Glossary of Terms - F

Fat Edge
Formation of a ridge of accumulated paint often caused by dripping

Fattening and feeding
Recognised as thickening of the paint, making it eventually unusable. Caused by inter-mixing of paints.

Feather edging
Tapering, usually by abrading, the thickness of the edge of a dry coating system

Film Thickness
The typical dry film thickness (DFT) given in individual product and system sheets is generally the minimum required.

Flaking
Similar to blistering, flaking is caused by loss of adhesion.

Flash point
The flash point is measured by the closed cup method and is quoted in ºC. The flash point is the lowest temperature at which confined air/vapour mixtures can be ignited by a spark or flame

Flashing or Sheariness
Glossy streaks or patchiness observed when viewing a surface from a shallow angle.

Friable
Indicates a substrate that is underbound and will therefore be loose and crumbling. It must be stabilised prior to application of a paint coat.

Full chemical cure
This means that the final properties of a two pack or single pack chemically curing paint have been achieved after the time stated in the individual product sheet at a particular temperature

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