PAINTING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
2316 Millpark Drive, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
P 314-514-7322 | F 314-890-2068 | PDCA.org
INDUSTRY
STANDARDS
IN COOPERATION WITH
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INTRODUCTION TO THE
PDCA STANDARDS
The most important function of an association is to establish industry standards.
Defining what constitutes the proper way of doing things and communicating those
standards removes the “veil of secrecy” that so often exists between an industry
and the public. When the terms by which an industry’s members communicate
with the public and each other are clear to consumers, chances for confusion and
disagreements are greatly reduced.
PDCA seeks to make the painting and decorating industry less opaque both to those
who work within it and to those who invest in its services. Standards are organized
into seven sections: (1) scope, (2) significance and use, (3) reference documents
and standards, (4) definitions, (5) standard specification, (6) comments, and (7)
disclaimer of liability. They cover a range of issues that often become the subject of
misunderstandings or contract disputes and provide guidance for both the contractor
and the layman.
Comments or questions regarding the Standards or their interpretation should be
addressed to the Chairman of the Standards Committee at PDCA headquarters.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PDCA P1 5
PDCA P2 9
PDCA P3 14
PDCA P4 19
PDCA P5 22
PDCA P6 26
PDCA P7 30
PDCA P8 33
PDCA P9 37
PDCA P10 48
PDCA P11 51
PDCA P12 54
PDCA P13 57
PDCA P14 61
PDCA P15 66
PDCA P16 69
PDCA P17 73
PDCA P18 78
PDCA P19 82
PDCA P20 86
PDCA P21 90
PDCA P22 94
PDCA P23 102
PDCA P24 105
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PDCA STANDARDS
• PDCA Standard P1 establishes criteria for determining a properly painted surface,
defines touch up and repair, and determines which party to an agreement should
bear the financial responsibility for such work.
• PDCA Standard P2 establishes criteria for determining the qualifications and
responsibilities of third parties charged with conducting inspections of coatings
application work performed by painting and decorating contractors, as well as the
procedures to be followed by inspectors in the performance of their duties. The
establishment of “inspection hold points” by all parties to the agreement are an
important part of this standard.
• PDCA Standard P3 describes the impact on the costs associated with and time
required to complete a project as the number and placement of paint colors and
types of finishes grow. The standard is intended to provide guidance in those
instances where the number and placement of paint colors and color ranges are
either not specified in the bid documents or are unclear.
• PDCA Standard P4 establishes criteria for determining which of the parties to an
agreement has responsibility for inspecting and approving surfaces prior to their
being painted or decorated.
• PDCA Standard P5 establishes a procedure for the submission and approval of
benchmark samples which will serve to determine achievable quality from specified
preparation, paint and coating systems.
• PDCA Standard P6 establishes criteria for determining the acceptance of
completed wallcovering installations and defines the responsibilities of the parties
to an agreement.
• PDCA Standard P7 establishes criteria for the order of work performed by various
parties on a construction project as it relates to the ecient and successful
completion of painting and decorating work. The cost impact of variations from a
prescribed schedule are discussed.
• PDCA Standard P8 establishes the contracting entity’s responsibility maintenance
of painted and coated surfaces and prescribes procedures and financial
responsibilities for inspecting and repainting previously painted surfaces that have
since become aesthetically less pleasing in appearance.
• PDCA Standard P9 defines terms commonly used to describe work to be
performed by painting and decorating contractors in the routine and ordinary
course of their duties. This standard clarifies the work scope and responsibilities of
the painting and decorating contractor.
• PDCA Standard P10 prescribes a methodology for measuring surfaces for
estimating & bidding painting & decorating work.
• PDCA Standard P11 defines painter’s caulk to determine its suitability and
establish its placement whether delineated, implied and/or not referenced in the
specifications for painting.
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• PDCA Standard P12 establishes consistent procedures for the specification of
block filling and the application of block filler prior to painting paint grade smooth
face concrete masonry units.
• PDCA Standard P13 the inspection and acceptance of architectural paints on the
interior surfaces of structures when dry film thickness is specified.
• PDCA Standard P14 levels of surface preparation for repainting and maintenance
projects receiving architectural coatings.
• PDCA Standard P15 establishes procedures for the evaluation of shop primer
applied by an entity other than the painting and decorating contractor, including,
but not limited to siding and other architectural features.
• PDCA Standard P16 assigns responsibilities to the various entities involved when
wallcovering is removed by an entity other than the painting and decorating
contractor in preparation for painting.
• PDCA Standard P17 assigns responsibilities to the various entities involved with
smooth face tilt-up is field painted.
• PDCA Standard P18 defines criteria for the documentation of extra work to a
contract for painting and decorating.
• PDCA Standard P19 defines the field of Decorative Finishing.
• PDCA Standard P20 establishes procedures for the close out of painting and
decorating projects.
• PDCA Standard P21 establishes consistent procedures for the specification of stain
and clear coating on new interior wood surfaces.
• PDCA Standard P22 establishes consistent procedures for the specification of
utilizing pressurized water to clean surfaces or prepare surfaces for painting.
• PDCA Standard P23 identifies typical common items that are not implied to be a
part of the Painting and Decorating Contractors work unless explicitly referenced in
the specification or contract documents for painting or finishing.
• PDCA Standard P24 establishes procedures for the inspection and acceptance of
spot repairs made to existing finishes.
Copyright © 2013 PDCA All Rights Reserved.
Visit www.pdca.org and PDCA’s findapainter.com to verify Contractor Membership in PDCA.
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PDCA P1
Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial
Responsibility and Definition of a Properly Painted Surface
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to establish the financial responsibilities for repair or
correction of damage to finished painted surfaces.
1.2. It is the intent of this document to define “Touch up.”
1.3. A “properly painted surface” is also defined in this standard.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. This standard defines the repair and repainting of finished painted surfaces that have
been damaged by individuals other than those employed by the painting and decorating
contractor. This type of damage is defined as “damage caused by others.” Damage caused
by others will be corrected by the painting and decorating contractor after a change order
is received from the contracting entity.
2.2. The painting and decorating contractor will repair and/or repaint the damaged area after
receiving acceptance of its proposal and authorization to proceed on either a lump sum or
time and material basis.
2.3. “Latent damage” is due to conditions beyond the control of the painting and decorating
contractor. This damage is caused by conditions not apparent at the time of initial painting
and decorating.
2.4. The painting and decorating contractor will repair and/or repaint the damaged area after
receiving acceptance of its proposal and authorization to proceed on either a lump sum or
time and material basis.
2.5. The contractual work is job and item specific. In no case shall the painting and decorating
contractor be responsible for “damage caused by others” or “latent damage” as herein
described.
2.6. The painting and decorating contractor will produce a “properly painted surface.” A
“properly painted surface” is defined as uniform in appearance, color, texture, hiding
and sheen. It is also free of foreign material, lumps, skins, runs, sags, holidays, misses, or
insucient coverage. It is also a surface free of drips, spatters, spills or overspray caused
by the painting and decorating contractor’s workforce. In order to determine whether
a surface has been “properly painted” it shall be examined without magnification at
a distance of thirty-nine (39) inches or one (1) meter, or more, under finished lighting
conditions and from a normal viewing position.
3. Reference Documents and Standards
3.1. ASTM, Volume 6.01, of ASTM standard, D16-00 (published September 2000).
3.2. SSPC, SSPC Painting Manual Vol. 2, Eighth edition 2000, Standard SSPC-PA 1, 9.0 Field
Coating, 9.3 Touch Up of Shop Coated Surfaces.
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PDCA Standard P1
3.3. Painting and Decorating Encyclopedia, William Brushwell, Published by Goodheart-Wilcox,
Touch up.
3.4. PDCA Painting and Decorating Craftsman’s Manual and Textbook, 1995, 8th edition. Touch
up.
3.5. MPI, The Master Painters Glossary – Painting and Decorating Terminology, 1997& 2004.
3.6. Document A 201 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction 1997.
3.7. Document A 401 Standard Form of Agreement Between Contractor and Subcontractor
1997.
3.8. PDCA Standard P9-04, Definition of Trade Terms.
3.9. FSCT, Coating Encyclopedic Dictionary, Edited by Stanley LeSota, 1995.
3.10. Black’s Law Dictionary, 7th Edition, Bryan A. Garner, 1999
3.11. SSPC, Protective Coatings Glossary.
3.12. Webster’s New World Collegiate Dictionary, 4th Edition, 2002.
3.13. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, then the requirements
of this standard shall prevail.
4. Definitions
4.1. CHANGE ORDER: An agreement to modify or alter the original contract work. This includes
but is not limited to, corrective work for “damage caused by others” and “latent damage.”
Adjustments to the contract amount and completion time should be part of this agreement.
The change order will be issued by the contracting entity.
[PDCA Standard P9]
4.2. COLOR: One aspect of appearance; a stimulus based on visual response to light, and
consisting of three dimensions of hue, saturation and lightness. [FSCT]
4.3. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement or authorized
agent of any of the above.
[PDCA Standard P9]
4.4. CRACKS: For the purpose of this standard: A break in the substrate and/ or surface which
can result in a subsequent break in the paint film.
4.5. DAMAGE: Abuse or injury to a paint film or substrate which would blemish its appearance
or impair its usefulness or value.
[PDCA Standard P9]
4.6. DAMAGE CAUSED BY OTHERS: “Damage” caused by individuals other than those
employed by the painting and decorating contractor.
[PDCA Standard P9]
4.7. FINISHED LIGHTING: Finished lighting conditions are described as those in place when the
project is finished. This includes, but is not limited to, design lighting (e.g., wall washers,
spots and floods, etc.) and natural lighting (e.g., skylights, clear view windows, window
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PDCA Standard P1
walls, window treatments, etc.).
[PDCA Standard P9]
4.8. HIDING (Hiding Power): The degree or ability of an opaque coating, applied in a
uniform film, to cover, mask or obscure the substrate to which it is applied, or the colors
underneath. Hiding power is provided by the paint’s pigment. [MPI]
4.9. HOLIDAYS: Application defects whereby small areas are left uncoated. [FSCT]
4.10. INSPECTION LIGHTING: Illumination of the installed surface from an angle at an intensity
sucient to eliminate any shadowing that may be caused by other illumination striking the
surface at any angle. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.11. LATENT DAMAGE OR DEFECTS: Damage to surfaces by causes beyond the control of the
painting and decorating contractor after the painting and decorating contractor’s work
has been completed. Examples of such include, but are not limited to, building settlement,
cracks, water damage, earthquake damage, nail and/or screw pops or expansion and/or
contraction of substrate. [PDCA P9]
4.12. NORMAL: According to a regular pattern; natural; according to an established rule or norm-
setting a standard or norm. [Black’s Law]
4.13. NORMAL VIEWING POSITION: For the purpose of inspection a normal viewing position
shall be at eye level at a minimum of thirty-nine (39) inches or one (1) meter from the wall.
Inspection lighting can be used as defined in this standard. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.14. OTHERS: Any individual or group of individuals other than the painting and decorating
contractor or his employees. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.15. OVERSPRAY: The paint that did not hit the intended surface during a spray application.
This can appear as small raised specks around the area sprayed and can give a halo eect
on smooth surfaces. [MPI] Spray particles that are not wet enough to fuse when they reach
the surface being sprayed. As a result, overspray may contaminate property beyond the
surface being sprayed. [SSPC]
4.16. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: The individual or company contracted to
apply paints, coatings, wallcoverings and other decorative finishes. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.17. PIN HOLE: A minute hole in a paint film that resembles a pore or pin prick, often due to
improper solvent release during drying or the trapping of air or gas in the film during
setting. [MPI]
4.18. RUNS: Narrow downward movement of a paint film resulting in an irregular surface.
[Craftsman’s]
4.19. SAGS: A coating irregularity similar to runs but often broader in scope. [Craftsman’s]
4.20. SHEEN: An attribute of object mode of appearance which is similar to luster; gloss with
poor distinctness-of-image reflectance. In the paint industry the term sheen is generally
used synonymously with gloss measured or observed at a grazing angle, such as 85º o
the perpendicular. Sheen is therefore frequently evaluated in terms of gloss measurements
made on an 85º glossmeter. Not infrequently there are coatings that are high in sheen, but
have a low gloss when illuminated and viewed at or near the perpendicular. [FSCT]
4.21. STANDARD: Something established for use as a rule or basis of comparison in measuring or
judging capacity, quantity, content, extent, value, quality, etc. The type, model or example
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PDCA Standard P1
commonly or generally accepted or adhered to; criterion set for usages or practices.
[Webster’s]
4.22. TEXTURE: Texture as used in a “properly painted surface” (means) the texture of the paint
or coating system. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.23. TOUCH UP: The correction of deficiencies in the specified work to achieve a “properly
painted surface” as described in 2.3, above. (“Damage caused by others” or “latent
damage” at times incorrectly referred to as touch up, are described in 4.5, 4.6 and 4.11
herein. The correction of “damage caused by others” and “latent damage” is distinct from
touch up and addressed in 2.1 and 2.2 of this standard.)
5. Standard Specification
5.1. TOUCH UP: The painting and decorating contractor shall correct deficiencies in its
workmanship to conform to the definition of a “properly painted surface” as defined in this
standard.
5.2. “Latent damage” and “damage caused by others” shall be repaired by the painting and
decorating contractor upon receiving a change order from the contracting entity. The
painting and decorating contractor will proceed with the repair upon receiving acceptance
of its proposal and approval to proceed from the contracting entity as outlined in this
standard.
5.3. The acceptability of the surface shall be determined when viewed without magnification,
at a distance of thirty-nine (39) inches or one (1) meter or more, under finished lighting
conditions and from a normal viewing position.
5.3.1. Inspection lighting conditions will allow the finished surface to be viewed with
minimal distortion which may be caused by the quality of the substrate preparation
and/or illumination at an acute angle.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard clarifies areas of responsibility. Improved communication reduces
misunderstandings.
6.2. This standard is a nationally recognized consensus document for the painting and
decorating industry’s work practices.
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
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PDCA P2
Third Party Inspections: Qualifications,
Responsibilities, and Procedures
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to establish third party inspection qualifications,
responsibilities and procedures.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. The contracting entity, painting and decorating contractor, material supplier and third party
inspector have a vital interest in the success of the project.
2.2. Eective third party inspection can contribute to the success of a project and reduce
needless delays, costs, general disruptions and tension between the contracting entity,
painting and decorating contractor and material supplier.
2.3. This standard shall utilize standards already set forth by the Society For Protective
Coatings (SSPC), the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) and the
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
3. Reference Documents and Standards
3.1. ASTM D-4537-91 Standard Guide for Establishing Procedures to Qualify and Certify
Inspection Personnel for Coating Work in Nuclear Facilities (re-approved 1996).
3.2. SSPC, Coating Lining Inspection Training Manual SSPC publication #91-12, Bechtel, August
1991.
3.3. NACE International Coating & Inspection Training and Certification Program.
3.4. SSPC, Painting Manual Volume 1, Good Painting Practice, 3rd edition 1993.
3.5. MPI, The Master Painters Glossary – Painting and Decorating Terminology, 1997& 2004.
3.6. Webster’s New World Collegiate Dictionary, 4th Edition, 2002.
3.7. PDCA Painting and Decorating Craftsman’s Manual and Textbook, 1995, 8th edition.
3.8. PDCA Standards
3.9. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, the requirements of
this standard shall prevail.
4. Definitions
4.1. CALIBRATE: To determine the indication of output of a measuring device with respect to
that of a standard. [SSPC]
4.2. CERTIFICATION: Confirmation by document under hand or seal as being true, or as
meeting a standard or as being as represented. [SSPC]
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PDCA Standard P2
4.3. COATING APPLICATOR: One who applies a protective or decorative coating (paint). [SSPC]
(Painting and decorating contractor).
4.4. COATING WORK: An all-inclusive term used to define all operations required to accomplish
a complete coating job; the term shall be construed to include materials, equipment, labor,
preparation of surfaces, control of ambient conditions, application of coating systems,
inspection, etc. [SSPC]
4.5. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement, or authorized
agent of any of the above. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.6. DEFECTIVE: Subnormal with respect to written specifications. [SSPC]
4.7. DESIGN DEFECTS: A physical condition, created by the design of a structure, vessel,
etc., that prevents meeting the specification requirements for surface preparation and/or
coating application to a surface by standard industry methods. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.8. DEVIATION: Completed work that is not in accordance with the specification requirements.
[SSPC]
4.9. DOCUMENTATION: The assembling and dissemination of written information,
communication directives or records in substantiation of work done or facts quoted.
[SSPC]
4.10. HOLD POINT: The point at which work must be stopped until inspection or testing is
performed. [SSPC] Upon approval by the contracting entity the process may be resumed.
4.11. INSPECTOR: A trained, qualified person who examines and documents materials used
and work performed to confirm adherence to accepted trade practices, standards and
specifications. [MPI]
4.12. NONCOMPLIANT: Deficiency in characteristic, documentation or procedure that renders
quality of an item unacceptable or indeterminate. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.13. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: The individual or company contracted to
apply paints, coatings, wallcoverings and other decorative finishes. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.14. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: An individual identified
to the contracting entity as having the authority, within stated parameters, to speak and act
for the painting and decorating contractor. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.15. QUALIFICATION: Any quality, skill, knowledge, experience, etc. that fits a person for a
position, oce, profession, etc.; requisite. [Webster’s]
4.16. QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA): Verification of the conformance of materials and methods of
application to the governing specification in order to achieve a desired result. [Craftsman’s]
4.17. QUALITY CONTROL (QC): Administrative and engineering procedures employed to attain
the desired level of quality assurance. [Craftsman’s]
4.18. THIRD PARTY: An independent contractor or business entity that is not a principal
(contracting entity, painting and decorating contractor or material supplier), or employee
or subsidiary of a principal, to the contract for coatings application work. [PDCA Standard
P9]
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PDCA Standard P2
4.19. TRAINING: The process or experience of being trained. (Train: to instruct so as to make
proficient or qualified). [Webster’s]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. General Requirements for Inspection Personnel
5.1.1. Education, Training and Experience
5.1.1.1. As a minimum requirement, an inspector shall have successfully completed
an education and training program from a recognized organization oering
curriculum equivalent to the NACE Training Course Session 1 – Basic
Coating Inspection Course and/or similar course from SSPC or MPI.
5.1.1.2. An Inspector shall have a minimum of three (3) years experience in the
painting industry related to the type of work to be inspected. A current
resume of work experience of the inspector shall be available to all parties
at the pre-job conference.
5.1.2. Physical Qualifications
5.1.2.1. An inspector should be examined annually to ensure natural or corrected
near-distance visual acuity in at least one eye. The individual shall read the
J-1 letters on a standard Jaeger chart, or equivalent, at a distance of not
less than 12 inches with one or both eyes, uncorrected or corrected. An
inspector shall also be examined for color perception using the Ishihara test
or the Farnsworth D-15 test when being certified or recertified.
5.1.2.2. An Inspector shall be physically capable of performing the required
inspection work on industry standard, OSHA approved equipment as
utilized by the Contractor.
5.1.2.3. Inspector’s Safety Training: The inspector must show that he or she has
received current training in all safety aspects that will be encountered
during the execution of his or her duties on the project.
5.1.3. Functional Qualifications of Inspectors
5.1.3.1. An inspector shall have a current working knowledge of the operation and
use of the inspection equipment required for the project.
5.1.4. Coating Knowledge
5.1.4.1. An inspector shall conduct a complete review of the coating specification
and be capable of understanding the requirements of those documents.
5.1.5. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
5.1.5.1. Full disclosure shall be made by the inspector of any reasons that would
prevent an impartial evaluation of the painting and decorating contractor’s
performance.
5.2. Job Coordination Requirements
5.2.1. Pre-Job Conference: A pre-job conference shall be held to review information
pertinent to the job. The inspector shall be present with the contracting entity,
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PDCA Standard P2
material supplier (or representative) and painting and decorating contractor. At a
minimum, the following topics shall be reviewed:
5.2.1.1. Scope of Work
5.2.1.2. Specification Requirements
5.2.1.3. Identification of Design, Defects
5.2.1.4. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Product or Technical Data Sheets
5.2.1.5. Pre-Bid Job Walk Minutes
5.2.1.6. Work Schedule
5.2.1.7. Acceptance Procedures
5.2.1.8. Inspector Qualifications
5.2.1.9. Inspector’s Authority: Prior to job start, the painting and decorating
contractor shall be advised as to the level and limits of authority and
responsibility that the inspector will be exercising.
5.2.1.10. Testing Procedures and Instrumentation: If not specifically addressed in
the specifications, testing procedures and the required list of instruments,
including calibration, shall be determined at the pre-job conference.
5.2.1.11. Resolution of Disputes
5.2.1.12. Inspection Hold Points and Documentation
5.3. Resolution of Dispute Procedure
5.3.1. To ensure timely completion of the project, a procedure shall be written to resolve
any dispute or conflict regarding specifications, manufacturers’ literature, work in
progress or completed work.
5.3.2. Minimum resolution procedure shall include:
5.3.2.1. Establishment of levels of communication and responsibility and authority
of personnel.
5.3.2.2. Identification of personnel having levels of authority.
5.3.2.3. Time frame and procedure to identify and resolve disputes or conflicts.
5.4. 5.4. Inspection Hold Points & Documentation
5.4.1. A schedule of points in the sequence of work operations shall be identified, after
which timely inspections/testing procedures are to be performed prior to further
work being completed. Inspections/testing procedures should not unreasonably
delay the painting and decorating contractor’s work.
5.4.2. The inspector shall understand the project schedule and shall perform activities in
accordance with the painting and decorating contractor’s schedule. Inspection hold
points shall be mutually agreed upon to minimize disruption to the painting and
decorating contractor’s work.
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PDCA Standard P2
5.4.3. Non-compliant conditions, work practices or defective work phases shall be
immediately reported in writing to the painting and decorating contractor’s
representative and the contracting entity.
5.4.4. The inspector shall provide the painting and decorating contractor with all QA/QC
reports and documentation concurrent with issuance to the contracting entity.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard clarifies areas of responsibility. Improved communication reduces
misunderstandings.
6.2. This standard is a nationally recognized consensus document for the painting and
decorating industry’s
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
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PDCA P3
Designation of Paint Color
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to establish the number and placement of paint colors and
color ranges prior to bidding.
1.2. The intent of this document is to establish criteria for bidding purposes when the number,
extent and placement of paint colors and color ranges are not designated in the bid
documents.
1.3. It is not the intent of this document to limit the number and placement of colors on a
particular project.
1.4. This document describes and defines special finishes.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. The number and placement of paint colors and color ranges aect the painting and
decorating contractor’s costs in the performance of a project and, therefore, the painting
contractor’s bid. As the number and placement of paint colors increase, labor productivity
decreases. As paint colors deepen, painting material costs increase.
2.2. The number and placement of paint colors and color ranges must be indicated in the
project bid documents.
2.3. When the number and placement of paint colors and color ranges are not designated in the
bid documents, the painting and decorating contractor must have:
2.3.1. A frame of reference upon which to base the bid.
3. Reference Documents and Standards
3.1. AIA Document A 201 – General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, 1997.
3.2. AIA Document A 401 – Standard Form of Agreement Between Contractor and
Subcontractor, 1997.
3.3. ASTM, 313, Whiteness Index.
3.4. ASTM, E 12, Standard on Color and Appearance.
3.5. MPI, The Master Painters Glossary – Painting and Decorating Terminology, 1997& 2004.
3.6. PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair – Financial Responsibility.
3.7. PDCA Standard P9, Definition of Trade Terms.
3.8. PDCA Painting and Decorating Craftsman’s Manual and Textbook, 1995, 8th edition.
3.9. Painting and Decorating Encyclopedia, William Brushwell, Published by Goodheart-Wilcox.
3.10. FSCT, Coating Encyclopedic Dictionary, Edited by Stanley LeSota, 1995.
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PDCA Standard P3
3.11. Webster’s New World Collegiate Dictionary, 4th Edition, 2002.
3.12. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, then the requirements
of this standard shall prevail.
4. Definitions
4.1. COLOR: One aspect of appearance; a stimulus based on visual response to light, and
consisting of three dimensions of hue, saturation and lightness. [FSCT]
4.2. COLOR RANGE: The extent of colors. This includes tints, tones and shades of basic hues
and mixtures, thereof. Paint manufacturers’ systems of color tint bases used in conjunction
with colorants to produce a wide range of colors, including pastel, mid-tone, deep-tone,
ultradeep tone and variations thereof. [Craftsman’s]
4.3. COLORANT: Any substance that imparts color to another material or mixture. Colorants
can be either dyes or pigments. [Craftsman’s]
4.4. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement or authorized
agent of any of the above. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.5. DECORATIVE (PAINT) FINISHES: Application of paints or glazes to adorn, decorate
or embellish a surface as compared to a plain solid color, stain or varnish finish and as
opposed to performing a protective function. This general group of decorative paint
finishes includes a number of “subgroups,” some of which overlap and others of which have
more than one name by which they are identified. These include:
• Faux (false) Finishes: In French, “false” finish. These seek to imitate products found in
nature such as wood, marble, granite, stone, etc. These include wood graining, marbling,
gilding, etc.
• Representative Finishes: These seek to imitate products otherwise made like leather,
parchment, fresco, Venetian plaster (itself a faux plaster), etc.
• Special Eect Finishes: Broken color eects (as opposed to imitation eects), such as
ragging on, ragging o, sponging on, sponging o, strié, splattering, stippling, etc.
• Graphic Finishes: Detailed eects such as stenciling and graphics that are in accordance
with “mathematical rules.”
• Pictorial Finishes: Decorative eects such as murals, scenics, portraits, etc.
• Trompe d’oeil: In French, “trick of the eye.” That which creates such a strong illusion that
it is dicult to ascertain whether it is real or a representation. Usually, but not always,
three dimensional, giving the impression of depth and perspective. [MPI]
4.6. DECORATIVE PAINTING: Painting done primarily for appearance rather than protection.
[PDCA Standard P9]
4.7. DEEP (COLOR): Intense, strong color with no appearance of black. [Craftsman’s] (Also
called an accent color.)
4.8. DEEP-TONE BASE: Paint base used to develop deep colors. Might contain small amount of
white. Also called an accent base. [Craftsman’s]
16
PDCA Standard P3
4.9. FAUX FINISHES: In French, literally a “false” finish. A decorative finish applied to surfaces
(wood, drywall, glass, etc.) to make them appear as dierent substrates. The general
category may also include faux plaster (such as Venetian plaster, etc.) or faux brick finishes
(which may use actual plaster formulations or brick facing) but which also can be simulated
with decorative painted eects.
Originally, it meant an artificial finish that represented or imitated a finish of natural
products such as wood, stone, marble, etc. for those who could not obtain the “real
thing.” It is also used today to match “real” adjacent items where cost or regulation would
preclude the use of the “real” material. Faux marble (“false marble”) is marbling, faux
bois (“false wood”) is wood graining. There is also faux granite (“false granite”) and faux
tortoiseshell (“false tortoiseshell”).
The term, however, has come to include imitations of other products that are not directly
“from nature.” Faux leather, faux parchment, and faux moldings are some that are now
included, as is gilding, antiquing, fresco and some verdigris/patina.
