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Understanding Painting Product Specifications


by Ali |

Painting Projects in the Body Corporate/ Strata Industry and their affinity for Product Specifications.

Video Transcript:

Hi Jeremy from Rochele Painting.
Here to talk about Painting Specifications.
Known as Paint Project Specifications or Product Specifications, simply known throughout the strata industry as “Specs.”

So what are Specs?

They are a paint product specification, written by the large paint producers that provide a detailed identification of the products proposed for use and their relevant requirements in applying those products.

Why do Paint Producers provide product specifications?

To sell paint. But also, it allows paint producers to control the minimum standard and techniques required in applying their paint. As a result, their confidence in their product ‘standing the test of time’ is boosted, which allows them to offer extended warranties. Which are on average, anything from 7 to 15 years.
However, what a lot of people are unaware of is the price of paint, at retail or wholesale level, and the percentage of a paint project’s price which is assigned to product.
That is, 10 to 15% of the total cost of a paint project are the products used. Meaning 85 to 90% of a paint project’s costs are the labour force involved.
When speaking to body corporate managers, resident managers or body corporate committees, I often use the following analogy. Getting a paint specification before choosing your applicator is like buying tyres before your buy your car. It makes very little sense. And limits

Understanding Pros and Cons:-

1.) Extended warranty, on products used. Most often up to 10 years. However, the many people through out the industry do not realize the standard “Workmanship Warranty” is for 12 months
2.) Using the Branded Spec’s “Scope of Works” paint applicators quote exactly the same thing. Which has become known as the old comparing “Apples with Apples” argument. What people do not realize, is a paint applicator will have no problem have their Scope of Works being shared. It is simply a list of substrates, or list of building items that a committee wish to have painted.
3.) A branded spec limits selection of paint brand. Obviously. This day and age, all paint producers are just as good as each other. Some may claim better performance, durability, technology or environmentally friendly aspects to their product. However, in truth, one brand may have a slightly better enamel, for interiors, while another may have an ever so slightly better exterior coverage, or price point or colour range. In truth, it may take 2 different brands, to complete a project to the desired standard or effect.
4.) 2 or 3 quotes become 5 or 6 quotes. Once a paint specification is provided by a specific brand, the project usually goes out to tender, via the Body Corporate Manager. Sometimes a body corporate committee is very proactive and may get referrals from their manager and approach applicators directly. And sometime the paint brand chosen to provide the spec is asked to approach their preferred applicators. But, however which way the applicators are approached. More and more often, the branded specifications are being leaked to the industry providers and the body corporate managers, resident managers and even committee are being approached by further applicators keen for the chance to quote the project. Often undercutting and reducing the chances for the reputable applicators to provide their services.
What everyone should be aware of, is that every paint applicator has the ability to provide a complex or committee with a paint or product specification. This is best done once the applicator has been awarded the project and the brand of paint selected.
And in closing, the general rule of thumb within the industry is to use whatever paint brand was previously applied.
For more information please visit http://rochele.com.au