Painting & Coatings Inspection

Per MPI specifications and CGSB 1-GP standards, all surfaces must be properly prepared before coating application. Drywall must be finished to the specified level (Level 4 minimum for standard paint, Level 5 for gloss finishes per GA-216). Wood must be sanded smooth and primed. Metal must be cleaned to the specified SSPC standard. All surfaces must be clean, dry, and free of contaminants that would impair adhesion.

1. Verify drywall finish level meets specification — Level 4 minimum for flat/eggshell, Level 5 for semi-gloss or gloss

2. Confirm wood surfaces are sanded to minimum 150 grit and free of raised grain or defects

3. Check metal surfaces are prepared to the specified SSPC standard and free of rust or mill scale

4. Verify all surfaces are clean and free of dust, grease, or contaminants

5. Confirm environmental conditions meet paint manufacturer requirements — temperature above 10 degrees C and relative humidity below 85%

- Drywall not finished to adequate level causing joint and fastener visibility under paint

- Dust from sanding or construction left on surfaces causing adhesion failure

- Metal surfaces not properly prepared leading to premature coating failure

- Painting in conditions below minimum temperature or above maximum humidity

Per MPI specifications, primers must be compatible with both the substrate and the topcoat system. Drywall primer-sealers (MPI #50 or equivalent) are required on new gypsum board. Stain-blocking primers are required over knots, tannin-bleeding wood, and water stains. Metal primers must be appropriate for the metal type — galvanized, ferrous, or aluminum. All primers must meet CGSB and provincial VOC requirements.

1. Verify primer type matches the MPI specification for the substrate — drywall sealer, wood primer, or metal primer

2. Confirm stain-blocking primer is applied over knots, water stains, and tannin-bleeding substrates

3. Check primer coverage — surface must be uniformly coated with no missed areas or holidays

4. Verify primer has been allowed adequate dry time before topcoat application per manufacturer data sheet

5. Confirm primer VOC content complies with provincial regulations and project specifications

- Wrong primer type used for the substrate — drywall sealer used on bare wood

- Stain-blocking primer omitted over knots causing bleed-through into topcoat

- Insufficient primer dry time before topcoat causing adhesion failure or solvent entrapment

- Primer not applied uniformly creating varying sheen and colour in the topcoat

Per MPI specifications, topcoat paint must be applied in the specified number of coats — typically two coats over primer for new construction. Each coat must achieve the manufacturer's specified spreading rate. Colour must be uniform with no visible brush marks, roller stipple variations, or lap marks. Sheen must be consistent across each surface. Paint must meet CGSB 1-GP product standards for the specified type.

1. Verify the correct number of coats have been applied — typically two topcoats over primer

2. Check for uniform colour and sheen across all surfaces — inspect under natural and artificial light

3. Look for defects including runs, sags, drips, brush marks, and excessive roller stipple

4. Confirm cut-in lines at ceilings, trim, and transitions are straight and clean

5. Verify paint film thickness meets manufacturer's specified spreading rate using a wet or dry film gauge

- Only one topcoat applied instead of specified two, causing poor coverage and durability

- Lap marks and roller stipple variations from inconsistent application technique

- Colour variation between walls from different paint batches or uneven application

- Cut-in lines at ceiling or trim not straight or clean

Per MPI specifications, trim and doors require higher sheen paint (typically semi-gloss or gloss) for durability and washability. Wood trim must receive primer plus two topcoats minimum. Door frames must be coated on all edges. Specialty finishes (stains, lacquers, urethanes) must be applied per the specific product manufacturer's instructions and meet CGSB standards for the product type.

1. Verify trim and door paint sheen matches specification — typically semi-gloss or gloss per MPI

2. Confirm all door edges (top, bottom, hinge side, strike side) are coated to prevent moisture absorption

3. Check wood stain finishes for uniformity and proper number of coats per manufacturer instructions

4. Verify caulking at trim-to-wall intersections is smooth, continuous, and paintable

5. Inspect specialty finishes (lacquer, urethane, epoxy) for the specified number of coats and finish quality

- Door edges left uncoated allowing moisture absorption and swelling

- Trim paint sheen inconsistent — mix of flat and semi-gloss on the same trim profile

- Wood stain applied unevenly causing blotchy appearance

- Caulking at trim joints cracked, missing, or poorly tooled

Per CGSB 1-GP standards and MPI exterior specifications, exterior coatings must withstand Canadian freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and moisture. Exterior latex paint must meet CGSB 1-GP-181M or equivalent. Surface preparation is critical — all surfaces must be clean, dry, and free of loose paint. Application temperature must be minimum 10 degrees C and rising, with no rain expected for 24 hours. Caulking and sealants at joints must be paintable and compatible.

1. Verify exterior paint product meets CGSB 1-GP-181M or specified MPI exterior category

2. Confirm application conditions — temperature above 10 degrees C, no rain for minimum 24 hours

3. Check surface preparation — loose paint removed, surfaces clean and dry, bare wood primed

4. Verify caulking at all joints, transitions, and penetrations is complete before topcoat

5. Confirm minimum two topcoats are applied over primer on all exterior wood and trim surfaces

- Paint applied in temperatures below 10 degrees C causing poor film formation

- Exterior paint applied over damp or poorly prepared surfaces causing peeling

- Caulking omitted at joints allowing water infiltration behind the coating

- Insufficient number of coats on exposed exterior surfaces reducing service life

Per MPI specifications and industry best practices, all adjacent surfaces, fixtures, and finishes must be protected during painting and left clean upon completion. Paint overspray, drips, and spatters must be removed from all non-painted surfaces. Touch-up paint must match the original application in colour and sheen. All masking must be removed before the paint skins over to prevent edge peeling. Final punch list items must be addressed before acceptance.

1. Inspect all non-painted surfaces for overspray, drips, or spatters — hardware, glass, floors, fixtures

2. Verify touch-up areas match the original in colour, sheen, and texture — no visible patches

3. Check that all masking tape has been removed cleanly without damaging adjacent finishes

4. Confirm window glass, hardware, and light fixtures are clean and free of paint

5. Perform final inspection under both natural and artificial light to identify any remaining defects

- Paint overspray on flooring, glass, or hardware not cleaned

- Touch-up areas visible due to colour or sheen mismatch

- Masking tape left on too long causing adhesive residue or paint edge peeling

- Paint on hardware hinges or locksets from inadequate protection during application