How a painting specification document can help you get the paint result you want

Edition 26: 19 May 2011

How a painting specification document can help you get the paint result you want.

Increasingly, we’re meeting customers who’ve obtained a painting specification document ('specification document'), prior to interviewing painters for the job. 

Most specification documents we’ve seen relate to exterior painting.  However, there’s no reason why one can’t be done for interior painting too. 

The paint companies (e.g. Resene, Dulux) usually write the specification documents gratis.  They want to help and at the same time, sell their paint products.  (Each paint company will only ever specify its proprietary products.) 

So, what is a specification document and what does it do? 

A specification document is a roadmap to help ensure you receive the optimal paint result.  It describes:

• The condition of the substrate to the painted, from the paint company’s perspective;
• How the painter should go about painting your house; and,
• The products that they should use

Does obtaining a specification document mean that someone is guaranteeing your painter’s workmanship?  No, is the short answer. 

A trade representative from the paint company usually writes the specification.  However, neither the trade representative nor the paint company is responsible for ensuring that the painter:

• Follows the methodology described in the specification document;
• Uses the paint product specified ; or,
• Performs his/ her work to the required quality standards. 

So what is the benefit of requesting a specification document? 

• It enables you to consistently present what you want to painters at the quoting stage.  This aids comparing each painting quote because you should be comparing “apples to apples”.
• It provides a platform via which the painter’s work may be benchmarked should that need arise.

Some paint companies may include a paint product guarantee within the specification document.  Usually, this paint product guarantee will only be effective if the painter can proof beyond doubt that they have not erred in any way. 

So how can you protect yourself if you’ve gone to the trouble of getting a specification document?  Only engage the painters that:

• The paint companies recommend; and,
• Whom you have a good feeling about during and after your interactions.    

The paint companies do not explicitly guarantee the quality of workmanship that those painters they recommend produce.  However, nobody ever sets out to disappoint a customer.  There is a significant vested interest to protect one’s reputation and personal brand when one makes a referral. 

Generally, the paint companies have a strong relationship with those painters they recommend.  Therefore, it’s in both parties (the painter and the paint company’s) interest to give you an optimal result.

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Next edition

The next edition of Off the Wall will be published on 15 July 2011.  Until then, ask us a painting related question.  Be in to WIN enough paint to recoat the walls within an average sized room.

About Wall Treats

Wall Treats is the 2009 Master Painter of the Year.  We go the extra mile to ensure all our clients receive a blue chip service. 

We are registered Master Painters who promise you a stress-free and enjoyable painting experience. 

Many of our clients have either introduced us to others or invited us back because of the peace of mind we provide them.

About this newsletter

Off the Wall is a two-monthly newsletter that Wall Treats puts together. 

Off the Wall aims to share information about painting and home and décor. 

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Regards,

Daniel and Ashley

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