Paint- A pigmented liquid that dries to form an opaque, solid film and provide decoration and protection.

Paint Remover- A compound that softens old paint or varnish, permitting loosened material to be scraped off.

Patina- A thin greenish layer that forms on copper, or bronze as a result of exposure to to the elements.

Peeling- Detaching of a dried paint film in large pieces. Peeling is usually caused by moisture or grease under the painted surface.

Pigments- Paint ingredients that are used mainly to provide color and opacity.

Phthalic Resins- A particular group of film formers; alkyds.

Pinhole- Very small holes in paint film, usually not deep enough to show the undercoat.

Polyurethane- Coatings ranging from hard glossy enamels to soft, flexible coatings. With thorough surface preparation, polyurethanes provide good to very good adhesion, hardness, flexibility and resistance.

Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)- A synthetic resin largely used as a vehicle for many latex paints.

Pot Life- The period during which a two-part paint can be applied after it has been mixed.

Prime Coat- First coat.

Primer-The base coat, or first complete coat, of a paint system that is applied to an uncoated surface. Primer can be latex or alkyd (oil) paint.

Propellant- The gas used to expel materials from an aerosol container.

Putty Knife-A flat-bladed tool for filling cracks and holes with spackling compound.