INT 9 - PaintInfo

Interior System Evaluation – 9.2
INT 9.2 PLASTER AND GYPSUM BOARD
(GYPSUM WALLBOARD, DRYWALL, “SHEET ROCK” TYPE MATERIAL, & TEXTURE FINISHES, ETC.)
The Substrate (i.e. surface)
Plaster is a hard, gypsum based material found in many older homes and in some new custom designed buildings and restorations. A heavy
base or ground coat is applied to wood or metal lathe attached to wall studs, and then smooth finishing plaster is troweled over top. In many
new plaster applications, a gypsum cored, paper coated board is used instead of traditional wood lathe. This reduces the amount of base coat
by about 40%. The method of application of finishing plaster can be varied to obtain a surface that can be smooth to rough in texture (e.g.
Trowel - for a smooth surface; Floated or Sand Float finish - low stipple texture; Spray texture finish - smooth to moderately rough spatter
texture; and textured finish - low to rough texture with a wide variety of patterns).
Drywall panels (“gyproc”, “sheet rock”, gypsum board, etc.) are the most common interior wall surfacing material. These are constructed of a
gypsum-based core with a paper coating on all sides. Special purpose panels for fire resistance, damp proofing, and strength, use variations in
the core and surfacing material. These panels are attached to vertical framing studs by either galvanized spiral shanked nails, or coated
screws, then the seams between the panels are supported with a paper or fiber mesh tape, and filled with a plaster-like joint filler. A uniform
painted finish cannot be obtained unless the filler is properly finished. Small defects, such as pinholes, ridging and fiber-lift, become very
apparent after painting.
Deep and dark colors should be avoided in high traffic areas on both substrates, as they are prone to marking.
The Options (i.e. choices)
INT 9.2A LATEX (over latex sealer) (Gloss/Sheen as Specified)
INT 9.2B HIGH PERFORMANCE ARCHITECTURAL LATEX (Gloss/Sheen as Specified)
INT 9.2C ALKYD (over latex sealer) (Gloss/Sheen as Specified)
INT 9.2E EPOXY (“TILE LIKE”)
INT 9.2F EPOXY, W.B. (“TILE LIKE”)
INT 9.2G MULTICOLOR
INT 9.2H FIRE RETARDANT COATING (Clear or Pigmented)
INT 9.2J W.B. FIRE RETARDANT COATING
INT 9.2K LATEX (over alkyd primer) (For Plaster, Only) (Gloss/Sheen as Specified)
INT 9.2L W.B. LIGHT INDUSTRIAL COATING (Gloss/Sheen as Specified)
INT 9.2M INSTITUTIONAL LOW ODOR / VOC (Gloss/Sheen as Specified)
INT 9.2A LATEX (OVER LATEX SEALER)
Conventional Latex is a standard performance latex system, which provides suitable performance for residential use and ‘light use’
areas in commercial and industrial installations such as offices and meeting rooms. Latex finish systems are often used on plaster
and gypsum board subjected to a low to moderate amount of cleaning or abrasion for residential, light industrial (e.g. warehouse),
and commercial buildings. The detergent and abrasion resistance is not as good as the alkyd system, but the color retention and
resistance to yellowing is better. These systems offer a range of gloss finishes for different applications. The low sheen of the flat
finish assists in improving the uniformity of slightly rough surfaces. Semi-gloss and gloss finishes are often used for accent striping
or signage and/or for smoother surfaces. They are also helpful in reducing dirt and dust accumulation and are easily cleaned, but will
accentuate the surface roughness.
System Finish Gloss Levels
-G1 MPI Gloss Level 1 – Flat or matte
Mainly used: - Flat paints are widely used on large, smooth, or textured wall surfaces.
Pros: - Very easy to touch-up. Minimizes visibility of surface imperfections
Cons:- Easily marked and stained. Not recommended for surfaces exposed to constant contact, since
burnishing and dirt pick-up would be excessive.
-G2 MPI Gloss Level 2 – Low Sheen – “like velvet cloth”
Widely used on wall surfaces such as offices and other low traffic areas.
Pros: - Ease of touch-up, uniform appearance, marks less than Level 1
Cons:- Marks easier and is less washable than Level 3
-G3 MPI Gloss Level 3 – “like an egg’s shell”
Provides a balance of washability and durability while avoiding an overly glossy appearance.
Pros: - Washability
Cons:- Shows substrate defects
-G4 MPI Gloss Level 4 – “like satin cloth”
Provides a higher level of durability, but sheen accents surface defects.
Pros: - Quite washable, etc.
Cons:- Shows substrate defects, and reflects light somewhat
-G5 MPI Gloss Level 5 – Semi-Gloss
Principal uses:- where washability and abrasion resistance properties are most important
Pros: - Resistant to stains and dirt retention
Cons:- Difficult to touch up and shows substrate defects.
-G6 MPI Gloss Level 6 - Gloss
Principal uses:- Rarely used, except on smooth surfaces.
Pros: - Ease of clean up (i.e. washability) and abrasion resistance
Cons:- Highly light reflective and shows all substrate defects. Very difficult to touch-up

