Waslaag

Waslaag is a Dutch term meaning literally “wash layer.” It designates a thin surface layer created by applying a dilute liquid, such as water, pigment slurry, or binder, or by washing away part of a coating to leave a modified surface. The term is used across several fields to describe a superficial layer whose properties differ from the underlying material.

In art and conservation, a waslaag usually refers to a wash or glaze. In painting, a wash is a translucent layer of paint used to establish tonal values or to modulate color. In restoration, waslaag can describe a thin surface layer used to even out texture or to seal the surface before applying further coatings. The concept is closely related to glazing and limewashing in traditional techniques.

In architecture, construction, and ceramics, a waslaag can denote a wash coat or limewash: a thin slurry applied to plaster or masonry to seal the surface, improve adhesion for subsequent coats, or provide a decorative or protective finish. The thickness is small, typically micrometers to a fraction of a millimeter, and the exact formulation depends on the application.

Etymology and usage: The term is primarily used in Dutch-language sources and is context-dependent. In English-language texts, equivalent terms include wash, glaze, or wash coat, with the precise meaning determined by the field.