pintura de imprimación
/pintuɾa de impɾimaθjon/from spelling rules
In Spanish, primer paint is pintura de imprimación.
This phrase refers to a preparatory coat of paint applied to a surface before the final topcoat to ensure better adhesion. In many practical contexts, such as when shopping at a hardware store, you can simply ask for imprimación rather than using the full phrase.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pintura (paint) and imprimación (priming or undercoat).
Which one should you use?
While pintura de imprimación is the full phrase, you might use imprimación to refer to the primer itself. If you are specifically referring to the single layer or coat of primer being applied, use capa de imprimación.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term pintura fondeadora is typically used for primer paint. In some parts of Spain, the term imprimación is used to refer to the primer paint.
How do you pronounce it?
/pintuɾa de impɾimaθjon/
Did you know?
- The term imprimación can be used in Spanish to describe not just paint, but any preparatory layer used in cosmetics or skincare, such as a makeup primer.
- In Argentina, the term fondeadora is used instead of imprimación. This comes from the word fondo, meaning 'bottom' or 'background', treating the primer as the base layer of a canvas.
- The word pintura is a linguistic relative of the English word 'picture'. Both descend from the Latin pictūra, meaning a painting or representation.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar pintura de imprimación para la madera.I need to buy primer paint for the wood.
- La pintura de imprimación ayuda a la adherencia.The primer paint helps with adhesion.
- Aplica primero la pintura de imprimación en la pared.Apply the primer paint to the wall first.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are in a hardware store discussing a home renovation project.
- Mateo¿Qué tipo de pintura de imprimación recomiendas?What kind of primer paint do you recommend?
- SofíaEsta es muy buena para superficies de metal.This one is very good for metal surfaces.
- MateoPerfecto, llevaré una lata para mi proyecto.Perfect, I will take one can for my project.
- SofíaDe acuerdo, Mateo, buena suerte con la pintura.Alright, Mateo, good luck with the painting.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