INT 9.2B HIGH PERFORMANCE ARCHITECTURAL LATEX
High Performance Architectural Latex is a high performance system, which provides a significant benefit in the areas of scrub
resistance, resistance to marking and burnishing, and removal of stains and marks from the surface. It provides suitable
performance for use in commercial and institutional uses such as schools, public buildings, hospitals, etc. It provides increased
washability compared to conventional latex products. They also provide increased resistance to staining, and ease of soil removal.
The low and intermediate levels of gloss possess much better resistance to “burnishing” than conventional latex products. These
systems provide almost equivalent performance to alkyds, but without the objectionable odor and with a greater ‘friendliness’ to the
environment. However, they are more sensitive to cleaners containing strong solvents than are the alkyd systems.
System Finish Gloss Levels
-G2 MPI Gloss Level 2 – Low Sheen – “like velvet cloth”
Used on surfaces where greater durability and stain resistance than conventional latex is desired.
Pros: - Ease of touch-up, uniform appearance, marks less than Gloss Level 1 (G1)
Cons:- Marks easier and is less washable than Level 3
-G3 MPI Gloss Level 3 – “like an egg’s shell”
Common usage – in corridors and hallways
Pros: - Washability. Provides a higher level of durability than Gloss Level 2 (G2)
Cons:- Shows substrate defects
-G4 MPI Gloss Level 4 – “like satin cloth”
Often used in high use corridors, but not as reflective as Semi-Gloss
Pros: - Quite washable, etc.
Cons:- Shows substrate defects, and reflects light somewhat. Difficult to touch up.
-G5 MPI Gloss Level 5 – Semi-Gloss
Uses:- where washability, abrasion resistance and stain removal properties are most important
Pros: - Resistant to stains and dirt retention
Cons:- Difficult to touch up
INT 9.2C ALKYD (OVER LATEX SEALER)
This system is a general-purpose system for residential and commercial applications, where moderate chemical and good physical
resistance properties are required. Available in glosses ranging from eggshell to gloss. Gloss Level 3 is often used in areas not
exposed to repeated contact from cleaning, as this finish can show marking, particularly in deep or bright tinted colors. For high
traffic areas subjected to repeated contact, or requiring regular cleaning, semi-gloss and gloss finishes are often used. These have
better stain, marking and abrasion resistance than the flat or eggshell finishes. The alkyd has better water and detergent resistance
than the latex (INT 9.2A), and would be preferred in higher traffic locations requiring repeated cleaning.
System Finish Gloss Levels
-G1 MPI Gloss Level 1 – Flat or matte
Mainly used: - where resistance to abrasion is not a requirement.
Pros: - Very easy to touch-up and does not accentuate surface defects
Cons:- Easily marked and stained
-G3 MPI Gloss Level 3 – “like an egg’s shell”
Common usage – walls, trim, doors and frames – a good balance between durability and reflectance
Pros: - Washability
Cons:- Shows substrate defects
-G5 MPI Gloss Level 5 – Semi-Gloss
Principal uses:- where washability and abrasion resistance properties are most important
Pros: - Resistant to stains and dirt retention
Cons:- Difficult to touch up
-G6 MPI Gloss Level 6 - Gloss
Principal uses:- not often used except where washability and abrasion resistance properties are of utmost
importance and where the surface is very smooth
Pros: - Ease of clean up
Cons:- Highly light reflective and shows all substrate defects.
INT 9.2E EPOXY (“TILE LIKE”)
INT 9.2F EPOXY, W.B. (“TILE LIKE”)
Some public buildings and commercial buildings, such as restaurants, shops, and bars, where high traffic is anticipated, and
detergent and industrial strength cleansers will be used on gypsum wall board and plaster walls require durable finishes, such as
INT 9.2E or INT 9.2F epoxy systems. Both systems have excellent resistance to abrasion and marking. The solvent based system
has better water and chemical resistance than the waterborne epoxy, and is recommended for use in areas subjected to these
materials frequently. Where solvent fumes are a concern during application, such as renovations or additions to occupied buildings,
INT 9.2F waterborne epoxy is preferred.
INT 9.2G MULTICOLOR
Effect finishes, such as INT 9.2H multicolor, are used in both residential and commercial applications. The premium version of
system INT 9.2H uses a clear, protective finish as the last coat to improve the abrasion, detergent and dirt resistance. The premium
version is generally recommended for areas exposed to moderate traffic and abrasion.

