Tricks Schedule

Terminology : Talking the Talk

If I were to wake up in a foreign land, and I didn't speak the native tongue, chances are I would have a very hard time communicating. A common language is crucial for clear understanding. And almost everything has its own jargon these days. The painting industry is no exception, and a good, working knowledge of the language is very important to the professional. We have an apprentice who's been working with us for a year and a half now, and I have been trying to teach her the various terms she'll need to know in this trade. This is as much for my benefit as hers. I want her to understand what I'm talking about when I tell her to pay particular attention to the window muntins...I don't want to have to describe them as " the little wooden frames around the glass panes." Takes too much time - and it doesn't sound professional to anyone who might overhear the instructions. And we know that perception is important; we all want to be thought of as "professional," especially if we do this for our livelihood. It still amazes me that I occasionally talk to other painters that don't know the word "alkyd" refers to oil-based paint! Now I understand that I may be more compulsive than most when it comes to learning the language. I have always been interested in words and their origins, so the more of them I know, the better I like it. And anyone will tell you that a good command of the language gives you increased confidence...it's as simple as knowing what you are talking about. I started in new construction twenty-three years ago as the only painter in a small construction company. That's where I discovered the real importance of learning the lingo. My boss sent me down into the basement to "prime the bed mould." Well, I didn't know bed mould from bread mold, so I was kind of stuck. I had to own up to my ignorance and set out on a course to learn all the trim profiles and their correct names. Crown mould and bed mould are NOT the same thing, even though the can be nailed up in the same place. And if your instructions were to stain the crown and paint the bed, you can see that identification would be crucial. There are lots of terms more specific to our trade, so I try to read all the painting magazines and journals that come my way. And I always find something that's new to me. It's continuing education, I think. My advice to anyone is learn the language of your trade so you can speak it with confidence.

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