Glossary

The ability of a material to take up and retain water.

The spotty appearance in the coating film caused by drops of water.

The steady state of water vapour movement through the coating, normally expressed in grams per sq m per day.

Ratio by weight between the water and the cement. Only a small amount of water is needed for hydration and the rest is used to make the concrete more workable. The water/cement ratio controls the characteristics of the paste and ultimately the concrete. Allowance must be made for water in the aggregate when adding water to the concrete batch.

Thickness of the coating film immediately after it has been applied.

The thorough impregnation of a material by a liquid. The more viscous a fluid, and the higher its surface tension, the more difficult it is for the liquid to “wet” materials. Certain additives, such as surfactants, improve wetting properties, allowing the material to flow out more easily.

A material usually added to aqueous solutions to facilitate spreading or to increase the solution’s ability to evenly wet or penetrate the surface. See Surface Active Agents.

The period of time during which a resin after mixing with a curing agent, remains workable and suitable for use.

The appearance of wrinkles in the dried film, usually due to initial formation of a surface skin.