Category Product Spotlights

Our Three Levels of Painting Service

Good, Better, Best Painting Packages | Indiana Painting

Indiana Painting Company offers Good, Better and Best residential painting packages so homeowners can choose the level of preparation, paint performance and warranty or touch-up support that fits their home. The difference is not simply price. Each level is designed around the condition of the surfaces, product options and the amount of long-term support you want.

How Indiana Painting’s Good, Better and Best Service Levels Work

Not every home needs the same painting approach.

Walls with significant wear may need more preparation than walls that are already in good condition. A busy family room may benefit from a more washable, scuff-resistant paint than a lightly used guest room. On an exterior, the condition of the existing coating, caulk and substrate can influence how much preparation is appropriate.

That’s why Indiana Painting Company offers three residential service levels instead of treating every project the same.

Good provides professional preparation, proven paint products and a workmanship warranty.

Better increases the level of preparation and adds touch-up support during the warranty period.

Best provides the most thorough preparation within the contracted painting scope, premium product choices and Indiana Painting’s highest level of touch-up support.

Your project consultant can help you compare the options based on the actual condition of your home rather than automatically recommending the highest tier.

Interior Painting Packages: Good vs. Better vs. Best

Interior Painting Services

Good Better Best
Wall preparation Power sand all walls Power sand all walls Power sand all walls
Holes Patch all holes Patch all holes Patch all holes
Defect preparation Fix major defects Fix medium and major defects Fix all defects within the contracted painting-preparation scope
Warranty 3-year workmanship warranty 3-year warranty with one touch-up session 3-year touch-up-inclusive warranty with up to three touch-up sessions
Approved paint products PPG Hi-Hide, PPG Pure Performance, Behr i300 Behr Ultra, Benjamin Moore Ben Interior, PPG Prominence PPG Ultralast, Behr Marquee, Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior
May be a good fit for Straightforward refreshes and surfaces needing standard preparation Homes needing additional defect correction or homeowners wanting added touch-up support Higher-wear spaces, surfaces requiring more detailed prep within scope or homeowners wanting maximum touch-up support

Good Interior Painting

Our Good interior package is designed for homeowners who want professional preparation and dependable paint products without paying for a level of preparation or ongoing touch-up service they may not need.

We power sand the walls, patch holes and address major defects included in the painting scope. Approved paint choices include PPG Hi-Hide, PPG Pure Performance and Behr i300.

The Good interior package includes a three-year workmanship warranty.

This level can make sense when the walls are generally in reasonable condition, the space receives moderate use or your primary goal is a clean, professional refresh.

Better Interior Painting

Better adds more detailed surface preparation by addressing medium as well as major defects within the contracted scope.

Approved paint options include Behr Ultra, Benjamin Moore Ben Interior and PPG Prominence.

Better also adds one touch-up session during the three-year warranty period.

This can be a strong middle-ground option for homeowners who want more surface correction and additional support after the initial project without moving all the way to the Best package.

Best Interior Painting

Best provides Indiana Painting’s most thorough interior preparation level. We power sand the walls, patch holes and address all defects that fall within the contracted painting-preparation scope.

That distinction matters. Painting preparation does not mean correcting structural problems, hidden moisture damage, substrate failure or other repairs that are outside the agreed project scope.

Approved Best-level products include PPG Ultralast, Behr Marquee and Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior.

The Best package also includes Indiana Painting’s three-year touch-up-inclusive warranty with up to three touch-up sessions.

For homeowners concerned about long-term appearance, washability, frequent household activity or maintaining freshly painted spaces, the combination of enhanced prep, premium products and touch-up support can make Best worth considering.

Exterior Painting Packages: Good vs. Better vs. Best

Exterior Painting Services

Good Better Best
Cleaning Pressure wash Pressure wash Preparation appropriate to the contracted Best-level scope
Loose paint Scrape loose paint Preparation appropriate to medium and major defects Most thorough preparation within contracted scope
Caulking Repair failing caulk More thorough caulking repair or replacement Addressed as appropriate within contracted scope
Priming Spot-prime as needed As appropriate to prepared surfaces As appropriate to prepared surfaces
Paint application Two coats Two coats Applied according to contracted scope and product requirements
Warranty 7-year workmanship warranty 7-year touch-up-inclusive warranty with one touch-up session Unlimited touch-up warranty for 7 years
Approved paint products PPG Acri-Shield Exterior PPG Acri-Shield Exterior PPG Permanizer, Behr Marquee Exterior, Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior
May be a good fit for Exteriors in reasonably sound condition needing professional repainting Homes requiring additional caulking/prep or added touch-up protection Homeowners wanting the most thorough contracted preparation, premium product choices and maximum touch-up support

Good Exterior Painting

Our Good exterior package starts with the preparation necessary for a professional exterior repaint.

We pressure wash the surfaces, repair failing caulk, scrape loose paint, spot-prime where appropriate and apply two coats.

The approved product for this level is PPG Acri-Shield Exterior, a proven exterior coating Indiana Painting has used with confidence.

Good exterior painting includes our seven-year workmanship warranty.

For an exterior that is generally in sound condition and doesn’t require the additional preparation or touch-up support of the higher tiers, Good may provide the right balance.

Better Exterior Painting

Better builds on the Good-level process with more thorough caulking repair or replacement and preparation appropriate to medium and major defects within the contracted scope.

We continue to use PPG Acri-Shield Exterior at this level because its performance makes it appropriate for both packages.

The major difference is not simply the paint. Better combines additional preparation with a seven-year touch-up-inclusive warranty that includes one touch-up session.

That can make Better especially attractive when an exterior needs more prep or when you want additional support after the initial project.

