Glossary

E

Effervescence
An effect in the film caused by rapid solvent release. This "boiling" of solvent causes a pinholed or cratered appearance reducing gloss.

Efflorescence
Water soluble salts, deposited as moisture evaporates, on the exterior of brick or concrete.

Elastic
The ability of a substance to return to its original shape or volume after a distorting force on the substance has been removed.

Elcometer
A trademark and brand name for a magnetic instrument for measuring dry film thickness of coatings applied to ferrous surfaces such as steel. Also an instrument for measuring the adhesion of coatings by the “Pull” method.

Electrical Potential
A minute voltage produced by the separation of molecules into their ionic state.

Electrolyte
A substance that dissociates into ions in solution thereby becoming electrically conductive.

Electromotive Series
A listing of elements arranged according to their standard electrical potentials otherwise known as galvanic series.

Electrostatic Spray
The spray application of paint where the particles are charged causing them to be electrically attracted to the grounded surface.

Electrostatic Dissipative (ESD)
A conductive coating or topping that has a resistance of more than 1,000,000 ohms, but less than 10,000,000,000 ohms. See Conductive.

Emulsion
A two phase liquid system in which small droplets of one liquid are immiscible in and are dispersed uniformly throughout a second continuous liquid phase.

Enamel
A term used to characterize a coating that has a glossy smooth finish.

Epoxy
A synthetic resin derived from petroleum products that can be cured by a catalyst or used to upgrade other synthetic resins to form a harder, more chemical resistant film.

Ester
Compounds formed by the reaction of alcohols and organic acids.

Etching
The treatment of a surface with an acid in order to dissolve loose particles or provide a profile. See “Acid Etching.”

External Atomization
Using air to break up a coating material after it has exited the spray gun nozzle.