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

  • Acrylic filler

    Acrylic filler

    Acrylic filler (often referred to as decorators caulk, painters caulk or decorators acrylic) is a water-based economical and environmentally friendly sealing and filling material. Acrylic filler, when cured, offers flexibility and elasticity that allow for movement, therefore stopping cracks from reappearing. Although mostly used for internal decorating, its resistance to moisture and temperature changes means […]

  • Undertone

    Undertone

    Undertone is a term that refers to the subtle colouration that is added to a paint mixture that can be seen under the primary colouration. The undertone may not be easily noticeable but is greatly affective on the overall mood of the paint. Undertones can make a painted surface feel warmer by using undertones of […]

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