Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

August, 2005

Paint Standards for Painting Contractors

Q. What exactly are 'industry standards' when applied to exterior painting; specifically, contractor painting/prep on hardboard siding? I recently spoke to a contractor who claimed his crew would prep the surface 'beyond industry standards'. I live in Virginia if location makes a difference.

A. The Painting snd Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) (www.pdca.org) and the Master Painters Institute (www.paintinfo.com/mpi/) have standards for the painting of houses, buildings, structures, etc. I do not have a copy of the standards, but you might be able to download then from the Internet.

Best wishes,

Ron Joseph