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 The Dunn-Edwards glossary of paint terms provides a quick reference to terms commonly used in painting applications. To get started, either click on a letter to display all terms beginning with that letter, or enter a search phrase into the "find" text box and click "go" to display all glossary items related to that phrase.
DE-GLOSSER A liquid preparation used to remove the gloss of a painted surface, to slightly roughen or give “tooth” to the substrate. This lends improved adhesion to the coating being applied. DEAD FLAT Having no sheen or gloss. DEGREASER Solvent or compounded material used for removing oils, fats, or grease from a substrate. DEW POINT The temperature at which water vapor in the air begins to condense. DFT Dried Film Thickness generally expressed in mils. DILUENT A liquid that is included in a coating, or can be added primarily to reduce its viscosity. A diluent is not necessarily a solvent for the binder. DIRT PICK-UP Accumulation of dirt, dust and/or other debris on the paint film. Dirt pick-up may resemble mildew. Click here for more information about dirt pick-up. DRAG Resistance on bristle encountered when paints are being applied. Excessive drag of a coating can be a serious fault. DRY DUST-FREE Drying stage of a coating at which airborne dust particles will not adhere to it. DRY SPRAY Over-spray or bounce-back producing a sandy finish due to the sprayed particles having partially dried before reaching the surface. DRY TACK-FREE Drying stage of a coating at which it is not sticky or tacky to the touch. DRY TO RE-COAT Drying stage of a coating at which another coat of paint can be applied without damaging the previous coat. DRY TO SAND Drying stage of a sandable coating at which it can be sanded without the excess sticking to or clogging the sandpaper. DRY TO TOUCH Drying stage of a coating at which it has hardened enough that it may be touched lightly without any of it adhering to the finger. DRY-FALL COATING An extremely fast-drying paint commonly used to paint ventilation ducts, trusses, pipes and ceilings in commercial buildings, such as warehouses, retail stores and restaurants. Dry fall coatings are applied by airless spray. Dry fall means the paint completely dries before it reaches the floor. DRYING TIME The interval between the application of a coating and when it is ready for service. DRYWALL COMPOUND A highly extended paste used to make a continuous seam between pieces of drywall (Sheetrock); also used to repair cracks, holes and other defects. It is sanded smooth before painting. DURABILITY The degree to which a coating or caulk can withstand the destructive effects of the environment to which it is exposed. The term also refers to interior applications, including the ability to withstand scrubbing, abrasion, etc. |
