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Of all of the functions performed by an association, there is perhaps none more important or more public-spirited than that of establishing industry standards. By undertaking to define what constitutes the proper, or more specifically, professional way of doing things in an industry, and then communicating those standards to the general public, it removes the “veil of secrecy” that so often exists between an industry and the public. Thus, by making clear to consumers the terms and understandings by which an industry’s members communicate with the public and each other, the opportunities for confusion and disagreements are substantially diminished.

PDCA embarked on just such a venture, to make the painting and decorating industry less opaque both to those who rely upon it to make their living, as well as to those who purchase its services. Each Standard is organized into seven sections: (1) scope; (2) significance and use; (3) reference documents and standards; (4) definitions; (5) standard specification; (6) comments; and (7) disclaimer of liability. The Standards discuss a range of issues that commonly become the subject of misunderstandings or, in extreme cases, contract disputes and provide guidance for both the contractor and the layman about how such differences can best be avoided.

All participants in the architectural, engineering, design, construction, and painting & wallcovering industry benefit from the use and propagation of the PDCA Standards. All consumers benefit from the use of PDCA Standards by those they contract with, to provide best value for their painting and decorating expenditures.

Comments or questions regarding the Standards or their interpretation should be addressed to the Chairman of the Standards Committee at PDCA headquarters.

PDCA Standards Binder & Subscription Available
The PDCA Standards Binder & Subscription provides all of the current PDCA Standards in a protected quality printed format along with a Windows CD-Rom that includes the Standards and a copy of the Guidelines for a Successful Construction Project publication, and a printed copy of the MPI Glossary of Painting and Decorating Terminology. Please visit the PDCA Store and click on the 'Technical' link in the store.

Standard Name and Description	File Format

Introduction to the PDCA Standards	PDF Here

Download All PDCA Standards in a Zip Compressed Folder Permission and Use License, Introduction to the PDCA Standards and all PDCA Standards - PDF format in Zip Compressed Folder	Download

Standard - PDCA P1-04 Establishes criteria for determining a properly painted surface, defines touch up and repair, and determines which party to an agreement should bear the financial responsibility for such work.	PDF Here


Standard - PDCA P2-04 Establishes criteria for determining the qualifications and responsibilities of third parties charged with conducting inspections of coatings application work performed by painting and decorating contractors, as well as the procedures to be followed by inspectors in the performance of their duties. The establishment of “inspection hold points” by all parties to the agreement are an important part of this standard.	PDF Here


Standard - PDCA P3-04 Describes the impact on the costs associated with and time required to complete a project as the number and placement of paint colors and types of finishes grow. The standard is intended to provide guidance in those instances where the number and placement of paint colors and color ranges are either not specified in the bid documents or are unclear.	PDF Here


Standard - PDCA P4-04 Establishes criteria for determining which of the parties to an agreement has responsibility for inspecting and approving surfaces prior to their being painted or decorated.	PDF Here


Standard - PDCA P5-04 Establishes a procedure for the submission and approval of benchmark samples which will serve to determine achievable quality from specified preparation, paint and coating systems.	PDF Here


Standard - PDCA P6-04 Establishes criteria for determining the acceptance of completed wallcovering installations and defines the responsibilities of the parties to an agreement.	PDF Here


Standard - PDCA P7-04 Establishes criteria for the order of work performed by various parties on a construction project as it relates to the efficient and successful completion of painting and decorating work. The cost impact of variations from a prescribed schedule are discussed.	PDF Here


Standard - PDCA P8-04 Establishes the contracting entity’s responsibility maintenance of painted and coated surfaces and prescribes procedures and financial responsibilities for inspecting and repainting previously painted surfaces that have since become aesthetically less pleasing in appearance.	PDF Here


Standard - PDCA P9-04 Defines *terms* commonly used to describe work to be performed by painting and decorating contractors in the routine and ordinary course of their duties. This standard clarifies the work scope and responsibilities of the painting and decorating contractor.	PDF Here


Standard - PDCA P10-04 Prescribes a methodology for measuring surfaces for *estimating* and bidding painting and decorating work.	PDF Here


Standard - PDCA P11-05 Defines *painter's caulk* to determine its suitability and establish its placement whether delineated, implied and/or not referenced in the specification for painting.	PDF Here

Standard - PDCA P12-05 Establishes consistent procedures for the specification of *block filling* and the application of block filler prior to painting paint grade smooth face concrete masonry units.	PDF Here

Standard - PDCA P13-06 Establishes the inspection and acceptance of architectural paints on the interior surfaces of structures when dry film thickness is specified	PDF Here

Standard - PDCA P14-06 Identifies and describes various levels of surface preparation for repainting and maintenance projects receiving architectural coatings	PDF Here

Standard - PDCA P15-07 Establishes procedures for the evaluation of shop primer applied by an entity other than the painting contractor.	PDF Here

Standard - PDCA P16-07 Assigns responsibilities to the various entities involved when wallcovering is removed by an entity other than the Painting and Decorating Contractor in preparation for painting.	PDF Here

Standard - PDCA P17-08 Assigns responsibilities to the various entities involved when smooth faced tilt-up concrete is field painted.	PDF Here

Standard - PDCA P18-08 Define criteria for the documentation of extra work to a contract for painting and decorating. Assigns financial responsibilities to the various entities involved when extra work is performed to a contract for painting and decorating work.	PDF Here
PDCA Technical Paper 100	HTML Here
Responsibilities and Limitations Regarding Efflorescence In Masonry, Stucco, and Cementitious Substrates

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