Faux Finish does not properly include special eect finishes, graphic finishes, pictorial
finishes and tromp d’oeil. These are defined elsewhere. Fantasy finishes may include
“creative” faux finishes, or just may create dierent eects. [MPI]
4.10. GRAPHICS: Two or more colors decoratively applied to a surface in a clearly defined
pattern. [MPI]
4.11. MID-TONE BASE: Paint base used to develop colors darker than a pastel. Tint strength of
white has been reduced. Lighter than deep-tone base. [Craftsman’s]
4.12. MULTI-COLOR FINISH: A speckled coating containing flecks of small individual colored
particles dierent from the base color. Syn. Speckled Finish. [FSCT]
4.13. MURAL: A painting applied directly to a wall or ceiling; a wallcovering with a mural scene
that continues over several strips to cover one wall without a repeat. Also called a scenic.
[Craftsman’s]
4.14. OFF-WHITE: Any number of light colors that are nearly white, but contain minute amounts
of color or toner. O-white colors are used as base colors in interior paints for large
surfaces such as walls. (Lighter than a pastel.) [MPI]
4.15. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: The individual or company contracted to
apply paints, coatings, wallcoverings and other decorative finishes. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.16. PASTEL: A soft, pale shade of any color. (Lighter than a mid-tone base.) [Webster’s]
4.17. SPECIAL FINISHES: Paints and coatings requiring special tools or techniques for
application, e.g., Faux Finishes, Decorative Finishes, Graphics, Multi-Color or Murals. [MPI] A
representative sample must be submitted by the contracting entity prior to bid on projects
where these finishes are specified.
4.18. ULTRA-DEEP BASE: Paint base used to develop deep intense colors with no apparent
white. (Deeper than a mid-tone base.) [Craftsman’s]
4.19. WHITE: A basic paint color as described by coatings manufacturers. ASTM D1535-89
“specifying color by the Munsell System,” 3.2.5 Munsell Value, N-10 – Ideal White. ASTM
E31387, indexes of whiteness. [ASTM]
17
PDCA Standard P3
5. Standard Specification
5.1. The Number and Placement of Interior Paint Colors
5.1.1. Color Level I: One paint color shall be selected for all interior painted surfaces of the
entire project.
5.1.2. Color Level II: No more than two interior paint colors shall be selected for the entire
project. Only one paint color will be selected for the interior painted surfaces of any
one room or area. The exact placement of the colors will be clearly specified in the
bid documents.
5.1.3. Color Level III: More than one paint color shall be selected for the interior painted
surface of any one room or area. No more than one paint color will be selected for
any particular surface. The exact placement of the colors will be clearly specified in
the bid documents.
5.1.4. Color Level IV: The selection of unlimited paint colors for interior painted surfaces.
The placement of colors and the type and placement of special finishes will be
clearly specified in the bidding documents. Special Finishes are described in 4.17.
5.2. The Number and Placement of Exterior Paint Colors
5.2.1. Color Level I: One paint color shall be selected for all exterior painted surfaces of
any structure or building.
5.2.2. Color Level II: No more than two exterior paint colors shall be selected for any
structure or building. No more than one paint color will be selected for any
particular surface. The exact placement of the colors will be clearly specified in the
bid documents.
5.2.3. Color Level III: Three or more paint colors shall be selected for any structure or
building. No more than one paint color will be selected for any particular surface.
The exact placement of colors will be clearly specified in the bid documents.
5.2.4. Color Level IV: The selection of unlimited paint colors for any structure or building.
The placement of colors and the type and placement of special finishes will be
clearly specified in the bidding documents. Special finishes are defined in 4.17.
5.3. Color Ranges
5.3.1. Interior color levels I, II and III will only permit the use of paint colors normally
designated as o-whites or pastels.
5.3.2. Exterior color levels I, II and III will only permit the use of paint colors normally
designated as o-whites, pastels or midtones.
5.3.3. The use of white, mid-tone, deep-tone and ultra deep-tone paint colors for interior
use and white, deep-tone and ultra deep-tone paint colors for exterior use are
limited to Color Level IV only. The exact placement of these color ranges will be
specified in the bid documents.
5.4. Special Finishes
5.4.1. The use of special finishes including, but not limited to, graphics, murals, faux
finishes and multi-colored coatings is designated Color Level IV. The exact
18
PDCA Standard P3
placement of special finishes will be specified in the bid documents.
5.5. Paint Coverage
5.5.1. Color selection must be consistent with the paint specifications for the project,
structure or building. The paint specified must be available in the color range
selected.
5.5.2. The colors selected in the materials specified must be capable of achieving full
and uniform coverage when the number of coats specified has been applied, as
described in PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair – Financial
Responsibility, 2.4, a properly painted surface, and in accordance with the
manufacturer’s printed instructions, recommendations or application procedures.
5.6. Special Circumstances
5.6.1. In the event the number and placement of paint colors and color ranges increase
from this standard, or if special finishes are added, then the painting and decorating
contractor shall be entitled to additional compensation.
5.6.2. In the event that the number and placement of paint colors and colors ranges are
not designated in the bid documents, then the painting and decorating contractor
will assume that Color Level II will be selected for both interior and exterior use.
5.6.3. In the event that the paint colors selected do not achieve full and uniform coverage
with the specified number of coats at the spread rate and application method
recommended by the manufacturer and an additional coat or coats are necessary,
the painting and decorating contractor shall be entitled to additional compensation.
5.6.4. In the event the same color of a dierent paint material or sheen level is to be used
on the same surface or substrate, the exact placement of dierent paint material or
gloss level shall be specified in the bid documents.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard establishes a system for the designation of interior and exterior paint colors
and color ranges prior to bidding.
6.2. This standard establishes a guide for the preparation of a paint bid when paint colors and
color ranges are not specified in the bidding documents.
6.3. This standard clarifies areas of responsibility. Improved communication reduces
misunderstandings.
6.4. This standard is a nationally recognized consensus document for the painting and
decorating industry’s work practices.
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
19
PDCA P4
Responsibility for Inspection and Acceptance of
Surfaces Prior to Painting and Decorating
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to establish responsibility for inspection and approval of
surfaces prior to painting and decorating.
1.2. This standard is intended for use on construction projects where the painting and
decorating contractor applies paints, coatings or wallcoverings over a surface assembled,
constructed and/or prepared by another contractor or trade not under the painting and
decorating contractor’s control.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. The contracting entity is the final judge in all matters relating to the “quality of appearance”
and acceptance of surfaces.
2.2. “Quality of appearance” is a subjective term governed by the contracting entity and
established by specification and reference standards. It is controlled by sample review and
approval along with jobsite inspections and approvals.
2.3. The painting and decorating contractor is not licensed, qualified, or obligated to render
any final professional opinion regarding the “quality of appearance” of work performed by
others.
3. 3. Reference Documents and Standards
3.1. PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair – Financial Responsibility.
3.2. AIA, Document A 101 – Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor, 1997.
3.3. AIA, Document A 401 – Standard Form of Agreement Between Contractor and
Subcontractor, 1997.
3.4. The New Lexicon Dictionary of the English Language, Encyclopedic Edition, Lexicon
Publications, New York, NY. 1988.
3.5. MPI, The Master Painters Glossary – Painting and Decorating Terminology, 1997 & 2004.
3.6. PDCA Painting and Decorating Craftsman’s Manual and Textbook, 1995, 8th edition.
3.7. PDCA Standard P9, Definition of Trade Terms.
3.8. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, Copyright 1993.
3.9. Black’s Law Dictionary, 7th Edition, Bryan A. Garner, 1999.3
3.10. Webster’s New World Collegiate Dictionary, 4th Edition, 2002.3
3.11. FSCT, Coating Encyclopedic Dictionary, Edited by Stanley LeSota, 1995.
3.12. If there is a conflict between any of these references and this standard, then the
requirements of this standard shall prevail.
20
PDCA Standard P4
4. Definitions
4.1. ACCEPTANCE: An agreement, either by express act or by implication from conduct, to the
terms of an oer so that a binding contract is formed. If an acceptance modifies the terms
or adds new ones, it generally operates as a counteroer. [Black’s Law]
4.2. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement, or authorized
agent of any of the above. [PDCA Standard P9] 4.3. FINISH: An entire paint or coating
system; the texture, color and sheen of a surface. [Craftsman’s]
4.3. LATENT DAMAGE OR DEFECTS: Damage to surfaces by causes beyond the control of the
painting and decorating contractor after the painting and decorating contractor’s work
has been completed. Examples of such include, but are not limited to, building settlement,
cracks, water damage, earthquake damage, nail and/or screw pops or expansion and/or
contraction of substrate. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.4. OPINION: A belief not based on absolute certainty or positive knowledge but on what
seems true, valid or probable to one’s own mind; judgment; an evaluation, impression or
estimation of the quality or worth of a person or thing; the formal judgment of an expert on
a matter in which advice is sought. [Webster’s]
4.5. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: The individual or company contracted to
apply paints, coatings, wallcoverings and other decorative finishes. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.6. QUALITY OF APPEARANCE: Aesthetics; conception of beauty, a particular taste for or
approach to what is pleasing to the senses and especially sight. [Merriam-Webster’s]
4.7. SPECIFICATION: A clear accurate description of the technical requirement for material
products, or services, which specifies the minimum requirement for quality and
construction of materials and equipment necessary for an acceptable product. In general,
specifications are in the form of written descriptions, drawings, prints, commercial
designations, industry standards and other descriptive references. [FSCT]
4.8. SUBSTRATE: A variant of substratum. In painting, any surface to be painted, including
wood, concrete, masonry, steel, other metals, and various other materials or previous
paints. A substrate can, therefore, be bare or covered. A previously unpainted surface
sometimes is called the “original substrate.” [MPI]
4.9. SURFACE: The substrate to which paints, coatings, or wallcoverings are applied; the finish
obtained after the coating work has been completed. [Craftsman’s]
4.10. TACIT: Not expressed or declared openly, but implied or understood. [Webster’s]
4.11. WARRANTY: A guarantee or an assurance, explicit or implied, of something having to do
with a contract, as of sale; esp., the seller’s assurance to the purchaser that the goods or
property is or shall be as represented and if not, will be replaced or repaired. [Webster’s]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. Acceptance of Surface
5.1.1. The painting and decorating contractor is required to inspect surfaces to be
finished only to determine, by reasonable and visible evidence, that the finish will
satisfactorily adhere to surfaces provided by others and will perform as specified.
21
PDCA Standard P4
5.1.2. The contracting entity has the responsibility to determine that a surface is complete
and that the “quality of appearance” is such that it is ready for finish painting or
wallcovering.
5.1.3. When the previous trade has completed its work and/or notification to proceed has
been given, such action will be construed as tacit evidence that all work has been
inspected, and that it is warrantable, completed and ready for finishing.
5.1.4. If “quality of appearance” of a surface, prior to finishing, is judged marginal or
unacceptable by others conducting essential inspection, such alleged defective
work must be corrected prior to priming and finishing so that all surfaces are made
complete and ready for finishing. If the unacceptable work is not made complete
and ready for finishing, the painting and decorating contractor will halt work until
directed to proceed. In such an event, the painting and decorating contractor may
be entitled to additional compensation as indicated in PDCA Standard P7.
5.1.5. Once finishing has begun, as scheduled or as directed, the correction of “defects
and/or latent damage” is considered “damage repair” as per PDCA Standard P1,
Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair – Financial Responsibility.
6. Comments
6.1. The intent of this document is to ensure a higher level of quality by clarifying the
responsibilities and obligations of the parties.
6.2. Quality of appearance is achieved through quality control. Inspecting work in progress and
taking necessary action at the appropriate time to make required corrections is imperative
to ensure quality of appearance. This standard encourages periodic inspections and
corrective actions.
6.3. Contracts that contain clauses making the painting and decorating contractor responsible
for inspecting the work of others often:
• Result in a lack of required supervision and inspection by obligated persons prior to
finishing
• Encourage marginal and unacceptable work
• Reduce overall quality of appearance of the finished product
6.4. This standard is a nationally recognized consensus document for the painting and
decorating industry’s work practices.
6.5. This standard clarifies areas of responsibility. Improved communication reduces
misunderstandings.
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
22
PDCA P5
Benchmark Sample Procedures for Paint
and Other Decorative Coating Systems
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to provide a guideline to achieve approved benchmark
samples of complete paint and coating systems for painting and decorating jobs.
1.2. This standard provides a protocol to establish an approved level of achievable quality for a
specific paint and coating system.
1.3. It is intended that this standard be used where the scope of the project is such that it is
advisable to establish achievable levels of quality before beginning the job.
1.4. This standard includes the surface preparation of typical areas of a project site in
accordance with the applicable project specifications or contract documents.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. This standard consists of the procedures and criteria whereby a benchmark sample for
paint, coating and/or other decorative systems will be prepared and presented by the
painting and decorating contractor for approval by the contracting entity.
2.2. Approved benchmark samples are established utilizing full scale, on-site surface areas.
These shall be prepared using the complete specified or approved paint, coating and/or
decorative system. The sample is to include surface preparation, and the application of the
primer, intermediate, finish coat and touch up materials.
3. Reference Standards and Documents
3.1. ASTM, D16 (06.01), Standard Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials and
Applications.
3.2. ASTM, E12 Standard on Color and Appearance. 3.3. AIA, Document A 201 – General
Conditions of the Contract for Construction, 1997. 3.4. AIA Document A 401 – Standard
Form of Agreement between Contractor and Subcontractor, 1997.
3.3. PDCA Painting and Decorating Craftsman’s Manual and Textbook, 1995, 8th edition.
3.4. PDCA Standard P9, Definition of Trade Terms
3.5. Webster’s New World Collegiate Dictionary, 4th Edition, 2002.
3.6. Painting and Decorating Encyclopedia, William Brushwell, Published by Goodheart-Wilcox.
3.7. Paint Handbook, edited by Guy E. Weismantel, McGraw-Hill Ryerson, Ltd. January 1981.
3.8. PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair – Financial Responsibility.
3.9. MPI, The Master Painter’s Glossary – Painting and Decorating Terminology, 1997 & 2004.
3.10. The latest revision of the referenced standards shall govern.
3.11. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, then the requirements
of this standard shall prevail.
23
PDCA Standard P5
4. Definitions
4.1. BENCHMARK SAMPLE: A sample that serves as a standard by which other work may be
measured or judged. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.2. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement, or authorized
agent of any of the above. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.3. FINISH: An entire paint or coating system; the texture, color and sheen of a surface.
[Craftsman’s]
4.4. FINISHED LIGHTING: Finished lighting conditions are described as those in place when the
project is finished. This includes, but is not limited to, design lighting (e.g., wall washers,
spots, floods, etc.) and natural lighting (e.g., skylights, clear view windows, window walls,
window treatments, etc.). [PDCA Standard P9]
4.5. HIDING (Power): The degree or ability of an opaque coating, applied in a uniform film, to
cover, mask or obscure the substrate to which it is applied, or the colors underneath. Hiding
power is provided by the paint’s pigment. [MPI]
4.6. LATENT DAMAGE OR DEFECTS: Damage to surfaces by causes beyond the control of the
painting and decorating contractor after the painting and decorating contractor’s work
has been completed. Examples of such include, but are not limited to, building settlement,
cracks, water damage, earthquake damage, nail and/or screw pops or expansion and/or
contraction of substrate. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.7. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: The individual or company contracted to
apply paints, coatings, wallcoverings and other decorating finishes. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.8. PROPERLY PAINTED SURFACE: A properly painted surface is uniform in appearance,
color, texture, hiding and sheen. It is also free of foreign material, lumps, skins, runs, sags,
holidays, misses, or insucient coverage. It is a surface free of drips, splatters, spills or
overspray which were caused by the painting and decorating contractor’s workforce. In
order to determine whether a surface has been “properly painted” it shall be examined
without magnification at a distance of thirty-nine (39) inches or one (1) meter or more,
under finished lighting conditions and from a normal viewing position. [PDCA Standard P1]
4.9. STANDARD: Something established for use as a rule or basis of comparison in measuring or
judging capacity, quantity, content, extent, value, quality, etc. The type, model or example
commonly or generally accepted or adhered to; criterion set for usages or practices.
[Webster’s]
4.10. SUBSTRATE: A variant of substratum. In painting, any surface to be painted, including
wood, concrete, masonry, steel, other metals, and various other materials or previous
paints. A substrate can, therefore, be bare or covered. A previously unpainted surface
sometimes is called the “original substrate”. [MPI]
4.11. SURFACE: The substrate to which paints, coatings, or wallcoverings are applied; the finish
obtained after the coating work has been completed. [Craftsman’s]
4.12. TEXTURE: Texture as used in a “properly painted surface” (means) the texture of the paint
or coating system. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.13. TOUCH UP: The correction of deficiencies in the specified work to achieve a properly
24
PDCA Standard P5
painted surface as described in 4.8 herein. “Damage caused by others” or “latent damage,”
at times incorrectly referred to as touch up are described in 4.6 and 4.11 of PDCA Standard
P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility. The correction of
“damage caused by others” and “latent damage” is separate from touch up and handled in
accordance with the above mentioned PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up and Damage Repair:
Financial Responsibility.
5. Standard Specification
5.1. Procedure
5.1.1. The contracting entity and the painting and decorating contractor shall select and
designate sample sites to meet the criteria of this standard.
5.1.1.1. The contracting entity and the painting and decorating contractor shall
agree to a time schedule to prepare and approve Benchmark Samples.
Samples shall be prepared only after permanent lighting, heating, venting
and air conditioning equipment have been installed and activated.
5.1.1.2. The condition of the surface to be used as the sample area must be
approved by the contracting entity prior to the preparation of the
benchmark sample by the painting and decorating contractor.
5.1.1.3. After receiving approval from the contracting entity to proceed, the
painting and decorating contractor shall prepare and apply the complete
coating system as specified in the contract documents to produce the
benchmark samples.
5.1.1.4. The painting and decorating contractor will produce a “properly painted
surface.”
5.1.2. The recommended benchmark sample area should be approximately 100 square
feet. Small areas, such as doors, handrails and trim, may have a more practical
square footage arrangement, as agreed by the parties involved. The specific
number, placement and size of samples will be clearly defined in the bid documents.
5.1.2.1. The substrate type and application method used to produce the Benchmark
Sample must be representative of the specified application method(s) for
the substrate.
5.1.2.2. The benchmark sample shall leave exposed a sampling of the approved
substrate, before and after any specified surface preparation for the system.
In addition, there should be left a separate and individual sampling of each
designated and subsequently applied coating and any intercoat surface
preparation.
5.1.3. If the benchmark sample is impossible or impractical to achieve, then an alternate
shall be agreed upon in writing by the painting and decorating contractor and the
contracting entity.
5.1.4. A separate benchmark sample area may be prepared for approval for each substrate
and each coating system as required by the contract documents or as agreed by the
contracting entity and the painting and decorating contractor. The specific number
and placement of samples will be clearly defined in the bid documents.
25
PDCA Standard P5
5.1.5. Production work may proceed as soon as approval of the benchmark sample is
received by the painting and decorating contractor from the contracting entity.
Approval or rejection must be issued according to the time schedule agreed upon
as outlined in section 5.1.1.1 above.
5.1.5.1. Approval of benchmark samples shall be granted by the contracting entity
after the sample areas have been prepared and coated in accordance with
the contract documents and this standard.
5.1.5.2. Approval of the benchmark sample shall be documented in writing by the
contracting entity and delivered to the painting and decorating contractor.
5.1.6. After final approval, the sample surface area shall be secured and clearly identified
with signage reading: “BENCHMARK SAMPLE! DO NOT PAINT, DEFACE, CHANGE
OR ALTER IN ANY WAY WITHOUT MUTUAL CONSENT OF CONTRACTING ENTITY
AND THE PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR.”
5.1.7. Sample touch ups may be applied to approved sample surfaces. The area of touch
up shall be clearly identified, approved and retained as part of the benchmark
sample.
5.2. BENCHMARK SAMPLE PROCEDURE: The painting and decorating contractor shall prepare
and paint a sample in accordance with the contract documents and as prescribed in this
standard.
5.3. The contracting entity or its designated representatives shall approve benchmark
sample areas after confirming complete compliance with the contract documents and in
accordance with this standard.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard outlines procedures for onsite determination and approval of achievable
quality from specified paint and coating systems.
6.2. This standard clarifies areas of authority and responsibilities. Improved communication
reduces misunderstandings.
6.3. This standard is a nationally recognized consensus document for the painting and
decorating industry’s work practices.
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
26
PDCA P6
Acceptance of Completed Wallcovering
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to establish guidelines for the acceptance of wallcovering
installations.
1.2. This standard encompasses any project requiring the installation of wallcoverings listed in
section 4.13.1 through 4.13.11.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. This standard establishes a guideline for the acceptance of installation quality and is limited
to proper seaming practices, pattern match, verticality, and cleanliness of appearance.
2.2. The contracting entity is the final judge in all matters related to the acceptance of the
wallcovering installation.
2.3. Inspection and acceptance of surfaces and wallcovering material(s) prior to installation are
separate from this standard. Refer to related documents in Section 3.
3. Reference Documents and Standards
3.1. ASTM, E284-02b, Standard Terminology of Appearance.
3.2. ASTM, C840-01, Standard Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board.
3.3. ASTM, F1141, Specification for Wallcovering.
3.4. PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibilities.
3.5. PDCA Standard P2, Third Party Inspection: Qualifications, Responsibilities, Procedures.
3.6. PDCA Standard P4, Responsibilities for Inspection and Acceptance of Surfaces Prior to
Painting and Decorating.
3.7. PDCA Standard P9 – Definition of Trade Terms
3.8. PDCA Painting and Decorating Craftsman’s Manual and Textbook, 1995, 8th edition.
3.9. PDRA, Wallcovering Problem Solver, 2nd edition.
3.10. Recommended Levels of Gypsum Board Finish, GA214-96, published by the Gypsum
Association and endorsed by AWCI, PDCA, GA and CISCA.
3.11. Wallcovering Hanging Instructions (joint publication of the Wallcovering Association,
Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, Wallcovering Installers Association and
Painting and Decorating Retailers Association).
3.12. Installation instructions, as supplied with wallcovering material by the manufacturer.
3.13. Black’s Law Dictionary, 7th Edition, Bryan A. Garner, 1999.
3.14. Webster’s New World Collegiate Dictionary, 4th Edition, 2002.
27
PDCA Standard P6
3.15. If there is a conflict between any of these references and this standard, the requirements of
this standard shall prevail.
4. Definitions
4.1. ACCEPTANCE: An agreement, either by express act or by implication from conduct, to the
terms of an oer so that a binding contract is formed. If an acceptance modifies the terms
or adds new ones, it generally operates as a counteroer. [Black’s Law]
4.2. AWCI: Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industries International
4.3. CISCA: Ceilings and Interior Systems Construction Association
4.4. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement, or authorized
agent of any of the above. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.5. FINISHED LIGHTING: Finished lighting conditions are described as those in place when the
project is finished. This includes, but is not limited to, design lighting (e.g., wall washers,
spots, floods, etc.) and natural lighting (e.g., skylights, clear view windows, window walls,
window treatments, etc.). [PDCA Standard P9]
4.6. GA: Gypsum Association
4.7. INSPECTION LIGHTING: Illumination of the installed surface from an angle at an intensity
sucient to eliminate any shadowing that may be caused by other illumination striking the
surface at any angle. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.8. NORMAL VIEWING POSITION: For the purpose of inspection, a normal viewing position
shall be at eye level at a minimum of thirty-nine (39) inches or one (1) meter from the wall.
Inspection lighting can be used as defined in this standard. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.9. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: The individual or company contracted to
apply paints, coatings, wallcoverings and other decorative finishes. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.10. SHADING: Variation created in the manufacturing process, in the color, texture or gloss
within the same strip of a wallcovering. [ASTM]
4.11. VERTICALITY: (Vertical) – at a right angle to the plane of the horizon; upright, straight up
or down, etc.; upright position. [Webster’s]
4.12. WALLCOVERING INSTALLER, syn. PAPERHANGER: The individual responsible for the
installation of wallpaper or wallcovering. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.13. WALLCOVERING, syn. WALLPAPER: Any type of paper, vinyl, fabric or specialty material
that is pasted onto a wall or ceiling for decoration and/or protection. Wallcoverings come
in a wide array of colors, patterns, textures and performance characteristics, such as
washability and abrasion resistance. [Craftsman’s]
For the purpose of this standard, wallcoverings shall be limited to the following:
4.13.1. Residential vinyl coated paper (peelable and strippable).
4.13.2. Residential or Type I fabric backed, woven, vinyl wallcovering.
28
PDCA Standard P6
4.13.3. Residential paper backed vinyl (solid vinyl) peelable wallcovering.
4.13.4. Residential standard/ untreated paper.
4.13.5. Commercial Type II or III fabric backed vinyl wallcovering.
4.13.6. Textile commercial wallcovering.
4.13.7. Flocked wallcovering.
4.13.8. Foil wallcovering.
4.13.9. Natural material, such as grass cloth, strings and cork wallcovering.
4.13.10. Fiberglass wallcovering, paintable or prefinished.
4.13.11. Acoustical wallcovering.
4.14. WALLCOVERING CONTRACTOR: See 4.9.
5. Standard Specification
5.1. The manufacturer and purchaser (or purchaser’s agent) of the wallcovering shall inspect
the wallcovering for defects, prior to installation.
5.1.1. The purchaser must report any discrepancies in the wallcovering pattern, texture or
color to the wallcovering manufacturer or distributor as soon as possible, to avoid
installation disputes.
5.2. The contracting entity shall inspect surfaces prepared by others for compliance with the
manufacturer and installer’s surface requirements.
5.2.1. Wallcoverings are a prefinished item and should only be installed in a controlled
environment where permanent heating is provided to maintain and guarantee
ambient and substrate temperatures at a minimum of sixty-five (65) degrees
Fahrenheit. If the contracting entity provides temporary heating to accelerate
a building schedule, the temporary heating must be maintained in areas where
wallcoverings have been installed, until ambient temperatures reach sixtyfive (65)
degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature must be maintained for at least three (3) weeks
after the last strip has been installed.
5.3. Wallcovering is deemed properly installed when:
5.3.1. Adhesion is complete with no loose or curling edges, lifting seams, air bubbles or
paste bumps.
5.3.2. Pattern match is achieved.
5.3.3. Wallcovering is installed plumb or square. Note: A pattern may appear out of square
due to a substrate or construction defect that is beyond the control of the installer.
5.3.4. Wallcovering is free from visible shrinkage.
5.3.5. Seams are properly trimmed, with no frayed edges, allowing for pattern match and
without evidence of excessive pressure that would score the substrate and aect
adhesion.
5.3.6. Wallcovering surface is free from adhesive residue.
29
PDCA Standard P6
5.4. Color shading is inherent in natural and simulated natural materials and should be
expected.
5.5. Upon completion, a visual inspection by the contracting entity should occur in order to
determine compliance with this standard.
5.5.1. The acceptability of the surface shall be determined when viewed without
magnification, at a distance of thirty-nine (39) inches or one (1) meter or more,
under finished lighting conditions and from a normal viewing position.
5.5.1.1. Inspection lighting conditions will allow the finished surface to be viewed
with minimal distortion, which may be caused by the quality of the
substrate preparation and/or illumination at an acute angle.