Interior System – 9.2
INT 9.2 PLASTER AND GYPSUM BOARD
(GYPSUM WALLBOARD, DRYWALL, “SHEET ROCK” TYPE MATERIAL, & TEXTURE FINISHES, ETC.)
Code Finishing System Coat Custom Grade Premium Grade MPI Product
INT 9.2A LATEX (over latex sealer) 1 Latex Primer Sealer 50
(Gloss/Sheen as Specified) 2 Latex Latex 43,44,52,
53,54,114
3 Latex Latex 43,44,52,
53,54,114
INT 9.2B HIGH PERFORMANCE 1 Latex Primer Sealer Latex Primer Sealer 50
ARCHITECTURAL LATEX 2 HIPAC Latex HIPAC Latex 138,139,140,14
1
(Gloss/Sheen as Specified) 3 HIPAC Latex 138,139,140,14
1
INT 9.2C ALKYD (over latex sealer) 1 Latex Primer Sealer Latex Primer Sealer 50
(Gloss/Sheen as Specified) 2 Alkyd Alkyd 47,48, 49, 51
3 Alkyd 47,48, 49, 51
INT 9.2E EPOXY (“TILE LIKE”) 1 Latex Primer Sealer Latex Primer Sealer 50
2 Epoxy Epoxy 77
3 Epoxy 77
INT 9.2F EPOXY, W.B. (“TILE
LIKE”)
1 Latex Primer Sealer Latex Primer Sealer 50
2 Epoxy Epoxy 115
3 Epoxy 115
INT 9.2G MULTICOLOR 1 Primer Sealer Primer Sealer 125
2 Multicolor Base Multicolor Base Coat 112
3 Multicolor Pattern Coat Multicolor Pattern Coat 112
4 Clear Coat 121
INT 9.2H FIRE RETARDANT
COATING
Fire Retardant Coating (ULC Approved) 62 or 63
(Clear or pigmented) These product, application procedures, and fire ratings differ from one
manufacturer to another, and therefore it is recommended that these coatings
be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and guarantee (if
any).
(Note: See)
Evaluation)
INT 9.2J W.B. FIRE RETARDANT
COATING
Fire Retardant Coating (ULC Approved) 67 or 64
These product, application procedures, and fire ratings differ from one (Note: See)
manufacturer to another, and therefore it is recommended that these coatings
be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and guarantee (if
any).
Evaluation)

