Painting Your Home Yourself? Start With the Right Materials.
You don't need to be a professional painter to do a good job. But you do need to understand the surface, the preparation and the finish you're trying to achieve.
At D&S Paint Center in Pueblo, we help homeowners work through those decisions before they buy.
Whether you’re painting one bedroom, refreshing cabinets, working on stucco or restoring a fence, bring us your questions.
A better start than guesswork
Homeowners planning a room refresh, a repair, or a project outside. D&S is an independent paint and coatings supplier in Pueblo, not a painting contractor. Bring the project details, surface information, and questions that shape your decision.
Start with the surface. Then choose the system.
Use these as conversation starters. The right materials depend on the surface, project conditions, and current product information.
A small checklist for the store visit.
Mark what you already know, then save a copy to bring along.
Start with what you know. Bring the rest as questions.
D&S Paint Center is at 715 West Street in Pueblo. Bring measurements, labels, project notes, or a sample when it helps explain the job. If a product or requirement is uncertain, confirm it against current manufacturer documentation.
(719) 544-4714Useful answers before the first coat.
Specific recommendations depend on the project and the current product instructions.
01How much paint do I need for a bedroom?
Room dimensions, doors and windows, surface texture, existing color, and the selected product all affect the amount. Measure the walls (and ceiling if included), note the surfaces in scope, then use the coverage information for the specific product as an estimate—not a guarantee. Bring the measurements to D&S and we can help you think through the quantity.
02Do I need primer before repainting?
Not always. A sound, clean surface in similar color may not need a separate primer, while bare repairs, stains, a major color change, or a new or uncertain surface may call for one. The right answer depends on what is underneath and the coating system. Identify the existing finish and any problem areas before choosing; follow the product label and current technical information.
03What paint sheen is best for kitchens and bathrooms?
There is no single sheen that fits every room. Cleaning expectations, wall condition, lighting, moisture exposure, and the product’s intended use all matter. A higher sheen can make surface texture more noticeable, while a flatter finish may be harder to clean in some situations. Compare the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific room and surface, and consider a sample in the actual light.
04Can I paint over existing paint?
Often, if the existing coating is sound, clean, and properly prepared. Peeling, chalking, glossy, contaminated, or unknown coatings need closer attention; simply covering them can leave the underlying problem in place. Check for loose areas and identify the surface and old finish before selecting preparation and primer. For older coatings or uncertain conditions, seek qualified guidance before disturbing them.
05Can I paint a textured stucco wall?
Textured stucco can be painted, but its condition, porosity, repairs, previous coating, and texture affect preparation and material planning. Check for loose or damaged areas and moisture concerns first. The selected coating must be appropriate for the substrate and applied within its current instructions. Bring photos and describe whether the stucco is new, previously painted, or weathered.
06What's the difference between interior and exterior paint?
Products are formulated and labeled for particular uses and exposure conditions. Exterior surfaces face weather and temperature changes; interior surfaces have different cleaning, occupancy, and application considerations. Do not assume one product is suitable for both. Choose based on the exact surface and location, and follow the label and technical data for application conditions and preparation.
07What should I do about peeling paint?
First look for the source rather than painting over it: moisture, poor adhesion, a failing previous layer, or a surface problem may be involved. Avoid disturbing paint that could contain lead, especially in older buildings; follow applicable safety guidance and use qualified professionals when needed. Document where it peels and what the surface is, then ask for product-specific preparation advice.
08How do I know whether a surface is ready to paint?
A surface generally needs to be stable, clean, dry, and prepared as the chosen product requires. Loose coatings, dust, grease, chalking, moisture, or unresolved repairs can affect the next coat. Read the current product directions for the exact substrate, and do not rely on appearance alone where the existing coating is unknown or failing.
09What should I bring to the paint store?
Bring room or project measurements, photos, the surface type and condition, the current paint can or label if available, and any color sample you want to compare. Note whether it is interior or exterior and when you hope to start. A physical sample can help; photographs are useful context but are not a dependable basis for an exact color match.
10Can D&S help with a small painting project?
Yes—bring the project details and questions to the D&S counter. The surface, condition, location, and finish goal are useful starting points even for a small repair or one-room project. D&S is a paint and coatings supplier; the team can discuss material options, while the actual recommendation depends on the specific product and surface.
Tell Us What You're Painting.
Homeowners planning a room refresh, a repair, or a project outside.
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