Master Painters Institute
MPI painting standards
MPI guidance covers architectural coatings: how the substrate is prepared, which system goes over it, how many mils are required, and the temperature and humidity limits inside which the work may proceed.
Adoption varies by jurisdiction — confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
What it covers
- Substrate preparation and moisture limits
- Coating system selection by surface
- Film thickness and coverage
- Ambient conditions during application
What the evidence looks like
- Substrate photographed prepared, before the prime coat hides it.
- Wet or dry film readings photographed at the gauge.
- Ambient temperature and humidity captured at the time of application.
Checklists that verify work against MPI painting standards
4 free checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Painting Rough-inPainting rough-in inspection checklistSurface-prep walk checking substrate condition, patching and priming before coats go on8 items10 photosPainting Pre-coverPainting pre-cover inspection checklistPrimer and first-coat check confirming full coverage before the final coats go on5 items7 photosPainting FinalPainting final inspection checklistFinish walk checking color, sheen and coverage consistency before turnover7 items10 photosPainting PunchPainting punch checklistCloseout walk for misses, touch-ups and finish damage3 items4 photos
Common questions
- What is MPI painting standards?
- Coatings — substrate preparation, systems, film build and environmental limits. It is published by the Master Painters Institute. MPI guidance covers architectural coatings: how the substrate is prepared, which system goes over it, how many mils are required, and the temperature and humidity limits inside which the work may proceed.
- What does MPI painting standards cover?
- Substrate preparation and moisture limits; Coating system selection by surface; Film thickness and coverage; Ambient conditions during application.
- What does a field inspection against MPI painting standards look at?
- Substrate photographed prepared, before the prime coat hides it. Wet or dry film readings photographed at the gauge. Ambient temperature and humidity captured at the time of application.
- Which edition of MPI painting standards applies to my project?
- Adoption varies by jurisdiction — confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
- Which checklists verify work against MPI painting standards?
- 4 free checklists in the RTI library reference this family — each listed on this page with the photo evidence every item needs before it can be submitted.
A standard is only met if the evidence exists
RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.
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