Best Exterior Painting

Best provides our most thorough exterior preparation within the contracted project scope.

The exact preparation required depends on the surfaces Indiana Painting finds during the evaluation and what is included in your proposal. Exterior preparation should not be interpreted as a promise to correct structural damage, hidden moisture problems, substrate failure or other repairs outside the painting contract.

Approved Best-level exterior products include PPG Permanizer, Behr Marquee Exterior and Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior.

Best also provides Indiana Painting’s highest level of exterior touch-up support: an unlimited touch-up warranty for seven years.

For homeowners planning to remain in their home, exteriors requiring more preparation, or customers who place a high priority on long-term appearance and touch-up support, Best may provide the greatest value.

Which Painting Package Is Right for Your Home?

There isn’t one service level that’s automatically right for every homeowner. The best choice depends on what we’re painting, its current condition and what you expect from the finished project.

Choose Good When…

Good may make sense when your surfaces are generally in reasonable condition and your priority is a professional repaint with proper preparation and a workmanship warranty.

It can also be appropriate when you don’t need the expanded defect correction or touch-up benefits of the higher packages.

Choose Better When…

Better may be the right fit when surfaces have more visible defects, the exterior requires additional caulking work, or you value having a touch-up session included during the warranty period.

For many homeowners, Better provides a useful balance between additional preparation, product performance and long-term support.

Choose Best When…

Best may make sense when surface appearance is particularly important, the contracted project requires Indiana Painting’s most detailed preparation, the painted areas receive substantial wear, or you want the highest level of touch-up support available.

It can also be worth considering when you’re planning to remain in the home and want to prioritize long-term performance over minimizing the initial project investment.

What Should You Consider Before Choosing Good, Better or Best?

Surface Condition

Look beyond color.

Dents, patched areas, cracking, failing caulk, loose coatings and other imperfections can affect how much preparation is needed before painting begins. The more preparation a surface requires, the more important it becomes to compare the preparation included with each package.

Your quote is the right time to identify which defects can be addressed through painting preparation and whether any conditions fall outside the painting scope.

Durability

Think about how the painted surface will be used.

A quiet guest bedroom doesn’t face the same wear as a hallway, family room or other frequently used area. Premium product choices can be especially valuable where walls are more likely to encounter everyday wear.

Exterior durability is more complex. The useful life of an exterior coating depends on factors including the substrate, existing condition, preparation, weather exposure, selected coating and ongoing maintenance. A premium product can be part of a longer-term strategy, but no responsible painter should promise the same lifespan for every house.

Washability

If you’re painting spaces that are frequently touched, bumped or cleaned, washability may deserve more weight in your decision.

Homes with children, pets or active households may benefit from considering the higher-performance interior products available in the Better or Best packages.

Odor Sensitivity

If paint odor is an important concern for your household, tell your Indiana Painting project consultant during the quote.

Product selection can be discussed as part of the overall package recommendation so that performance and household comfort are considered together.

Household Traffic

Hallways, kitchens, family rooms, children’s rooms and other heavily used spaces typically face more wear than formal dining rooms or guest rooms.

You don’t have to choose based solely on the name of the package. Think about how you actually live in the space and how much ongoing touch-up support matters to you.

How Long You Plan to Own the Home

Your plans for the property can also influence the decision.

Someone preparing a home for a near-term move may have different priorities than a homeowner who expects to live there for many years.

If you’re staying long term, investing in more detailed preparation, higher-performance products or expanded touch-up support may provide more value to you over time.

Compare the Options for Your Home

You don’t need to decide between Good, Better and Best before talking with us.

During your free painting quote, Indiana Painting Company can evaluate your actual walls or exterior surfaces, discuss what level of preparation they need and explain which product and warranty options make sense for your goals.

The objective isn’t to sell every homeowner the highest package. It’s to help you understand what you’re getting at each level so you can choose the right investment for your home.

Schedule your free painting quote and compare Good, Better and Best options for your actual surfaces.

Do you perform background checks on your employees?

Yes, your safety is our top priority. We conduct thorough background checks and drug screenings on every employee before they join our team to ensure you get a dedicated, trustworthy, and professional crew working on your project.

How long does an exterior paint job last?

With high-quality paints from manufacturers like PPG, Behr, and Benjamin Moore, and proper professional application, you can expect an exterior paint job to last 10 to 20 years. Our seven-year warranty ensures your investment is protected.

Do you replace rotten wood?

Absolutely. A great paint job starts with a solid surface. Our team is equipped to handle most wood replacement needs for trim, siding, and frames as part of our exterior painting service.

What is your warranty for painting services?

Our interior painting services come with a three-year workmanship warranty. Our exterior services are backed by a seven-year warranty. Upgraded tiers (Better and Best) include touch-up services for added peace of mind.

Romabio Mineral Paints: Eco-Friendly Style for Indiana Homes

Romabio Mineral Paints: Eco-Friendly Style for Indiana Homes

Homeowners across the Hoosier state are stumbling upon the time honored beauty of the Italian craft that’s embedded in Romabio’s limewash and mineral paints. These top shelf products bring the very best of European traditions to the homes of Indiana, offering an eco-friendly alternative that delivers real results.

Unlike your run of the mill acrylic paints, Romabio’s mineral-based formulas create finishes that breathe, and actually get better with age. Whether you’re looking to revamp a brick fireplace that’s been stuck in the dark ages, or give your home’s exterior a fresh new look, or add some much needed texture to those interior walls, these authentic Italian products offer a winning blend of old world charm and modern day performance.

What sets Romabio apart from the rest?

What sets Romabio apart from the rest?

Romabio is one of those exceptions to the rule when it comes to paint brands , thanks to its commitment to using only the real deal, all natural ingredients, and those time-tested Italian craftsmanship techniques that have been around for over 2,000 years.

