Glossary

L

Lacquer
A coating comprised of a synthetic film forming material, which is dissolved in organic solvents and dries by solvent evaporation.

Lacquer Thinner
Commonly used term used to describe a solvent blend of ethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate and toluene.

Laitance
An accumulation of fine particles, loosely bonded, on the surface of fresh concrete, caused by the upward movement of water. This laitance must be removed before applying a topping.

Latex
A stable dispersion of a polymer substance in an aqueous medium. A common term for water reducible coatings.

Lead-Free
Contains, by weight, less than 0.5% lead for industrial products and less than 0.6% lead in consumer products.

Leafing
The orientation of pigment flakes in a horizontal plane, usually aluminum, having leaf-like veins.

Lifting
Softening and raising or wrinkling of a previous coat by the application of an additional coat; often caused by coatings containing strong solvents. See Aligatoring.

Low-Pressure Water Cleaning
Cleaning of concrete or steel surfaces by spraying water at pressures less 5,000-psi to remove dirt and loose, friable material. This method will not remove coatings or sealers. See High-Pressure Water Cleaning.