Painting and decorating glossary
When it comes to decorating your home, it’s often not the job itself that feels confusing. It’s the language that comes with it.
You might hear terms like “mist coat”, “cutting in”, or “eggshell finish” and feel like you should know what they mean. But unless you’ve done a lot of decorating before, most people don’t.
This glossary is here to make things clearer. It explains common painting and decorating terms in plain English, so you can understand what’s being suggested, ask better questions, and feel more confident when hiring someone to do the work.
A–Z painting and decorating terms
Cutting in
Cutting in is the process of carefully painting straight lines along edges, such as where walls meet ceilings, skirting boards, or corners. It’s usually done with a brush before using a roller on the main areas.
It matters because neat cutting in is what gives a room a clean, professional finish. If you’re not confident with a steady hand, this is often where a decorator earns their money.
Eggshell
Eggshell is a type of paint finish that has a soft, low sheen. It sits somewhere between matt and satin, giving a slight shine without being too reflective.
It’s commonly used on woodwork or walls where you want something a bit more durable than matt. A decorator can help you choose the right finish for each room.
Emulsion
Emulsion is a water-based paint typically used on interior walls and ceilings. It comes in different finishes like matt, silk, and soft sheen.
It’s the most common type of paint used in UK homes. Choosing the right type can affect both the look and how easy it is to clean.
Feature wall
A feature wall is one wall in a room that is painted or decorated differently to stand out. This could be a bold colour, patterned wallpaper, or textured finish.
It’s often used to add interest without overwhelming a space. Getting the balance right can be tricky, so some people prefer to get advice before committing.
Gloss paint
Gloss paint is a high-shine finish often used on woodwork like doors, skirting boards, and window frames. It’s durable and easy to wipe clean.
It matters because it highlights imperfections, so good preparation is essential. A decorator will usually spend time getting the surface right before applying it.
Lining paper
Lining paper is a plain paper applied to walls before painting or wallpapering. It helps smooth out small imperfections and creates a better surface.
It’s useful in older homes where walls aren’t perfectly flat. If walls are in poor condition, a decorator may recommend it as part of the job.
Masking
Masking involves using tape and protective materials to cover areas that shouldn’t be painted, like edges, fittings, or floors.
It helps achieve clean lines and prevents mess. Skipping this step often leads to a less tidy finish.
Matt paint
Matt paint has a flat, non-reflective finish. It’s popular for walls and ceilings because it hides small imperfections well.
It’s a good choice for most living spaces, but it can mark more easily than other finishes. In busy areas, a decorator might suggest something more durable.
Mist coat
A mist coat is a watered-down layer of emulsion applied to new plaster before painting properly. It helps the paint stick to the surface.
It’s an important step that’s often overlooked in DIY jobs. If it’s done incorrectly, paint can peel later on.
Primer
Primer is a base coat applied before painting to help the topcoat stick and to create an even surface.
It’s especially important on bare wood, metal, or new plaster. Skipping primer can lead to poor coverage and a shorter-lasting finish.
Roller
A roller is a tool used to apply paint quickly over large areas like walls and ceilings. It gives a more even finish than a brush.
Using the right roller for the surface makes a difference. A decorator will choose the correct type to suit the job.
Satinwood
Satinwood is a type of paint finish used on woodwork. It has a soft sheen, less shiny than gloss but more durable than matt.
It’s become a popular alternative to gloss in modern homes. It gives a clean look without being too reflective.
Silk paint
Silk paint has a slightly shiny finish and is more resistant to moisture than matt. It’s sometimes used in kitchens and bathrooms.
It reflects light more, which can highlight imperfections. A decorator may recommend it only where it suits the surface.
Undercoat
Undercoat is applied between the primer and the final coat of paint. It helps build up colour and improve the finish.
It’s often used when changing from a dark colour to a light one, or when painting over certain surfaces.
Varnish
Varnish is a clear coating applied to wood to protect it and enhance its natural appearance. It can be matt, satin, or gloss.
It’s commonly used on floors, doors, and furniture. Proper application helps protect the surface from wear and tear.
Wallpaper paste
Wallpaper paste is the adhesive used to stick wallpaper to walls. Different types are used depending on the wallpaper.
Using the right paste helps prevent peeling or bubbling. A decorator will match the paste to the material being used.
Wallpapering
Wallpapering is the process of applying decorative paper to walls. It requires careful measuring, cutting, and alignment.
It can transform a room, but it’s also one of the trickier decorating jobs. Many people choose a professional for a clean finish.
Woodwork
Woodwork refers to surfaces like skirting boards, doors, door frames, and window sills that are painted or treated separately from walls.
These areas often need more durable finishes. Preparation is key to getting a smooth, lasting result.
Final thought
You don’t need to know every term on this page.
But understanding a few of the basics can make a big difference when you’re planning decorating work or speaking to a professional. It helps you feel more in control and makes it easier to get the result you want.
And if you’re ready to move forward, taking the time to find and hire the right painter and decorator can make all the difference to how your home looks and feels.
