Painting - New home paint

I'm building a new home and am thinking of using flat or eggshell interior paint. I have 3 kids and need something washable. What kind of questions do I need to ask when getting a bid?

Thanks, John

First, go with satin/eggshell, no question. It will be much more cleanable.

Next, you need to ask specifically what brand and product they are using and on which surface. Don't let them get away with "Sherwin Williams" or "Benjamin Moore". The sort of detail you need is something like:

SWP PrepRite 200 Primer on all surfaces

SWP ProMar 400 Extra White flat on ceilings
SWP ProMar 200 1234 Spiffy Beige Satin on walls
SWP ProMar 200 5678 Nifty White Semi-Gloss on trim

Don't let them get away with not priming (with one exception... see below), not even the ceiling!

Next, see if they will let you pay for an upgrade to a better paint for your walls and trim. If you plan on being here a while, accept nothing but the best paint that company makes (or, if you want to save a little bit, the next to top is also usually an ok bet.) For Sherwin, this would be Duration (top), or SuperPaint (next to top). For BM, this is Aura (top), or Regal (next-to-top). If the painter is a BM-guy, you may be able to convince them to skip the primer coat with Aura, as it is self priming. However, don't force the contractor to go with a different brand than he/she usually uses. They will not be experienced with the new brand, and will not get a good price on the materials.

SirWired

Are you building the home? or are you buying from a builder?

Besides coatings to be used and price, you shoud also ask for references. It would be nice to visit a paint job of theirs in progress and talk to the customer. Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured.

Expect to pay more for quality coatings but the extra $ for a better grade is minor compared to the overall cost of the paint job.

It is hard to get a good looking paint job with eggshell/satin enamel on new drywall with 1 coat primer, 1 coat finish [norm for new construction] so expect to pay more for the extra coat of finish.

If going with SWP, use promar 200 or better! The only exception [as sirwired noted] is the ceiling. It is best to use good paint all around but if you have to cut corners anywhere - do it on the quality of ceiling paint [it shouldn't need to be washable]

When I painted new homes my standard paint job using SWP was,
primer [walls and ceiling] - promar 400 primer
ceiling -Builder's choice
walls - promar 200 flat
wood primer - latex enamel undercoater
woodwork - proclassic waterborne enamel

this paint job would include 1 coat primer, caulk and putty woodwork, 1 coat finish and a 2nd coat only where needed to have a nice looking job.

If you can get P&L, go for Accolade. It is a bit more, but uses ceramic technology that makes it very washable. If you are in MN, look for Platinum Ceramic from HPM. you can wash magic marker off of the flat. Aura from BM is also a great product, but it goes on a little different. If your painter has never used Aura, let them know that the BM reps are usually willing to come to the job site and help them out. If your painter has never used Aura and you insist on it, you MAY get free paint out of the deal. (Or the painter might). They are REALLY trying to get Aura into the hands of contractors.

As for priming, it is a must. (unless using Aura). In the market I work in there are a lot of poor drywallers, so some of our painters use a high-build to minimize imperfections in the wall.

If you have an Ace hardware in your area they may carry P&L Pratt & Lambert.I also suggest Accolade as it is a absolute top quality product but be prepared to pay for that quality.Ace stores have access to P&L in the regional warehouses so give them a call.