| Adhesion |
The ability of dry paint to attach to and remain fixed on the surface without blistering, flaking, cracking or being removed by tape. |
| Cadmium |
A toxic, heavy metal that has been used in paint formulations for color. |
| Caltrans |
State of California, Department of Transportation (Division of Equipment). |
| Catalyst |
A substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected. |
| Coating |
May be used to refer to liquid paint or powder coat material applied for corrosion protection and/or aesthetics. |
| Coating Defects |
Undesirable qualities of coatings which adversely affect appearance and/or corrosion protection. See Appendix "A" for examples. |
| Gloss |
The luster or shininess of paints and coatings. Typical gloss levels, in increasing order of gloss: flat (or matte)--practically free from sheen, even when viewed from oblique angles (usually less than 15 on 60° meter); semi-gloss--usually 35-70 on 60° meter; full-gloss--smooth and almost mirror-like surface when viewed from all angles, usually above 70 on 60° meter. |
| Gloss Meter |
A device for measuring the light reflectance of coatings. Trade practice normally measures a scale from 0 to 100 at 60° and at 20°. |
| Hexavalent Chromium (Chromate & Chrome 6) |
A toxic group of substances used in paint formulations for anti-corrosive and pigment properties; materials that include elemental chromium in the +6 oxidation state and any compounds which contain chromium in the +6 oxidation state. |
| High Solids |
Paints containing 60% to 80% solids, use fewer solvents, and must usually be applied hot in order to have sprayable viscosity. |
| Lead |
A toxic, heavy metal that has been used in paint formulations for color, aesthetics, and drying properties. |
| Paint |
A type of liquid coating which relies on evaporating solvent for drying and in this case is sprayed on. |
| Powder Coat |
A type of coating that is applied electrostatically as a free-flowing, dry powder and is cured with heat or UV light. |
| Primer |
The first complete coat of a coating system to a bare substrate to help with adhesion and corrosion protection. |
| Quality Assurance (QA) |
Inspection performed by Caltrans, Division of Equipment, Quality Assurance branch. Note: Quality Assurance does not alleviate vendor responsibility for Quality Control. |
| Topcoat |
The final or finish coat; the actual film which meets the eye. |
| Undercoat |
Any paint film beneath the topcoat. |
| Urethane |
An important resin in the coatings industry. A true urethane coating is a two-component product that cures when an isocyanate (the catalyst) prompts a chemical reaction that unites the components. |