Power of Natural Mineral Ingredients

At the heart of every Romabio product is its pure, mineral-based make-up. Unlike synthetic paints that rely on chemical binders, Romabio goes the extra mile by using authentic lime, natural minerals, and eco-friendly pigments. The result is a finish that not only looks great but is also safe for your family and the environment.

Performance that lasts the distance

One of the real advantages of using Romabio products is their breathability. Unlike traditional acrylic paints that seal your walls and cause all sorts of problems, Romabio’s mineral paints actually calcify into the surface, allowing moisture to escape naturally. This naturally eliminates peeling, bubbling, or cracking on your walls; an advantage, especially in unpredictable climates like ours in Indiana.

No VOCs, No Toxins, No Problem

Homeowners who care about the air quality in their homes are going to love Romabio’s commitment to clean air. Zero VOCs, no odor during application, and completely toxin free means that Romabio’s the perfect choice for families with sensitive individuals, or for anyone who wants to breathe a little easier.

Authentic Aesthetic that stands the test of time

The unique matte, luminous finish of Romabio products creates a depth and character that’s impossible to get with conventional paints. The subtle variations and natural patina that develop over time give your home a sophisticated, weathered look that’s like it’s been around for decades, rather than something artificially distressed.

Romabio Limewash: bringing old world charm to modern homes

Romabio Limewash: bringing old world charm to modern homes

Classico Limewash is the gold standard in authentic lime painting. This single coat application creates that signature mottled, weathered look that’s been gracing European buildings for centuries. The finish allows the natural texture of the brick to show through while still giving a soft, elegant transformation.

The beauty of Classico Limewash lies in how versatile it is and just how forgiving it can be. Homeowners can personalize the look to suit their taste by distressing the finish within 5 days of application. If you’re not happy, you can actually remove the application within 2 days using a high pressure washer.

Perfect applications for Limewash

    • For those exterior brick homes that want to achieve that timeless, cottage style look
    • For interior brick fireplaces that need softening up without losing that character
    • For feature walls that need some subtle texture and visual interest
    • For historic homes where authentic restoration techniques are preferred

Mineral Paints & Plasters : Performance that lasts a lifetime

Mineral Paints & Plasters : Performance that lasts a lifetime

For homeowners who want the best of both worlds, maximum durability without sacrificing beauty, Romabio’s Masonry Flat and Masonry Textured paints are the way to go. With a 20 year warranty, these mineral-based coatings bond permanently to masonry surfaces, giving a finish that won’t chip, peel or flake over time.

Superior adhesion

Unlike traditional paints that just sit on top of the surface, Romabio’s mineral paints actually calcify into the substrate. This chemical bonding process creates a finish that’s part of the surface itself, explaining why these products consistently outperform standard acrylic paints on brick, stone and stucco.

Masonry Textured

Masonry Textured adds an extra dimension of visual interest with its naturally flat finish containing subtle aggregate. This creates depth and shadow play that highlights architectural details, while still maintaining the authentic, hand-crafted appearance that makes European buildings so appealing.

Elegance inside and out with Plaster Finishes

Romabio’s interior offerings include those luxurious plaster-like finishes that bring the wow factor to any space. Velatura Mineralwash creates soft, romantic movement on interior walls with a simple two-coat brush application. The crosshatch technique in the first coat, followed by a diluted second coat manipulation, produces the soft tonal variations characteristic of traditional limewashed surfaces.

Dramatic Focal Points for Your Home

For making a statement in your home, Venetian Glaze by Romabio offers a trowel-applied plaster effect that looks incredible with a burnished finish to give it extra depth and shine. This product is super versatile, and it works beautifully in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms where you want to add a real wow factor without committing to a full plaster installation.

Why We Love Working with Romabio

Indiana home exterior painted with Romabio mineral paint, featuring blue siding and white brick.

Quality is at the top of our list when it comes to deciding which products to recommend to our clients. After years of working with some of the biggest name paint brands out there, we’ve found that Romabio consistently delivers just what our homeowners are looking for: paint that not only looks amazing, but also lasts for years to come and has the added benefit of being good for the environment too.

Experience and Expertise

Our painters have experience with Romabio products. In fact, we have extensive experience with the unique application requirements that these special products have. Unlike regular old paint, Romabio’s mineral-based products need to be diluted just right, and the surface has to be prepped and applied in a very specific way. Our team is trained to get it just right, so you can be sure to see the full beauty of these exceptional products.

Long Game

While Romabio products do tend to cost a bit more upfront than regular paint, they pay for themselves over time. With a 20 year warranty on Masonry Flat and Masonry Textured, combined with their resistance to fading, peeling and moisture damage, you’ll need to repainting much less often, which means lower maintenance costs over the years.

Eco-Friendly Choice

At Indiana Painting Company, we always try to offer our clients products that not only do the job, but also do it in a way that’s good for the planet. Romabio’s commitment to sustainable sourcing, natural ingredients and zero-waste manufacturing, is right in line with our values and those of our eco-conscious clients.

Why Romabio is Perfect for Indiana Weather and Architecture

Why Romabio is Perfect for Indiana Weather and Architecture

Indiana’s climate can be tough on exterior finishes. The hot summers can cause moisture buildup, while the harsh winters with freeze-thaw cycles can put a lot of stress on regular paint. Romabio’s mineral paints are a different story.

Climate Adaptability

One of the key benefits of Romabio is that it has a super high perm rating, which means it allows moisture to pass through. This is a game-changer in a place like Indiana, where moisture buildup behind sealed surfaces can be a huge problem.

