Questions to Ask a Painter About Paint Products

Paint is not a commodity. The difference between a $30/litre premium product and a $15/litre builders’ grade is not primarily in the color — it’s in the hide (coverage), the durability, the washability, and the consistency of application. A contractor who uses quality products charges more. One who uses lower-grade product while presenting themselves as a premium painter is making up margin on materials at your expense.

Knowing what to ask about paint products is how you verify what you’re actually getting.

“The two questions I wish more homeowners asked are: what product are you using, and what sheen? Those two things determine how the room looks and how long it lasts. The sheen question in particular — putting a flat finish in a kitchen or bathroom is a rookie mistake that looks fine on day one and is impossible to clean six months later. Always ask why a specific sheen is being recommended.”

— Carlos Mendez, certified painting contractor and member of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America with 17 years of experience in residential interior and exterior painting across the Greater Toronto Area

Questions About Interior Paint

What brand and product line are you using?

Ask for the specific product name — not just the brand. “Benjamin Moore” covers a wide range of products from entry-level to premium. The difference between Benjamin Moore Regal Select and Benjamin Moore Aura is significant in coverage, durability, and washability — and in price. Similarly within Sherwin-Williams, PPG, and other major brands.

Reputable product lines for interior residential painting include:
– Benjamin Moore: Aura (premium), Regal Select (mid-range)
– Sherwin-Williams: Emerald (premium), Duration Home (mid-range)
– PPG: Timeless (premium)

Ask specifically which line is being proposed and why.

What a good answer looks like: A specific product name with a clear rationale — “we use Sherwin-Williams Emerald because its washability and coverage are superior in high-traffic areas.”

What sheen level are you recommending for each surface?

Sheen significantly affects both appearance and durability. Here’s how sheen levels work:

Flat/matte: No sheen. Excellent for hiding imperfections in walls and ceilings. Not washable — not appropriate for kitchens, bathrooms, or children’s rooms.

Eggshell: Slight sheen. The most common living room and bedroom finish. More washable than flat, hides imperfections reasonably well.

Satin: More sheen than eggshell. Good for hallways, family rooms, and anywhere that sees regular cleaning. Shows imperfections more than flat or eggshell.

Semi-gloss: Noticeably shiny. The standard for doors, trim, and cabinetry — durable and washable. Often used in bathrooms and kitchens.

High-gloss: Very shiny. Used for trim, doors, and accent surfaces where maximum durability and cleanability are wanted.

Ask specifically what sheen is being proposed for each surface — walls, ceilings, trim, doors — and why.

What a good answer looks like: Different sheens for different surfaces, with a rationale tied to use and washability requirements.

Will you use primer, and where?

Primer is not paint. It’s a preparatory coating designed to seal surfaces, improve adhesion, and provide a consistent base for finish paint. Ask where primer will be applied:

• New drywall or skim coat (always needs primer)
• Bare wood on trim (always needs primer)
• Areas with stains, water damage, or smoke odor (needs stain-blocking primer)
• Dark colors being covered with significantly lighter colors (may need primer)
• Previously glossy surfaces being repainted (may need adhesion primer or sanding)

A contractor who never uses primer on any surface is cutting corners. One who can explain specifically where and why they’re priming is demonstrating product knowledge.

What a good answer looks like: A specific primer product proposed for relevant surfaces, with a rationale.

Questions About Exterior Paint

What exterior product are you proposing, and what is its expected lifespan?

Quality exterior paint products are specifically formulated to withstand UV exposure, temperature cycling, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles. Ask specifically:

• What brand and product line?
• What is the manufacturer’s stated expected durability (many quality exterior paints carry 10–15 year durability warranties)?
• Is the product appropriate for your specific siding material (wood, fiber cement, vinyl, stucco, masonry)?

What a good answer looks like: A specific exterior product with a named manufacturer’s durability expectation and a clear reason it’s appropriate for your siding material.

What primer is being used on bare or previously painted surfaces?

Exterior primer is critical on bare wood, on surfaces where previous paint has been removed, and in areas with previous moisture damage. Ask what primer is being used and why it’s appropriate for the condition of your surfaces.

Is the paint 100% acrylic latex?

For Canadian climate exterior applications, 100% acrylic latex is the standard recommendation — it remains flexible through temperature cycling, resists moisture well, and breathes to allow trapped moisture to escape. Oil-based exterior paints are less commonly used today and have significant VOC content. If anything other than acrylic latex is being proposed, ask why.

Questions About VOCs and Indoor Air Quality

What is the VOC content of the paint being used?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are the chemicals in paint that off-gas as the paint dries, contributing to indoor air quality issues. This is particularly relevant for interior painting:

Zero-VOC paints: Less than 5 g/L VOC content. Available from most major manufacturers. Best choice for nurseries, bedrooms, spaces with limited ventilation, and households with asthma or chemical sensitivities.

Low-VOC paints: Less than 50 g/L. A meaningful improvement over standard paint, appropriate for most residential applications.

Standard paint: 150–300+ g/L VOC content. Still widely used but increasingly avoided in quality residential work.

Ask specifically what the VOC level is of the products being proposed, and whether low-VOC or zero-VOC options are available for interior spaces.

Related Questions

• Questions to Ask a Painter Before You Hire One
• Questions to Ask a Painter About Exterior Painting
• Questions to Ask When Getting a Painting Quote
• How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House ?

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