What is the term for how well paint adheres to the surface it's applied on?

The term that describes how well paint adheres to the surface it's applied on is adhesion. Adhesion refers to the molecular attraction between the paint and the substrate, and it plays a crucial role in the performance of the coating. A strong adhesion ensures that the paint will bond effectively to the surface, which is essential for maintaining the durability and longevity of the finish.

Understanding adhesion is vital in paint technology because poor adhesion can lead to peeling, flaking, or blistering of the paint, compromising both its aesthetic and protective qualities. Various factors influence adhesion, including surface preparation, type of substrate, and the nature of the paint itself, including its formulation and drying characteristics.

The other terms like saturation, lightness, and cure refer to different properties of paint. Saturation describes the intensity of color, lightness refers to the brightness or luminance of a paint color, and cure pertains to the process through which paint hardens and reaches its final properties after application. Therefore, none of these concepts relate directly to the ability of paint to stick to a surface, highlighting why adhesion is the correct term in this context.