5.5.2. Damage caused by parties other than the painting and decorating contractor or
its workforce is considered damage by others and shall be repaired or replaced as
specified in PDCA
5.6. Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard acknowledges the areas of wallcovering installation within the control of the
painting and decorating contractor. Use of this standard avoids time-consuming disputes
pertaining to the wallcovering material that can only be resolved with the participation of
the wallcovering manufacturer and/or distributor.
6.2. Latent damage is due to conditions beyond the control of the painting and decorating
contractor. This damage is caused by conditions not apparent at the time of initial painting
and decorating. The painting and decorating contractor will repair and/or repaint the
damaged area after receiving acceptance of its proposal and authorization to proceed on
either a lump sum or time and material basis, as specified in PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up
Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility.
6.3. This standard clarifies areas of responsibility. Improved communication reduces
misunderstandings.
6.4. This standard is a nationally recognized consensus document for the painting and
decorating industry’s work practices.
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
30
PDCA P7
Job Sequencing
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to recognize how job sequencing aects the completion of
painting and decorating work activities.
1.2. This standard establishes job sequencing criteria for bidding purposes.
1.3. This standard encompasses projects where the painting and decorating contractor applies
paints, coatings and/or wallcoverings to surfaces or substrates prepared by the contracting
entity, another contractor, construction manager or trade not under the painting and
decorating contractor’s control.
1.4. This standard is not intended to establish project schedules.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. Proper and eective job sequencing is vital to the work of (new construction, remodeling
and repainting projects) the painting and decorating contractor. The painting and
decorating contractor’s cost and quality of work is aected by changes in job sequencing.
2.2. This standard should be used in bidding and during the course of the project or in the
absence of a written schedule.
2.3. This standard will help the painting and decorating contractor define the job conditions
and sequencing necessary to complete its work in a timely and prductive manner.
2.4. This standard will help determine the responsibility of those whose actions fail to maintain
proper job sequencing, causing additional costs to the painting and decorating contractor.
3. Reference Documents and Standards
3.1. PDCA Standard P4, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility and
Definition of a Properly Painted Surface.
3.2. PDCA Standard P9, Definition of Trade Terms
3.3. PDCA Painting and Decorating Craftsman’s Manual and Textbook, 1995, 8th Edition
3.4. NAWIC, Construction Dictionary, published by Greater Phoenix, Arizona Chapter 98 of The
Nationals Association of Women in Construction, 9th edition, 5th printing, June 2003.
3.5. Construction Delay, T.J. Trauner, Documenting Causes, Winning Claims and Recovering
Costs, published by R. S. Means, Inc., (CMGD) 1990.
3.6. Painting and Decorating Encyclopedia, William Brushwell, published by Goodheart-Wilcos,
1982.
3.7. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, the requirements of
this standard shall prevail.
31
PDCA Standard P7
4. Definitions
4.1. ACCELERATION: To hasten the progress of develoment of project production and/or
completion. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.2. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement, or authorized
agent of any of the above. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.3. CROWDING: More craft activity in a given area than can be accommodated eciently.
[PDCA Standard P9]
4.4. JOB SEQUENCE/SEQUENCING: An order of succesion or continuity of progression of work
activities. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.5. LEAP-FROGGING: The presence of other subcontractor(s) and/or stockpiling or materials
in areas, which interferes with and hampers the painting and decorating contractor’s crew
from completing its work in a given area. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.6. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: The individual or company contracted to
apply paints, coatings, awallcoverings and other decorative finishes. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.7. PRE-FINISHED: For the purpose of this standard, a completely finished product requiring
installation only, finished by an entity other than the painting and decorating contractor.
4.8. SHIFT WORK: Work scheduled in time periods other than the nomal workday [PDCA
Standard P9]
4.9. STACKING OF TRADES: Simultaneous operation of several trades, resulting in congestion
and confusion, which in turn causes a decrease in labor productivity. [PDCA Standard P9]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. Interior General Conditions: The following requirements, supplied by others, must be in
place prior to the start of work in order to ensure a successful installation by the painting
and decorating contractor:
5.1.1. The structure shall be weather-tight including doors, windows, floors, and roofing.
5.1.2. Permanent or temporary HVAC system shall maintain temperature and humidity
levels within the guidelines set forth and approved by the materials suppliers of the
products specified.
5.1.3. Unless otherwise agreed, permanent lighting, or temporary lighting comparable in
intensity to the permanent lighting, shall be supplied. If temporary lighting is not
comparable to the permanent lighting, inspections shall occur under the temporary
lighting. However, surface deficiencies noted upon installation of permanent lighting
shall be considered latent damage. Refer to PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting
and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility and Definition of a Properly Painted
Surface.
5.1.4. Unless specified otherwise, all pre-finished or non-painted items and furnishings
shall be installed on painted/decorated surfaces or in painted/decorated areas after
final finishes are applied. This shall apply to, but not be limited to, ceiling grid, door
hardware, light fixtures, trim, base and carpet.
32
PDCA Standard P7
5.2. Exterior General Conditions: The following requirements, supplied by other, must be in
place prior to the start of work in order to ensure a successful installation by the painting
and decorating contractor:
5.2.1. Reasonable access to the area prior to the installation of any fencing, landscaping,
or other obstacles that could prevent or hinder such access.
5.2.2. Acceptable weather and climate conditions of the project area to comply with the
manufacturers’ recommendations for application of materials.
5.3. The following requirements are mandatory for proper sequencing of the painting and
decorating contractor’s scope of work:
5.3.1. When the work of the painting and decorating contractor is impacted by the work
of other trades, job sequencing shall be maintained enabling the painting and
decorating contractor to commence its work and proceed eciently through to
completion.
5.3.2. The painting and decorating contractor shall be informed in writing not less than
three (3) working days in advance of changes in schedule that may aect work
shifts, require acceleration, or cause added cost.
5.3.3. Completion of other trades’ work that requires field finishing is to be coordinated
with the painting and decorating contractor to avoid adverse conditions such
as leap-frogging, stacking of trades and damage by others to finishes, whether
completed or in progress. separately as described in 5.2.
6. Comments
6.1. Compliance with this standard will promote a high quality of workmanship by the painting
and decorating contractor.
6.2. Unless specified otherwise, the painting and decorating contractor shall be entitled to
additional compensation when job sequencing does not conform to this standard.
6.3. This standard is a nationally recognized consensus document for the painting and
decorating industy’s work practices.
6.4. This standard clarifies areas of responsibility. Improved communication reduces
misunderstandings
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
33
PDCA P8
Owner’s Responsibility for Maintenance of Paints and Coatings
1. Scope
1.1. This standard addresses the responsibility of the owner to implement an appropriate
maintenance program. Proper paint and coatings maintenance (clear or pigmented)
reduces the detrimental eects of time, abrasion, environment, impact and other forces
on the aesthetic, identifying (color coding) and other protective properties of paints and
coatings.
1.2. This standard will improve communication between the owner and the painting and
decorating contractor for the purpose of keeping the paints and coatings intact and
capable of performing their intended function(s).
1.3. This standard describes the basic steps for the owner to implement an eective paint and
coatings maintenance program.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. All surfaces that have previously had paints and coatings applied (which are intended
to perform a decorative, identifying and/or a protective function) benefit from timely
inspection and repair.
2.2. Touch up or repainting becomes a “maintenance procedure” at the point in time after the
painting and decorating contractor has fulfilled the warranty obligation of the original
contract. Touch up is defined in PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair:
Financial Responsibility and Definition of a Properly Painted Surface.
3. Reference Documents and Standards
3.1. ASTM, D16 Standard Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials and Applications.
3.2. SSPC, Surface Preparation Standards, Paint Application (PA Guide 5), Guide to Maintenance
Painting Programs.
3.3. FSCT, (Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology), Coatings Encyclopedia Dictionary,
edited by Stanley LeSota, 1995.
3.4. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, Copyright 2003.
3.5. PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair – Financial Responsibility and
Definition of a Properly Painted Surface.
3.6. PDCA Standard P2, Third Party Inspection Qualifications and Responsibilities
3.7. PDCA Standard P9, Definition of Trade Terms.
3.8. PDCA Standard P18, Recommended Protocol for Documenting Extra Work to a Contract.
3.9. PDCA Painting and Decorating Craftsman’s Manual and Textbook, 1995, 8th edition.
3.10. MPI, The Master Painter’s Glossary – Painting and Decorating Terminology, 1997 & 2004.
34
PDCA Standard P8
3.11. SSPC, Protective Coatings Glossary.
3.12. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction, Fourth Edition, 2005.
3.13. If there is any conflict between any of these references and this document, then the
requirements of this standard shall prevail.
4. Definitions
4.1. AGGRESIVE ENVIRONMENT (CONDITION): Environments that will aggressively attack or
cause severe corrosion of unprotected substrates. Examples include, but are not limited to:
frequent chemical exposures (splash, spillage, fumes), immersion service, marine service
and geographical regions with wide temperature ranges, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet
rays and high humidity. In architectural, also treated as an aggressive environment are
those conditions where the cost of re-do would be excessive. [MPI]
4.2. COATING: Generic term for paints, lacquers, enamels, printing inks, etc.; a liquid, liquefiable
or mastic composition which is converted to solid protective, decorative or functional
adherent film after application as a thin layer. It also refers to films applied to paper, plastics
or foils. [ASTM] [FSCT]
4.3. COATING DAMAGE: A reduction or loss of protective, aesthetic or identifying
characteristics resulting from physical impact, intense heat, excessive moisture, chemical
contact or other external factors. Damage includes, but is not limited to, blisters, rust
bloom, chipping, cracking, peeling and other forms of delamination, color change and
excessive wear. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.4. ENVIRONMENT: The circumstances, objects or conditions by which one is surrounded;the
complex of physical, chemical and biotic factors that act upon an organism or structure
and ultimately determine its form and survival. [Merriam-Webster’s]
4.5. MAINTENANCE: The act of maintaining; the state of being maintained; the upkeep of
property or equipment. [Merriam-Webster’s]
4.6. MAINTENANCE PAINTING: The selective repainting of surfaces on an ongoing cyclic basis
with the focus on prevention of coating and subsequent substrate failure. [MPI]
4.7. OWNER: The architect’s client and party to the owner-architect agreement; one who has
the legal right or title to a piece of property. [Dictionary of Architecture and Construction]
4.8. PAINT: Any pigmented liquid, liquefiable, or mastic composition designed for application
to a substrate as a thin layer, which is converted to an opaque solid film after application.
[SSPC]
4.9. PAINT DAMAGE: See coating damage.
4.10. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: An individual or firm whose primary business
is providing surface preparation, and wallcovering and coating application service. [MPI]
4.11. QUALITY OF APPEARANCE: Aesthetics; conception of beauty, a particular taste for or
approach to what is pleasing to the senses and especially sight. [Merriam-Webster’s]
4.12. SPECIFICATION: A clear accurate description of the technical requirement for material
products, or services, which specifies the minimum requirement for quality and
construction of materials and equipment necessary for an acceptable product. In general,
35
PDCA Standard P8
specifications are in the form of written descriptions, drawings, prints, commercial
designations, industry standards and other descriptive references. [FSCT]
4.13. SUBSTRATE: A variant of substratum. In painting, any surface to be painted, including
wood, concrete, masonry, steel, other metals, and various other materials or previous
paints. A substrate can, therefore, be bare or covered. A previously unpainted surface
sometimes is called the “original substrate”. [MPI]
4.14. SURFACE: The substrate to which paints, coatings, or wallcoverings are applied; the finish
obtained after the coating work has been completed. [Craftsman’s]
4.15. WARRANTY: A real covenant binding the grantor of an estate and the grantor’s heirs to
warrant and defend the title. 2) A collateral undertaking that a fact regarding the subject
of a contract is or will be as it is expressly or by implication declared or promised to be. 3)
Something that authorizes, sanctions, supports, or justifies.4) A usually written guarantee
of the integrity of a product and of the maker’s responsibility for the repair or replacement
of defective parts. [Merriam-Webster’s]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. The painting and decorating contractor shall be financially responsible for the repair of any
defects in its material or application during the warranty period stipulated in the original
construction contract.
5.2. If the painting and decorating contractor performs additional work during the original
warranty period due to repair work by other trades, then the additional painting and
decorating work necessitated shall be considered damage repair as defined by PDCA
standard P1 and shall be invoiced in accordance with PDCA Standard P18.
5.3. After the original warranty period has expired, periodic inspections of all painted and
coated surfaces shall be conducted as required by type(s) of paint and coating materials,
area(s) of use and type of exposure. Inspections are the responsibility of the owner or a
qualified third party.
5.3.1. When the work of the painting and decorating contractor is impacted by the work
of other trades, job sequencing shall be maintained enabling the painting and
decorating contractor to commence its work and proceed eciently through to
completion.
5.3.2. Corrective actions can extend to underlying causes of the paint or coating
deterioration or failure including, but not limited to, moisture intrusion, damaged or
missing caulking, container leaks, aggressive environment, substrate expansion and
contraction and structure settlement.
5.3.3. All procedures necessary for the performance of the corrective actions shall be
documented.
5.3.4. Corrective actions required to be performed by other trades prior to maintenance
painting must be completed to avoid continued deterioration.
5.3.5. It is the responsibility of the owner or a qualified third party to ensure that these
corrective actions are properly completed.
5.3.6. If the original painting and decorating contractor is hired to perform the necessary
36
PDCA Standard P8
maintenance repainting when work by other trades has been completed and
accepted by the owner, the painting and decorating contractor shall be entitled to
additional compensation for the performance of this work. This extra work shall be
invoiced in accordance with one of the methods outlined in PDCA Standard P18.
5.4. Maintenance procedures shall be scheduled and followed to ensure that all repainting or
recoating adheres to manufacturers’ instructions.
6. Comments
6.1. Painting and coating deficiencies that occur during the completion and under the terms
of the original contract warranty shall be addressed through the use of PDCA Standard P1,
Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility and Definition of a Properly
Painted Surface.
6.2. Paints or coatings that become damaged or suer serious film degradation may exhibit
reduced eectiveness of protection, decoration or identification of the substrate. When this
occurs, neglect of maintenance places the substrate at risk for continued degradation and
may lead to complete substrate removal and replacement.
6.3. Implementation of routine inspection and maintenance of paints and coatings will in most
cases preserve the integrity of paint and coating systems.
6.4. This standard identifies the procedures required for a successful and cost-eective
maintenance program.
6.5. This standard clarifies areas of responsibility. Improved communication reduces
misunderstandings.
6.6. This standard is a nationally recognized consensus document for the painting and
decorating industry’s work practices.
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
37
PDCA P9
Definition of Trade Terms
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to define the trade usage of terms and phrases relating to
the estimating of painting and finishes.
1.2. It is also the intent of this standard to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts by
establishing criteria for the interpretation of documents consistent with painting and
decorating industry standards.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. The interpretation of terms and phrases aects the painting and decorating contractor’s
cost in the performance of a project.
2.2. The definition of terms and phrases included in the bid documents should be understood
by all the aected parties so that the bids received by the contracting entity accurately
reflect the intent of the documents.
2.3. Standardization of the definition of terms and phrases included in the documents provides
the painting and decorating contractor with a frame of reference upon which to base the
bid.
3. Reference Documents and Standards
3.1. PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility and
Definition of a Properly Painted Surface.
3.2. PDCA Standard P2, Third Party Inspections: Qualifications, Responsibilities, and Procedures.
3.3. PDCA Standard P3, Designation of Paint Colors.
3.4. PDCA Standard P4, Responsibilities for Inspection and Acceptance of Surfaces Prior to
Painting and Decorating.
3.5. PDCA Standard P5, Benchmark Sample Procedures for Paint and Other Decorative Coating
Systems.
3.6. PDCA Standard P6, Acceptance of Completed Wallcovering Installations.
3.7. PDCA Standard P7, Job Sequencing.
3.8. PDCA Standard P8, Contracting Entity’s Responsibility for Maintenance of Paints and
Coatings.
3.9. PDCA Standard P10, Measurement of Surface Area for Estimating Painting and Decorating
Work.
3.10. PDCA Standard P11 Painter’s Caulk, Implied Requirements.
3.11. PDCA Standard P19, Definition and Application of Decorative Finishes.
38
PDCA Standard P9
3.12. PDCA Painting and Decorating Craftsman’s Manual and Textbook, 1995, 8th edition.
3.13. PDCA Estimating Guide Volume 1, Practices and Procedures, 2009.
3.14. PDCA Estimating Guide Volume 2, Rates and Tables, 2009.
3.15. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, Copyright 2003.
3.16. SSPC, Good Painting Practice, Volume 1, Fourth Edition.
3.17. Black’s Law Dictionary, 7th edition, Bryan A. Garner, 1999.
3.18. NAWIC, Construction Dictionary, published by Greater Phoenix, Arizona Chapter 98 of the
National Association of Women in Construction, 9th edition, 5th printing, June 2003.
3.19. MPI, The Master Painter’s Glossary – Painting and Decorating Terminology, 1997.
3.20. MPI, The Master Painter’s Glossary – Painting and Decorating Terminology, 1997.
3.21. FSCT, (Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology), Coatings Encyclopedia Dictionary,
edited by Stanley LeSota, 1995.
3.22. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction, Fourth Edition, 2005.
3.23. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, then the requirements
of this standard shall prevail.
4. Definitions (See Section 5)
5. Standard Specification – The following trade terms are defined:
5.1. ACCELERATION: To hasten the progress or development of project production and/or
completion. [PDCA]
5.2. ACCEPTANCE OF SURFACE: See PDCA Standard P4-09, Responsibilities of Inspection and
Acceptance of Surfaces Prior to Painting and Decorating.
5.3. ACCEPTANCE: An agreement, either by express act or by implication from conduct, to the
terms of an oer so that a binding contract is formed. If an acceptance modifies the terms
or adds new ones, it generally operates as a counteroer. [Black’s Law]
5.4. ACCESSIBLE: Capable of being reached; being within reach [Merriam-Webster’s]
5.5. ADDITIONAL COATS: Extra layers of paint applied to a surface to overcome a deficiency
of the material due to its hiding ability or the color selection. When additional coats
are required the painting and decorating contractor shall be entitled to additional
compensation. [PDCA Standard P3]
5.6. ADJACENT: Having a common endpoint or border; being in close proximity [Merriam-
Webster’s]
5.7. AGGRESIVE ENVIRONMENT: Environments that will aggressively attack or cause severe
corrosion of unprotected substrates. Examples include, but are not limited to: frequent
chemical exposures (splash, spillage, fumes), immersion service, marine service and
geographical regions with wide temperature ranges, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays
39
PDCA Standard P9
and high humidity. In architectural, also treated as an aggressive environment are those
conditions where the cost of re-do would be excessive. [MPI]
5.8. AIA: American Institute of Architects
5.9. ARCHITECTURAL CAULKING: The application of caulking (perhaps, but not necessarily, in
an integral color) for aesthetic purposes to minimize joints created by construction design
and/or deficiencies, and adjacent to painted surfaces, such as: the perimeter of windows or
window walls, expansion joints, casework/cabinetry, countertops, prefinished door/window
frames, prefinished trim, natural or stained wood, ceramic tile, wallcovering, rigid vinyl
wallcovering, seamless floors, vinyl base, ceiling grid, floor tile, etc. More specifically, unless
the caulking is between two (2) field painted surfaces as further defined in paragraph
5.76, it is not “painter’s caulk”, and is not the responsibility of the painting and decorating
contractor unless explicitly specified as such. [PDCA]
5.10. ASTM: A nonprofit technical society (formerly known as the American Society for Testing
and Materials) that develops and publishes standards, definitions of materials, methods
for testing materials, recommended installation practices, and specifications for materials.
[Dictionary of Architecture and Construction]
5.11. AS REQUIRED: A term requiring no action on the part of the painting and decorating
contractor unless directed through references in the plans and specifications. [PDCA]
5.12. ATTIC STOCK: Extra materials indicated in the contract documents to be provided to the
Owner for maintenance after completion of the project. [PDCA]
5.13. BENCHMARK SAMPLE: A sample that serves as a standard by which other work may be
measured or judged. [PDCA]
5.14. CALIBRATE: To determine the indication of output of a measuring device with respect to
that of a standard. [SSPC]
5.15. CERTIFICATION: Confirmation by document under hand or seal as being true, or as
meeting a standard or as being as represented. [SSPC]
5.16. CHANGE ORDER: An agreement to modify or alter the original contract work. This includes
but is not limited to, corrective work for “damage caused by others” and “latent damage.”
Adjustments to the contract amount and completion time should be part of this agreement.
The contracting entity will issue the change order. See PDCA Standard P18. [PDCA]
5.17. CLOSELY-FABRICATED: Characteristic of an item consisting of interwoven components,
such as chain-link fencing. [PDCA Estimating Guide Volume 1]
5.18. COAT: A layer of paint, varnish, lacquer or other material that is applied and then allowed to
dry. To back roll or apply a wet-on-wet film still constitutes a single coat. [MPI]
5.19. COATING: Generic term for paints, lacquers, enamels, printing inks, etc.; a liquid, liquefiable
or mastic composition which is converted to solid protective, decorative or functional
adherent film after application as a thin layer. It also refers to films applied to paper, plastics
or foils. [ASTM] [FSCT]
5.20. COATING APPLICATOR: An individual who applies a decorative or protective coating. In
law, also a company engaged in the application of coatings. Can also be an application
device. [MPI]
40
PDCA Standard P9
5.21. COATING DAMAGE: A reduction or loss of protective, aesthetic or identifying
characteristics resulting from physical impact, intense heat, excessive moisture, chemical
contact or other external factors. Damage includes, but is not limited to, blisters, rust
bloom, chipping, cracking, peeling and other forms of delamination, color change and
excessive wear. [PDCA]
5.22. 5.22. COATING WORK: An all-inclusive term used to define all operations required to
accomplish a complete coating system. The term shall be construed to include materials,
equipment, labor, preparation of surfaces, control of ambient conditions, application of
coating systems, inspection, etc. [SSPC]
5.23. COLOR: One aspect of appearance; a stimulus based on visual response to light, and
consisting of three dimensions of hue, saturation and lightness. [FSCT]
5.24. COLOR RANGE: The extent of colors, tone or hue. Paint manufacturer’s systems of color
tint bases used in conjunction with colorants to produce a wide range of colors, including
pastel, mid-tone, deep-tone, ultra-deep tone and variations thereof. [Craftsman’s]
5.25. COLORANT: Any substance that imparts color to another material or mixture. Colorants
can be either dyes or pigments. [Craftsman’s]
5.26. COLORS TO BE SELECTED: The designation of paint colors in accordance with PDCA
Standard P3, Designation of Paint Colors. Allows for project pricing as long as the type and
placement of colors and the product type have been clearly delineated. [PDCA Standard
P3]
5.27. 5.27. CONCEALED SPACE: An area, item or surface not visible from a position of normal
use of the facility. [PDCA]
5.28. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement or authorized
agent of any of the above. [PDCA Standard P1]
5.29. COVERAGE: An ambiguous ter m that sometimes refers to hiding power and other times
to spreading rate. (This term does not imply that a uniform color and/or sheen will be
attained.) [SSPC]
5.30. CROWDING: More craft activity in a given area than can be accommodated eciently.
[PDCA Standard P7]
5.31. DAMAGE: Abuse or injury to a paint film or substrate which would blemish its appearance
or impair its usefulness or value. [PDCA]
5.32. DAMAGE CAUSED BY OTHERS: “Damage” caused by individuals other than those
employed by the painting and decorating contractor. [PDCA]
5.33. DECORATIVE (PAINT) FINISHES: Application of paints or glazes to adorn, decorate
or embellish a surface as compared to a plain solid color, stain or varnish finish and as
opposed to performing a protective function. This general group of decorative paint
finishes includes a number of “subgroups” some of which overlap and others of which have
more than one name by which they are recognized. These include:
• Faux (false) Finishes: In French, “false” finish. These seek to imitate products found in
nature such as wood, marble, granite, stone, etc. These include wood graining, marbling,
gilding, etc.
41
PDCA Standard P9
• Representative Finishes: These seek to imitate products otherwise made like leather,
parchment, fresco, Venetian plaster (itself a faux plaster), etc.
• Special Eect Finishes: Broken color eects (as opposed to imitation eects), such as
ragging on, ragging o, sponging on, sponging o, strié, splattering, stippling, etc.
• Graphic Finishes: Detailed eects such as stenciling and graphics that are in accordance
with “mathematical rules.”
• Pictorial Finishes: Decorative eects such as murals, scenics, portraits, etc.• Trompe
d’oeil: In French, “trick of the eye.” That which creates such a strong illusion that it
is dicult to ascertain whether it is real or a representation. Usually, but not always,
threedimensional, giving the impression of depth and perspective. [MPI]
5.34. DECORATIVE PAINTING: A coating applied more for its aesthetic or decorative function
than for protective purposes. [MPI]
5.35. DEEP (COLOR): Intense, strong color with no appearance of black. Also called an accent
color. [Craftsman’s]
5.36. DEEP-TONE BASE: Paint base used to develop deep colors. Might contain small amount of
white. Also called an accent base. [Craftsman’s]
5.37. DEFECTIVE: Subnormal with respect to written specifications. [SSPC]
5.38. DESIGN DEFECTS: A physical condition, created by the design of a structure, vessel,
etc., that prevents meeting the specification requirements for surface preparation and/or
coating application to a surface by standard industry methods. [PDCA]
5.39. DEVIATION: Completed work that is not in accordance with the specification requirements.
[SSPC]
5.40. DOCUMENTATION: The assembling and dissemination of written information,
communication directives or records in substantiation of work done or facts quoted.
[SSPC]
5.41. ENVIRONMENT: The circumstances, objects or conditions by which one is surrounded; the
complex of physical, chemical and biotic factors that act upon an organism or structure
and ultimately determine its form and survival. [Merriam-Webster’s]
5.42. EXPOSED: A surface, area or object that is visible from a position of normal use of the
facility. This term does not imply that that any finish will be applied by the painting and
decorating contractor unless explicitly specified. [PDCA]
5.43. EXPOSED CONSTRUCTION: Basic materials of construction such as joists, pipes, ducts,
studs, etc. that are not encased by a finished wall or ceiling. This term does not imply that
that any finish will be applied by the painting and decorating contractor unless explicitly
specified. [PDCA]
5.44. EXPOSED PAINTED/EXPOSED CONSTRUCTION PAINTED: A term that implies that
exposed construction will be painted with the coatings specified for that particular surface
or substrate. [PDCA]
5.45. FACTORY FINISHED: Finished at the point of manufacture, requiring no additional work or
finish by the painting and decorating contractor. [MPI]
42
PDCA Standard P9
5.46. FAUX FINISH: In French, literally a “false” finish. A decorative finish applied to surfaces
(wood, drywall, glass, etc.) to make them appear as dierent substrates. The general
category may also include faux plaster (such as Ventian plaster) or faux brick finishes
(which may use actual plaster formulations or brick facing) but which also can be simulated
with decorative painted eects. Originally, it meant an artificial finish that represented or
imitated a finish of natural products such as wood, stone, marble, etc. for those who could
not obtain the “real thing.”