Architectural Compatibility

From the old brick homes in Indianapolis to the modern suburban construction projects we see out there, Romabio products complement any architectural style. The authentic European aesthetic adds a touch of elegance to any traditional design while still looking super modern and on-trend.

UV Resistance

Indiana’s intense sun can fade regular paint in no time, but Romabio’s mineral composition gives it a layer of protection that keeps colors looking vibrant for years to come.

Ready to Refresh Your Home with Romabio?

If you’re looking to add some authentic Italian flair to your home with Romabio limewash and mineral paints, you’ll need to have them applied by someone who knows what they’re doing. That’s where we come in.

Our process begins with a consultation to talk through your surfaces, architectural style, and color preferences. Then we’ll guide you through Romabio’s curated color palette to find the perfect fit for your project.

Prepping the Surface

Before we even start painting, we make sure the surface is ready. That means scrubbing, repairing and priming. We know the right techniques to use for different substrates.

Getting the Application Right

Romabio products require a bit of finesse to apply, but our team has this down to a science. We know the right dilution ratios, application techniques, and timing to get the results that showcase these premium products.

Ready to experience the difference of authentic Italian craftsmanship in your home? Contact Indiana Painting Company today to schedule your Romabio consultation and start planning your transformation.

Romabio Mineral Paints: Eco-Friendly Style for Indiana Homes

Romabio represents so much more than just a premium paint. It’s a commitment to authenticity, the environment and beauty that lasts. When you choose these exceptional products through Indiana Painting Company, you’re investing in a finish that will add character to your home while providing years and years of performance.

At the end of the day, it’s the combination of Romabio’s superior products and our skilled application that delivers results that exceed expectations. Whether you’re looking for a subtle limewash effect or a bold mineral paint transformation, these Italian-crafted finishes bring a level of sophistication that’s just not possible with any other paint.

Don’t settle for ordinary when extraordinary is just a consultation away. Contact Indiana Painting Company today to start your Romabio transformation and discover how far authentic Italian limewash and mineral paints can take your home.

What’s the difference between Romabio limewash and regular paint?

Romabio limewash is made from authentic slaked lime and natural minerals, while regular paint uses synthetic acrylic or latex binders. Limewash creates a breathable, matte finish that allows moisture to escape, preventing peeling and cracking. It also develops a beautiful patina over time, unlike conventional paints that simply fade.

Can Romabio products be used on previously painted surfaces?

Yes, but proper preparation is essential. Previously painted brick, stone, or stucco requires Romabio’s MicroGrip Primer to create proper adhesion. Unpainted, absorbent masonry surfaces can be painted directly with most Romabio products after proper cleaning and preparation.

How long do Romabio finishes last?

Romabio Masonry Flat and Masonry Textured come with a 20-year warranty when properly applied. Classico Limewash and other products typically last 10-15 years or more, depending on climate conditions and surface preparation. The mineral composition means these finishes often improve with age rather than deteriorating.

Are Romabio products safe for families with allergies or sensitivities?

Absolutely. All Romabio products are Zero VOC, toxin-free, odorless, and hypoallergenic. Designed with health in mind, they won’t trigger asthma or respiratory issues, making them a perfect choice for families sensitive to traditional paint chemicals.

What exterior painting service tiers does Indiana Painting Company offer?

We offer three levels of exterior painting service.

  • Our Good level includes pressure washing, caulk repair, scraping, spot priming, and two coats of quality exterior paint with a seven-year workmanship warranty.
  • Our Better service adds more thorough caulking and includes one complimentary touch-up within seven years.
  • Our Best level provides comprehensive preparation that makes your exterior look new, with unlimited touch-ups for seven years.
church interior painting project

Does Scuff-Resistant Paint Work? | Commercial Paint Guide

Do Scuff-Resistant Paints Really Work in Commercial Spaces?

Yes. Scuff-resistant paint can help walls resist visible marks from everyday contact, making it useful in commercial hallways, offices, retail stores and other busy spaces. Its value depends on the selected product, surface preparation, cleaning practices and type of wear. Scuff-resistant does not mean scuff-proof, and it does not eliminate maintenance.

For a facility manager or business owner, the practical question is where that extra resistance will help most. A busy corridor may benefit from a different coating than a quiet conference room or a ceiling that rarely gets touched.

Here is how to decide whether scuff-resistant paint belongs in your next commercial painting project.

What Is Scuff-Resistant Paint?

Scuff-resistant paint is an interior coating formulated to resist visible marks caused by objects rubbing against the painted surface. You may also see it described as anti-scuff paint.

In commercial buildings, that contact might come from bags, shoes, chair backs or equipment brushing against walls. A coating designed for scuff resistance can help limit the appearance of everyday wear.

It cannot prevent every kind of damage. A cart striking a corner can dent drywall, and a sharp object can cut through a coating. Those problems may require repairs, corner guards, or changes to how equipment moves through the building.

Is Scuff-Resistant Paint the Same as Washable Paint?

No. Scuff resistance concerns how readily contact leaves a mark. Washability concerns how well marks and dirt can be removed. Scrubbability concerns the coating’s ability to withstand repeated cleaning.

A paint may provide several of these qualities, but the terms are not interchangeable.

Coating characteristic What it addresses
Scuff resistance Visible marks caused by rubbing or contact
Washability Removing dirt and marks through appropriate cleaning
Scrubbability Withstanding repeated cleaning without excessive coating wear
Burnish resistance Resisting shiny spots or changes in sheen caused by rubbing

This distinction matters when choosing paint for high-traffic commercial spaces. If walls collect ordinary dirt but rarely experience rubbing, washability may be the main priority. If furniture, bags or equipment regularly brush against them, scuff resistance deserves closer attention.

