulate the substrate and delay damage to the substrate.

Flat
A surface that scatters or absorbs the light falling on it so as to be substantially free from gloss or sheen.

Galvanizing
Process in which a thin coating of zinc is applied to iron or steel to prevent rust.

Gloss
The luster or shininess of paints and coatings. Different types of gloss are frequently arbitrarily differentiated, such as sheen, distinctness-of-image gloss, etc.

Hardener
Curing agent for epoxies or fiberglass.

HEPA Vacuum
High-efficiency particulate air-filtered vacuum designed to remove lead contaminated dust.

Inert
A material that will not react chemically with other ingredients.

In-place Management
A series of steps used as an alternative to lead-based paint removal, improves condition of intact lead-based paint to reduce and or eliminate hazards without total removal.

Intumescence
A mechanism whereby fire-retardant paints protect the substrates to which they are applied.

Lacquer
A fast-drying usually clear coating that is highly flammable and dries by solvent evaporation only.

Latex-based Paint
General term used for water-based emulsion paints made with synthetic binders such as 100% acrylic, vinyl acrylic, terpolymer, or styrene acrylic. A stable emulsion of polymers and pigment in water.

Lead
A metal, previously used as a pigment in paints. Banned by the Consumer Products Safety Commission in 1978 because of its toxicity.

Linseed Oil
Drying oil made from the flax seed used as a solvent in many oil-based paints. "Boiled" linseed oil can be used to protect wood from water damage. Sometimes used as a furniture polish.

Liquid Driers
Solution of soluble driers in organic solvents.