Glossary of Decorating terms
and Painters jargon.
Registered and Trade Mark names are shown in
green.
S
Sable. Very high quality brush. Often used in signwriting
and fine detailed work. Heraldic term for
black.
Sadolin. Akzo Nobel stain and varnish brand.
Sander. A tool or machine used for smoothing surfaces.
Sandpaper. An abrasive paper used for smoothing
surfaces.
Santex. Exterior wallcovering paint.A product of
Akzo-Nobel.
Satin finish Paint finish with dull sheen akin to eggshell finish.
Schonox. Akzo Nobel paint brand.
Scraper. A stiff bladed knife, usually between 1 to
4 inches wide, used for general preparation work and paint stripping.
Scratch. Slang term for any type of abrasive paper.
Seam roller. A small wooden or plastic(top quality: stainless
steel) roller for use on wallpaper edges.
Selvedge. The protective edging on untrimmed wallpaper.
Semi-gloss. Less than a full gloss; eggshell type
finish.
Semi-trimmed. Seemingly untrimmed wallpaper, which has been partially cut though by machine trimmer and which can be trimmed
by knocking the edge firmly and sharply, thereby removing the selvedge.
Serpentine A greenish colored marble. One of the principal green marbles.
Shabby Chic A decorating style originating in the USA.
Shaker A minimalist style of furniture and decoration originating in the USA.
Shave Hook or Shaving Hook. A trianguler scraper used in paint stripping. There are variations on the plain triange shape of the blade, some being curved edged to assist in stripping mouldings. The blade is set at right angles to the handle.
Shellac. The resin lac spread into thin plates, used in varnish making, after being melted and strained.
Siccative. Drying medium.
SignboardA board showing the name or logo of a shop or business.
Sikkens. Akzo Nobel speciality paint brand.
Silicate: Any one of a large family of substances chiefly
used with titanium dioxide, the primary pigment, as an extender pigment.
When used in moderation, these silicates (magnesium silicate, aluminum silicate,
etc.) are valuable in helping control gloss, aid brushability, and increase
hold-out properties and overall exterior durability.
Silvering. Applying silver-leaf to the prepared surface.
Silver Leaf Very thin silver used in lettering and ornate gilding.
SilverfishSmall insects with fish-like bodies found in damp areas.
Skylight A window in roof or ceiling.
SkirtingA board running round the base of walls touching the floor.
Slasher In times gone by; the expert user of a large distemper brush.
Soffit. The underhang between exterior wall and fascia
board. Eaves.
Softwood. Timber cut from pine trees.
Spattering: Droplets of paint that spin or mist off the
roller as paint is being applied. The application of droplets of paint to
obtain a Spatter finish.
Spindle. The narrow posts supporting the handrail
on a staircase.
Steel toe-caps. Safety footwear now mandatory on all
building sites in the UK.
Steel wool. Wire wool abrasive.
Stencil. To produce a pattern or design thru a paper
cut-out.
Stile. The vertical beam on a window
or panel-door.
Stopper. Wood filler to match colour of the timber.
String. The boards running up both sides of the steps
on a staircase.
Stripper. A chemical compound, in jelly or liquid form
used to remove old or damaged paint.
Stucco. A coarse finishing material for walls and wood (mainly exterior),
often to hide imperfections.
Sub Turps. Turpentine substitute or White Spirit.
Sugar Soap. A caustic soap used to remove grease and
dirt from paintwork.
|
