Glossary - E
Efflorescence
Known as 'efflorescence', these effects appear as a result of salts crystallising in materials such as bricks. The fluffy deposits can be removed with coarse Hessian sacking or by dry brushing, repeated every few days until the deposits disappear. Hard, shiny efflorescence can be sanded to roughen the surface, then painted over. Conventional solvent-based paints should not be applied on new buildings where efflorescence occurs for at least 12 months, to allow the surface time to dry out thoroughly. Use Dulux Alkali Resisting Primer prior to applying any solvent-based finishes. Alternatively, specify a Dulux Quick Drying water-based paint.
Earth pigments
A class of pigments usually mined direct from the earth. Also known as natural or mineral pigments e.g. red and yellow iron oxides yellow ochre, raw sienna, raw umber.
Eaves
The lower edge of a roof where it projects beyond the face of a wall.
Efflorescence
These salts originate from the bricks concrete blocks concrete etc. and brought to the surface by water drying out. These salts will go through plaster but will not normally originate from modern type plasters. Generally efflorescence is likely to persist until such time as the substrate has fully dried out. Active efflorescence is likely to push off any type of sealer or paint coating.
Eggshell
A degree of glossiness broadly midway between matt and high gloss.
Elasticity
The ability of paint to expand and contract with the substrate without suffering damage or changes in it's appearance. Expansion and contraction are usually caused by some temperature fluctuations. Some substrates such as yellow pine expand at different rates depending on the type of their grain. Elasticity is a key to durability.
Elevation
The facade of a building; the external elevation.
Emulsion paints
Water thinned paints based on a variety of synthetic resins including acrylics vinyl acetate and vinyl versatate. These generally have fair to good resistance to alkali and are permeable to water vapour which enables them to be used for early decoration by direct application to new plaster cement rendering and similar surfaces.
Enamel
Traditionally a slow-drying highly glossy paint having very good flowing properties but low opacity. Recently has been used more widely to describe any type of high-gloss finish.
Enrichment
Ornament particularly carved or modelled decoration to a building.
Epoxy resins
Synthetic resins which when used in a two-pack product have good resistance to chemicals hard wear and abrasion.
Etch primer
A thin lightly pigmented primer designed to increase the adhesion of a paint process when applied to surfaces particularly of non-ferrous metal on which paint will not normally adhere well. Also called wash primer.
Extender
A less expensive ingredient than pigment (titanium dioxide) it fills out and extends the pigment's capabilities. Extender cannot be used without pigment. Some common extenders are clays calcium carbonates and silicas.