It is also used today to match “real” adjacent items where cost or regulation would preclude
the use of the “real” material. Faux marble (“false marble”) is marbling, faux bois (“false
wood”) is wood graining. There is also faux granite (“false granite”) and faux tortoiseshell
(“false tortoiseshell”). The term, however, has come to include imitations of other products
that are not directly “from nature.” Faux leather, faux parchment, faux moldings are some
that are now included, as is gilding, antiquing, fresco and some verdigris/patina.
Faux finish does not properly include special eect finishes, graphic finishes, pictorial
finishes and tromp d’oeil. These are defined elsewhere. Fantasy finishes may include
“creative” faux finishes, or just may create dierent eects. [MPI]
5.47. FINISH: An entire paint or coating system; the texture, color and sheen of a surface.
[Craftsman’s]
5.48. FINISHED AREA: A vague term that does not imply that paints, coatings, or other
decorative finishes are to be applied. [PDCA]
5.49. FINISHED LIGHTING: Finished lighting conditions are described as those in place when the
project is finished. This includes, but is not limited to, design lighting (e.g., wall washers,
spots, floods, etc.) and natural lighting (e.g., skylights, clear view windows, window walls,
window treatments, etc.). [PDCA]
5.50. 5.50. FINISH COAT: The last coat applied in a painting operation. A finish coat is formulated
specifically for environmental resistance and appearance. [Craftsman’s]
5.51. FSCT: Abbreviation for Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology. [FSCT]
5.52. GA: Abbreviation for Gypsum Association. [PDCA]
5.53. GRAPHICS: Two or more colors decoratively applied to a surface in a clearly defined
pattern. [MPI]
5.54. HIDING, syn. HIDING POWER: The degree or ability of an opaque coating, applied in a
uniform film, to cover, mask or obscure the substrate to which it is applied, or the colors
underneath. Hiding power is provided by the paint’s pigment. [MPI]
5.55. HOLD POINT: The point at which work must be stopped until inspection or testing is
performed. [SSPC]
5.56. INACCESSIBLE: Not accessible. (The opposite of “accessible” see 5.4.) [Merriam-Webster’s]
5.57. INSPECTION LIGHTING: Illumination of the installed surface from an angle at an intensity
sucient to eliminate any shadowing that may be caused by other illumination striking the
surface at any angle. [MPI]
5.58. INSPECTOR: A trained, qualified person who examines and documents materials used
and work performed to confirm adherence to accepted trade practices, standards and
specifications. [MPI]
43
PDCA Standard P9
5.59. INTEGRAL COLOR: Term implying that a surface or material does not require additional
finish by the painting and decorating contractor. [PDCA]
5.60. JOB EQUENCE/SEQUENCING: An order of succession or continuity of progression of work
activities. [PDCA]
5.61. LATENT DAMAGE OR DEFECTS: Damage to surfaces by cause beyond the control of
the painting and decorating contractor. Examples of such include, but are not limited to,
building settlement, earthquake damage, and nail and/or screw pops or expansion and/or
contraction of substrate.[PDCA Standard P1]
5.62. LEAP-FROGGING: The presence of other subcontractor(s) and/or stockpiling of materials
in areas, which interferes with and hampers painting and decorating contractor’s crew from
completing its work in a given area. [PDCA Standard P7]
5.63. MAINTENANCE: The act of maintaining; the state of being maintained; the upkeep of
property or equipment [Merriam-Webster’s]
5.64. MAINTENANCE PAINTING: The selective repainting of surfaces on an ongoing cyclic basis
with the focus on prevention of coating and subsequent substrate failure. [MPI]
5.65. MID-TONE BASE: Paint base used to develop colors darker than a pastel. Tint strength of
white has been reduced. (Lighter than deep-tone base.) [Craftsman’s]
5.66. MPI: Abbreviation for Master Painters Institute [MPI]
5.67. MULTI-COLOR FINISH: A speckled coating containing flecks of small individual colored
particles dierent from the base color. Syn. speckled finish. [FSCT]
5.68. MURAL: A painting applied directly to a wall or ceiling.; a wallcovering with a mural scene
that continues over several strips to cover one wall without a repeat. Also called a scenic.
[Craftsman’s]
5.69. NACE: Abbreviation for National Association of Corrosion Engineers. [SSPC]
5.70. NAWIC: Abbreviation for National Association of Women in Construction. [PDCA]
5.71. NORMAL VIEWING POSITION: For the purpose of inspection, a normal viewing position
shall be at eye level at a minimum of thirty-nine (39) inches or one (1) meter from the wall.
[PDCA Standard P1]
5.72. NONCOMPLIANT: Deficiency in characteristic, specification, regulation, documentation or
procedure. [MPI]
5.73. OFF-WHITE: Any number of light colors that are nearly white, but contain minute amounts
of color or toner. O-white colors are used as base colors in interior paints for large
surfaces such as walls. (Lighter than a pastel.) [MPI]
5.74. OPINION: A view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter; a
belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge; a generally held
view; a formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert; the formal expression (as by
a judge, court, or referee) of the legal reasons and principles upon which a legal decision is
based. [Merriam-Webster’s]
5.75. OTHERS: Any individual or g roup of individuals other than the painting and decorating
contractor or his employees. [PDCA]
44
PDCA Standard P9
5.76. PAINT: Any pigmented liquid, liquefiable, or mastic composition designed for application
to a substrate as a thin layer, which is converted to an opaque solid film after application.
[SSPC]
5.77. PAINT ACCENT: See PDCA Standard P3, Designation of Paint Colors.
5.78. PAINTER’S CAULK: The application of painter’s caulk shall be as directed and as delineated
in specification section 09 90 00 Painting, or in the absence of direction or delineation,
the following shall be assumed within the scope of work: Joints between wood or wood
composite materials, trim, baseboard, molding, and casements. These joints include and
are limited to wood to wood or wood composite substrates, and wood to gypsum drywall,
plaster or similar wall surfaces. These joints shall only be between field painted surfaces.
Painter’s caulk is to be applied to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the aected
surfaces. It is not the responsibility of the applicator of painter’s caulk to waterproof a
surface, joint or void, nor is it the responsibility of the applicator of painter’s caulk to
conceal, eliminate, minimize, or disguise shrinkage or movement of joints or voids. [PDCA
Standard P11]
5.79. PAINT DAMAGE: See coating damage.
5.80. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: An individual or firm whose primary business
is providing surface preparation, and wallcovering and coating application service [MPI]
5.81. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: An individual, identified
to the contracting entity, as having the authority, within stated parameters, to speak and
act for the painting and decorating contractor. [PDCA]
5.82. PASTEL: A soft, pale shade of any color. (Lighter than a mid-tone base.) [Webster’s]
5.83. PDCA: Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. [PDCA]
5.84. PDRA: Abbreviation for Painting and Decorating Retailers of America. [PDCA]
5.85. PERCENT VOLUME SOLI or material does not require additional finish by the painting and
decorating contractor. [PDCA]
5.86. PERCENTAGE OF ACCENT: See PDCA Standard P3, Designation of Paint Colors.
5.87. PHASING SEQUENCE: See PDCA Standard P7, Job Sequencing.
5.88. POROSITY: The absorption of a paint by the surface being coated. The ability of a surface
to absorb a liquid, vapor or gas. A measure of the degree of voidage in an object expressed
as a fraction of the total object’s volume. The major consideration in the absorption of
paint, liquid, vapor or gas by the surface. [Craftsman’s] [MPI]
5.89. PREFINISHED: PRE-FINISHED: For the purpose of this standard, a completely finished
product requiring installation only, finished by an entity other than the painting and
decorating contractor. An inappropriate term sometimes used to define “factory finished”.
[PDCA] [MPI]
5.90. PREPARATION: The action or process of making something ready for use or service or of
getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty; a state of being prepared; a preparatory
act or measure. Performance of the specified procedures prior to the application of paint,
coating, wallcovering or other decorative finish. [Merriam-Webster’s] [MPI]
5.91. PRE-SEALER: A product applied prior to the application of stain for the purpose of evening
the porosity of the soft wood to which it is applied. [PDCA]
45
PDCA Standard P9
5.92. PROPERLY PAINTED SURFACE: A surface uniform in appearance, color, texture, hiding
and sheen. It is also free of foreign material, lumps, skins, runs, sags, holidays, misses, or
insucient coverage. It is also a surface free of drips, spatters, spills or overspray caused by
the painting and decorating contractor’s workforce. [PDCA Standard P1]
5.93. PUNCH LIST: A checklist of all items on a construction project that are unfinished, or
incomplete, have not been done at all, require replacement or repair, or acquire additional
work to achieve an acceptable level of workmanship. Such a list is often established as a
result of periodic inspections at the job site during construction and may be included in
field reports. All items must be corrected by the contractor in a timely fashion so that the
finished construction job conforms to the contract documents. [Dictionary of Architecture
and Construction]
5.94. QUALIFICATION: A restriction in meaning or application; a limiting modification; a quality
or skill that fits a person; a condition or standard that must be complied with. [Merriam-
Webster’s]
5.95. QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA) : The verification of the conformance of materials and
methods of application to the governing specification in order to achieve a desired result.
[Craftsman’s]
5.96. QUALITY CONTROL (QC): Administrative and engineering procedures employed to attain
the desired level of quality assurance. [Craftsman’s]
5.97. QUALITY OF APPEARANCE: Aesthetics; conception of beauty, a particular taste for or
approach to what is pleasing to the senses and especially sight. [Merriam-Webster’s]
5.98. REFINISH: To give (as furniture) a new surface. (This term does not imply the removal of
existing finishes prior to the application of a new finish).[Merriam-Webster’s]
5.99. REFURBISH: To brighten or freshen up; renovate (This term does not imply the removal of
existing finishes unless specified.) [Merriam-Webster’s]
5.100. RE-GLAZE: To replace defective or missing glazing compound or apply a decorative finish.
(This term must be further clarified and specified for proper pricing.) To furnish or fit with
glass. [PDCA] [Merriam-Webster’s]
5.101. REFER TO: Direct attention to another section of the specifications. (This term does not
clarify the scope of work.) [PDCA]
5.102. ROOM FINISH SCHEDULE: A table or chart showing individual rooms and the substrates
and/or finishes required. Often requiring further clarification for proper pricing. [PDCA
Estimating Guide Volume 1]
5.103. SHADING: Variation, creted in the manufacturing process, in the color, texture or gloss
within the same strip of a wallcovering. [ASTM]
5.104. SHIFT WORK: Work scheduled in time periods other than the normal workday. [PDCA]
5.105. SHOP PRIMED: (shop coated) A prefabricated article that has been primed at the factory.
A prime coat applied by an entity other than the painting and decorating contractor.
[NAWIC] [PDCA]
5.106. SPECIAL FINISHES: Paints and coatings requiring special tools or techniques for
application i.e.: faux finishes, decorative finishes, graphics, multi-color or murals. A
representative sample must be submitted by the contracting entity prior to bid on projects
where these finishes are specified. [MPI] [PDCA]
46
PDCA Standard P9
5.107. SPECIFICATION: A clear accurate description of the technical requirement for material
products, or services, which specifies the minimum requirement for quality and
construction of materials and equipment necessary for an acceptable product. In general,
specifications are in the form of written descriptions, drawings, prints, commercial
designations, industry standards and other descriptive references. [FSCT]
5.108. SQUARE FEET: A common unit of measure of surface area determined in accordance with
the methods, procedures and standards as defined in the PDCA Estimating Guide Volume 1,
Practices and Procedures and PDCA Estimating Guide Volume 2, Rates and Tables. [PDCA]
5.109. SSPC: Abbreviation for The Society for Protective Coatings [SSPC]
5.110. STACKING OF TRADES: Simultaneous operation of several trades, resulting in congestion
and confusion, which in turn causes a decrease in labor productivity. [PDCA]
5.111. STAIN CONDITIONER: See pre-sealer.
5.112. STANDARD: Something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or
example; criterion; something set up and established by authority as a rule for the measure
of quantity, weight, extent, value, or quality. [Merriam-Webster’s]
5.113. SUBSTRATE: A variant of substratum. In painting, any surface to be painted, including
wood, concrete, masonry, steel, other metals, and various other materials or previous
paints. A substrate can, therefore, be bare or covered. A previously unpainted surface
sometimes is called the “original substrate.” [MPI]
5.114. SURFACE: The substrate to which paints, coatings, or wallcoverings are applied; the finish
obtained after the coating work has been completed. [Craftsman’s]
5.115. SURFACE AREA: The measurement of the area of surface to be finished determined in
accordance with the methods, procedures and standards as defined by the PDCA Standard
P10.
5.116. TACIT: Expressed or carried on without words or speech; implied or indicated (as by an act
or by silence) but not actually expressed. [Merriam-Webster’s]
5.117. TEXTURE: The general physical appearance, or the impression caused by a surface
structure. [MPI]
5.118. THIRD PARTY: An independent contractor or business entity that is not a principal
(contracting entity, general contractor, painting and decorating contractor or material
supplier), employee, subsidiary of a principal, or any other party to the contract for
coatings application work. [PDCA Standard P2]
5.119. TOUCH UP: The correction of deficiencies in the specified work to achieve a “properly
painted surface” [PDCA Standard P1]
5.120. TRADE USAGE: A practice widely accepted and relied upon in numerous transactions in a
particular trade or industry. [PDCA]
5.121. TRAINING: The act, process, or method of one that trains; the skill, knowledge, or
experience acquired by one that trains; the state of being trained. [Merriam-Webster’s]
5.122. TYPICAL: A term that is subject to individual interpretation and requires further clarification
from the contracting entity to describe the scope of work. This term does not imply
the application of any finish by the painting and decorating contractor unless explicitly
specified. [PDCA]
47
PDCA Standard P9
5.123. ULTRA-DEEP BASE: Paint base used to develop deep intense colors with no apparent
white. Deeper than a mid-tone base. [Craftsman’s]
5.124. VERTICALITY: Situated at the highest point; directly overhead or in the zenith;
perpendicular to the plane of the horizon or to a primary axis. [Merriam-Webster’s]
5.125. WALLCOVERING INSTALLER, syn. PAPERHANGER: The individual responsible for the
installation of wallpaper or wallcovering. [PDCA]
5.126. WALLCOVERING, syn. WALLPAPER: Any type of paper, vinyl, fabric or specialty material
that is pasted onto a wall or ceiling for decoration and/or protection. Wallcoverings come
in a wide array of colors, patterns, textures and performance characteristics, such as
washability and abrasion resistance. [Craftsman’s]
5.127. WARRANTY: A real covenant binding the grantor of an estate and the grantor’s heirs to
warrant and defend the title; a collateral undertaking that a fact regarding the subject
of a contract is or will be as it is expressly or by implication declared or promised to be;
something that authorizes, sanctions, supports, or justifies; a usually written guarantee of
the integrity of a product and of the maker’s responsibility for the repair or replacement of
defective parts [Merriam-Webster’s]
5.128. WHITE: A basic paint color as described by coatings manufacturers. ASTM D1535-89
“specifying color by the Munsell System,” 3.2.5 Munsell Value, N-10 – Ideal White. ASTM
E31387, indexes of whiteness. [ASTM]
5.129. WORK LIST: A vague term sometimes implying a preliminary punch list generated to
provide an indication of work remaining to be completed. [PDCA]
6. Comments
6.1. Bid documents contain terms and phrases that must be interpreted by the painting and
decorating contractor.
6.2. This standard establishes definitions of terms and phrases for the purpose of clarifying the
painting and decorating contractor’s work scope and responsibilities.
6.3. This standard clarifies areas of responsibility. Improved communication reduces
misunderstandings.
6.4. This standard is a nationally recognized consensus document for the painting and
decorating industry’s work practices
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
48
PDCA P10
Measurement of Surface Area for Estimating
Painting and Decorating Work
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to establish consistent procedures for estimating and
bidding painting and decorating work.
1.2. It is also the intent of this standard to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts when
painting and decorating work is bid on a unit cost basis by clearly defining methods used
by the professional painting and decorating estimator for measuring surface area.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. Because there is a relationship between surface area and the amount of labor and materials
required for painting and decorating work, methods used to measure surface area during
the estimating process must be consistent to be meaningful. When consistent methods are
used to measure surface area, then labor production rates and material spread rates may
be accurately determined from past painting and decorating work and used as a basis for
estimating labor and material requirements for bidding future painting work.
2.2. Consistent methods in measuring surface area of work to be painted, as defined by this
standard, should be used to determine quantities of painting and decorating work bid on
unit cost basis.
3. Reference Documents and Standards
3.1. PDCA Estimating Guide, Volume 1, Practices and Procedures
3.2. PDCA Estimating Guide, Volume 2, Rates and Tables, 2001.
3.3. PDCA Standard P9, Definition of Trade Terms.
3.4. PDCA Painting and Decorating Craftsman’s Manual and Textbook, 1995, 8th edition.
3.5. PDCA Standard P18 Recommended Protocol for Invoicing Extra Work to a Contract
3.6. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, the requirements of
this standard shall prevail.
4. Definitions
4.1. ACCESSIBILITY: The relative ease or diculty required to reach an item to be painted.
[PDCA Standard P9]
4.2. ADJACENT: An item that is touching or in close proximity. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.3. CLOSELY-FABRICATED: Characteristic of an item consisting of interwoven components,
such as chain-link fencing. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.4. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement or authorized
agent of any of the above. [PDCA Standard P9]
49
PDCA Standard P10
4.5. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: The individual or company contracted to
apply paints, coatings, wallcoverings and other decorative finishes. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.6. SURFACE: The substrate to which paints, coatings, or wallcoverings are applied; the finish
obtained after the coating work has been completed. [Craftsman’s]
4.7. SURFACE AREA: The measurement of the area of surface to be finished determined in
accordance with the methods, procedures and standards as defined by PDCA’s Estimating
Guide “Professional Estimating Procedures for Painting Contractors”. [PDCA Standard P9]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. No object is considered less than one linear foot wide and shall be measured as one square
foot per linear foot.
5.2. Pipes, rods, structural steel, lumber and other items to be finished whose circumference or
perimeter is less than one foot is measured as one foot, otherwise the actual measurement
is used.
5.3. Items having similar surface, finishes, application methods and accessibility may be
grouped together and an appropriate production rate may be applied to the entire group.
5.4. When items that do not have all grouping factors in common are adjacent, they should be
listed separately on the quantity take-o and measured at no less than one square foot per
linear foot.
5.5. When items having equivalent surface, finishes, application method and accessibility
change direction at sharp angles and continue for a significant distance in the new
direction, then measurement of the object increases by the length of the new direction, but
usually not less than ½ of a square foot per linear foot.
5.6. When measuring non-uniformly shaped and curved items, the added length of the surface
due to its curvature, change of direction or nonuniformity must be measured.
5.7. Closely fabricated items, such as chain-link fence, open web joists and grating, should be
measured as being solid. If both sides of a closely fabricated item are finished, double
the surface area. When a closely fabricated item is attached to framework, measure the
framework separately as described in 5.2.
5.8. When a small opening interrupts a continuous surface, the opening is disregarded and
considered part of the continuous surface. Any openings extending from floor to ceiling
and exceeding five feet in width shall be deducted. All openings 100 square feet or larger
are deducted.
5.9. Cabinets, tubs, showers and other items that restrict movement or access shall not be
deducted from the measurement of total surface area.
6. Comments
6.1. PDCA’s “Estimating Guide” Volumes 1 and 2 contain supplemental information regarding
the correct use of these standards. This information includes appropriate applications and
examples.
50
PDCA Standard P10
6.2. PDCA has published estimating guidelines for the painting and decorating industry since
the late 1930’s. The standards stated in Section 5 represent uniform estimating practices
used by PDCA members for many decades.
6.3. When requesting proposals for painting and decorating on a unit-cost basis, requests
should include sucient descriptive information (e.g., surface, finishes, application methods
and accessibility, proximity to work items, and minimum quantities) to price such work.
Items that vary in surface, finishes, application method, accessibility,production rate,
proximity to work items, and minimum quantities should be priced separately. Refer to
PDCA Standard P18 Recommended Protocol for Invoicing Extra Work to a Contract.
6.4. Estimating painting and decorating cost involves specific measurement of color placement
since it aects painting and decorating costs. Refer to PDCA Standard P3, Designation of
Paint Colors for pertinent information.
6.5. This standard clarifies areas of respons bility. IImproved communication reduces
misunderstandings.
6.6. This standard is a nationally recognized consensus document for the painting and
decorating industry’s work practices.
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
51
PDCA P11
Painter’s Caulk, Implied Requirements
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to define painter’s caulk, determine its suitability and
establish its placement whether delineated, implied and/or not referenced in the
specification for painting.
1.2. It is the intent of this document to specifically address by inclusion or exclusion, joints,
cracks, junctions and voids in relation to the application of painter’s caulk whether defined,
implied or not referenced in the plans, specifications or contract documents.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. The painting contractor, owner, general contractor and specifying entity are aected by the
extent to which painter’s caulk is applied, to what surfaces it is applied, and to what extent
it is applied when not specifically referenced in the painting specifications or in the absence
of a written specification.
2.2. The extent of caulking, the suitability of the caulking material and the performance of the
applicator all have an eect on the appearance and performance of the surfaces to which
the caulk is applied.
2.3. The type and quality of the caulking material, the extent of its use and the substrates to
which it is applied have an aect on the painting contractor’s cost to perform his work,
both from a material and labor perspective.
3. Reference Documents and Standards
3.1. MPI, The Master Painters Glossary Version – Painting and Decorating Terminology Version
4.0, 2004
3.2. PDCA Standard P4, Responsibility for Inspection and Acceptance of Surfaces Prior to
Painting and Decorating
3.3. PDCA Standard P9, Definition of Trade Terms
4. Definitions
4.1. APPLICATOR: A person (or coating contractor) who applies a substance (in painting, a
person, whether contractor or tradesperson, who applies a coating) [MPI]
4.2. ARCHITECTURAL CAULKING: The application of caulking (perhaps, but not necessarily, in
an integral color) for aesthetic purposes to minimize joints created by construction design
and/or deficiencies, and adjacent to painted surfaces, such as: the perimeter of windows
or window walls, expansion joints, casework/cabinetry, countertops, prefinished door/
window frames, prefinished trim, natural or stained wood, ceramic tile, wallcovering, rigid
vinyl wallcovering, seamless floors, floor surfaces, vinyl base, ceiling grid, acoustical tile,
electrical or mechanical cover plates, HVAC registers, or grilles, etc. More specifically, unless
the caulking is between two (2) field painted surfaces as further defined in PDCA Standard
P11, it is not “painter’s caulk”, and is not the responsibility of the painting and decorating
contractor unless explicitly specified as such. [PDCA]
52
PDCA Standard P11
4.3. BACKER ROD: A flexible rod of foamed urethane, Styrofoam or similar material inserted
into wide joints or cracks (generally ranging from 3/8 inch to 3 inches or more) to stop the
flow of caulking or sealant material through the joint being sealed. [MPI]
4.4. CAULKING COMPOUND: A soft, resilient, putty-like material used for filling cracks and
holes or for sealing around flashings, frames piping, etc. Available in single component
tubes (gun) or as single and multiple-component materials for application by knife or
spreader. [MPI]
4.5. FIELD COAT: Coat or coats of paint that are applied at the job-site. Also known as field
application. [MPI]
4.6. PAINT: A mixture or dispersion of opaque pigments or powders in a liquid or vehicle.
Now used in the general sense, which includes all organic and inorganic coatings such as
enamels, varnishes, emulsions, bituminous coatings, etc. [MPI]
4.7. SCOPE OF WORK: An overview or abstract outlining the work to be performed within a
specification. [MPI]
4.8. SUBSTRATE: A variant of substratum. In painting, any surface to be painted, including
wood, concrete, masonry, steel, other metals, and various other materials or previous
paints. A substrate can, therefore, be bare or covered. A previously unpainted surface
sometimes is called the “original substrate.” [PDCA Standard P4]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. The application of painter’s caulk shall be as directed and as delineated in specification
section 09 90 00, Painting, or in the absence of direction or delineation, the following shall
be assumed within the scope of work:
5.1.1. The caulking material is limited to paintable acrylic/latex caulk.
5.1.2. The joints to be caulked shall only be between field painted surfaces.
5.1.3. The joints to be caulked are limited to joint voids of 1/8 inch or less.
5.1.4. The joints to be caulked are limited to those between wood and/ or wood
composite materials, and between wood and/or wood composite materials and
painted wall or ceiling substrates such as gypsum drywall, plaster, or similar
surfaces; in certain geographic areas, caulking of painted hollow metal members to
painted wall surfaces is also included.
5.1.5. Painter’s caulk is to be applied to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the aected
surfaces. It is not the responsibility of the applicator of painter’s caulk to waterproof
a surface, joint or void, nor is it the responsibility of the applicator of painter’s caulk
to conceal, eliminate, minimize, or disguise shrinkage or movement of joints or voids
5.1.6. If the caulking work indicated in paragraphs 5.1.1-5.1.4 is listed as part of another
section of the specifications or is excluded from the contract, then it shall not be the
responsibility of the painting and decorating contractor.
5.2. The following shall be excluded from the scope of work unless specifically directed
or delineated in specification section 09 90 00, Painting, or in the plans or contract
documents:
53
PDCA Standard P11
5.2.1. Architectural caulking
5.2.2. Caulk and sealant application included in specification section 07 92 00, Caulking
and Sealing
5.2.3. Caulking, sealing or repair of crumbling or spalling masonry or plaster surfaces.
5.2.4. All caulk and sealant applications on exterior surfaces, whether for aesthetic
purposes or for waterproofing a building envelope.
5.2.5. Application or insertion of backer rod in any joint, crack or void.
5.2.6. Items, trims or objects installed in new construction prior to the application of
gypsum drywall, plaster or other wall or ceiling surfaces.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard is intended to clarify the application or placement of painter’s caulk when
not specifically directed or delineated in the painting specification or in the absence of a
written painting specification.
6.2. This standard is intended to establish a guide for inclusion or exclusion of painter’s caulk in
the preparation of a bid or quotation.
6.3. This standard is intended to establish a consensus document for the painting industry’s
practices.
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
54
PDCA P12
Levels of Block Filler
1. Scope
1.1. This standard establishes consistent procedures for the specification of block filling and the
application of block filler prior to painting paint grade smooth face concrete masonry units.
1.2. The purpose of this standard is to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts when the
application of block filler is required.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. An inadequately written specification can create confusion in both the bidding and
execution of block filler work. Prior to specification, the specific appearance, performance
and weatherresistance of the work to be block filled should be assessed, and specified in
the bid documents for a project in accordance with the “levels of block filler” established
by this standard.
3. Reference Standards and Publications
3.1. The Master Painters Glossary Version 4.0.
3.2. PDCA Standard P5 Benchmark Sample Procedures for Paint and Other Decorative Coating
Systems.
4. Definitions
4.1. Backrolling: A method where freshly applied paint (wet) is smoothed out with an undipped
roller to even the appearance and improve uniformity. [MPI]
4.2. Block filler: A thick, medium to high solids heavily pigmented material used for application
on concrete blocks for filling and smoothing the surface for subsequent finish coatings.