Interior System Preparation – 9.2
INT 9.2 PLASTER AND GYPSUM BOARD
Remove sand, dust, dirt, oil, grease, wax, silicone, glue, and all other foreign matter. Any defects apparent before, and after, the primer
coat has been applied shall not be the responsibility of the Painting Contractor. The resulting surface must be made acceptable to the
Painting Contractor before application of the finish coat(s).
Drywall Defects
Many defects in the drywall substrate cannot be seen until after the primer, and in some cases, the intermediate coat, have been
applied. This condition in drywall is not connected with the quality of either the paint or its application. In addition, structural deficiencies
in studding and improperly applied drywall can cause other problems such as "nail popping", ridging, pinholes, etc. Latex primer sealers
are flat in appearance, and deficiencies can be hard to detect, particularly under low lighting conditions. However, when materials with a
slight to high gloss are applied, the deficiencies in the drywall are very noticeable. At this point, the drywall contractor should be
obligated to correct all remaining imperfections.
Joint Fillers
The Painting Contractor should be cautious when painting drywall (gypsum board), as some of the new type of joint fillers on the market
may have an alkali content too high for normal paint coatings. Some lightweight joint fillers are so porous, they require refilling, different
filler, or the addition of an extra coat of sealer or finish coating, none of which was called for in the painting specifications. This should
not be the financial responsibility of the Painting Contractor. Only top line primer sealers with excellent sealing properties must be used.
Recycled paper, often used to produce drywall facings, may require additional preparation such as careful sanding and the application
of an additional coat of primer sealer to eliminate suction spots etc. Stain blocking or alkyd based sealers may be required to block the
leaching of water soluble materials occasionally found in recycled paper.
Plaster
Newly applied plaster must cure a minimum of 30 days at 75° F (24° C). The surface must then be tested for alkalinity (See 1.2 pH
Testing). Wash and neutralize high alkali surfaces where they occur. Any imperfection in the plaster must be corrected by the plaster
trade. Large holes, cracks, joints and other visible imperfections, must be corrected before surfaces will be accepted. Paint should not
be applied until repaired surfaces are completely dry. After the application of the primer coat, fill minimal cracks, holes and
imperfections, and sand smooth to match adjoining surfaces. Moisture readings must be taken to assure that no more then 12%
moisture is in the plaster at the time of the coatings application. Porous areas that show suction spots must be double primed.
Environmental conditions before and during application and during drying should be as outlined (See 1.1 Environment).
Where plaster “hot spots” or questionably cured plaster surfaces are encountered, the use of an alkali resistant sealer, such as MPI #3,
is recommended.

MPI Approved Product # 50
MPI #50 Interior Latex Primer Sealer
A white, pigmented, waterborne latex sealer used on new interior plaster, concrete and gypsum wallboard surfaces that are subsequently painted with
latex or alkyd finish coat(s). Its purpose is to reduce the porosity of the substrate for finish coats. Not intended for use on wood.
[Evaluated characteristics include consistency/viscosity, dry time, fineness of grind, hiding power by contrast ratio method, reflectance, alkali
resistance holdout properties, and sanding properties. See MPI ‘Detailed Performance’ Specs for complete details, specific requirements, and/or
reference specs.]
MPI VOC Ranges (grams/L.) E3

MPI Approved Product # 44
MPI# 44 Interior Latex, Gloss Level 2 – (a high side sheen flat, ‘velvet-like’)
Note: Requires a properly-prepared Level 4 drywall finish (i.e. assuming no critical lighting
conditions).
See "Recommended Levels of Drywall Finishing - GA-214-96"
A white, or colored, waterborne latex-based paint with a low sheen finish. Used on primed/sealed interior plaster and gypsum board, and on
primed wood and metals.
[Gloss level must be a maximum of 10 units @ 60 degrees and sheen 10 to 35 units @ 85 degrees. Other evaluated characteristics include
consistency/viscosity, dry time, fineness of grind, hiding power by contrast ratio method, reflectance, alkali resistance, flexibility, scrubbability, and
sealing properties. See MPI ‘Detailed Performance’ Specs for complete details, specific requirements, and/or references.]
MPI VOC Ranges (grams/L.) E3

MPI Approved Product # 138
MPI #138 High Performance Architectural Latex - Gloss Level 2 (a 'velvet-like' finish)
Note: Requires a properly-prepared Level 4 drywall finish (i.e. assuming no critical lighting
conditions).
See "Recommended Levels of Drywall Finishing - GA-214-96"
A high performance architectural latex coating, Gloss Level 2 (a 'velvet-like' finish). Designed to provide a significantly higher level of performance than
conventional latex paints in the areas of scrub resistance, burnish resistance, and ease of stain removal.
[Characteristics evaluated include gloss levels of maximum 10 units @ 60 degrees and 10-35 units at 85 degrees, hiding power, scrubbability, stain
removal, burnish resistance, flexibility, and application
properties. See MPI ‘Detailed Performance’ Specs for
complete details, specific requirements, and/or reference
specs.]
MPI VOC Ranges (grams/L.) E3

