Machine Printing – Process by which most modern wall coverings are produced. Machine printing employs a rotary press and a series of rollers to turn out wall coverings at high speed.

Madder – Coloring matter made originally from roots of a European plant; now made chemically.

Manganese – A metallic chemical element; manganese driers are often used for oil based paints.

Marbling - A decorative painting technique that imitates the color and figure of marble.

Marine Finishes - Paints and varnishes specifically formulated to withstand saltwater immersion and exposure to marine atmosphere.

Markup, Markon – Two ways of figuring retail selling price. If an item costs $100 at wholesale and retails for $200, the retail price represents a 100 percent markup or a 50 percent markon according to the system of accounting being used.

Masonry - Mineral-based building material such as cement, mortar, stone, brick, and stucco.

Masking – Covering areas not to be painted.

Matching – Method of hanging each strip of wall covering so that design will be in correct relation to preceding strips.

(MEK) Methyl Ethyl Ketone – A strong flammable organic solvent; ketone.

(MIBK) Methyl Iso butyl Ketone – A strong flammable organic solvent; ketone.

Metamerism - The phenomenon where two color samples appear to match under one light source, and differ under another. Two such samples are called a metameric pair.

Mil – One thousandth of an inch; a unit used to express measure of film thickness.

Mildew – Fungus, mold.

Mildew Resistance - The ability of a paint or caulk to resist mildew growth on its surface.

Mildewcide – Substance poisonous to mildew; prevents or retards growth of mildew.

Mill Scale – Oxide layer formed on steel by hot rolling.

Mill White – A white paint with a varnish type vehicle.

Mineral Spirits – Aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent.

Miscible – Able to be mixed or blended uniformly.

Mobility – The extent to which a material flows.

Moisture – Water or other liquid causing wetness or dampness.

Moisture Resistance - The ability of a coating to resist swelling, blistering or other damage caused by moisture.

Monks Cloth – Rough-weave drapery material made of coarse cotton yards combined with a backing to from a wall covering.

Monochromatic Color Scheme – A color scheme using various tints, shades, and tones, or values, of one color or color family.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - An informational document provided by the manufacturer regarding the safety and handling procedures and precautions for materials used in the workplace.

Mud-Cracking - A paint failure that looks like cracked mud. It occurs when a coating is applied too thickly, such as with heavy application in corners.

Multic-color Finishes – Speckled finishes; paints containing flecks of colors different from the base color.

Mural – See Scenic Pattern.

Muriatic Acid – A form of hydrochloric acid diluted for use in cleaning concrete before painting.

Muted Color – A color which has been softened or reduced in strength, with a complementary color or black, white or gray.