[MPI]
4.3. Pin Hole: A minute hole in a paint film that resembles a pore or pin prick, often due to
improper solvent release during drying or the trapping of air or gas in the film during
setting. [MPI]
4.4. Porosity: A measure of the degree of voidage in an object expressed as a fraction of the
total object’s volume. The major consideration in the absorption of a paint, liquid, vapor, or
gas by the surface. [MPI]
4.5. Pointing: The shaping of joints between bricks or blocks by using a shaping tool on the wet
mortar. [MPI]
4.6. Profile depth: Average distance between the top of the “peaks” and the bottom of the
“valleys” on the surface of a substrate. [MPI]
4.7. Void: Holidays or holes in a coating or surface. [MPI]
55
PDCA Standard P12
5. Standard Specification
5.1. The degree of block filler achieved should not be assessed until all specified paint
coats have been applied, as finishing coat(s) will contribute to the degree of fill. It is
recommended that a benchmark sample showing specified level of block fill on entire
sample and finish coat(s) on a portion of the sample be prepared and approved according
to PDCA Standard P5 to demonstrate the result of block filling to the specified level.
5.2. The use of some materials and some block profiles cause air entrapment resulting in
unavoidable pin holes. A void or discontinuity visible to the substrate is a system defect.
5.3. Levels of Block Filler
5.3.1. Level 1 – Economy Fill: One coat applied with equipment specified by the coating
manufacturer. This level reduces the quantity of paint required for succeeding paint
coats. It reduces some irregularities in masonry profile depth. It is normal that voids
will remain, depending on the porosity and profile depth of the block. The block
filler shall be applied at the spreading rate recommended by the manufacturer. This
level is normally used in spaces that are not occupied by the public and in stairways
of high rise buildings.
5.3.2. Level 2 – Standard Fill: One coat applied with equipment specified by the coating
manufacturer. Backrolling will be performed as necessary to attempt to fill deep
irregularities. Masonry profile depth will be slightly reduced. Joints will be visible as
tooled. Number of voids will be minimized, but voids may remain depending on the
porosity of the block. A maximum of ten voids per square foot of surface area shall
be deemed to be acceptable. The block filler shall be applied at the spreading rate
recommended by the manufacturer. This level is normally used in finished areas that
are occupied by the public.
5.3.3. Level 3 – Premium Fill: One or multiple coats of high performance block filler
manufactured to be applied at a high dry film build. Block filler shall be backrolled
to eliminate voids and reduce the majority of the masonry profile depth. This
system, with an appropriate paint finishing system, produces a surface that is easier
to clean to meet health regulations. Exterior use of this level of block filler, with an
appropriate paint finishing system, will reduce water intrusion at exterior walls.
5.4. Specifications not specifically stating the level of block filler to be attained will be assumed
to imply a Level 2 – Standard Fill.
5.5. The acceptability of the Level 2 Standard Fill surfaces shall be determined when viewed
without magnification, at a distance of thirtynine (39) inches or one (1) meter or more,
under finished lighting conditions and from a normal viewing position.
5.6. The acceptability of the Level 3 Premium Fill surfaces shall be determined when viewed
with magnification of 5X.
6. Comments
6.1. Since the number of coats and application techniques required for block filling impact
project paint costs, the painting specification should incorporate the appropriate level(s) of
block filler as defined by this standard.
56
PDCA Standard P12
6.2. The masonry specification should properly define all cleaning and detailing of new masonry
prior to block filler and painting work. This work is not the responsibility of the painting
contractor and should not be incorporated into the painting specification.
6.3. The result of any particular level of block filler will vary due to the fact that concrete
masonry units vary greatly in profile depth and porosity. If additional filling is required to
achieve a consistent visual appearance due to uneven porosity of the block and is approved
by the coating manufacturer, then the painting contractor is entitled to compensation for
any additional costs incurred. The filling of holes is not the responsibility of the painting
contractor and should be pointed up by others prior to the application of block filler.
6.4. Proper specification of masonry materials, such as requiring graded aggregates to
minimize masonry porosity, is required to achieve the best appearance and performance
of the block filler and paint system specified. This standard outlines procedures for on-site
determination and approval of achievable quality from specified paint and coating systems
applied to paint grade smooth face concrete masonry units.
6.5. This standard is a nationally recognized consensus document for the painting and
decorating industry’s work practices.
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
57
PDCA P13
The Inspection and Acceptance of Architectural Paints on the
Interior Surfaces of Structures When Dry Film Thickness is Specified
1. Scope
1.1. This standard establishes procedures for the inspection and acceptance of architectural
paints on the interior surfaces of structures when dry film thickness is specified.
1.2. This standard establishes a procedure for measuring and testing the thickness of interior
architectural paints to determine compliance with the manufacturer’s technical application
instructions and the painting specifications.
1.3. This standard establishes a procedure for the calculation of paint dry film thickness (DFT)
when specified by the painting specifications.
1.4. It is intended that this standard be used where the painting specifications require a paint
dry film thickness.
1.5. This standard does not address the inspection and acceptance of industrial protective
coatings and linings or exterior paints.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. The criteria to be used to inspect and accept the application of paint to interior surfaces
of architectural structures may be unclear and ill defined in the project documents. This
condition creates confusion for both the painting contractor and the contracting entity
which results in extraordinary costs and time delays.
2.2. When interior surfaces of structures are painted with architectural paints, then “a properly
painted surface” defined by PDCA Standard P1 should be the criterion for inspection and
acceptance.
2.3. Dry film thickness should be a criterion for inspection and acceptance when industrial
protective coatings and linings and exterior paints are applied.
2.4. When dry film thickness is to be considered a criterion for the inspection and acceptance of
architectural paints on the interior surfaces of structures, then a method for measurement
must be established.
2.5. The paint manufacturer’s technical data regarding the specific products utilized shall
determine the dry film thickness requirements of a coat of paint.
3. Reference Standards and Publications
3.1. FSCT, Coating Encyclopedic Dictionary, Edited by Stanley LeSota, 1995
3.2. MPI, The Master Painters Glossary – Painting and Decorating Terminology, Version 4
3.3. PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility
3.4. PDCA Standard P2, Third Party Inspections: Qualifications, Responsibilities, and Procedures
3.5. PDCA Standard P5, Benchmark Sample Procedures for Paint and Other Decorative Coating
Systems
58
PDCA Standard P13
3.6. PDCA Standard P9, Definition of Trade Terms
3.7. PDCA Standard P10, Measurement of Surface Area for Estimating Painting and Decorating
Work
3.8. SSPC-PA2 Measurement of Dry Coating Thickness with Magnetic Gauges
3.9. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, this standard shall
prevail
4. Definitions
4.1. ARCHITECTURAL COATING (PAINT): Coating (Paint) intended for on-site application
to interior or exterior surfaces of residential, commercial, institutional, or light industrial
structures as opposed to factory-applied or industrial coatings. They are protective and
decorative finishes applied at ambient temperatures. [MPI]
4.2. CALIBRATE: To fix, check, or adjust the indication of output of a measuring device to that
of a standard. [MPI]
4.3. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement or authorized
agent of any of the above. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.4. DRY FILM THICKNESS: The depth or thickness of a coating in the dry state. Usually
expressed in mils or microns. [MPI]
4.5. SOLIDS BY VOLUME: The total volume percentage of non-volatile material. Also known as
volume solids. The solids by volume is used to calculate the dry film thickness (DFT) of a
coating from wet film measurements taken during application (i.e. where WFT= wet film
thickness, VS = percent volume solids, DFT= WFT X VS). [MPI]
4.6. SPECIFICATION: A clear accurate description of the technical requirement for material
products, or services, which specifies the minimum requirement for quality and
construction of materials and equipment necessary for an acceptable product. In general,
specifications are in the form of written descriptions, drawings, prints, commercial
designations, industry standards and other descriptive references. [FSCT]
4.7. THIRD PARTY: An independent contractor or business entity that is not a principal
(contracting entity, painting and decorating contractor or material supplier), or employee
or subsidiary of a principal, to the contract for coatings application work. [PDCA Standard
P9]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. Unless otherwise clearly defined in the project documents, the criteria for acceptance
of architectural paints on the interior surfaces of structures shall be that of a properly
painted surface as defined by PDCA Standard P1. “A “properly painted surface” is defined
as uniform in appearance, color, texture, hiding and sheen. It is also free of foreign material,
lumps, skins, runs, sags, holidays, misses, or insucient coverage. It is also a surface free
of drips, spatters, spills or overspray caused by the painting and decorating contractor’s
workforce. In order to determine whether a surface has been “properly painted” it shall be
examined without magnification at a distance of thirty-nine (39) inches or one (1) meter, or
more, under finished lighting conditions and from a normal viewing position.”
59
PDCA Standard P13
5.2. When and only when the bid documents prepared by the specifying authority and/
or contracting entity clearly state that the measurement of dry film thickness shall be a
criterion for acceptance of painted interior surfaces of architectural structures, then the
following conditions shall apply:
5.2.1. A third party inspector as defined and meeting the requirements of PDCA Standard
P-2 shall be utilized for the inspection and acceptance of architectural paints on
the interior surfaces of structures whose expense shall be borne by the contracting
entity.
5.2.2. The dry film thickness of each coat required shall be based on the manufacturer’s
percent solids by volume. The formula DFT = % SBV X 1604/ SF shall be used
to calculate the thickness of each coat where DFT is the dry film thickness in
mils, % SBV is the percent solids by volume of the specific material, and SF is
the manufacturer’s recommended spreading rate for that material. In the event
of a conflict between the manufacturer’s data and the bid documents, the
manufacturer’s data shall prevail.
5.2.3. Non-destructive methods shall be used to measure the dry film thickness of
architectural paints on the interior surfaces of structures to avoid damage to the
painted surfaces.
5.2.4. Measuring devices should be properly calibrated prior to use. The accuracy of the
instrument shall be verified by measuring reference standards that cover the range
of the expected dry film thickness.
5.2.5. Precise locations to be tested shall be selected randomly and shall be geometrically
representative of the surface being tested.
5.2.6. Three measurements shall be made in close proximity, within a two inch diameter
circle, and averaged to determine a “spot measurement.” Any unusually high or low
readings that are not repeatable shall be discarded.
5.2.7. One spot measurement shall be made for every 100 square feet of surface area of
various substrates, where the measurement of surface area is in accordance with
PDCA Standard P10.
5.2.8. It is recognized that it is not possible to field apply paints at a consistent dry
film thickness. Therefore, the dry film thickness for any spot shall be at least
80% of the specified dry film thickness as defined by 5.2.2 and the average of all
spot measurements shall be at least 95% of the specified dry film thickness. If a
maximum thickness is specified, then the average of all spot measurements shall
not be greater that 105% of the maximum thickness. If a maximum thickness is not
explicitly specified, then no maximum thickness applies.
5.2.9. If any spot is not in compliance with the requirements of 5.2.8, then the area
containing that spot shall be repainted to the nearest break to achieve compliance.
5.2.10. When a benchmark sample is prepared in accordance with PDCA Standard P5, then
dry film measurements shall be made on the sample and the accepted values will be
used as a basis for acceptance.
60
PDCA Standard P13
6. Comments
6.1. This standard establishes a consistent method for the inspection and acceptance of
architectural paints on the interior of structures.
6.2. This standard establishes that visual appearance is the prime criterion for the acceptance
of architectural paints on the interior of structures.
6.3. This standard defines a protocol when the measurement of dry film thickness is a criterion
for the acceptance of architectural paints on the interior surfaces of structures.
6.4. The measurement of dry film thickness on porous surfaces such as drywall or concrete
block may be inaccurate due to porosity of the substrate and surface profile.
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
61
PDCA P14
Levels of Surface Preparation for Repainting and Maintenance
Projects Receiving Architectural Coatings
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to identify and describe various levels of preparation
for repainting or refinishing previously painted / finished surfaces in order to achieve a
“properly painted surface.”
1.2. This standard establishes criteria for estimating purposes.
1.3. This standard identifies common pre-existing conditions in surfaces and surrounding
areas and the impact on the final quality of appearance and acceptability of a repaint or
maintenance project.
1.4. This standard clarifies the definition of a “properly painted surface” when referring to
repainting and maintenance projects.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. The level of surface preparation performed can determine the appearance of a finish
painted surface. Therefore, the level of surface preparation selected should be done
considering both appearance and cost.
2.2. This standard identifies and defines four levels of surface preparation.
2.3. This standard identifies criteria when restoration and resurfacing are performed.
2.4. This standard identifies typical pre-existing conditions in coatings and substrates and
describes how they can impact the adhesion, durability, appearance and cost of the finish
painted surface.
2.5. This standard identifies common pre-existing conditions in surrounding work areas which
impact final appearance and acceptability of the project.
3. Reference Documents and Standards
3.1. ASTM D 4214 Standard Test Methods for Evaluating the Degree of Chalking of Exterior
Paint Films
3.2. ASTM D 3359 Standard Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test
3.3. Black’s Law Dictionary, 7th Edition, Bryan and Garner, 1999
3.4. FSCT (Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology), Coatings Encyclopedia Dictionary,
edited by Stanley LeSota, 1995
3.5. Master Painters Institute [MPI] Maintenance Repainting Manual
3.6. MPI, The Master Painters Glossary – Painting and Decorating Terminology, Version 4
3.7. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, Copyright 1993
3.8. PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility
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PDCA Standard P14
3.9. PDCA Standard P5, Benchmark Sample Procedures for Paint and Other Decorative Coating
Systems
3.10. PDCA Standard P9, Definition of Trade Terms
3.11. Webster’s New World Collegiate Dictionary, 4th Edition, 2002
4. Definitions
4.1. ACCEPTANCE: An agreement, either by express act or by implication from conduct, to the
terms of an oer so that a binding contract is formed. If an acceptance modifies the terms
or adds new ones, it generally operates as a counteroer. [Black’s Law]
4.2. ACCESSIBLE: That which can be approached or entered. 2) Easy to approach or enter. 3)
That can be got; obtainable. [Webster’s]
4.3. ARCHITECTURAL COATING (PAINT): Coating (Paint) intended for on-site application
to interior or exterior surfaces of residential, commercial, institutional, or light industrial
structures as opposed to factory-applied or industrial coatings. They are protective and
decorative finishes applied at ambient temperatures. [MPI]
4.4. ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.5. FINISH: An entire paint or coating system; the texture, color and sheen of a surface. [PDCA
Standard P9]
4.6. MAINTENANCE PAINTING: Any coating work done subsequent to that associated with
construction. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.7. NORMAL VIEWING POSITION: For the purpose of inspection, a normal viewing position
shall be at eye level at a minimum of thirty-nine (39) inches or one (1) meter from the wall.
[PDCA Standard P9]
4.8. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: The individual or company contracted to
apply paints, coatings, wallcoverings and other decorative finishes. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.9. PREPARATION: The act or process of preparing. (Prepare, to make ready, usually for a
specific purpose; make suitable) (Performance of the specified procedures prior to the
application of paint, coating, wallcovering or other decorative finish.) [Webster’s] [PDCA
Standard P9]
4.10. QUALITY OF APPEARANCE: Aesthetics; conception of beauty, a particular taste for or
approach to what is pleasing to the senses and especially sight. [Merriam-Webster’s]
4.11. SPECIFICATION: A clear accurate description of the technical requirement for material
products, or services, which specifies the minimum requirement for quality and
construction of materials and equipment necessary for an acceptable product. In general,
specifications are in the form of written descriptions, drawings, prints, commercial
designations, industry standards and other descriptive references. [FSCT]
4.12. SUBSTRATE: A variant of substratum. In painting, any surface to be painted, including
wood, concrete, masonry, steel, other metals, and various other materials or previous
paints. A substrate can, therefore, be bare or covered. A previously unpainted surface
sometimes is called the “original substrate.” [MPI]
4.13. SURFACE: The substrate to which paints, coatings, or wallcoverings are applied; the finish
obtained after the coating work has been completed. [PDCA Standard P9]
63
PDCA Standard P14
5. Standard Specification
5.1. The MPI Repaint Manual describes the condition of various paintable surfaces and
substrates and rates them in order of degree of surface degradation (DSD) as follows:
DSD-0 Sound Surface
DSD-1 Slightly Deteriorated Surface DSD-2 Moderately Deteriorated Surface
DSD-3 Severely Deteriorated Surface
DSD-4 Substrate Damage
The MPI Repaint Manual further describes various repaint surface preparation techniques
labeled RSP 1 through RSP 13 that may be appropriate depending upon the condition of the
surfaces to be painted.
5.2. This standard recognizes that project specifications detailing the type and extent of surface
preparation to be performed shall take precedence over other considerations.
5.3. This standard recommends that specifications be modeled after the MPI Maintenance
Repainting Manual.
5.4. Levels of Surface Preparation
5.4.1. Level 1: Basic: This surface preparation level requires basic cleanliness of surfaces
to ensure the adhesion of new finishes to the surfaces to which they are applied
with less concern for the adhesion of existing paint coats and quality of appearance
of the finished surfaces. Preparation shall include the removal of surface dust,
dirt, obvious loose paint and other surface contaminants by washing, light power
washing or pressure washing (MPI RSP-5), hand cleaning (MPI RSPPainting 1)
including the use of a duster brush or broom, and mildew treatment (MPI RSP-9).
This level of preparation should ensure that subsequently applied coats of paint will
adhere to existing paint coats. This level of surface preparation does not warrant
that previously applied paint coats are well adhered to each other or are well
adhered to the substrate. Under this level of preparation no alteration of the existing
surface profile shall be attained. It is recommended that tests should be performed
on exterior surfaces in accordance with ASTM D 4214 Standard Test Methods for
Evaluating the Degree of Chalking of Exterior Paint Films. This level of surface
preparation is normally recommended only on surfaces rated DSD-0 or DSD-1.
5.4.2. Level 2: Standard: This surface preparation level requires basic cleanliness of surface
to ensure the adhesion of new finishes to the surfaces to which they are applied
as well as the examination of existing coatings to assess their adhesion. With this
level of surface preparation, good adhesion and longevity of finish is of primary
concern and appearance is of secondary concern. This level of surface preparation
includes that described in Level 1 plus other procedures necessary to create a sound
surface for repainting including solvent cleaning (MPI-RSP-2), basic patching/filling,
caulking, light sanding/abrading, and “feather edge” sanding. Under this level of
surface preparation, it is recommended that adhesion by tape tests be performed
in general accordance with ASTM Standard 3359 to assess the adhesion of
previously applied paints. It is recommended that at least three tests be performed
at randomly selected locations where it is apparent that dierent paint systems
have been previously applied. When poor results are obtained (ratings of 0 or 1),
at isolated locations, then more aggressive surface preparation methods including
power tool cleaning (MPI RSP-4,) high pressure washing and hydroblasting (MPI-
64
PDCA Standard P14
RSP-5,) chemical stripping (MPI RSP-6) and abrasive blasting (MPI RSP-7) may be
recommended at these isolated locations. If it is determined that the poor adhesion
of existing coatings is not isolated, but is widespread, then restoration/resurfacing
is required. It should be recognized that many factors may aect the adhesion of
the entire coating system that is applied including the properties of the coatings
selected, their permeability, etc. Therefore, while the performance of adhesion
tests provides some indication of the adhesion of existing coatings, they may not
predict the overall adhesion of the total coating system after new coats have been
applied. Under this level of preparation the surface profile is not altered unless due
to the removal of unsound previously applied paint, and that only obvious existing
defects causing abrupt surface profile dierences exceeding 1/8 inch or 125 mils will
be corrected. This level of surface preparation is normally recommended only on
surfaces rated DSD-0, DSD-1 or DSD-2.
5.4.3. Level 3: Superior: This surface preparation level incorporates the requirements of
Levels 1 and 2 with added emphasis on the quality of appearance of finish painted
surfaces. This level of surface preparation includes filling, patching, taping cracks
in drywall and properly dealing with “nail pops,” approximate matches to existing
textures, and thorough sanding to minimize existing runs, sags, brush/roller marks,
and the surface profile of cracked and peeling areas, and other existing surface
defects. Under this level of preparation the general surface profile is retained but
defects causing abrupt surface profile dierences exceeding 1/16 inch or 62.5 mils
will be corrected. This level of surface preparation is normally recommended only on
surfaces rated DSD-0, DSD-1 or DSD-2.
5.4.4. Level 4: Supreme: This surface preparation level incorporates the requirements
of Levels 1, 2 and 3 with even more emphasis on the quality of appearance of
finish painted surfaces. Under this level of surface preparation, all necessary
preparation techniques will be employed to improve the quality of appearance
except restoration/resurfacing. Thorough filling and sanding will be accomplished to
eliminate defects causing abrupt surface profile dierences exceeding 1/32 inch or
31 mils. This level of surface preparation is normally recommended only on surfaces
rated DSD-0, DSD-1 or DSD-2.
5.5. Restoration/Resurfacing: This degree of surface preparation is required when existing
conditions indicate that the surfaces are severely deteriorated (DSD-3) or there is substrate
damage (DSD-4). Existing coatings may be completely, or nearly completely removed (for
example stripping to repaint rather that stripping to stain). Abrasion, chemical removers
or applied heat may be employed in order to remove a failed coating and/or to expose a
failing substrate. Substrates may have to be completely replaced, repaired or resurfaced.
5.6. Inspection and Acceptance: Unless otherwise clearly defined in the project documents, the
criteria for acceptance of finish painted surfaces shall be that of a properly painted surface
as defined by PDCA Standard P1-04. It states: A “properly painted surface” is defined as
uniform in appearance, color, texture, hiding and sheen. It is also free of foreign material,
lumps, skins, runs, sags, holidays, misses, or insucient coverage. It is also a surface free
of drips, spatters, spills or overspray caused by the painting and decorating contractor’s
workforce. In order to determine whether a surface has been “properly painted” it shall be
examined without magnification at a distance of thirty-nine (39) inches or one (1) meter,
or more, under finished lighting conditions and from a normal viewing position. However,
it should be understood that when applied to this standard for repaint and maintenance
painting, the defects listed above are not allowed in the newly applied coats applied by the
painting and decorating contractor, but depending on the level of preparation selected,
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PDCA Standard P14
may still be visible from previously applied existing coatings. When Level 4 is selected as
the level of surface preparation required, then the criteria for inspection and acceptance
may include smoothness to “touch and feel” on interior handrails, doors and easily
accessible trim.
5.7. The painting and decorating contractor shall be responsible to provide adequate protection
of existing surfaces from misplaced paint being applied, but unless specifically indicated
in the project specifications or contract, is not responsible for pre-existing conditions
in the surrounding work area. This includes misplaced paint on hardware and other
fixtures, surfaces damaged by others (for example, screening), damage to landscape and
hardscape, and worn and weathered fixtures, hardware, and other items.
5.8. Project specifications may require dierent levels of preparation on dierent surfaces for
example, Level 4 on doors and trim and Level 2 on walls.
5.9. Specifications not specifically stating the level of preparation to be attained will be
assumed to imply Level 2.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard establishes and describes levels of surface preparation on repainting and
maintenance projects.
6.2. This standard clarifies the level of surface preparationfor estimating purposes.
6.3. This standard defines a protocol for the inspection and acceptance of finish painted
surfaces on repaint and maintenance projects.
6.4. This standard defines pre-existing conditions that are beyond the responsibility of the
painting and decorating contractor.
6.5. Existing coatings and substrates may contain materials such as lead and other RCRA
metals, mold, asbestos, and PCBs. Though abatement of those materials may not be
required, EPA, OSHA, state and local regulations regarding environmental, health and
disposal requirements must be considered.nd disposal requirements must be considered.
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
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PDCA P15
Painting of Shop Primed Substrates
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to establish procedures for the evaluation of shop primer
applied by an entity other than the painting and decorating contractor.
1.2. This standard assigns responsibilities to the various entities involved when field coating of
shop primed substrates is required.
1.3. This standard defines criteria to determine if the shop primer is defective.
1.4. This standard assigns financial responsibilities when it is determined that the shop primer is
defective.
1.5. This document applies to shop primed materials including wood, hardboard, medium
density fiberboard, metal, synthetics, cementitious materials, and other compositional
substrates.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. The shop primer applied to various substrates should be in a condition ready to receive the
finish coats specified.
2.2. This standard applies when shop primer applied to various substrates is unsuitable for
finish painting.
2.3. This standard applies when remedial measures, such as sanding, stripping, and re-priming
are required to be performed prior to the application of specified finish coats.
3. Reference Standards and Documents
3.1. MPI, The Master Painters Glossary- Painting and Decorating Terminology, Version 4.
3.2. PDCA P1 Touchup Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility and Definition of a
Properly Painted Surface.
3.3. PDCA P9 Definition of Trade Terms.
3.4. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, this standard shall
prevail.
4. Definitions
4.1. ADHESION: The act or state of adhering. The property that makes a paint film stick to the
surface. The degree of attachment between a coating film and the underlying material
with which it is in contact. The latter may be another coat of paint (intercoat adhesion) or
any other material such as wood, metal, plaster, etc. (adhesion between a coating and a
substrate). Adhesion should not be confused with cohesion. [MPI]
4.2. BARRIER COAT: A coating or primer designed to shield or block the chemical or solvent
interaction between a substrate and a finish coating. [MPI]
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PDCA Standard P15
4.3. CHANGE ORDER: An agreement to modify or alter the original contract work. This includes
but is not limited to, corrective work for “Damage caused by others” and “Latent damage.”
[PDCA P1]
4.4. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement or authorized
agent of any of the above. [PDCA P9]
4.5. DRY FILM THICKNESS: The depth or thickness of a coating in the dry state. Usually
expressed in mils or microns. [MPI]
4.6. EROSION: The wearing away of a paint film through the abrasive action of wind, dust,
and dirt. This condition can be accelerated by the degradation of the binder through UV
light causing chalking. The erosion can proceed till the undercoating or the substrate are
exposed. [MPI]
4.7. HOLD-OUT: The property (of a substrate or coating) that provides a low porosity surface
which reduces the penetration of subsequently applied coatings. This improves the gloss
and color uniformity of the finishing coats. [MPI]
4.8. INTERMEDIATE COAT: Any coating applied between the primer and the finish coat. [MPI]
4.9. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: The individual or company contracted to
apply paints, coatings, wallcoverings and other decorative finishes. [PDCA P9]
4.10. PRIME COAT: The first coat on a substrate. [MPI]
4.11. PRIMER: The first of two or more coats of paint, varnish, or lacquer. It is applied to improve
adhesion of the succeeding coat and/or provide passive corrosion resistance to a metal
surface. [MPI]
4.12. PROPERLY PAINTED SURFACE: A surface uniform in appearance, color, texture, hiding
and sheen. It is also free of foreign material, lumps, skins, runs, sags, holidays, misses, or
insucient coverage. It is also a surface free of drips, spatters, spills or overspray caused by
the Painting and Decorating Contractor’s workforce. [PDCA, P1]
4.13. SHOP PRIMED: A prime coat applied by an entity other than the painting contractor.
[PDCA, P9]
4.14. SUBSTRATE: A variant of substratum. In painting, any surface to be painted, including
wood, concrete, masonry, steel, other metals, and various other materials or previous
paints. A substrate can, therefore, be bare or covered. A previously unpainted surface
sometimes is called the “original substrate.” [MPI]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. The shop primer shall have the following characteristics:
5.1.1. The shop primer shall be of the generic type that is recommended for the substrate
material to which it will be applied.