Rather than selecting paint by sheen alone, review the specific product’s performance information and care instructions.

What Causes Scuffs in Commercial Buildings?

Commercial doorway with a yellow patterned wall, dark door frame and overhead door closer.

Doorways deserve close inspection when identifying wear, damaged finishes and preparation needs.

Scuffs often develop where people, furnishings and equipment repeatedly contact the same surfaces.

Common sources include:

    • Chair backs rubbing walls in meeting rooms and waiting areas
    • Bags and clothing brushing against narrow corridors
    • Deliveries and restocking activity near entrances and storage areas
    • Shoes contacting walls beneath counters or seating
    • Furniture being moved during events or room changes

Before repainting, identify what is causing the marks. Better paint may help with routine rubbing, but repeated impacts need a broader solution.

For example, a hallway with light contact from bags presents a different problem from a service corridor where carts regularly hit corners.

Where Is Scuff-Resistant Paint Worth Using?

Commercial hallway at WFYI in Indianapolis with light walls, orange accents and large windows.

Commercial corridors are useful places to assess wall contact and coating durability.

Scuff-resistant paint is most worth considering on surfaces that receive frequent contact and where visible wear creates recurring cleaning or touch-up work.

Offices and Shared Workspaces

Office corridors, reception areas, break rooms and walls behind movable seating are useful places to assess. A private office with little wall contact may not need the same coating.

When planning an office painting project, identify the areas where marks return most often. That helps make coating selection part of the scope rather than an assumption applied to every room.

Retail Stores

Retail walls may experience contact from shopping bags, merchandise, fixtures and restocking activity. Checkout areas, fitting-room approaches and routes between sales floors and storage rooms deserve particular attention.

For a retail store painting project, consider customer movement and staff activity alongside the appearance of the finish.

Schools, Healthcare Facilities and Other Busy Buildings

School corridors, waiting rooms, hospitality corridors and event spaces may also benefit from coatings selected for repeated contact.

In healthcare environments, cleaning requirements need separate consideration. Scuff resistance alone does not establish that a paint is compatible with a facility’s disinfectants or cleaning procedures. Review those requirements against the proposed coating’s technical information.

Corridors, Stairwells and Lobbies

These spaces connect much of a building’s daily activity. Door approaches, narrow passages and walls beside seating can receive more contact than nearby surfaces.

Look at actual wear patterns. Heavy foot traffic does not necessarily mean every wall is being touched.

Does the Entire Building Need Scuff-Resistant Paint?

Usually, the decision can be made by area rather than applied to the whole building. Prioritize walls that experience repeated contact, frequent cleaning or highly visible wear.

A practical assessment might separate the property into:

    • Frequent-contact areas: Busy corridors, waiting areas and walls beside movable furniture
    • Occasional-contact areas: Conference rooms, private offices and quieter customer spaces
    • Low-contact surfaces: Ceilings and walls largely protected from daily activity

A suitable standard interior paint may be sufficient in low-contact areas. If branding changes or remodeling will require repainting soon, an upgrade may also offer less value.

Discuss these differences when planning commercial interior painting. The goal is to match the coating to the surface and its use.

Which Scuff-Resistant Paint Is Best?

There is no single best paint for every commercial facility. Compare the exact product and sheen against the building’s contact patterns, cleaning needs, appearance requirements and budget.

Several product lines illustrate why those details matter:

    • Benjamin Moore Scuff-X: Marketed for high-traffic commercial areas with a scuff-resistant formula and multiple sheen options.
    • Sherwin-Williams Scuff Tuff: Offers scuff resistance, washability and resistance to burnishing.
    • BEHR ULTRA Scuff Defense: Includes finishes designed to provide scuff resistance, including an extra-durable flat option.
    • UltraLast, previously discussed here as PPG UltraLast: Current Pittsburgh Paints product information emphasizes washability, stain repellency, and burnish and mar resistance.

These are useful starting points for comparison. Their product names do not establish that every finish performs identically or is appropriate for every surface.

Before specifying a coating, confirm the current product information, available finish and suitability for the project. A product selected for frequently cleaned walls may address a different priority from one selected primarily to resist contact marks.

Can Scuff-Resistant Paint Reduce Touch-Ups?

Scuff-resistant paint may reduce touch-ups needed solely because of superficial contact marks. It cannot guarantee a longer repainting cycle or a specific maintenance saving.

Walls can still need attention because of scratches, impact damage, leaks, failed adhesion or changes in the building’s appearance.

Cleaning practices also affect results. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, including when the coating can first be cleaned and which cleaning methods are appropriate.

Scuff resistance should support your maintenance approach. It should not replace inspections, cleaning or repairs. For ongoing attention to worn areas, explore Indiana Painting Company’s Maintenance Paint Plan.

What Should a Facility Manager Consider Before Choosing a Coating?

Dental-office interior in Carmel with a tan painted wall, white baseboard and dark door.

Walls, baseboards and doors may need different coatings based on contact, cleaning and surface material.

Start with the building’s actual wear rather than a product label.

    1. Identify the problem. Are you dealing with superficial scuffs, dirt, scratches or damaged drywall?
    2. Map the contact areas. Note walls beside chairs, narrow passages, delivery routes and places where marks repeatedly return.
    3. Review cleaning practices. Specify the cleaners, cleaning frequency and methods the coating must tolerate.
    4. Inspect the surface. Existing paint, repairs, contamination and adhesion problems affect preparation requirements.
    5. Choose the finish in context. Consider lighting, appearance, cleaning performance and touch-up expectations.
    6. Plan for curing and maintenance. Dry-to-touch time is not necessarily the same as readiness for washing or demanding use.

For an especially busy area, ask whether a sample application would help evaluate the proposed color and finish before completing the full space.

