Painting glossary

Sheen — the gloss level, from flat/matte through eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and gloss. Higher sheen is more washable and more likely to reveal wall defects.

Cutting in — brushing the edges at ceilings, corners and trim where a roller can't reach. Sloppy cut lines are the most visible sign of rushed work.

Back-rolling — rolling immediately after spraying so the coating is worked into the surface texture. Common on exteriors and textured surfaces to improve adhesion.

Mil thickness — the thickness of the applied film. Manufacturers specify a wet and dry mil range per coat; spreading paint too thin is a common way to make a gallon go further at your expense.

Primer — a bonding or sealing coat, not a cheap first coat. Types include bonding, stain-blocking and masonry primers.

Substrate — the material being painted (drywall, wood, stucco, masonry, metal). Paint failures are usually substrate problems.

RRP — the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting rule. Firms doing paid work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 homes and child care facilities must be EPA- or state-certified and use certified renovators and lead-safe work practices.

Certified renovator — an individual trained by an EPA-accredited provider who directs lead-safe work on site. Hands-on training certification runs five years; online refresher training runs three.

Minor repair and maintenance exemption — the RRP carve-out for work disturbing six square feet or less of paint per interior room, or 20 square feet or less on the exterior. Window replacement and demolition are always covered.

How to choose

Ask for terms to be translated on your estimate

A contractor who won't explain "spot prime as needed" in plain words is leaving themselves room.

Look for coat count and mil thickness together

Two coats applied too thin is not two coats. Ask what the product's specified spread rate is.

Know the lead vocabulary before hiring

"Lead-Safe Certified firm" and "certified renovator" are specific EPA terms with verifiable meanings.