Glossary A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Term of the Day: Column A wood or metal vertical support member. Illuminance The density of light on a surface when it is uniformly illuminated. Immersion Referring to an environment which is continuously submerged in a liquid, often water. Immersion Referring to an environment which is continuously submerged in a liquid, often water. Impact resistance Ability of a coating to resist a sudden blow. Ability to resist deformation from impact. Impact test Used to assess the adhesion and flexibility of applied coatings. A weighted plunger is allowed to fall from a specified height onto the front (direct) or back (reverse) of a coated panel. The extent of the damage caused by the impact is used as a basis for assessing the adhesion and flexibility. Impact-reducing materials Wood mulch, wood chips, sand or pea gravel used to soften the landing of a child falling or jumping from any part of a play structure. Incompatible This term indicates that one material cannot be mixed with another specified material without separation or impairment of properties. Indirect lighting A more subdued type of lighting that is not head-on, but rather reflected against another surface such as a ceiling. Induction Time The period of time required after the mixing of two component products prior to use (same as Sweat-In Time). Inert base A paint base which does not provide hiding, color or drying properties. Its main function is to provide solids, usually at low cost. Inhibitive Pigment A pigment which assists in the prevention of the corrosion process. Inhibitor Any substance which slows or prevents chemical reaction or corrosion. Ink flaking A problem that occurs when the color element of the design begins to come off the decorative surface of wallpaper. Causes include defects in the manufacturing process, adhesive on the decorative surface and the use of abrasive detergents. Inlay A decoration, usually consisting of stained wood, metal or mother-of-pearl, that is set into the surface of an object in a pattern and finished flush. Inorganic The designation of compounds that do not contain carbon. Inorganic Zinc A coating based on a silicate resin and pigmented with metallic zinc which has excellent resistance to organic solvents and general weathering. Inside corner molding A molding with a concave or convex shape facing the center of a room and flat surfaces on the other sides that attach to the walls, usually at 90-degree angles. Use this type of molding on corners when there is a void space or when the corner is exceptionally out of square. Inside corner molding also helps hide a mismatch of wallpaper in a crooked corner. Inside corners A corner formed when two walls join facing each other, usually at a 90-degree angle. Insoluble Not soluble; cannot be dissolved. Intensity The brightness or dullness of a color. Also referred to as a color's purity or saturation. Intercoat Adhesion The bonding power between successive coats of paint. Intercoat Contamination The presence of foreign matter such as dust or dirt between successive coats of paint. Interlocked grain Wood in which the fibers incline in one direction in a number of rings of annual growth, then gradually reverse and incline in an opposite direction in succeeding rings, and then reverse again. Intermediate Coat The coating between the primer and topcoat. Intermediate colors Colors made by mixing equal amounts of one primary and one secondary color, such as red-orange and blue-green. Intermediate layer The middle layer in some types of wallpapers, found between the decorative surface and the substrate. The intermediate layer provides extra opacity, especially if it contains a color other than white or off-white. Intermix To thoroughly combine two or more containers to achieve uniformity. Internal Mix A spray gun in which the fluid and air are combined before leaving the gun. Intumescent To swell, bubble up, or foam as the result of heat. Intumescent coatings expand when exposed to heat, thereby insulating the surface and slowing burning. Ion An atom or group of atoms possessing a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained an electron. Iron Oxide The naturally occurring state of steel; rust. Isocyanate resins Resins synthesized from isocyanates and alcohols. The reactants are joined through the formation of the urethane linkage and hence this field of technology is generally known as urethane chemistry. Isopropyl Alcohol A volatile, flammable liquid used as a solvent commonly known as rubbing alcohol.