Choosing Paint for Your Commercial Space

Scuff-resistant paint makes the most sense where everyday contact repeatedly affects the appearance of walls. It may be unnecessary on surfaces that receive little contact, and it cannot solve damage caused by repeated impacts.

If you are planning a commercial painting project in Central Indiana, tell Indiana Painting Company where marks occur, how the walls are cleaned and which areas need the most attention.

Request a commercial painting quote to discuss the surfaces, preparation and coating options for your facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can scuff-resistant paint be applied over existing paint?

Often, but compatibility and preparation must be assessed first. Loose paint, glossy finishes, grease and damaged areas may require cleaning, sanding, repairs or priming before the selected coating is applied.

Can I clean scuff-resistant paint as soon as it feels dry?

Do not assume that you can. Follow the product’s specified waiting period before washing. For example, BEHR’s instructions for its Scuff Defense flat finish allow cleaning with a mild, non-abrasive liquid detergent after two weeks.

Should I use wall paint on doors, trim or floors?

Only if the specific product is approved for that surface and use. Doors and trim have different demands from walls, and an interior wall coating should not be assumed suitable for floors.

i300 commercial paint from Behr

Behr i300 Commercial Interior Paint

Like a lot of contractors, I never considered using Behr for commercial interior painting jobs.  First, it comes from a box store so it must be a residential or homeowner thing, right!  Boy was I wrong!  During the pandemic of 2020 and the shortages of the last few years, we started looking for ways to augment our supply chain to keep paint flowing so we didn’t have to tell our customers we couldn’t fulfill our commitment to them because we couldn’t get paint.  We tried a lot of avenues, but the two performers that stood out were PPG and Behr.  PPG’s commitment was clear when semi trailers were showing up with drop shipments from Dallas, Texas with 30 gallon of dryfall or a few gallons showing up on a UPS truck.  They really went out of their way to make sure we had what we needed to keep commitments we had made.  I’ve never had such a fierce loyalty to a company in my life than I do for PPG. They cared simply because I cared about taking care of our customers – the commitment flowed through and that was magical in our time! 

Now for Behr.  We didn’t try i300 until earlier this year, but we have used enough of it to know that, for a comparable price point, you won’t find a better commercial paint!  Rarely do you introduce a new product to a paint crew and get a unanimous accolade from them, but this is the exception that proves the rule!  Painters are a very picky lot and they get very attached to products they like to use.  Our team took to i300 and they tell us they don’t want to use anything else – that is pretty high praise.  But it doesn’t stop there!  The Behr crew at Home Depot are a really good support team.  From hassle-free color matching to cheerful order taking and fulfillment, we are hooked!  And the price is pretty good too with their contractor pricing program!  Many paint retailers put unrealistic shelf prices on their paint to “help out the contractors” by making our prices seem very reasonable.  But this is just a scam and we don’t like those tactics.  Most contractors pay around $25 to $30 a gallon for a good, solid commercial paint.  Most of us mark it up about 25% to 50% to cover some of our costs for handling charges.  That includes setup, ordering, pickup, waste, and other costs you never have to think about.  We like the simple strategy of reasonable markups for retail customers who can’t afford or don’t want to hire a contractor for whatever reason.  Painting should be affordable and we should encourage more people to improve their lives with paint!

Let’s talk performance.  The paint just applies easy and looks good with minimal effort. Ask any painter and they will tell you that cheaper paints are difficult to make look good.  This is why our hearts always sink when a customer says they would like to supply the paint – it is usually a lower end product.  Behr i300 is the perfect answer for your commercial spaces that demand economy and performance.  We are happy to recommend it to all the do-it-yourselfers and customers out there looking for a great, low cost product!

Acri-Shield Max Exterior Paint

PPG Acri-Shield Exterior

PRODUCT DETAILS

Acri-Shield® Max Exterior is a premium quality, urethane modified, exterior house paint. The advanced formula can be used as little as 60 minutes before the threat of rain, and in both normal and marginal, above freezing conditions when a low temperature cure is required to form a proper film.  Acri-Shield® Max provides a 7 year Portersept® Mildew Proof* Warranty (available in all sheens).  This paint and primer delivers exceptional hide and coverage and offers excellent brush, roll, and spray characteristics for consistent professional results.

FEATURES:

  • Rain Ready In As Little As 60 Minutes**
  • Urethane Modified for Enhanced Durability
  • Delivers Exceptional Coverage & Hide
  • 7 Year Portersept® Mildew Proof* Warranty
  • Paint & Primer in One

Occasionally you come across a product you just can’t recommend enough to anyone.  This paint is good enough to use in both commercial and residential applications.  Just take a look at those key features, let’s discuss them one by one.

 Rain ready in 60 minutes

What painter wouldn’t like that.  This is quickly becoming the norm in the exterior paint market, but very few products actually live up to this claim.  Most can withstand early moisture in about four hours in reality, but, as pros, we’ve pushed this envelope to it extreme and have found it really does hold up to early moisture better than most.  This comes in really hand when painting in the evening when you are only hours away from the dew point.  This feature is more helpful than most people realize!

Urethane Modified for Enhanced Durability

We stopped using plain acrylic paints a few years back (SpeedHide Exterior and A-100 used to be our workhorse exterior products) when we first came into contact with the newer urethanized acrylics.  They are superior in two ways.  The first is color retention, urethanes have yet to be surpassed when it comes to color retention.  It is no surprise that PPG, who has division in the automotive and aerospace industries borrow tech from these other specialties and incorporates it into its architectural products.  The second is flexibility.  Our team only uses urethanized caulk due to its more forgiving nature – strong and flexible at the same time!  You just can’t beat the utility and longevity of a urethanized acrylic!

