Abrade
A term that describes the etching of a surface to provide a suitable key before painting. This can be carried out by hand using abrasive wet or dry carborundum paper, sandpaper or mechanical means by way of grit\sand blasting.
Abrasive Resistance
| Abrasive resistance. Resistance to a coating being able to withstand constant friction/rubbing. |
Abrasives
Materials used for the preparation of surfaces generally relate to agents used for blast cleaning, such as copper, slag, steel grit/shot carborundum; glass paper – waterproof carborundum paper/cloth is also included within this description.
Absorption
The taking in of liquid into a new surface such as brick, concrete, timber, plaster. On new work absorption of the first coat of material into the surface is required as a primer/sealer coat to provide maximum adhesion for subsequent coats.
Accelerated Weather Testing
External weathering test bed
to establish the durability of paint coatings.
Accelerated Weathering
A laboratory test method used to simulate the exterior performance properties of paint coatings by passing coated panels through a cycle of lights, heat and wetness. There is no standard performance test and manufacturers use different cycles.
Accelerator
Also known as Activator or Catalyst – a material which accelerates the curing/hardening of certain types of coatings, e.g. epoxy-polyamine. Can also be used to accelerate the hardening of concrete (see Hardener).