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Painting Submittal Package Checklist

Project: __________________________

Submittal #: ____________________

Spec section(s): _________________

Date: __________________________

1 · Package document set

Every submittal package includes these, in this order.

  • Cover sheet — project, submittal number, spec section(s), date, and the submitting company
  • Transmittal — item list keyed to the schedule, with the reviewer/GC and the type (partial or full)
  • Table of contents / section dividers so the reviewer can navigate
  • Product data — manufacturer cut sheets marked to the exact model, options, and finish being furnished (strike what doesn't apply)
  • Shop drawings for anything fabricated or custom, matched to the drawings and schedules
  • Samples or physical mock-ups where the specification requires visual approval
  • Certifications & test reports the spec calls up (listings, ratings, compliance letters)
  • O&M data and warranties where required at this stage
  • Substitution request forms for any product not on the approved-manufacturer list

2 · Painting scope — by spec section

Pull a submittal for each section in your scope; confirm the spec's Part 1 list.

  • A list of paint systems by substrate (gypsum board, masonry, wood, ferrous and galvanized metal), each with its primer and finish coats
  • Product data for every coat — primers, intermediate and finish coats — from one manufacturer per system
  • VOC content for each product, checked against the spec and any green building or local air quality limits
  • Color and sheen samples (draw-downs) for every color on the finish schedule, labeled with the color code
  • Listing with a standard such as MPI where the spec requires it
  • Surface preparation and application instructions, including any primer or blast-cleaning requirements on steel
  • For high-performance coatings: dry film thickness for each coat, and the coating system data sheet
  • Mock-up or field sample plan where the spec asks for one, and extra stock for the owner

3 · Before you submit — common rejection reasons to rule out

Reviewers flag these first. Verify each is not an issue before you send.

  • Primer and finish coats from different manufacturers within one system
  • VOC content above the limit in the spec or the local air quality rules
  • Missing color draw-downs, or samples not labeled with the finish schedule codes
  • Wrong sheen for the location (for example, flat where eggshell or semi-gloss was specified)
  • Products not on the MPI or other list the spec calls for
  • No dry film thickness or surface prep for high-performance coatings on steel
  • A system missing for a substrate on the schedule, such as galvanized metal

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