Delivers Exceptional Coverage & Hide

Who can’t appreciate better coverage and hide.  We frequently get asked to paint with white because most people think white is an “easy” color.  White is a difficult color due to the somewhat transparent nature of titanium dioxide.  TO2 is a great pigment that offers a more brilliant white, but it is less high hiding than the white pigments of the past.  Whites often require three or even four coats.  PPG has done a fantastic job with Acri-Shield, so much so that even whites cover in two coats over most colors.  We don’t know how they accomplish this, but they have!

7 Year Portersept® Mildew Proof* Warranty

Here in the midwest, mildew is a perennial issue.  Who hasn’t received “that letter” from the HOA letting you know that you’ve got a moldy bit on your exterior you need to take care of?  We have yet to get a complaint form any of our customers letting us know that there is mildew growing on the paint.  And, yes, paint has nutrients in it that can grow mildew – who knew!  The Portersept Mildewcide really works and will keep your home protected from that pesky stuff for at least 7 years!

Paint & Primer in One

We like to think of paint and primer in one deals as insurance policies.  You should never prime with a finishing product unless it is DTM (Direct to Metal).  First, it makes a very expensive primer and you will need three coats anyway if you do this.  Second, finish coats are made specifically for that job – not for priming.  Primers are designed to prime so they incorporate more technology that helps them do that job more effectively.  But this is handy I you have a project with only a few small bare areas.  Just spot prime with this paint and you will rest assured that you have done it the correct way!

Conclusion

We have no hesitation using PPG Acri-Shield MAX on our best work.  In fact, we only recommend two paints for a cost effective and durable finish – PPG Acri-Shield and PPG Permanizer.  Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr I am sure make some great products, but, when you can get so much for a great price point from PPG, we go anywhere else!

high end custom vinyl murals

Commercial Vinyl Wallcovering

With astounding regularity people wince when you say the words wallpaper or wallcovering.  I’m not sure if it is due to this disgust that most word processors  don’t even recognize the word wallcovering.  Go ahead and try it out, you’ll get the red squiggly underline that says this isn’t a real word!  I think I can tell you why most people feel this way – how many great wallcovering jobs have you seen.  Probably a lot of them, but they are unremarkable when compared to the bad ones with gaping seem, torn vinyl faces, bad cuts, and even stained or dirty areas.  But I want to assure you that the benefits of using commercial vinyl in your business far outweighs the problems!

The Problems

Mold

It is almost universal that you find some evidence of mold when you peel wallcovering off of exterior walls.  It is not often this is the dangerous black mold (I believe that it never is), but it still makes your hair stand on end when you see it!  Most of what you are seeing is not active mold, but long dead.  Let me explain what happens and how to avoid this.  First, you need to prep the wall correctly.  Some installers are hooked on oil based primer.  We NEVER use it because it creates a vapor barrier between itself and the vinyl.  This creates a very slow drying situation where the paste stays wet for over a week or even two and – presto – you get mold.  Now this will eventually dry and mold can live without two things – a food source and a water source.  Not living plant can and mold is just a plant.  We use a water-based sizer like Gardz or Romans 935 to seal the wall without creating a moisture barrier.  Your wall needs to breathe!  Second, we only use name brand pastes that have a mildewcide in them.  This will prevent any growth in that one week “wet” period.  If we are especially concerned we can add M1 mildewcide and apply a perorated wallcovering to ensure more breathability.  I would never say this isn’t a concern, but if you have a building built to modern standards, I wouldn’t think this would be a problem.

Peeling

This is the most common pet peeve with wallcovering.  The most common cause of peeling is incorrect installation.  When installing wallcovering you need to use a good, heavy duty paste that will have great adhesion when it dries.  Another cause is when an installer pastes the back of the wallcovering by have, they often go too light at the edges.  We try to use a pasting machine as much as possible.  This ensures even coverage of the paste even out to the edges.  Finally, some novice helpers get water in the seems when they are cleaning the paste of the wallcovering from the newly installed vinyl.  This dilutes the paste and causes weakened seam glue at the edges.  Don’t worry, as long as the vinyl is still in good shape, it can be re-glued and salvaged.  If it has torn or become stretched, you will have a hard time making this repair.

Worn or Dirty

A lot of owners don’t like how they can’t just cost effectively repaint the wall where the vinyl has become worn or dirty.  If you put a hole in it, you cannot easily patch it.  This is understandable.  If you have attic stock, it can be easily repaired in most cases.  Wallcovering is like any product in that it will fade when exposed to UV rays (sun and florescent lights are the biggest UV producers in a commercial setting).  If this is the case, it will stand out – the new and the faded will look a bit different. 

The Bottom Line

All of these issues, some avoidable, are not big enough to keep us away from wallcovering.  The texture and richness that wallcovering adds to your commercial space is well worth the risk.  When installed by a professional, your wallcovering job should last for years to come, be highly cleanable, and very durable.  The average cost is multiples of a standard paint job, but, if you want to achieve a unique and interesting space in your business, there is not more cost effective way to achieve this than with a high quality material and a professional install!

PPG Ultralast Paint Can

PPG Ultralast

I’ve been wanting to write a product spotlight on PPG Ultralast for some time now.  We’ve been using this product for a little over a year now and I can’t think of really anything bad to say about it.  Ultralast is PPG’s new ultra premium (I know, how many superlatives can we think of!) paint that is supposed to specialize is scuff resistance and cleanable.  The literature tells us they’ve incorporated technology from the automotive paint industry.  While I am sure this is true, PPG stops short of telling you what that technology is or exactly how it works (at least, not that I could find.)