5.1.2. The shop primer used shall possess the properties appropriate for the substrate
material including stain blocking, alkali resistance, corrosion resistance, and hold
out.
5.1.3. The shop primer applied shall be directly compatible with the finish coats specified
without the need for a barrier coat or intermediate coat.
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PDCA Standard P15
5.1.4. The shop primer shall be applied at a dry film thickness that is recommended by the
manufacturer of the shop primer.
5.1.5. The shop primer shall have good adhesion to the substrate material to which it was
applied.
5.2. Conditions for the application, shipment and storage of shop primed materials:
5.2.1. Prior to the application of the shop primer, the applicator of the shop primer shall
conduct testing to ensure that the moisture content of the substrate material is
within the range specified by the manufacturer of the shop primer.
5.2.2. The shop primer must be free of defects such as foreign material, lumps, skins, runs,
sags, holidays, misses, insucient coverage, drips, spatters, spills or overspray so
that a properly painted surface as defined by PDCA Standard P1 may be obtained
when finish coats are applied.
5.2.3. All butt ends and edges of members receiving shop primer shall be fully primed.
5.2.4. The shop primer shall be properly and fully cured prior to shipment from the shop.
5.2.5. Shop primed items shall be properly packaged so that the primer is not damaged
during shipment.
5.2.6. Shop primed items shall be stored at both the shop and the jobsite in a manner that
prevents degradation and erosion of the primer.
5.2.7. If damage or defects occur to the shop primer as a result of installation, then
such damage and defects shall be corrected by an entity other than the painting
contractor.
5.3. Any shop primer that is not in full compliance with the conditions listed in paragraphs 5.1
and 5.2 shall be considered to be defective.
5.4. A party other than the painting contractor is responsible for correction of defective
shop primer. If it is necessary for the Painting and Decorating Contractor to perform any
remedial work due to defective shop primer such as sanding, stripping, and re-priming,
then the Painting and Decorating Contractor shall be compensated for this work. Upon
receiving a change order and authorization to proceed on either a lump sum or time and
material basis from the Contracting Entity, the Painting and Decorating Contractor will
proceed with the repair.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard establishes criteria for shop priming various substrates.
6.2. This standard establishes financial responsibility when the shop applied primer is defective.
6.3. This standard is intended to establish a consensus document for the painting industry’s
practices.
7. Notes
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
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PDCA P16
Wallcovering Removal in Preparation for
New Finishes or Wallcovering
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to assign responsibilities to the various entities involved
when wallcovering is removed by an entity other than the Painting and Decorating
Contractor.
1.2. This standard defines criteria to determine if wallcovering has been properly removed.
1.3. This standard assigns financial responsibilities for the performance of work when wall
covering is removed by an entity other than the Painting and Decorating Contractor in
preparation for new finishes or wallcovering.
1.4. It is the intent of this document to apply to all substrates including drywall, plaster, wood,
hardboard, homosote, metal, plastic, compositional materials etc. to which any type of
wallcovering has been previously applied and is to be removed in preparation for new
finishes or wallcovering.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. It is common for other entities to remove wallcovering in preparation for subsequent work
to be performed by the Painting and Decorating Contractor.
2.2. The contract documents are often unclear about specific scope of work functions to
be completed by the entity removing wallcovering in preparation for new finishes or
wallcovering.
2.3. The Painting and Decorating Contractor must have a frame of reference upon which to
base the bid when the responsibilities for wallcovering removal are ill-defined.
3. Reference Standards and Documents
3.1. PDCA, Standard P1, Touch-Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility and
Definition of a Properly Painted Surface.
3.2. PDCA, Standard P4, Responsibilities for Inspection and Acceptance of Surfaces Prior to
Painting and Decorating.
3.3. PDCA, Standard P7, Job Sequencing
3.4. PDCA, Standard P9, Definition of Trade Terms
3.5. PDCA, Painting and Decorating Craftsman’s Manual and Textbook, 1995, 8th edition.
3.6. PDCA, Craftsmanship Operating Procedure RI-PR-9 Wallpaper Stripping.
3.7. Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, Copyright 1993.
3.8. MPI, The Master Painter’s Glossary- Painting and Decorating Terminology, 1997.
3.9. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, the requirements of
this standard shall prevail.
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PDCA Standard P16
4. Definitions
4.1. COAT: A layer of paint, varnish, lacquer or other material that is applied and then allowed to
dry. To back roll or apply a wet-on-wet film still constitutes a single coat. [PDCA P9]
4.2. DAMAGE BY OTHERS: Any marks, stains, scus, scratches or other damage to a newly
painted surface that is caused by anybody other than the painter. Also known as Damage
Caused by Others. [MPI]
4.3. FILLER: A heavily bodied material used to fill voids, holes, pores, depressions, etc. in a
substrate. [MPI]
4.4. FINISH: An entire paint or coating system; the texture, color and sheen of a surface.
[Craftsman’s]
4.5. FLOATING: The act of spreading or smoothing a plaster, gypsum board, concrete, or similar
surface for finishing. [MPI]
4.6. LATENT DAMAGE (OR DEFECTS): Damage to surfaces by cause beyond the control of
the Painting & Decorating Contractors. Examples of such include, but are not limited to,
building settlement, earthquake damage, and nail and/or screw pops or expansion and/or
contraction of substrate. [MPI]
4.7. JOB SEQUENCE/SEQUENCING: An order of succession or continuity of progression of
work activities. [PDCA, P9]
4.8. PAINT SYSTEM: A succession of selected coats of materials applied in a prescribed order to
protect a surface and provide a decorative finish. [MPI]
4.9. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: The individual or company contracted to
apply paints, coatings, wallcoverings and other decorative finishes. [PDCA P9]
4.10. POTABLE: Suitable for drinking. [Merriam Webster’s]
4.11. QUALITY OF APPEARANCE: Aesthetics; conception of beauty, a particular taste for or
approach to what is pleasing to the senses and especially sight. [Merriam-Webster’s]
4.12. SANDING: The act of abrading a surface (painted or bare) with an abrasive coated paper
or cloth, by hand or machine, to smooth or remove surface defects or to improve the
mechanical adhesion of a coating. [MPI]
4.13. SOLVENT: A volatile organic liquid in which another solid or semi-solid substance (such
as a resin or polymer) may be dissolved. The most common solvents used for paints
include aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, ketones, acetates and ethers.
Solvents are used to control the consistency, drying properties, and in part, the stability of
the liquid paint material and to regulate its application properties. Under normal ambient
conditions, solvents evaporate from the coating and are not part of the dry film. Various
types of solvents are also used as cleaning agents, often in combination with surfactants.
[MPI]
4.14. SUBSTRATE: A variant of substratum. In painting, any surface to be painted, including
wood, concrete, masonry, steel, other metals, and various other materials or previous
paints. A substrate can, therefore, be bare or covered. A previously unpainted surface
sometimes is called the “original substrate.” [MPI]
4.15. SURFACE: 1) The substrate to which paints, coatings, or wallcoverings are applied. 2) The
finish obtained after the coating work has been completed. [Craftsman’s]
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PDCA Standard P16
4.16. TOUCH-UP : The correction of deficiencies in the specified work to achieve a “properly
painted surface”. [PDCA Standard P1]
4.17. WALL COVERING (WALLCOVERING): A surfacing material, made from paper, vinyl, foil,
natural fibers, cork, fabric, etc. adhered to an interior wall or ceiling surface to impart color,
texture or patterns. Also known as wallpaper, murals, or signage. Wall coverings come in a
wide array of colors, patterns, textures and performance characteristics, such as washability
and abrasion resistance. [MPI]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. Unless directly specified otherwise, wallcovering removal shall include the performance of
the following work functions:
5.1.1. All wallcovering material will be physically removed from designated surfaces.
5.1.2. All wallcovering material shall be properly disposed in accordance with local and
federal codes and requirements.
5.1.3. All wallcovering adhesive shall be removed from the surfaces to subsequently
receive new finishes or wallcovering.
5.1.3.1. Water-soluble adhesives shall be removed by thoroughly washing with
clean potable water that may contain detergents or enzymes to aid in
adhesive removal. All surfaces shall be thoroughly rinsed with clean potable
water to remove any residue.
5.1.3.2. Adhesives that are not water soluble shall be removed using appropriate
solvents or equipment as recommended by the adhesive manufacturer.
5.1.4. When wallcovering is removed by an entity other than the Painting and Decorating
Contractor, sanding of the adhesive in lieu of removal is not acceptable as surface
preparation. When wallcovering is removed by the Painting and Decorating
Contractor, other processes may be used at the discretion and responsibility of the
Painting and Decorating Contractor.
5.1.5. Any mildew, other organic material, or other contaminant present on the surface
after the wallcovering is removed shall be eradicated in a manner consistent with
the specific contaminant.
5.1.6. Surfaces from which wallcovering is physically removed are often damaged during
the removal process. All required patching, filling, floating, or replacement of
surfaces (including finish quality sanding) shall be a part of the scope of work
of wallcovering removal. It is recognized that the extent of the work operations
necessary to complete substrate repair is usually not foreseeable until the
wallcovering has been removed. For this reason, it is recommended that substrate
repair be accomplished on a time and material basis. The materials used for
patching, filling, floating, or replacement must have sucient adhesive and cohesive
strengths to support the paint system specified to be applied by the Painting and
Decorating Contractor.
5.1.7. When the entity performing wallcovering removal has completed its work and/or
notification to proceed has been given to the Painting and Decorating Contractor,
such action will be construed as tacit evidence that all work has been inspected,
and that it is warrantable, completed and ready for the specified finish.
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PDCA Standard P16
5.1.8. At the completion of wallcovering removal, all designated surfaces should be
ready to receive new finishes or wallcovering. When the surface from which the
wallcovering was removed is gypsum board, the specified level of finish shall be
attained. If “quality of appearance” of a surface, prior to finishing, is judged marginal
or unacceptable by others conducting essential inspection, such alleged defective
work must be corrected by others prior to the Painting and Decorating Contractor
beginning work. If the unacceptable work is not made complete and ready for
finishing, the Painting and Decorating Contractor will halt work until directed to
proceed.
5.1.9. Once priming and finishing has begun, as scheduled or as directed, the correction
of “Defects and/ or Latent Damage” is considered “Damage Repair” as per PDCA
Standard P1. Job sequencing shall be maintained in accordance with PDCA
Standard P7.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard establishes criteria for proper wallcovering removal in preparation of new
finishes or wallcovering.
6.2. This standard establishes financial responsibility for various work functions when
wallcovering is removed by an entity other than the Painting and Decorating Contractor in
preparation for new finishes or wallcovering.
6.3. This standard is intended to establish a consensus document for the painting industry’s
practices.
7. Notes
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness, or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
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PDCA P17
Field Painting of Smooth Faced Tilt-Up Concrete
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to assign responsibilities to the various entities involved
when smooth faced tilt-up concrete is field painted.
1.2. This standard defines criteria to determine if smooth faced tilt-up concrete has been
properly prepared to receive field applied paint.
1.3. This standard assigns financial responsibilities to the various entities involved when smooth
faced tilt-up concrete is field painted.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. Numerous paint failures have occurred when smooth faced tilt-up concrete is field painted.
2.2. The project documents are often unclear about the specific responsibilities of the various
entities involved when smooth faced tilt-up concrete is field painted.
2.3. The painting and decorating contractor must have a frame of reference upon which to base
the bid when smooth faced tilt-up concrete is field painted.
2.4. The purpose of this standard is to develop a reasonable protocol that painting and
decorating contractors are recommended to follow when smooth faced tilt-up concrete is
field painted.
3. Reference Standards and Documents
3.1. ASTM D 3359 Standard Test Method for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test.
3.2. ASTM D 4262 Standard Test Method for pH of Chemically Cleaned or Etched Concrete
Surfaces.
3.3. ASTM D 7234-05 Standard Test Method for Pull-O Adhesion Strength of Coatings on
Concrete Using Portable Pull-O Adhesion Testers.
3.4. PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility.
3.5. PDCA Standard P3, Designation of Paint Colors.
3.6. PDCA Standard P4, Responsibilities for Inspection and Acceptance of Surfaces Prior to
Painting and Decorating.
3.7. PDCA Standard P5, Benchmark Sample Procedures for Paint and Other Decorative Coating
Systems.
3.8. PDCA Standard P7, Job Sequencing.
3.9. PDCA Standard P9, Definition of Trade Terms.
3.10. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, Copyright 1993.
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PDCA Standard P17
3.11. MPI, The Master Painter’s Glossary – Painting and Decorating Terminology, 1997.
3.12. Tilt-Up Concrete Association, P.O. Box 204, Mount Vernon, IA 52314 (319) 895-6911, Tilt
Tips-Painting Tilt-Up Panels, March 2000.
3.13. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, then the requirements
of this standard shall prevail.
4. Definitions
4.1. BOND BREAKER: A general name for any number of materials that prevent the permanent
adhesion of one material to another. Bond breaking film formers are commonly used to
facilitate the removal of forms for poured-inplace and tilt-up concrete construction. [MPI]
4.2. BUG HOLES: Small surface cavities (usually not exceeding 15 mm in diameter) in formed
concrete resulting from entrapment of air bubbles during placing, compaction, and curing.
[MPI]
4.3. COATING: Generic term for paints, lacquers, enamels, printing inks, etc.; a liquid, liquefiable
or mastic composition which is converted to solid protective, decorative or functional
adherent film after application as a thin layer. It also refers to films applied to paper, plastics
or foils. [FSCT]
4.4. COLOR: One aspect of appearance; a stimulus based on visual response to light, and
consisting of three dimensions of hue, saturation and lightness. [FSCT]
4.5. COLORS TO BE SELECTED: The designation of paint colors in accordance with PDCA
Standard P3, Designation of Paint Colors. Allows for project pricing as long as the type and
placement of colors and the product type have been clearly delineated. [PDCA Standard
P3]
4.6. 4.6. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement or authorized
agent or any of the above. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.7. DAMAGE BY OTHERS: Any marks, stains, scus, scratches or other damage to a newly
painted surface that is caused by anybody other than the painter. Also known as damage
caused by others. [MPI]
4.8. FLOATING: The act of spreading or smoothing a plaster or concrete surface for finishing
[MPI]
4.9. HONEYCOMB: Voids in concrete. [MPI]
4.10. JOB SEQUENCE/SEQUENCING: An order of succession or continuity of progression of
work activities. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.11. LATENT DAMAGE, syn. LATENT DEFECTS: Damage to surfaces by cause beyond the
control of the painting and decorating contractors. Examples of such include, but are
not limited to, building settlement, earthquake damage, and nail and/or screw pops or
expansion and/or contraction of substrate. [MPI]
4.12. MECHANICAL ADHESION: An interlocking of two materials because of shape, texture, etc.,
causing the two materials to remain axed one to the other. [MPI]
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PDCA Standard P17
4.13. NEUTRALIZATION: The process of reducing excess acidity or alkalinity from a material or
substrate such as concrete, masonry, or plaster. To bring the pH balance to neutral (7.0).
[MPI]
4.14. PAINT SYSTEM: A succession of selected coats of materials applied in a prescribed order to
protect a surface and provide a decorative finish. [MPI]
4.15. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: The individual or company contracted to
apply paints, coatings, wallcoverings and other decorative finishes. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.16. pH: The measurement of the hydrogen ion activity in an aqueous solution. A measure of
acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, below 7 is acidic, above 7 is alkaline.
The mathematical scale used is a logarithmic one, so a change of one pH unit represents a
tenfold change in hydrogen ion activity. [MPI]
4.17. QUALITY OF APPEARANCE: Aesthetics; conception of beauty, a particular taste for or
approach to what is pleasing to the senses and especially sight. [Merriam-Webster’s]
4.18. SPECIFICATION: A clear accurate description of the technical requirement for material
products, or services, which specifies the minimum requirement for quality and
construction of materials and equipment necessary for an acceptable product. In general,
specifications are in the form of written descriptions, drawings, prints, commercial
designations, industry standards and other descriptive references. [FSCT]
4.19. SURFACE: An area, or substrate to which paints, coatings, or wall coverings are applied.
The character of the area. [MPI]
4.20. SURFACE PREPARATION: The most important step in a painting operation. Any of a
number of methods of treating a surface in preparation for painting. The process of
ensuring that the surface substrate is clean, free of oil, grease, dust, dirt, loose rust, loose
paint, mill scale and all foreign matter; and has a roughness appropriate for the type of
coating that will be applied. [MPI]
4.21. TOUCH UP (TOUCH UP PAINTING): The act of repainting, by application of similar coating
(i.e. from the uppermost coat e.g. primer or topcoat) (or finish coat – preferably from
the same batch), to restore small areas of a painted surface to an integral or unbroken
condition (to meet the definition of a properly painted surface) by the application of paint
or coating. The appearance of a touch up should not be noticeable because of application
method, color, sheen, or texture dierences from the adjacent area not touched up. If
noticeable, corner-tocorner or break-to-break repainting is necessary. Touch up should not
be confused with deficiency correction, damage by others repair and correction, or latent
damage repair and correction. [MPI]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. Bond breakers and curing oils that interfere with coating adhesion are often employed in
the manufacture of smooth faced tilt-up concrete panels. The project documents should
specify the surface preparation method necessary and the entity responsible for this
operation. Unless directly specified otherwise, removal of bond breaker materials and
curing oils is not the responsibility of the painting and decorating contractor.
5.2. The surface profile of the tilt-up concrete panels may be very smooth providing little, if
any, mechanical adhesion of coatings. The project documents should specify the surface
preparation method necessary and the entity responsible for rectifying this condition.
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PDCA Standard P17
5.2.1. It is recommended that the painting and decorating contractor prepare a
benchmark sample of the specified coating system on the surface of the smooth
faced tilt-up concrete panels in accordance with PDCA Standard P5-04. After the
coating has cured, then adhesion by tests in accordance with ASTM D3359-02 or
ASTM D7234-05 shall be conducted.
5.2.2. If results obtained are deemed to be unsatisfactory, then additional surface
preparation is necessary.
5.2.3. Unless directly specified otherwise, scarification, abrasion, or roughening the
surface of the concrete to provide mechanical adhesion of the coatings is the
responsibility of an entity other than the painting and decorating contractor. If it is
necessary for the painting and decorating contractor to perform remedial work to
establish proper mechanical adhesion of coatings, then the painting and decorating
contractor shall be compensated for this work. Upon receiving a change order and
authorization to proceed on either a lump sum or time and material basis from the
contracting entity, the painting and decorating contractor will proceed with the
repair.
5.3. Prior to applying coatings, the painting and decorating contractor should determine the pH
of the surface of smooth faced tilt-up concrete in accordance with ASTM D4262.
5.3.1. Coating application should not be initiated until the surface pH is within the coating
manufacturer’s recommended range for the specific coating system specified.
5.3.2. Unless directly specified otherwise, neutralization of the surface of the concrete is
the responsibility of an entity other than the painting and decorating contractor. If
it is necessary for the painting and decorating contractor to perform remedial work
to establish a proper pH range prior to the application of coatings, then the painting
and decorating contractor shall be compensated for this work. Upon receiving
a change order and authorization to proceed on either a lump sum or time and
material basis from the contracting entity, the painting and decorating contractor
will proceed with the repair.
5.4. When smooth faced tilt-up concrete panels are manufactured there are often small
voids commonly referred to as bug holes or honeycomb which can aect the quality of
appearance.
5.4.1. Unless directly specified otherwise, filling or sacking of these voids is the
responsibility of an entity other than the painting and decorating contractor. If it
is necessary for the painting and decorating contractor to perform remedial work
to fill voids on smooth faced tilt-up concrete, then the painting and decorating
contractor shall be compensated for this work. Upon receiving a change order and
authorization to proceed on either a lump sum or time and material basis from the
contracting entity, the painting and decorating contractor will proceed with the
repair.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard establishes criteria for field painting of smooth faced tilt-up concrete.
6.2. This standard establishes financial responsibility for various work functions when smooth
faced tilt-up
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PDCA Standard P17
6.3. This standard is intended establish a consensus document for the painting industry’s
practices.
7. Notes
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness, or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
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PDCA P18
Recommended Protocol for Documenting Extra Work to a Contract
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to define criteria for the documentation of extra work to a
contract for painting and decorating.
1.2. This standard assigns financial responsibilities to the various entities involved when extra
work is performed to a contract for painting and decorating work.
1.3. It is the intent of this document to apply to extra work performed that is beyond the scope
of the original contract for painting and decorating work.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. It is common that extra work is performed beyond the original scope of a painting and
decorating contract.
2.2. Conflicts often arise between the painting and decorating contractor and the contracting
entity regarding the authorization and payment of extra work performed that is beyond the
scope of the original contract for painting and decorating.
2.3. The painting and decorating contractor must have methods and criteria that are agreed
upon in advance on which to base the value of extra work that is beyond the scope of the
original contract for painting and decorating.
3. Reference Standards and Documents
3.1. Black’s Law Dictionary, 7th edition, Bryan A. Garner, 1999.
3.2. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction, 4th Edition, Cyril M. Harris, 2005.
3.3. PDCA Estimating Guide Volume 1, Practices and Procedures, First edition, 2004.
3.4. PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility.
3.5. PDCA Standard P10, Measurement of Surface Area for Estimating Painting and Decorating
Work.
3.6. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, then the requirements
of this standard shall prevail.
4. Definitions
4.1. ACCEPTANCE: An agreement, either by express act or by implication from conduct, to the
terms of an oer so that a binding contract is formed. If an acceptance modifies the terms
or adds new ones, it generally operates as a counteroer. [Black’s Law]
4.2. ASSOCIATED COSTS: Miscellaneous job related direct costs including, but not limited
to, expenses such as equipment, travel expenses, permits, bonds, specialized insurance,
subcontracts, hazardous waste expenses, etc. [PDCA Estimating Guide Volume 1]
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PDCA Standard P18
4.3. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement or authorized
agent of any of the above. [PDCA Standard P1]
4.4. EXTRA: Performed work or a desired item of construction which is beyond the intent of the
drawings and specifications contained in a construction contract; an item of work involving
additional cost. [Dictionary of Architecture and Construction]
4.5. LUMP SUM: A contract in which a specific amount is set forth as the total payment for the
performance of the contract. (Also known as stipulated sum) [Dictionary of Architecture
and Construction]
4.6. MATERIAL: Any consumable purchased for and used on a given project including, but not
limited to paint, wallcoverings, masking materials, sundries, etc. [PDCA Estimating Guide
Volume 1]
4.7. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: The individual or company contracted to
apply paints, coatings, wallcoverings and other decorative finishes. [PDCA Standard P1]
4.8. TIME AND MATERIAL: The time and total cost of all materials required to complete a
construction job; often used where the cost of the job is dicult to estimate. [Dictionary of
Architecture and Construction]
4.9. UNIT PRICE: An amount stated in a contract as the price per unit of measurement for
materials or services as described in the contract documents. [Dictionary of Architecture
and Construction]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. Unless directly specified otherwise, there are three recommended methods for the
valuation of extra work performed that are beyond the scope of the original contract for
painting and decorating:
5.1.1. Time and material basis:
5.1.1.1. The painting and decorating contractor shall provide to the contracting
entity a schedule that lists hourly or daily labor rates for all classifications of
workers. Both regular rates and overtime rates should be listed. Unless listed
separately, these hourly rates include all costs for labor, overhead and profit.
5.1.1.2. Also submitted are invoicing rates for specific materials, equipment,
subcontractors and other associated costs; or percentages to be added to
materials, equipment, subcontractors and other associated costs invoices.
Unless listed separately, these rates include overhead and profit.
5.1.1.3. A subtotal for labor for each worker is calculated by multiplying the number
of hours worked by each worker by the corresponding labor rate for that
worker classification.
5.1.1.4. The total amount of labor is a result of adding the subtotals for the various
workers.
5.1.1.5. The total value of the extra work is determined by adding the totals for
labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and associated costs.
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PDCA Standard P18
5.1.2. Lump sum basis:
5.1.2.1. The painting and decorating contractor submits a lump sum value for the
extra work to be performed. This lump sum value includes all costs for labor,
material, equipment, subcontractors, associated costs, overhead, and profit.
5.1.3. Unit price basis:
5.1.3.1. The painting and decorating contractor submits a schedule of unit prices for
completing the painting and decorating of various types of extra work items
that are beyond the scope of the contract for painting and decorating.
5.1.3.2. Unless listed separately, the unit price for each work item includes all costs
for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, associated costs, overhead,
and profit.
5.1.3.3. The subtotal value of extra work items is calculated by multiplying the
surface area or quantity of the various work items by its corresponding unit
price.
5.1.3.4. The surface area for various work items is measured in accordance with
PDCA Standard P10, Measurement of Surface Area for Estimating Painting
and Decorating Work.
5.1.3.5. The total value of the extra work is calculated by adding the subtotals for
the various work items involved.
5.2. Authorization of Extra Work
5.2.1. Time and material basis:
5.2.1.1. It is recommended that the schedules indicated in paragraphs 5.1.1.1 and
5.1.1.2 be submitted with the painting and decorating contractor’s proposal
for work and become part of the contract for painting and decorating.
In any event, these lists should be submitted and approved prior to the
performance of any extra work to the painting and decorating contract.
5.2.1.2. An authorized representative of the contracting entity shall approve this
schedule of values within a reasonable period of time and prior to the
performance of any extra work to the painting and decorating contract.
5.2.1.3. When the extra work is commenced, the painting and decorating
contractor shall submit periodic listings of the labor, material, equipment,
subcontractors, and associated costs expended for verification. This
submission should be made daily unless the painting and decorating
contractor and the contracting entity agree to a dierent frequency of
submission and verification. If the contracting entity disputes any item on
the submitted list, it shall notify the painting and decorating contractor of
such dispute promptly.
5.2.1.4. After extra work to the painting and decorating contract has been
performed on a time and material basis, the painting and decorating
contractor shall submit an invoice based on the schedule of values
previously submitted and approved.
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PDCA Standard P18
5.2.2. Lump sum basis:
5.2.2.1. The painting and decorating contractor shall submit to the contracting
entity a specified monetary amount for the performance of extra work to
the painting and decorating contract.
5.2.2.2. Upon receiving a change order and/or authorization to proceed from the
contracting entity, the painting and decorating contractor will proceed with
the extra work.
5.2.3. Unit price basis:
5.2.3.1. The schedule of unit prices submitted by the painting and decorating
contractor as described in paragraph 5.1.3.1 shall be approved by an
authorized representative of the contracting entity prior to the performance
of any extra work to the painting and decorating contract. In the absence of
a response from the contracting entity within a reasonable period of time,
the schedule of unit prices submitted shall be deemed to be acceptable and
approved
5.2.3.2. After the performance of extra work to the painting and decorating
contract that has been performed on a unit price basis, the painting and
decorating contractor shall submit an invoice based on the schedule of unit
prices previously submitted and approved and the quantity of work items
calculated in accordance with paragraph 5.1.3.4.
5.2.3.3. Unit prices are based on certain assumptions such as minimum quantities,
normal accessibility, proximity of work items, etc. and therefore may not be
applicable to a particular extra work situation. If the painting and decorating
contractor determines that the unit prices submitted are not valid for
proposed extra work, then the extra work shall be performed on either a
lump sum or a time and material basis.
