Glossary

Welcome to our wooden window restoration glossary page! Here you will find definitions for all the technical terms used in relation to sash windows refurbishment. We hope you find this helpful! We've collected a list of common sash window terms and their definitions to help you better understand the specific content thought-out our website and blog. The Glossary section of the website can be useful for you to quickly understand the meaning of unknown terms about wooden windows. The sash window glossary is a list of terms and their definitions, which can help you understand the content of our website. In addition, the Glossary can provide you with links to related articles from our window restoration blog, so you can explore the subject in more depth. If you're ever unsure about a term or concept, be sure to check the Glossary first.

Home » Glossary » Absorbency

Absorbency

Absorbency

Absorbency refers to the degree to which a surface or marital takes in liquids.

Materials with high Absorbency such as matte painted walls, plaster and untreated wood (especially softwoods) take in liquids easily. As a result, this can make them prone to staining, mould and frost damage. Materials that aren’t absorbent like plastics, treated wood, glossy paint and tiles do not take in liquids easily, if at all. This makes them more resistant to staining, mould and frost damage.

Materials such as: sealant, paints, grout and cement/concrete transition from high Absorbency to low Absorbency when they have dried or cured.

So when using these materials it’s important to be conscious of what moisture or liquids get absorbed as this can affect the drying/ curing time and its finish. Along with the same principle, surfaces can be treated to change their Absorbency. Primer is used on a surface to provide a non Absorbent layer before painting and wood Varnish creates a non Absorbent shell protecting the wood.

Other terms

  • Wood stain

    Wood stain

    Wood stain is a term that describes anything that colours wood. There are products that solely stain the wood but there are also others such as oils, varnishes and waxes that both stain and teat the wood (make it less absorbent and resistant to damage). Wood stains consist of a pigment or dye (for colour) […]

  • Air-drying

    Air-drying

    Air drying describes a product that naturally dries primarily because of its exposure to the air at room temperature. This is different to other products that might need heating or those that dry independently from the air. Air drying, although commonly used to describe paints, can also be used for glues, fillers and other products. […]

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