Glossary of Terms

RAL

A colour reference library, originated in Germany, and comprising of several hundred colours often specified by designers and architects.

Reversible Coatings

The term used to describe finishes or coatings which always remain re-soluble in their own solvents i.e. coatings which do not undergo a chemical or physical reaction during drying or curing that cannot be reversed. Also known as Convertible Coatings. Typical examples are nitrocellulose and French Polish.

RFU

Abbreviation for Ready for Use, meaning the lacquer or paint is supplied in a form that can be used without the need for any additional thinners or catalyst.

SDS

Shortened abbreviation for Material Safety Data Sheet.

Shelf-life

A reference to the length of time after manufacture that a product can still be used without any problems assuming it has been stored in its original unopened container in good conditions.

Shelling

Delamination of the coating due to tangentially-cut veneers moving, or the inconsistent lifting of ‘annual rings’ in timber.

Specific Gravity

Also known as SG or Density – measures the weight per litre of a liquid compared to the same volume of water. Used in the testing of lacquers and when calculating the application coverage of a paint or lacquer.

Spiriting out/off

French polishing term used to describe the final removal of oil or surface contaminant to give a superior gloss finish.

Stopping Up

The application of wood filler to fill cracks and holes in the timber. The filler is normally applied and sanded smooth prior to any staining or finishing process.

Stripping

The term used to describe the chemical removal of dried paint or lacquer films prior to refinishing or restoring.

Substrate

Another term for the timber or material surface that will be worked on or coated.

Suction Feed Cup Gun

A spray system where the cup sits under the gun and ‘sucks’ up lacquer by suction to the nozzle/tip.

Thermoplastic Film

Term used for coatings that soften or become ‘plastic’ or malleable under heat.

Thermosetting Film

Term used for coatings which are cured or set hard when heat is applied.

Toy Test Certificate

A certificate of product conformity issued to surface coatings which meet the stringent requirements of BS (EN) 71 rendering them suitable for use on children’s toys and furniture. The test determines the levels of potentially dangerous metals and substances in the coating film.

|   Top of Page   |