Paint Terms Glossary

Ever been confused by paint terms? I know I have. For awhile, it felt like it was a whole new language. But, after years in home design and a few costly mistakes (I admit it!), I learned the importance of getting to know the meaning behind common paint related words. That’s why I’ve created a quick guide with a run down on essential paint terms every homeowner should know along with specific examples. Plus, read to the end and grab a free glossary you can download for your next project.

woman choosing paint holding paint color samples

Why Knowing Paint Terms Matters

Lots of times, folks look at a paint wall and just choose a color they like. Oh, that’s pretty! They might grab a few green color cards. Take them home to mull over and choose paint just for the color itself. However, we’ve all probably had at least one paint disappointment.

This usually comes from not understanding things like finish, undertones, and sheens which can lead to all sorts of mistakes. I know I’ve shared a bit about my early fiasco with a creamy white paint. There was also the time early on in my design career when I chose satin finish for an exterior house color that ended up being way to shiny and needed to be redone. Lesson learned.

corner with white wall paint, bookcase, and black piano. Room also has organic modern decor, plants, baskets, and stool — Walls painted with Sherwin Williams

Key Paint Terms to Know

There are dozens of important paint terms to get familiar with. It can get really technical and confusing. In my glossary below, I’ve defined over 20 words but here are a few key concepts to get a handle on before your next paint project.

Sheen – The glossiness or finish of your paint; determines how light reflects and how easy it is to clean.
Semi-Gloss – A shiny, durable finish ideal for trim, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Cool Color – Colors with blue, green, or purple undertones that create a calming or crisp feel.
Warm Color – Colors with red, yellow, or orange undertones for a cozy, inviting space.
Matte – A smooth, non-shiny finish that hides imperfections but can be harder to clean.
Coverage – How well paint spreads and how many coats you’ll need for full opacity.

sherwin williams paint sheens chart — Sherwin Williams Paint Sheen Guide

Common Mistakes with Paint Terms

There are lots of confusion about some of the most common paint terms. I get it! Some words are not entirely consistent across paint brands and some are just often misused often. Here are some of the common paint terms mistakes I hear:

Assuming all grays are neutral: not so! Many, if not most gray colors have strong undertones making them warm or cool. Knowing the difference or choosing a true neutral is a CRUCIAL
Thinking eggshell refers to color: Eggshell is a finish, not a color. You can get any color in an eggshell sheen.
Confusing satin with semi-gloss: Satin has a low to moderate sheen while semi-gloss is much shinier and more reflective.
Believing sheen doesn’t affect color: Higher sheens make colors appear slightly lighter and can change how undertones show up.

kitchen cabinets painted with iron ore with white countertops and tile — kitchen cabinets painted with sherwin williams satin finish

Paint Terms FAQs

What’s the difference between sheen levels like flat, satin, and semi-gloss?

Sheen refers to how shiny or reflective the paint is. Flat or matte has no shine and hides imperfections. Satin and egg shell has a soft glow and is more washable. Semi-gloss is shiny and durable commonly chosen for trim or bathrooms.

Why is primer important before painting?

Primer helps paint adhere to surfaces, creates a uniform base for color, and improves durability. It’s especially important on raw wood, drywall, tile, or over dark colors. I’ve found it’s necessary when painting over old paint too. Something about older paint, like from the 1980’s, can make colors bleed through without priming.

What’s the difference between latex and acrylic paint?

Both are water-based, but acrylic paint contains more acrylic resins, making it slightly more durable and flexible—better for exterior use. Latex is commonly used for interior walls.

What is an undertone and why does it matter?

An undertone is the subtle color beneath the main color (like a blue or yellow hue in gray paint). It affects how paint looks in different lighting and alongside other colors, so it’s important when choosing the right shade.

Get Free Paint Terms Glossary

Learn more about tints, tones, and hues with my full paint terms glossary which includes definitions for over 20 essential words. Grab the free pdf and print to take with you for your next paint project.

Final Thoughts

I hope this article helps clear up some of the common, but essential paint terms. Knowing these key words is crucial for a successful paint project. Whether it’s understanding the difference between satin and semi-gloss or tints and tones, getting a good grasp of these are really important before starting to paint.

If you’re curious to know more about choosing paint, check out some of my most popular paint posts including How to Choose Paint Colors and Best Paint Color Visualizers.