Properly painted surface
P1 defines visual acceptance criteria under the contract documents and product instructions. When cited in the scope, it gives everyone a shared reference for evaluating finished work.
Painting to a published standard.
Each written scope identifies the applicable PCA standards, preparation level, and project expectations.
What to verify
What to ask before work begins.
Texas does not issue a statewide license specifically for ordinary painting contractors. Other permits, registrations, and rules may apply to particular work or locations. Ask any contractor for proof and make the project terms specific.
- Insurance documentationWe carry general liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. A current certificate is available on request.
- A written scopeOur written scope specifies the applicable preparation level and sample requirements, along with the products and coat count agreed for the work.
- Written warranty termsEligible residential repaint work carries a three year labor-and-material warranty under the written terms. Specialty-finish coverage follows the project agreement.
- References and membershipAsk for recent project references. Color Unlimited Painting is a PCA member; verify our membership in the public PCA directory.
- Program termsFor eligible residential work, review the Good Contractors List program terms, including its stated guarantee conditions.
Six practical points of agreement.
The written proposal controls. It identifies which standards, preparation levels, samples, benchmarks, and closeout requirements apply to the project.
Surface preparation levels
P14 defines four preparation levels for repainting previously finished surfaces. The written scope names the selected level for each applicable surface.
Inspection before painting
For surfaces built or prepared by others, the painter makes a reasonable visible inspection for coating adhesion and performance. The contracting entity decides final readiness and appearance.
Samples and benchmarks
P19 covers representative decorative-finish samples. When the scope also calls for a full on-site benchmark using the complete system, P5 defines that procedure.
Project closeout
When the contract does not define closeout, P20 provides a protocol for project-specific punch lists and the closeout items required by the agreement.
Typical exclusions
P23 identifies work that is not implied when a painting contract is silent. Our written proposal controls and may expressly include services that P23 otherwise treats as typical exclusions.
Four levels of repaint preparation.
P14 applies to repainting and maintenance of previously painted or finished surfaces. A project can assign different levels to different surfaces.
| Level | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Level 1 — Basic | Basic cleaning and removal of obvious loose material or contaminants so the new coating can adhere. |
| Level 2 — Standard Default when the scope is silent | Adds adhesion review, basic filling and caulking, and light sanding or feathering. Soundness and service life take priority over appearance. |
| Level 3 — Superior | Adds more appearance-focused correction and more thorough sanding while generally retaining the existing surface profile. |
| Level 4 — Supreme | The strongest appearance emphasis under P14, short of restoration or resurfacing. Touch may be a criterion for accessible interior handrails, doors, and trim. |
If the contract is silent, P14 assumes Level 2. Restoration and resurfacing sit outside these four levels, so any such work must be stated separately.
Written expectations at each stage.
The exact requirements vary by project. The agreement records what applies before work starts.
- Walkthrough and visible inspectionWe review the surfaces, access, protection needs, and intended finish.
- Written scopeEach applicable surface receives a stated preparation level, with agreed products and coat count.
- Sample requirementsThe scope states whether a color sample, decorative sample board, mockup, or full on-site benchmark is required.
- Protection, preparation and applicationThe work proceeds to the requirements recorded in the agreement.
- Project closeoutPunch-list and closeout requirements follow the written contract and the role defined for the project.
- Written coverageEligible residential repaint work follows the three year labor-and-material warranty terms; specialty coverage follows its agreement.
What the language means.
Are painting contractors licensed by the State of Texas?
Texas does not issue a statewide license specifically for ordinary painting contractors. Other permits, registrations, and rules may apply to particular work or locations. Verify the contractor's insurance, written scope, warranty, and any required permits.
What is a properly painted surface?
PCA P1 provides visual acceptance criteria under the contract documents, product instructions, finished lighting, and normal viewing position. When P1 is cited in the scope, it gives the owner and contractor a shared reference for evaluating the finished work.
What does Level 4 preparation mean?
Level 4 is the strongest appearance-focused preparation under PCA P14 for previously finished surfaces, short of restoration or resurfacing. Touch may be used as an acceptance criterion for accessible interior handrails, doors, and trim. The written scope identifies the level selected for each surface.
Is Color Unlimited a PCA member?
Yes. Color Unlimited Painting is a PCA member. Membership can be checked in the public PCA member directory.
Does PCA membership mean PCA inspects your work?
No. PCA membership does not mean PCA inspects or guarantees the work. If a project separately retains a qualified third-party coating inspector, PCA P2 can define that inspector's qualifications, authority, coordination, and reporting. Availability, scope, and fees must be agreed separately.
Put the preparation level in writing.
Request a consultation. We will review the surfaces and specify the applicable preparation level and sample requirements in the written scope.
Request a consultation