Moorhouse Resources

Commercial Painting Specification Guide

Comprehensive guide to specifying commercial painting projects for optimal performance

What's Inside This Guide

This comprehensive 48-page specification guide provides facility managers, architects, &property owners with the essential information needed to specify commercial painting projects that deliver lasting results and maximum value.

Surface Preparation Standards: Detailed requirements for each substrate type
Coating System Selection: Performance-based recommendations by application
Quality Control Procedures: Inspection checklists and acceptance criteria
Environmental Considerations: VOC compliance and sustainability options

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48-page comprehensive guide

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Complete Table of Contents

Part I: Project Planning

  • 1. Project Assessment & Planning p. 3
  • 2. Budget Development & Cost Factors p. 7
  • 3. Timeline Planning & Scheduling p. 11
  • 4. Contractor Selection Criteria p. 15

Part II: Technical Specifications

  • 5. Surface Preparation Standards p. 19
  • 6. Primer Selection & Application p. 23
  • 7. Topcoat Systems by Application p. 27
  • 8. Specialty Coatings & Applications p. 31

Part III: Quality Control

  • 9. Inspection Procedures p. 35
  • 10. Acceptance Criteria p. 39
  • 11. Warranty Requirements p. 41
  • 12. Maintenance Specifications p. 43

Part IV: Appendices

  • A. Sample Specifications p. 45
  • B. Coating Compatibility Chart p. 46
  • C. Environmental Compliance p. 47
  • D. Industry Resources p. 48

Why This Guide is Essential

Avoid Costly Mistakes

Proper specifications prevent application failures that can cost 3-5x more to fix than doing it right initially

Maximize ROI

Proper coating selection and application extends service life by 40-60%, reducing long-term maintenance costs

Accelerate Projects

Clear specifications streamline contractor selection, bidding, and project execution by 25-40%

Sample Specification Sections

3.1 Interior Office Areas - High-Traffic

Surface Preparation: SSPC-SP 1 solvent cleaning of all surfaces. Sand all glossy surfaces with 120-grit sandpaper. Fill nail holes and minor imperfections with vinyl spackling compound.

Primer: Apply one coat high-build acrylic primer, minimum 3-4 mils DFT. Allow 4 hours cure time minimum.

Finish: Apply two coats premium acrylic latex paint, minimum 1.5 mils DFT per coat. VOC content not to exceed 50 g/L.

4.2 Exterior Concrete Block - Exposed Weather

Surface Preparation: Pressure wash at 3000 PSI minimum. Allow 48 hours drying. Remove efflorescence with muriatic acid solution (1:10 ratio).

Primer: Masonry conditioner followed by high-build acrylic block filler, 8-10 mils DFT. Cure 24 hours minimum.

Finish: Two coats premium exterior acrylic paint with IR-reflective pigments, 2-3 mils DFT per coat. 25-year fade warranty required.

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Additional Resources

Commercial Paint Color Guide

Professional color selection guide with psychology and branding considerations

View Guide →

Maintenance Planning Guide

Comprehensive maintenance schedules and touch-up procedures for commercial properties

View Guide →

Paint Calculator Tool

Interactive calculator for estimating paint coverage, materials, and project costs

Use Calculator →

Need Professional Consultation?

Our commercial painting experts can help you develop custom specifications for your specific project requirements