DEAD FLAT:
Having no sheen or gloss.

DEGLOSSER:
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.

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.

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.

DRY DUST-FREE:
Drying stage of a coating at which airborne dust particles will not adhere to it.

DRY TACK-FREE:
Drying stage of a coating at which it is not sticky or tacky to the touch.

DRY TO RECOAT:
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.

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.

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