Glossary - V
Varnish
A transparent coating based on drying oils and resins.
Vehicle
The vehicle and the pigment are the two basic components of paint. The vehicle is made up of thinner and binder.
Vent pipe
Any ventilating shaft; expansion pipe from a hot water system or other sealed tank or circuit.
Verge
The edge of the roof covering projected beyond a gable end.
Vinyl emulsions
Emulsions based on PVA or other vinyl compounds.
Viscosity
A measurement of the consistency and/or other properties of a paint, i.e. thickness or thinness.
VOC
Volatile organic content. Any carbon compound that evaporates under standard test conditions. Essentially all paint solvents except water are VOCs. Federal and state governments are beginning to limit the amount of volatile organics found in paint because of the concerns about possible destructive environmental and health effects.
Volume solids
The volume of pigment plus binder divided by the total volume, expressed as a percent. High volume solids mean a thicker dry film improving hiding and durability.