5.3. The contracting entity must indicate to the painting and decorating contractor which
persons are eligible to authorize the performance of extra work to the painting and
decorating contract.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard establishes criteria for the valuation of extra work to a painting and
decorating contract.
6.2. This standard establishes responsibilities for the painting and decorating contractor and
the contracting entity when extra work to a painting and decorating contract is performed.
6.3. This standard applies to disputed extra work to a painting and decorating contract.
6.4. This standard is intended to establish a consensus document for the painting and
decorating industry’s practices.
7. Notes
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness, or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
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PDCA P19
Definition and Application of Decorative Finishes
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to define the field of Decorative Finishing
1.2. It is also the intent of this document to:
1.2.1. Identify a representative sample and describe its use.
1.2.2. Establish criteria for acceptance of substrate and surface preparation for decorative
finishing.
1.2.3. Establish criteria for acceptance of a decorative finish.
1.2.4. Define responsibilities of the various parties of a contract when decorative finishes
are to be applied.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. The decorative finishes on a project should be applied by the painting and decorating
contractor or another contractor that specializes in decorative finishes.
2.2. Conflicts often arise between the contractor providing decorative finishes on a project and
other entities regarding the responsibility for providing surface preparation and base coats.
2.3. The contractor providing decorative finishes and other contractual entities must have
criteria upon which to base the division of work responsibilities and criteria for the
acceptance of completed work.
3. Reference Standards and Documents
3.1. Black’s Law Dictionary, 7th Edition, Bryan A. Garner, 1999.
3.2. MPI, The Master Painter’s Glossary-Painting and Decorating Terminology, 1997.
3.3. Parry’s Graining & Marbling, Brian Rhodes & John Windsor, 1949, Crosby, Lockwood & Sons,
Ltd. 1985, Collins Professional & Technical Books.
3.4. Professional Painted Finishes, Ina Brosseau Marx, Allen Marx, 1991, Watson-Guptill
Publications.
3.5. PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility and
Definition of a Properly Painted Surface.
3.6. PDCA Standard P3, Designation of Paint Colors.
3.7. PDCA Standard P5, Benchmark Samples Procedures for Paint and Other Decorative
Coating Systems.
3.8. PDCA Standard P9, Definition of Trade Terms.
3.9. PDCA Standard P18, Recommended Protocol for Documenting Extra Work to a Contract.
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PDCA Standard P19
3.10. Recipes For Surfaces, Mindy Drucker & Pierre Finkelstein, 1993, Quarto, Inc.
3.11. The Art of Faux, The Complete Sourcebook of Decorative Painted Finishes, Pierre
Finkelstein, 1997, Watson-Guptill Publications.
3.12. The New Paint Magic, Jocasta Innes, 1981, Pantheon Books.
4. Definitions
4.1. ACCEPTANCE OF SURFACE: See PDCA Standard P4, Responsibilities of Inspection and
Acceptance of Surfaces Prior to Painting and Decorating, paragraph 5.1.
4.2. ACCEPTANCE: An agreement, either by express act or by implication from conduct, to the
terms of an oer so that a binding contract is formed. If an acceptance modifies the terms
or adds new ones, it generally operates as a counteroer. [Black’s Law]
4.3. DECORATIVE (PAINT) FINISHES: Application of paints or glazes to adorn, decorate
or embellish a surface as compared to a plain solid color, stain or varnish finish and as
opposed to performing a protective function. This general group of decorative paint
finishes includes a number of “subgroups” some of which overlap and others of which have
more than one name by which they are recognized. These include:
• Faux (false) Finishes: In French, “false” finish. These seek to imitate products found in
nature such as wood, marble, granite, stone, etc. These include wood graining, marbling,
gilding, etc.
• Special Eect Finishes: Broken color eects (as opposed to imitation eects), such as
ragging on, ragging o, sponging on, sponging o, strié, splattering, stippling, etc.
• Graphic Finishes: Detailed eects such as stenciling and graphics that are in accordance
with “mathematical rules.”
• Pictorial Finishes: Decorative eects such as murals, scenics, portraits, etc.
• Trompe d’oeil: In French, “trick of the eye.” That which creates such a strong illusion that
it is dicult to ascertain whether it is real or a representation. Usually, but not always,
three-dimensional, giving the impression of depth and perspective. [MPI]
Other decorative finishes include but are not limited to:
• Decorative Veneer Plaster – A thinly applied layer or multi-layer application of various
plaster compositions to attain a decorative eect. This category includes but is not
limited to stucco Veneziano, commonly called Venetian plaster, stucco marmorino,
natural lime based veneer plaster, synthetic plaster, and gypsum plaster.
• Textures – Textures may be visual and/or physical.
• Visual Texture – Multiple tonal properties giving a purposeful and visual impression of
dimension.
• Physical Texture – A finish that creates a profile that has a tactile quality as opposed to a
visual texture.
• Gilding – The decorative eect attained by bonding thin metallics. Metallics can be
strips or leaves of gold, silver, brass, bronze, metallic powder or mica powder, etc. to
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PDCA Standard P19
a substrate for an authentic look. May also be used as a base for other finishes like
tortoiseshell. See also Dutch metal and gold leaf. Bonding is achieved through sizes and
adhesives
4.4. DECORATIVE PAINTING: Painting done primarily for appearance rather than protection.
[MPI]
4.5. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: The individual or company contracted to
apply paints, coatings, wallcoverings and other decorative finishes. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.6. SPECIAL FINISHES: Paints and coatings requiring special tools or techniques for
application; e.g.: faux finishes, decorative finishes, graphics, multi-color or murals. [MPI]
4.7. SPECIFICATION: A clear accurate description of the technical requirement for material
products, or services, which specifies the minimum requirement for quality and
construction of materials and equipment necessary for an acceptable product. In general,
specifications are in the form of written descriptions, drawings, prints, commercial
designations, industry standards and other descriptive references. [PDCA Standard P9]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. Prior to the application of primer and base coats, surfaces shall be inspected and approved
in accordance with PDCA Standard P4.
5.2. The specifications shall indicate the number and type of primer and base coats to be
applied by the painting and decorating contractor in the contract documents.
5.3. The painting and decorating contractor shall apply the specified paint coats to produce a
“properly painted surface” as defined in PDCA Standard P1.
5.4. The contractor that will apply decorative finishes on the project shall inspect painted
surfaces for suitability to receive decorative finishes. If additional surface preparation or
base coats are required, this work shall be performed by either the contractor providing
decorative finishes or the painting and decorating contractor and shall be invoiced as extra
work to the contract in accordance with PDCA Standard P18.
5.5. Representative Sample
5.5.1. A sample board or mock-up can be rendered in scale to give a representation of
how the completed finish should appear. The size should be at least 11” x 14” or large
enough to illustrate one full repeat of the design.
5.5.2. The sample board or mock up is used to determine whether the colors and
technique(s) are acceptable before any related work commences.
5.5.3. The representative sample is owned by the company or person who produced the
sample.
5.5.4. Upon mutual agreement of the contractor providing decorative finishes and the
contracting entity, a benchmark sample shall be produced in accordance with PDCA
Standard P5. The contractor providing the benchmark sample shall be entitled to
additional compensation utilized a method detailed in PDCA Standard P18.
5.6. Criteria for Acceptance of a Decorative Finish
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PDCA Standard P19
5.6.1. If the approved sample board or mock up is a reasonable representation of the
completed work throughout the area of application, then the work shall be deemed
to be acceptable.
5.6.2. If, on the approved board or mock up, the pattern size had to be scaled down due
to dimensional limitations, but the predetermined scale to actual scale is accurate,
then the finish is deemed to be acceptable.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard is intended to define the field of decorative finishing.
6.2. This standard is intended to establish criteria for acceptance of the substrate and surface
preparation for decorative finishing.
6.3. This standard is intended to establish criteria for acceptance of a decorative finish.
6.4. This standard is intended establish a consensus document for the painting industry’s
practices.
7. Notes
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness, or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
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PDCA P20
Recommended Protocol for Job Close Out
of Painting and Decorating Projects
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to establish procedures for the close out of painting and
decorating projects.
1.2. This standard assigns responsibilities to the various entities involved when the project
specifications do not define specific job close out procedures.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. It is important that the close out of painting and decorating projects be accomplished in an
orderly and timely procedure to eliminate misunderstandings and conflicts.
2.2. This standard applies when job close out procedures are not detailed in the contract
documents.
3. Reference Standards and Documents
3.1. AIA, The American Institute of Architects Document G704-2000, Certificate of Substantial
Completion.
3.2. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction, Fourth Edition, 2005.
3.3. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, Copyright 2003.
3.4. MPI, The Master Painters Glossary – Painting and Decorating Terminology, Version 4.
3.5. PDCA Standard P9, Definition of Trade Terms.
3.6. PDCA Standard P18, Recommended Protocol for Documenting Extra Work to a Contract.
3.7. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, this standard shall
prevail.
4. Definitions
4.1. ATTIC STOCK: Extra materials indicated in the contract documents to be provided to the
owner for maintenance after completion of the project. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.2. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement or authorized
agent of any of the above. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.3. EXTRA: Performed work or a desired item of construction which is beyond the intent of the
drawings and specifications contained in a construction contract; an item of work involving
additional cost. [Dictionary of Architecture and Construction
4.4. EXTRA MATERIALS: see attic stock.
4.5. FINAL COMPLETION: The completion of work and all contract requirements by the
contractor. [Dictionary of Architecture and Construction]
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PDCA Standard P20
4.6. GENERAL CONTRACTOR: The prime contractor who is responsible for most of the work
at the construction site, including that performed by the subcontractors. [Dictionary of
Architecture and Construction]
4.7. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: An individual or firm whose primary business
is providing surface preparation, and wallcovering and coating application service. [MPI]
4.8. PRIME CONTRACTOR: Any contractor on a project having a contract directly with the
owner. [Dictionary of Architecture and Construction]
4.9. PUNCH LIST: A checklist of all items on a construction project that are unfinished, or
incomplete, have not been done at all, require replacement or repair, or require additional
work to achieve an acceptable level of workmanship. Such a list is often established as a
result of periodic inspections at the job site during construction and may be included in
field reports. All items must be corrected by the contractor in a timely fashion so that the
finished construction job conforms to the contract documents. [Dictionary of Architecture
and Construction]
4.10. PROPERLY PAINTED SURFACE: A surface uniform in appearance, color, texture, hiding
and sheen. It is also free of foreign material, lumps, skins, runs, sags, holidays, misses, or
insucient coverage. It is also a surface free of drips, spatters, spills or overspray caused by
the painting and decorating contractor’s workforce. [PDCA Standard P1]
4.11. OWNER: The architect’s client and party to the owner-architect agreement; one who has
the legal right or title to a piece of property. [Dictionary of Architecture and Construction]
4.12. SUBCONTRACTOR: A person or organization that has a direct contract with a prime
contractor to perform a portion of work at the site. [Dictionary of Architecture and
Construction]
4.13. SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION: Substantial completion is the stage in the progress of the
work when the work or designated portion is suciently complete in accordance with the
contract documents so that the owner can occupy or utilize the work for its intended use.
[AIA]
4.14. WORK LIST: A vague term sometimes implying an initial punch list generated to provide an
indication of work remaining to be completed. [PDCA Standard P9]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. Projects where the painting and decorating contractor is a subcontractor:
5.1.1. The owner or its designated representative may prepare an initial punch list.
5.1.1.1. The initial punch list, if any, shall be prepared prior to substantial
completion.
5.1.1.2. Unless otherwise agreed, the painting and decorating contractor shall work
diligently to complete the items on the initial punch list within a reasonable
amount of time and will, upon request, provide documentation that will
support completion of the initial punch list
5.1.1.3. If the painting and decorating contractor deter mines that some of the
items on the initial punch list are extra to its work, then the painting and
decorating contractor shall notify the general contractor or its designated
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PDCA Standard P20
representative that these items constitute extra work and that the painting
and decorating contractor is entitled to additional compensation.
5.1.1.4. The additional compensation shall be invoiced in accordance with PDCA
Standard P18.
5.1.2. At the time of substantial completion, a final punch list shall be prepared by the
owner or its designated representative.
5.1.2.1. Unless otherwise agreed, the painting and decorating contractor shall work
diligently to complete the items on the final punch list within a reasonable
amount of time and will, upon request, provide documentation that will
support completion of the final punch list.
5.1.2.2. If the painting and decorating contractor determines that some of the
items on the final punch list are extra to its work, then the painting and
decorating contractor shall notify the general contractor or its designated
representative that these items constitute extra work and that the painting
and decorating contractor is entitled to additional compensation.
5.1.3. Punch lists should address specific items at specific locations rather than general
descriptions.
5.1.4. If the final punch list is redistributed after its initial distribution, it shall be based
solely on the items listed on the final punch list.
5.2. Projects where the painting and decorating contractor is a prime contractor:
5.2.1. The painting and decorating contractor shall prepare an initial punch list, a
comprehensive list of outstanding items to be completed or corrected when the
painting and decorating contractor deems the project to have attained substantial
completion.
5.2.1.1. Unless otherwise agreed, the painting and decorating contractor shall work
diligently to complete the items on the initial punch list within a reasonable
amount of time and will, upon request, provide documentation that will
support completion of the initial punch list.
5.2.1.2. If the painting and decorating contractor, upon his inspection, determines
areas of completed work require additional corrective work that are extra to
its work, then the painting and decorating contractor shall notify the owner
or its designated representative that these items constitute extra work
and that the painting and decorating contractor is entitled to additional
compensation.
5.2.1.3. The additional compensation shall be invoiced in accordance with PDCA
Standard P18.
5.2.2. When the painting and decorating contractor deems the project to be complete, a
final punch list may be prepared by the owner or its designated representative.
5.2.2.1. Unless otherwise agreed, the painting and decorating contractor shall
work diligently to complete the items on the final punch list, if any, within a
reasonable amount of time and will, upon request, provide documentation
that will support completion of the final punch list.
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PDCA Standard P20
5.2.2.2. If the painting and decorating contractor determines that some of the items
on the final punch list are extra to its work then the painting and decorating
contractor shall notify the owner or its designated representative that these
items constitute extra work and that the painting and decorating contractor
is entitled to additional compensation.
5.2.2.3. The additional compensation shall be invoiced in accordance with PDCA
Standard P18.
5.2.3. Punch lists shall address specific items at specific locations rather than general
descriptions.
5.2.4. The appearance of painted surfaces shall be judged in accordance with the
definition of a properly painted surface.
5.2.5. If the final punch list is redistributed after its initial distribution, it shall be based
solely on the items listed on the final punch list.
5.3. The punch list process may be performed for various phases of the project in accordance
with the project schedule. The punch lists provided shall be unique to that phase.
5.4. At final acceptance of the work, the painting and decorating contractor shall provide the
following:
5.4.1. Attic stock or extra materials as required by the contract documents.
5.4.2. As built drawings, generally a schedule of paint and wallcovering finishes as
required by the contract documents.
5.4.3. Maintenance instructions as required by the contract documents.
5.4.4. Warranties as required by the contract documents.
5.4.5. Final releases of lien as required by the contract documents.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard establishes a protocol for the close out of painting and decorating projects.
6.2. This standard is intended to establish a consensus document for the painting industry’s
practices.
7. Notes
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
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PDCA P21
Designation of Stain and Clear Coating on New Interior Wood
1. Scope
1.1. This standard establishes consistent procedures for the specification of stain and clear
coating on new interior wood surfaces.
1.2. The purpose of this standard is to prevent misun- derstandings and conflicts when the
application of stain and clear coating to interior wood surfaces is required.
1.3. This standard establishes criteria for estimating purposes.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. An inadequately written specification can create confusion in both the bidding and the
application of stain and clear coatings to interior wood surfaces. The specific appearance,
wood species, grain, grade, and color should be assessed and specified in the bid
documents in accordance with this standard.
2.2. This standard establishes systems of stain and clear coating on interior wood surfaces.
2.3. This standard establishes the responsibilities of various parties when stain and clear
coatings are applied to new interior wood.
3. Reference Documents and Standards
3.1. Architectural Woodwork Standards (AWS), First Edition, 2009.
3.2. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction, Fourth Edition, 2005.
3.3. Master Painters Institute (MPI), The Master Painters Glossary – Painting and Decorating
Terminology, Version 4.0, 2004.
3.4. Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) Standard P5, Benchmark Sample
Procedures for Paint and Other Decorative Coating Systems.
3.5. PDCA Standard P11, Painter’s Caulk, Implied Requirements.
4. Definitions
4.1. CLEAR COATING: The application of a transparent coating to improve the appearance and
to provide protection from abrasion, stain-ing, chemicals, or solvents, etc. [MPI]
4.2. CUSTOM GRADE: Typically specified for and adequately covers most high-quality
architectural woodwork, providing a well-defined degree of control over a project’s quality
of materials, work- manship, or installation. [AWS]
4.3. DYE: A coloring agent that is soluble in the medium in which it is mixed (e.g. water, oil,
solvent). This makes a dye distinct from a pigment, which is not soluble. Color soaks into
the fibers of the wood instead of being left on top like pigment. Often used to evenly color
wood before staining. [MPI]
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PDCA Standard P21
4.4. ECONOMY GRADE: Defines the minimum quality requirements for a project’s workmanship,
materials, or installation and is typically reserved for woodwork that is not in public view,
such as in mechanical rooms and utility areas. [AWS]
4.5. FINGER JOINT: A heading joint having inter- laced, finger-like projection on the ends of the
joined members. [Dictionary of Architecture and Construction]
4.6. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: An individual or firm whose primary business
is providing surface preparation and coating application service. [MPI]
4.7. PRE-CONDITIONER: see WASH COAT.
4.8. PREMIUM GRADE: Selectively used in the most visible and high-profile areas of a project,
such as reception counters, boardrooms, and executive areas, providing the highest level of
quality in materials, workmanship, or installation. [AWS]
4.9. PRE-SEALER: See WASH COAT.
4.10. SANDING SEALER: A clear or pigmented lacquer or alkyd used to seal a porous wood
substrate or an applied wood filler. Designed to be easily sanded prior to application of
finishing lacquer or varnish. (New sanding sealers have been developed based on other
solvents.) [MPI]
4.11. SHADING: In finishing, transparent color used for highlighting and uniform color. [AWS]
4.12. STAIN: A solution or suspension of coloring matter in a vehicle designed to color a surface
by penetration without hiding it or leaving a continuous film. True stains are classified as
water stains, non-grain raising stains, oil stains, or spirit stains, according to the nature of
the vehicle. [MPI]
4.13. WASH COAT: A reduced finish that is applied over raw wood to reduce stain penetration, or
over stains and fillers to promote adhesion of the next coat. [MPI]
4.14. WOOD FILLER: An aggregate of resin and strands, shreds, or flour of wood, which is used
to fill openings in wood and provide a smooth, durable surface. [AWS]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. Wood is a natural material with variations in color, texture, and grain which are a result of
the natural growing process. The color of wood within a particular tree varies between the
outer layers of the tree and the inner layers. There will be variations of grain patterns within
any selected species. When the applied finishes are transparent or semi-transparent, some
visual dierences between and within individual wood members are to be expected.
5.2. Interior wood specified to receive stain and clear coating shall have the following
characteristics:
5.2.1. The wood shall be free of finger joints.
5.2.2. The wood shall be made essentially finish-ready by other trades including sanding
and the removal of blemishes, scu marks, water stains, mill marks, and other
surface imperfections.
5.2.3. The painting and decorating contractor shall be required to perform light hand
sanding only as preparation for finishes.
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PDCA Standard P21
5.3. This standard establishes the following systems of stain and clear coating to be assumed
when the specifications do not clearly define the number and coats and/or types of clear
finishes:
5.3.1. On rough sawn wood – One coat of stain only.
5.3.2. On smooth wood – One coat of stain and two coats of clear finish.
5.4. Stained wood shall have dierences in appearance due to natural variations of wood,
including hard wood, soft wood, veneers, composites, and coloration of wood species.
5.5. All wood members should be previously unfinished.
5.6. Wood samples used for color matching purposes shall be made from the same wood to be
utilized on the project.
5.7. If the application of wood filler, wash coat, multiple coats of stain, a shading coat, toners, or
a dye is required, these items constitute extra work.
5.8. If the painting and decorating contractor is required to remove blemishes, scu marks,
water stains, mill marks, and other surface imperfections when not strictly specified, these
items constitute extra work.
5.9. The painting and decorating contractor shall perform light hand sanding prior to
application of finishes and between coats, as required, with appropriate sandpaper.
5.10. On smooth wood, the painting and decorating contractor shall either putty nail holes with
colored putty that approximates the color of the finished wood. Putty shall be applied
before the final coat of clear finish. Nail holes may also be filled using colored wax sticks
after the wood is finished.
5.11. The acceptability of finish on smooth wood shall be determined when viewed without
magnification, at a distance of no less than thirty-nine (39) inches or one (1) meter under
finished lighting conditions and from a normal viewing position. The surface shall be
smooth in appearance and feel, with only minimal evidence of brush strokes and/or orange
peel.
5.12. Additional compensation to the painting and deco- rating contractor shall be invoiced in
accordance with PDCA Standard P18.
6. Comments
6.1. Since the level of stain and clear coating impact the painting and decorating contractor’s
costs, the project specification should incorporate the appropriate system(s) of stain and
clear coating as defined by this standard.
6.2. It is recommended that benchmark samples be employed in accordance with PDCA
Standard P5, Benchmark Sample Procedures for Paint and Other Decorative Coating
Systems. Multiple samples of the same finish could indicate the range of appearance
dierences to be expected. Approval of samples should be in accordance with the
provisions of that standard.
6.3. This standard is a nationally recognized consensus document for the painting and
decorating industry’s work practices.
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PDCA Standard P21
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
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PDCA P22
Cleaning Surfaces Using Pressurized Water
1. Scope
1.1. This standard establishes consistent procedures for the specification of utilizing pressurized
water to clean surfaces or prepare surfaces for painting.
1.2. This standard establishes a concise methodology for the use of pressurized water in
cleaning and preparing surfaces.
1.3. This standard establishes performance criteria using a consistent protocol to be followed
when pressurized water is used to clean surfaces.
1.4. This standard establishes performance criteria when the project specifications do not
provide explicit (adequate or complete) instructions regarding the elements that aect
cleaning action when using pressurized water.
2. Significance & Use
2.1. For the scope of this standard, the term pressurized water refers to cleaning and paint
preparation. Terms commonly used are “power washing”, “pressure cleaning”, “pressure
washing”, “water cleaning”, “water blasting”, and/or “water jetting”.
2.2. This standard applies to all surfaces, both previously coated and uncoated.
3. Reference Standards & Documents
3.1. American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) D4258-05 Standard Practice for Surface
Cleaning Concrete.
3.2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Model Ordinance.
3.3. Master Painters Institute (MPI) Repainting Manual Surface Preparation Standards.
3.4. The Master Painters Glossary Version- Painting and Decorating Terminology Version 4.0,
2004.
3.5. Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) Standard P5 Benchmark Sample
Procedures for Paint and Other Decorative Coating Systems.
3.6. PDCA, Estimating Guide, Volume 1, Practices and Procedures 2009.
3.7. PDCA, Estimating Guide, Volume 2, Rates and Tables, 2009.
3.8. Power Washers of North America (PWNA) Cosmetic Cleaning BMPs based on the EPA’s
Model Ordinance 2011.
3.9. Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC)-SSPC- SP12/ NACE (NACE International- The
Corrosion Society) No. 5 Surface Preparation and Cleaning of Metals by Waterjetting Prior
to Recoating, Joint Standard 2002.
3.10. SSPC-SP1 Solvent Cleaning.
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PDCA Standard P22
3.11. SSPC-SP13/ NACE No. 6 Surface Preparation of Concrete.
3.12. SSPC Good Painting Practice Vols. 1 & 2.
4. Definitions
4.1. ABRASIVES: Materials used for wearing away a surface by friction, such as powdered
pumice, silica, sandpaper, metal shot, mineral slags, steel wool, or glass beads. Also, used
for abrasive blast cleaning, e.g. sand, grit, carborundum, baking soda, rice hulls, ground
walnut shells, etc. [MPI]
4.2. CLEAN: Free of dirt or pollution [Merriam- Webster’s]
4.3. CONTAINMENT: The act, process, or means of containing. [Merriam- Webster’s]
4.4. CONTAMINANT CONTAINMENT: Something that contaminates . [Merriam- Webster’s]
4.5. CONTAMINATE: To soil, stain corrupt or infect by contact or association; to make inferior
or impure by admixture; to make unfit for use by the introduction of unwholesome or
undesirable elements. [Merriam- Webster’s]
4.6. EFFLUENT: A discharge of a pollutant into a water source. [MPI]
4.7. GOUGE: A groove or cavity scooped out; an excessive or improper extraction. [Merriam-
Webster’s]
4.8. HOT WATER: Water Temperature over 110° F. (EPA)
4.9. OSCILLATING: Swinging backward and forward like a pendulum; moving or traveling back
and forth between two points. [Merriam- Webster’s]
4.10. POWER WASHING: See water blasting – Methods using pressurized water to remove
surface contaminants from a substrate in preparation for painting or coating. Standards for
wood, masonry, concrete, metal, etc. for Architectural projects are included in MPI RSP-5
and are published in MPI. Included are:
Power washing 100-600 psi @6”
Power washing 600-1500—psi @6”
High pressure washing 1500-4000 psi @ 6”- 12”
Hydro blasting 4000-10,000 psi Jet blasting 10,000+ psi
Standards for steel and other hard materials for industrial projects are included in SSPC SP-
12 and are published by SSPC. Included are:
Low-pressure water cleaning <5000 psi High-pressure water cleaning 5-10,000 psi High-
pressure water jetting 10- 25,000 psi
Ultrahigh-pressure water jetting >25,000 psi [MPI}
4.11. PRESSURIZE: To confine the contents under a pressure greater than the atmosphere
[Merriam- Webster’s]
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PDCA Standard P22
4.12. PROFESSIONAL: Of or relating to or characteristic of a profession; characterized or
conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession; exhibiting a courteous,
conscientious and generally businesslike manner in the workplace; having a particular
profession as a permanent career. [Merriam- Webster’s]
4.13. SCORING: Lines (as scratches or incisions) made with or as if with a sharp instrument.
[Merriam- Webster’s]
4.14. SPALLING: The chipping or fragmenting of surface or surface coating caused, for example,
by dierential thermal expansion or contraction. Spalling, in concrete substrates, is
generally attributed to the absorption of water with subsequent freezing, although it also
occurs due to the rusting and subsequent expansion of reinforcing bar (rebar) close to the
surface. [MPI]
4.15. SUBSTRATE: A variant of substratum. In painting, any surface to be painted, including
wood, concrete, masonry, steel, other metals, and various other materials or previous
paints. A substrate can therefore be bare or covered. A previously unpainted surface
sometimes is called the “original substrate”. [MPI]
4.16. SURFACE: An area, or substrate, to which paints, coatings, or wall coverings are applied.
The character of the area. [MPI]
4.17. SURFACTANT: An acronym for Surface Active Agent. Used to break down the surface
tension of liquids to make them more miscible, such as in oil and water emulsions.
