Glossary

The PRINTING United Alliance Glossary serves as an excellent industry terminology resource. It is the language by which we all communicate. Without it, universal understanding would be impossible.

To keep our constituents well informed about changes to the increasingly complex industry terminology, PRINTING United Alliance has developed this glossary of terms. Definitions are for general reference only. Usage may vary between companies, individuals, or national and country customs. The information presented is as accurate as the authors and editors can ascertain and PRINTING United Alliance assumes no responsibility for the use of information presented herein.
  • Acetic acid
    An organic acid used in testing acid resistance of a material; photographic, the active ingredient in stop bath or fixing baths.
  • Acid
    Any substance in an aqueous solution capable of turning litmus indicator red, dissolving certain metals to form salts, reacting with base or alkali to form salt, below 7 pH.
  • Acid dye
    Textile printing color containing salts of organic acids and used for applying color to protein fibers such as silk, wool and polyamides.
  • Acid etching
    Producing images by using acid and resist materials.
  • Acid fixer (fix) (fixer) (fixing bath)
    A chemical solution containing sodium thiosulfate and diluted acetic acid that renders photographic images on film or paper permanent, upon immersion for the prescribed time by removing unexposed silver halides; also refer to hypo.
  • Acid free paper
    A paper with no acidity or residual acid producing chemicals.
  • Acid number
    A measure of the amount of free acid on a molecule, calculated as the number of milligrams of potassium hydroxide required to neutralize the free acids in one gram.
  • Acid proof (acid resistant)
    Quality of a material that prevents or lessens the effect of contact or immersion in acid.
  • Acid stop bath
    A photographic solution, generally acetic acid, used for stopping the action of the developer on a photographic positive, negative, film or paper.
  • Acid wash
    Chemical mechanical process where dye is taken out of a garment, producing a splotchy look that can range from large to a very fine; also referred to as rough cutting a garment.
  • Chromic acid treatment
    An acid bath treatment for polyolefins (polypropylene, polyethylene), in preparation for coating, bonding, or printing.
  • Citric acid
    An organic acid used in testing the acid resistance of ceramic colors.
  • Glacial acetic acid
    A chemical used in fixing baths and in stock hardener solution that is 99.8% pure.
  • Polybasic acid
    Maleic, succinic, and phthalic acid having two or more carboxyl groups per molecule.