So let’s dig in.  First, the price point.  Our contractor pricing is a bit below the ultra premium paints from Sherwin Williams, Behr, and Benjamin Moore, so it ticks that box.  When lined up against Emerald, Aura, and Dynasty, this paint prices out well below most of those.  If price is your main concern, we would go with PPG Ultralast every day of the week.  If price isn’t that important, we think it’s a toss up between Scuff-X and Ultralast.

What about scuff resistance?  The only paints we trust with being truly scuff resistant are Benjamin Moore Scuff-X and Ultralast.  To be fair, we have not used must Behr Scuff Defense to have an opinion, but, in our experience, both Sherwin and Behr have yet to come up with a product that can be honestly compared to these two.

Being able to clean the walls in your business or home has been a major priority for many of our customers.  Being scuff resistant is key to being cleanable, so it should be no surprise that we recommend this product to all of our clients for whom cleanable is a concern.  Maybe this is a good place to insert a short tutorial on how to clean your interior paint.  First, never use hot water.  Water is a great solvent (chemically speaking) and hot water is an even better solvent.  Your paint is most likely water based and will soften when exposed to water which will make it more susceptible to scuffing.  Use room temperature water and a very mild detergent that is not alcohol based.  Denatured or isopropyl alcohol will immediately soften and degrade latex paint!  You will need to get a microfiber rag (new, not used before is best) and use the soft side to clean the wall.  This will give you the best chance of not damaging your paint.  NEVER use a cotton rag!  Cotton is very coarse and will scratch your paint.  We have has a great experience with most PPG paints.  For years we used SpeedHide at our office and you could clean it with little to no burnishing!  PPG Ultralast is even better.

Finally, what about the look of the finished product?  Some clients have said it has a slight “plasticky” look.  I agree, but I don’t find it necessarily off-putting.  If you want a paint that looks phenomenal, try Ben Moore Regal Select Eggshell – I’m not sure it gets any better than that look!  All in all, PPG Ultralast is a solid performer at a great prices. And given the choice between a scuff-able great looking finish and a durable scuff-resistant finish that has a slight plastic look – I’ll take the latter any day of the week!  

Ranking – 4.8 stars out of 5!  Highly Recommended!

2023-09-08 We Paint Indy Plainfield IN Safer Exterior Painting Tricks

Safer Exterior Painting Tricks In Plainfield, IN

You may be well aware of the fact that an exterior painting project can be just the right thing to get your home to look better — and indeed it can do so if done correctly.

However, what some people don’t realize is the various ways in which exterior painting can be a bit on the dangerous side if precautions are not taken — and it does happen that people can get hurt while doing an exterior painting project for lack of preparation or taking unnecessary risks.

Let’s have a look at some safer exterior painting tricks that will make for a better overall painting project.

1. Plan Ahead For Safer Painting

An important consideration for you to have when you’re looking to paint the exterior of your home is the amount of planning that you put into the project — generally speaking, the better you plan, the better you will be as far as safety is concerned.

A good example of good planning is when you check the weather forecast and ensure that you are not going to be facing the kind of weather that is going to be too hot or cold for you to be painting.

Since you’ll be checking the weather anyhow, you should be sure that it’s not going to be raining when you are planning on painting as this would make for a bad painting project, and perhaps one that would be needing to be redone.

2. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

While you’re painting your home exterior it’s important to be fully aware of your surroundings before and during your painting endeavors.

This can include things like being careful around things like low hanging branches that can seriously hurt you as well as things like electrical wires that can of course be quite dangerous for you while you are painting.

Other hazards in your surroundings you may not even consider are your own pets and children, who could mean quite well and just be having fun but they could easily cause your project harm in the process of doing so.

3. Properly Dispose Of Your Paint

The way that you dispose of your paint that you are not using can be easily disposed of in ways that are not only hazardous to you but the entire ecosystem that is around you.

Pouring your paint down the drain is of course a huge no-no, as it’s going to be going to the same place that water goes when it goes down the drain, which ultimately is getting back to you in the form of drinking water.

The effort it takes to clean the water of the toxic chemicals is quite incredible — do not put paint there, and do not put it in the trash as it can still ultimately get out there,

You need to take your used paint to a proper treatment facility plant where they will be able to take care of the paint in a safe and non-hazardous manner.

4. Take Regular Breaks

Remember that you should be taking regular breaks while you are painting your home exterior — your home exterior might be quite large and the time involved will surely be quite a lot, but breaks are important.

Not taking breaks will expose you to making possibly dangerous mistakes — you should be resting and of course hydrating while you are painting your home exterior.

5. Consider A Painting Contractor

Lastly, you should remember that there are professional painting contractors out there (Such as We Paint Indy, of course) that will be more than happy to help you paint the exterior of your home.

There are many benefits to making use of a painting contractor which we will cover in future blog articles — but remember that your safety when getting your exterior painted is much greater when you trust an experienced painting contractor to get the work done.

At We Paint Indy, we are a dedicated team with full-time, professional field staff to make sure your jobs are done on time and to your satisfaction.  We are active members of the Mooresville and Plainfield communities. You can contact us by phone — call or text (317) 528-9500 to setup an appointment time convenient for you.

Related :

Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel

Many paint suppliers spin off new products from existing ones that are just glorified enhancements to their existing product line. We almost never trust a new product release without first using it and seeing if it stands the test of time. Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is an exception to this rule. It has been a game-changer for our company. It is tougher than DTM and is quite fade resistant. It can be used on interior and exterior trim and metal items. It cures hard enough to resist scratching, yet is pliable enough to not become brittle.

Although cost is an issue, we believe it is justified with labor savings and performance. When you hire us, this product is standard on hand railings, doors and frames, trim, and all metal and trim type items.