Surfactants are divided into smaller classes that are relative to their functionality such as
dispersants, emulsifiers, detergents, defoamers, etc. Surfactants have an electrochemical
charge associated with them and can be classified by the polarity of the charge; anionic –
negative, cationic – positive, nonionic – no charge and amphoteric – positive or negative
depending on certain conditions (pH, phase, etc.). [MPI]
4.18. TRAINED: Having undergone instruction, discipline or drill [Merriam- Webster’s]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. Cleaning with pressurized water is performed both for cleaning surfaces only and as
preparation for both sealing and painting.
5.2. The cleaning action achieved when utilizing pressurized water is a function of nine
elements;
1) the pounds per square inch (PSI)
2) the gallons per minute (GPM)
3) the tip size (the appropriate tip size selection is determined by GPM & PSI)
4) the distance of the tip from the surface being cleaned and angle in which the gun/tip is
held in relation to the surface
5) nozzle type
6) chemicals (pre-spray or injection into the pressure stream)
7) temperature of the water
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PDCA Standard P22
8) abrasive injected into the water stream, i.e. blasting media such as silica sand, baking
soda, and volcanic ash)
9) speed at which the tip passes over the surface
5.2.1. In general, as the PSI is increased, while keeping all other elements the same, the
cleaning intensity is increased. However, as the PSI is increased, damage to softer or
malleable substrates may occur. A trained professional/ operator must understand
the cause and eect of changing the PSI. Gun/tip distance and angle and speed at
which water stream passes over substrate must be adjusted accordingly.
5.2.2. In general, as the GPM is increased, while keeping all other elements the same, the
cleaning production is increased with less potential damage to softer or malleable
substrates. A trained professional operator must understand the cause and eect
of changing the GPM. Gun/tip distance and angle and speed at which water stream
passes over substrate must be adjusted accordingly.
5.2.3. Various tip sizes may be utilized when cleaning with pressurized water. For eective
cleaning performance, appropriate tip size and type must be matched to the surface
material, substrate material, and contaminants being removed. Consideration of PSI
and GPM is essential.
5.2.4. The specification and/or trained professional operator of the equipment using
pressurized water must determine:
5.2.4.1. the optimal distance that the tip must be held from the surface.
5.2.4.2. the gun/tip angle in relation to the surface.the GPM and PSI of the
equipment.
5.2.4.3. the size and type of tip.
5.2.4.4. the chemicals/surfactants if necessary. the temperature range of the water.
5.2.4.5. the appropriate containment and disposal of the euent water.
5.2.5. Various tips (nozzle) types are used when cleaning with pressurized water including:
5.2.5.1. Fan tips between the approximate angles of 15 to 40 degrees may be used
for general cleaning of all surfaces to remove loose surface contaminants.
These tips may be used to avoid damage to relatively soft or malleable
substrates.
5.2.5.1.1. Common spray angles are: 0, 15, 25, and 40 degrees. Many
American and European manufacturers color code tips: red (0°,
yellow (15°), green (25°), and white (40°).
5.2.5.1.2. As fan tips progressively decrease from 40 degrees, the impact
produced is increased, which may damage softer or malleable
substrates and remove more tightly bonded contaminants.
5.2.5.1.3. Zero degree tips typically produce a bullet point pattern with the
greatest surface impact. For eective cleaning and/or preparation,
zero degree tips must only be used at distances far enough away
from the surface being cleaned so that damage does not occur.
5.2.5.1.4. The use of a larger tip size lowers the PSI.
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PDCA Standard P22
5.2.5.2. Zero degree oscillating or spinner tips, commonly called turbo nozzles,
rotate so that the cleaning is maximized. Oscillating tips combine high
impact with a larger cleaning area and may commonly be used to remove
loose and marginally adhered paints and coatings. These tips may be most
eective on substrates that have sucient hardness, such as concrete and
steel, so that scoring and gouging damage does not occur.
5.2.5.2.1. Zero degree oscillating nozzles have dierent grades similar to the
grades of sand paper grit; soft, medium, and hard, varying water
impact.
5.2.5.2.2. Some zero degree tips have an adjustable spray angle.
5.2.5.3. 5.2.5.3 Hand held or walk behind surface cleaning heads may be used for
cleaning horizontal or slightly sloped surfaces. These units usually contain
multiple rotating tips that may be positioned close to the surface being
cleaned. Surface cleaning heads may be commonly used to clean concrete,
masonry, tile and roof surfaces.
5.2.5.4. Chemical injector tips are commonly used to apply chemical cleaners
using machines equipped with downstream and nozzle chemical injection
systems. These tips siphon the chemical cleaner into the water stream for
application to the surface. Injector tips often have variable fans so that
chemical cleaner distribution may be maximized and surface/ substrate
damage may be minimized. Chemical injector tips are commonly low
pressure tips.
5.2.5.4.1. X jet tip (Nozzle Injection System): The X-Jet is the original injector,
and comes with a short range tip for close-up work. The M-5 is a
variation on the original X-Jet and features a variable nozzle that
allows the operator to change patterns without stopping, moving
closer to, or farther away, from the surface/ substrate. The nozzle
has the capability to inject and proportion strong cleaners at high
or low pressure without chemically exposing the pump, hose, gun,
or lance. The M-5/XJet tip propels chemicals up to 40’ and holds its
pattern for cleaning and rinsing.
5.2.5.4.2. Downstream injection system: In order for downstream injection
systems to work, the pressure must be dropped at the nozzle, which
creates a venturi vacuum at the chemical injector often located at
the beginning of the high pressure hose. The pressure is normally
dropped at the nozzle with one of the following methods:
1) changing the high pressure nozzle for a low pressure nozzle
(normally #20 or larger,sometimes called a soap nozzle, frequently
color coded black).
2) using a roll over or double headed nozzle.
3) using a double lance wand (sometimes referred to as variable
pressure wand or a dual wand).
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PDCA Standard P22
5.2.5.4.3. Double (dual) wand or variable pressure wands: This is a wand
that has two lances, one high pressure nozzle, and one large low
pressure nozzle, and a valve for turning the wand on and o. As the
valve is opened, the pressure lowers; the dual wand on/o feature
allows the pressure to be controlled at the wand. Double wands
are most often used for chemical injection with a venturi feature
providing pressure control at the wand.
5.2.6. Chemical cleaners are commonly used with pressurized water to remove various
contaminants. Chemicals may be applied with special tips ( described above), mixed
in holding tanks/reservoirs at an appropriate concentration and pumped into the
pressure washing equipment, or cleaners may be applied directly to the surface
prior to washing by some other means (i.e. low pressure spray applied, brush
applied or flooding). Commonly used chemical cleaners include:
5.2.6.1. Sodium hypochlorite- frequently applied for removing exterior mildew and
mold.
5.2.6.2. Degreasers are used to remove oily contaminants including airborne
pollutants and road grime.
5.2.6.3. Muriatic acid- frequently applied for etching cementitious surfaces,
removing eorescence, and surface cleaning.
5.2.6.4. Sodium metasilicate, a phosphate free alternative detergent which may
often be applied where trisodium phosphate was formerly used.
5.2.6.5. Citralic acid, which may often be used to restore the natural color to wood.
5.2.6.6. Sodium carbonate- frequently applied for light or mild cleaning of wood.
5.2.6.7. Sodium hydroxide- often used for heavy duty removal of wood finishes.
5.2.6.8. Oxalic and citric acid, which may often be used for removing ferrous rust
stains.
5.2.6.9. Surfactants composed of various soaps and chemical combinations
including, but not limited to the chemicals listed above.
5.2.6.10. Specialized chemicals are used to remove non- visible forms of
contamination such as chloride, sulfate and nitrate (CSN) soluble salts. CSN
salts that are left on the surface/substrate typically cause newly applied
coatings to fail by osmotic blistering.
5.2.7. Hot water and/or high temperature water is often employed when pressurized water
is used for cleaning. On some substrates or with some contaminants, hot water
may replace chemical cleaners or hot water may accentuate chemical cleaner’s
eectiveness including contaminate emulsification. Caution must be used on
surfaces and substrates that soften when heated to avoid damage.
5.2.8. Silica sand, soda, or other types of abrasives, may be injected into the stream of
pressurized water. The abrasive action created may be used to remove well adhered
contaminants including, but not limited to grati. Injecting abrasives into a stream
of pressurized water will increase the potential damage to existing paints and/or
softer substrates.
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PDCA Standard P22
5.2.9. It is not recommended to rest a tip, regardless of size, in one place since a pattern
in the surface or substrate is likely to occur. A trained professional must establish a
consistent motion that does not cause surface damage.
5.3. Performance criteria:
5.3.1. Cleaning for Repainting/Restaining:
5.3.1.1. The cleaned surface must be free of visible contamination such as chalk,
mildew, dust, dirt, oil, grease, etc. to the level recommended by the coating
manufacturer.
5.3.1.2. The cleaned surface must be free of all loose substrate such as
spalling concrete, rust on steel, mill scale, rotten wood etc. to the level
recommended by the coating manufacturer.
5.3.1.3. The cleaned surface must be free of all loose and peeling coating or any
other loose detrimental foreign matter.
5.3.1.4. Surface integrity must not be damaged in any way such as gouging of
wood or raising of the wood grain.
5.3.2. Cleaning Only:
5.3.2.1. The cleaned surface must be free of visible contamination such as chalk,
mildew, dust, dirt, oil, grease, etc.
5.3.2.2. Some stains may be visible after cleaning is performed due to penetration
into substrate. Removal of substrate to eliminate these stains is not required
unless explicitly specified.
5.4. When details of the nine elements listed in paragraph 5.2 are not explicitly specified, then
the trained professional operator is authorized to determine the combination of the nine
elements to meet the desired performance criteria.
5.5. It is recommended that a benchmark sample(s) showing specified level of cleaning be
prepared and approved according to PDCA Standard P5.
5.6. The acceptability of the cleaning performed shall be determined when viewed without
magnification, at a distance of thirty-nine (39) inches or one (1) meter or more, under
finished lighting conditions and from a normal viewing position.
5.7. Cleaning with pressurized water is subject to containment requirements. According to
EPA and HUD regulations, the work area must be isolated so that no dust, debris, or waste
water leaves the work area. Erected containments must not interfere with occupant and
worker egress in an emergency. The integrity of containments must be maintained ensuring
that any plastic or other impermeable materials are not torn or displaced. The appropriate
containment and disposal of the euent water shall be in accordance with the PWNA’s
Cosmetic Cleaning BMPs based on the EPA’s Model Ordinance.
5.8. The contractor shall comply with all applicable OSHA and other regulations regarding
the health and safety of workers. All protective equipment shall be supplied and worn as
necessary.
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PDCA Standard P22
6. Comments
6.1. Since the cost of using pressurized water to clean surfaces is greatly influenced by many
factors, the specifications must clearly define project requirements and intended results.
6.2. This standard is a nationally recognized consensus document for the Painting and
Decorating industry’s work practices.
7. Disclaimer of Liability
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness, or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
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PDCA P23
Painting and Decorating Contractors
Implied Exclusions from Scope of Work (2nd Draft)
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to identify typical common items that are not implied to be
a part of the Painting and Decorating Contractors work unless explicitly referenced in the
specification or contract documents for painting or finishing.
1.2. It is the intent of this document to clarify the scope of work of the Painting and Decorating
Contractor when the specifications and contract documents are not clear.
2. Significance & Use
2.1. Specifications and contract documents are often unclear or are silent regarding listing
specific items that are to be field painted or finished.
2.2. Specific substrates may be cited such as wood, metal, plaster, etc., but specific items are
often not listed.
2.3. This standard lists specific items that are not included in the painting and decorating
contractor’s scope of work unless specifically stated in the contract documents.
3. Reference Standards & Documents
3.1. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction, Fourth Edition, 2005
3.2. MPI, The Master Painters Glossary Version- Painting and Decorating Terminology Version
4.0, 2004.
3.3. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, Copyright 2003.
3.4. PDCA Standard P9 Definition of Trade Terms
3.5. PDCA P11 Painter’s Caulk, Implied Requirements
3.6. PDCA P18 Recommended Protocol for Documenting Extra Work to a Contract
3.7. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, the requirements of
this standard shall prevail.
4. Definitions
4.1. CHATTER MARKS: Intermittent transverse marks on a material due to vibrationduring
rolling, extrusion, cutting, or drawing. [Dictionary of Architecture and Construction]
4.2. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS: Those documents that comprise a contract, e.g., in a
construction contract, the owner- contractor agreement, conditions of the contract
(general, supplementary, and other conditions), plans, and/or drawings, specifications, all
addenda, modifications, and changes thereto, together with any other items stipulated as
being explicitly included. [Dictionary of Architecture and Construction]
4.3. COUNTERSINKING: to make a countersink on (a hole); to set the head of (as a screw) at or
below the surface. [Merriam- Webster’s]
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PDCA Standard P23
4.4. EIFS: Abbreviation for Exterior Insulation and Finishing System [Dictionary of Architecture
and Construction]
4.5. EXPLICITLY: Fully revealed or expressed without vagueness, implication, or ambiguity;
leaving no question as to meaning or intent. [Merriam- Webster’s]
4.6. EXPOSED: A surface, area or object that is visible from a position of normal use of the
facility. This term does not imply that that any finish will be applied by the Painting and
Decorating Contractor unless explicitly specified. [PDCA P9]
4.7. EXPOSED CONSTRUCTION: Basic materials of construction such as joists, pipes, ducts,
studs, etc. that are not encased by a finished wall or ceiling. This term does not imply that
that any finish will be applied by the Painting and Decorating Contractor unless explicitly
specified. [PDCA P9]
4.8. HARDWARE: Metal products used in construction, such As: bolts, nails, screws,
4.9. MAINTENANCE: 1) The act of maintaining; the state of being maintained 2) The upkeep of
property or equipment. [Merriam-Webster’s]
4.10. MUSHROOM: to well up and spread out laterally from a central source; to become enlarged
or extended. [Merriam-Webster’s]
4.11. PREFINISHED: For the purpose of this standard: Finished by an entity other than the
Painting and Decorating Contractor. (A completely finished product requiring installation
only.) [PDCA P9] An inappropriate term sometimes used to define “Factory Finished”.
[MPI]
4.12. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: An individual or firm whose primary business
is providing surface preparation, and wallcovering and coating application service.
[PDCA P9]
4.13. SPECIFICATION; A clear accurate description of the technical requirement for material
products, or services, which specifies the minimum requirement for quality and
construction of materials and equipment necessary for an acceptable product. In general,
specifications are in the form of written descriptions, drawings, prints, commercial
designations, industry standards and other descriptive references. [PDCA P9]
4.14. STANDARD: 1) Something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model
or example; criterion 2) Something set up and established by authority as a rule for the
measure of quantity, weight, extent, value, or quality [Merriam-Webster’s]
4.15. SUBSTRATE: A variant of substratum. In painting, any surface to be painted, including
wood, concrete, masonry, steel, other metals, and various other materials or previous
paints. A substrate can, therefore, be bare or covered. A previously unpainted surface
sometimes is called the “original substrate.” [MPI]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. The following items shall be excluded from the Painting and Decorating Contractor’s scope
of work unless explicitly directed or delineated in specification section 09 90 00, Painting
or the contract documents:
5.1.1. Acoustical tile and sprayed acoustic ceiling surfaces and related hardware.
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PDCA Standard P23
5.1.2. Vents, grilles, switch plates, louvers, speakers and covers.
5.1.3. Cabinets, shelves, poles, and related hardware.
5.1.4. Closet interiors when performing repaint or maintenance work.
5.1.5. Mechanical ducts, pipes, conduit, screens and equipment, and areas inside ducts.
5.1.6. Electrical equipment, boxes, raceways, and conduit.
5.1.7. Concealed spaces.
5.1.8. Caulking and sealant not implied by PDCA Standard P11 Painter’s Caulk, Implied
Requirements.
5.1.9. Exposed steel and concrete ceilings.
5.1.10. Fire sprinkler piping and associated hardware.
5.1.11. Natural finish items such as stone, etc.
5.1.12. Prefinished items.
5.1.13. Furniture and associated hardware.
5.1.14. Floors.
5.1.15. All roof surfaces and roof mounted items including flashing, gutters, downspouts,
pipes, equipment, vents, stacks, etc.
5.1.16. Fences and gates.
5.1.17. Miscellaneous exterior landscape items such as light poles, benches, signage,
mailboxes, planters, and gazebos.
5.1.18. Finishing, waterproofing, or sealing EIFS materials.
5.1.19. Tops of interior doors except when they are exposed to public view; bottoms of
doors.
5.1.20. Countersinking fasteners.
5.1.21. All items not explicitly referenced in the specification or contract documents for
painting or finishing.
5.2. If it is requested that any of the above listed excluded items be field painted or finished, the
Painting and Decorating Contractor compensated will be compensated in accordance with
PDCA Standard P18 Recommended Protocol for Documenting Extra Work to a Contract.
5.3. The Painting and Decorating Contractor is not responsible for latent damage including,
but not limited to, the bleeding of wood knots, and the mushrooming around fasteners on
medium density fiberboard (MDF).
6. Comments
6.1. This standard is intended to clarify scope of work of the Painting and Decorating
Contractor.
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PDCA Standard P23
6.2. This standard is intended to establish a consensus document for the painting industry’s
practices.
7. Notes
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
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PDCA P24
Recommended Protocol for Spot Repairing Existing Finishes
1. Scope
1.1. This standard establishes procedures for the inspection and acceptance of spot repairs
made to existing finishes. The purpose of this standard is to explain the consequences of
spot repairing existing finishes.
1.2. The purpose of this standard is to outline reasonable characteristics and expectations of
spot repairing of existing finishes. This standard establishes procedures for the inspection
and acceptance of spot repairs made to existing finishes.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. Existing substrates and finishes will age dierently than new substrates and newly applied
finishes.
2.2. It is important that all parties to the contract be made aware that the appearance of spot
finishes will change with the passage of time.
2.3. This standard describes various options when spot repairing of finishes is performed.
3. Reference Standards & Documents
3.1. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction, Fourth Edition, 2005
3.2. FSCT, (Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology), Coatings Encyclopedia Dictionary,
edited by Stanley LeSota, 1995.
3.3. Merriam-Websters 11th Collegiate Dictionary.
3.4. MPI, The Master Painters Glossary Version- Painting and Decorating Terminology Version
4.0, 2004.
3.5. PDCA, Standard P1, Touch-Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility and
Definition of a Properly Painted Surface.
3.6. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, this standard shall
prevail.
4. Definitions
4.1. AGE: To become old; show the eects or the characteristics of increasing age [Merriam-
Websters]
4.2. BREAK (POINT): A change in direction of a plane ; usually in reference to a wall. [Dictionary
of Architecture and Construction]
4.3. COLOR: One aspect of appearance; a stimulus based on visual response to light, and
consisting of three dimensions of Hue, Saturation and Lightness. [FSCT]
4.4. GLOSS: The mirror-like reflectance of light from the surface of a coating or substrate. The
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PDCA Standard P24
shine or luster of a surface. The gloss of paint is generally measured at various standard
degree angles such as 85, 60, 45 and 20 degrees from the surface. [MPI]
4.5. OBLIQUE; Neither perpendicular nor parallel; not straightforward [Merriam-Websters]
4.6. PERPENDICULAR: Being at right angles to a given line or plane. [Merriam-Websters]
4.7. REASONABLE: Being in accordance with reason; not extreme or excessive. [Merriam-
Websters]
4.8. SPOT FINISHING: Repairing a small area on a dry painted (or otherwise finished) surface
by blending a fresh coat of paint with the dry coating. [Dictionary of Architecture and
Construction]
4.9. TEXTURE: The general physical appearance, or the impression caused by a surface
structure. [MPI]
4.10. ULTRAVIOLET: Light of short wave length (generally below 360 millimicrons) which is
invisible but has a destructive eect on the chemical components of substrates and
finishing materials. [MPI]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. Small spot finish on a surface that does not have natural break points.
5.1.1. The spot to be finished shall be kept as small as possible to minimize the size of the
repair area.
5.1.2. The Painting and Decorating Contractor shall provide a reasonable match of the
color of the spot repair material to the existing color of the adjacent surface.
5.1.3. The Painting and Decorating Contractor shall provide a reasonable match of the
gloss of the spot repair material to the existing gloss of the adjacent surface.
5.1.4. The Painting and Decorating Contractor shall provide a reasonable match of the
texture of the spot repair to the existing texture of the adjacent surface.
5.1.5. The acceptability of the spot finish shall be determined when viewed perpendicular
to the spot finish without magnification, at a distance no less than thirty-nine (39)
inches under finished lighting conditions.
5.1.6. When viewed at an oblique angle, a spot finish on a surface that does not have
natural break points will be visible. As the gloss of the spot repair material is
increased, the visibility of the spot finished area will be more pronounced.
5.2. Spot finish on a surface that does have natural break points but does not include entire
room.
5.2.1. The color of the spot repair material shall be a reasonable match to the existing
color of the same surface in the remainder of the room.
5.2.2. The gloss of the spot repair material shall be a reasonable match to the existing
gloss of the same surface in the remainder of the room.
5.2.3. The texture of the spot repair shall be a reasonable match to the existing texture of
the same surface in the remainder of the room.
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PDCA Standard P24
5.2.4. The acceptability of the spot finish shall be determined when viewed without
magnification, at a distance no less than thirty-nine (39) inches under finished
lighting conditions and from a normal viewing position in accordance with PDCA
Standard P1.
5.3. Spot finish of a surface in an entire room.
5.3.1. The color of the spot repair material shall be a reasonable match to the existing
color of the same surface in the room.
5.3.2. The gloss of the spot repair material shall be a reasonable match to the existing
gloss of the same surface in the room.
5.3.3. The texture of the spot repair shall be a reasonable match to the existing texture of
the same surface in the room.
5.3.4. The acceptability of the spot finish shall be determined when viewed without
magnification, at a distance no less than thirty-nine (39) inches under finished
lighting conditions and from a normal viewing position in accordance with PDCA
Standard P1.
5.4. As both the spot repair materials and the existing finishes age, it is likely that the
appearance of the spot repaired areas and the existing finishes will be dierent due to
dierent materials being utilized and due varying exposure to ultraviolet light, number of
paint coats, etc.
5.5. The visual dierence between spot repaired areas and existing finishes is more pronounced
when stain and clear wood finishes on wood are involved. Refer to PDCA standard P21 for
designation of stain and clear finishes.
5.6. When colors, glosses and textures are reasonably matched, there will still likely be visible
dierences between spot finished areas and existing finishes.
5.7. As the type of spot finish process progresses from Small spot finish on a surface that does
not have natural break points to spot finish on a surface that does have natural break points
but does not include entire room to Spot finish of a surface in an entire room, the resultant
visual appearance will be more uniform.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard establishes a protocol for spot repairing existing finishes.
6.2. This standard is intended to establish a consensus document for the painting industry’s
practices.
7. Notes
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
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PDCA P25
Allowance for Reasonable Damage Repair Painting (4th Draft)
1. Scope
1.1. The purpose of this standard is to establish a fair and reasonable allowance for the repair
and correction of damage to surfaces finished by the painting and decorating contractor.
1.2. This standard clarifies the amount of reasonable damage repair painting included in the
painting and decorating contractor’s bid.
2. Significance and Use
2.1. All construction projects are subject to damage caused by other trades.
2.2. This standard establishes a fair procedure for the owner, contractor, and painting contractor
to establish a reasonable allowance in accordance with CSI Master Format Section O1020-
Allowances to be used for the repair painting of damage caused by other trades.
3. Reference Standards & Documents
3.1. Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) MasterFormat, 2016 Edition.
3.2. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction, 4th Edition
3.3. Master Painters Institute (MPI) , The Master Painters Glossary – Painting and Decorating
Terminology, 2004.
3.4. Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) Estimating Guide Volume 1.
3.5. PDCA Standard P1, Touch Up Painting and Damage Repair: Financial Responsibility and
Definition of a Properly Painted Surface.
3.6. PDCA Standard P9, Definition of Trade Terms.
3.7. PDCA Standard P18, Recommended Protocol for Documenting Extra Work to a Contract.
3.8. If there is a conflict between any of the references and this standard, this standard shall
prevail.
4. Definitions
4.1. ALLOWANCE: An amount specified and included in a construction contract or
specifications for a certain item of work whose details are not yet determined at the time of
contracting. [Wikipedia]
4.2. ASSOCIATED COSTS: Miscellaneous job-related direct costs including, but not limited
to, expenses such as equipment, travel expenses, permits, bonds, specialized insurance,
subcontracts, hazardous waste expenses, etc. [PDCA Estimating Guide Volume 1]
4.3. CONTRACTING ENTITY: The general contractor, owner of the property, construction
manager, developer or other entity legally responsible for the agreement or authorized
agent of any of the above. [PDCA Standard P9]
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PDCA Standard P25
4.4. DAMAGE: Abuse or injury to a paint film or substrate which would blemish its appearance
or impair its usefulness or value. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.5. DAMAGE CAUSED BY OTHERS: “Damage” caused by individuals other than those
employed by the painting and decorating contractor. [PDCA Standard P9]
4.6. GENERAL CONTRACTOR: The prime contractor who is responsible for most of the work
at the construction site, including that performed by the subcontractors. [Dictionary of
Architecture and Construction]
4.7. MATERIAL: Any consumable purchased for and used on a given project including, but not
limited to paint, wallcoverings, masking materials, sundries, etc. [PDCA Estimating Guide
Volume 1]
4.8. PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR: An individual or firm whose primary business
is providing surface preparation, and wallcovering and coating application service. [PDCA
P9]
4.9. REASONABLE: Moderate; fair, not extreme or excessive. [Merriam-Webster]
5. Standard Specification
5.1. The painting and decorating contractor shall indicate in its bid the total amount of money
allotted for damage repair per as defined by PDCA standard P1.
5.2. The painting and decorating contractor shall provide to the contracting entity a schedule
that lists hourly or daily labor rates for all classifications of workers. rates and overtime
rates should be listed. Unless listed separately, these hourly rates include all costs for
labor, overhead and profit in accordance with PDCA Standard P18.
5.3. The painting and decorating contractor shall also submit invoicing rates for specific
materials, equipment, subcontractors and other associated costs; or percentages to be
added to materials, equipment, subcontractors and other associated costs. Unless listed
separately, these rates include overhead and profit.
5.4. When reasonable damage repair painting is performed, the amount of the allowance
expended is calculated in accordance with paragraph 5.2.1 of PDCA Standard P18.
5.5. If the extra costs expended by the painting contractor for damage repair painting at
the completion of the job exceed the allowance, then the dierence shall be paid to the
painting and decorating contractor.
5.6. If the extra costs expended by the painting contractor for damage repair painting at the
completion of the job are less than the allowance, then the dierence shall be deducted
from the painting and decorating contractor’s contract.
6. Comments
6.1. This standard is intended to quantify and clarify the amount of damage repair included in
the Painting and Decorating Contractor’s bid.
6.2. This standard is intended to establish a consensus document for the painting industry’s
practices.
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PDCA Standard P25
7. Notes
7.1. PDCA does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of any of the information contained herein.