MPI Approved Product # 144
MPI #144 Institutional Low Odor/VOC Interior Latex - Gloss Level 2 (a 'velvet-like' finish)
Note: Requires a properly-prepared Level 4 drywall finish (i.e. assuming no critical lighting
conditions).
See "Recommended Levels of Drywall Finishing - GA-214-96"
A white or colored latex paint with low odor characteristics and a VOC of less than 10 grams per liter. For use in areas
such as hospitals and other occupied buildings where the odor and VOC levels of conventional latex products would
preclude their use.
[Characteristics evaluated include gloss levels of maximum of 10 units @ 60 degrees and sheen of 10-35 units at 85 degrees, hiding power,
scrubbability, alkali resistance, reflectance, flexibility and soil removal. See MPI ‘Detailed Performance’ Specs for complete details, specific
requirements, and/or reference specs.]
MPI VOC Ranges (grams/L.) E3

Interior Substrates – MPI Architectural Specification Manual
INT 2.1 ASPHALT SURFACES
(Zone/Traffic Marking on Interior Drive and Parking Areas, Etc.)
INT 3.1 CONCRETE VERTICAL SURFACES
(Including Ceilings and Undersides of Mezzanines, Stairs, Etc.)
INT 3.2 CONCRETE HORIZONTAL SURFACES
(Floors and Stairs, Etc.)
INT 3.3 CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITION BOARD
INT 4.1 CLAY MASONRY UNITS
(Including Pressed and Extruded Brick)
INT 4.2 CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS (CMU’s)
(Concrete Block and Concrete Brick)
INT 5.1 STRUCTURAL STEEL AND METAL FABRICATIONS
(Columns, Beams, Joists, Etc.)
INT 5.2 STEEL - HIGH HEAT
(Boilers, Furnaces, Heat Exchangers, Breeching, Pipes, Flues, Stacks, Etc.)
INT 5.3 GALVANIZED METAL (NOT CHROMATE PASSIVATED)
High Contact/High Traffic Areas (Doors, Frames, Railings, Pipes, Etc.)
Low Contact/Low Traffic Areas (Over-Head Decking, Pipes, Ducts, Etc.)
INT 5.4 ALUMINUM (NOT ANODIZED)
INT 5.5 COPPER
INT 5.6 STAINLESS STEEL (NOT POLISHED)
INT 6.1 GLUE LAMINATED BEAMS AND COLUMNS
INT 6.2 DIMENSION LUMBER
(Columns, Beams, Exposed Joists, Underside Of Decking, Etc.)
INT 6.3 DRESSED LUMBER
(Including Doors, Door And Window Frames, Moldings, Etc.)
INT 6.4 WOOD PANELING AND CASEWORK
(Partitions, Panels, Plywood, Veneer, Millwork, Etc.)
INT 6.5 WOOD FLOORS AND STAIRS
(Including Hardwood Flooring)
INT 6.6 WOOD SHINGLES AND SHAKES
INT 6.7 FIBERGLASS
(Decorative Pats, Posts & Beams, Pipes, Etc.)
INT 6.8 PLASTIC (Trim, PVA, PVC, Plastic Lumber, Etc.)
INT 9.1 SPRAY TEXTURED CEILINGS
INT 9.2 PLASTER AND GYPSUM BOARD
(Gypsum Wallboard, Drywall, “Sheet Rock” Type Material, & Texture Finishes, Etc.)
INT 9.3 ACOUSTIC PANELS AND TILES
INT 10.1 CANVAS AND COTTON COVERINGS (Pipe and Duct Coverings, Etc.)
INT 10.2 BITUMINOUS COATED SURFACES (Including Cast Iron Pipe, Concrete. Etc.)

Exterior Substrates – MPI Architectural Specification Manual
EXT 1.0 GENERAL
EXT 2.1 ASPHALT SURFACES
(Zone/Traffic Marking For Exterior Drive and Parking Areas, Game Lines, Etc.)
EXT 3.1 CONCRETE VERTICAL SURFACES
(Including Undersides of Balconies, Soffits, Etc.)
EXT 3.2 CONCRETE HORIZONTAL SURFACES
(Decks and Stairs, Parking Areas and Driveways, Game lines, Etc.)
EXT 3.3 CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITION BOARD
(Cementitious Siding, Trims, Panels, Etc.)
EXT 4.1 CLAY MASONRY UNITS
(Pressed and Extruded Brick)
EXT 4.2 CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS (CMU’s)
(Concrete Block and Concrete Brick)
EXT 5.1 STRUCTURAL STEEL AND METAL FABRICATIONS
(Columns, Beams, Joists, Etc.)
EXT 5.2 STEEL - HIGH HEAT
(Heat Exchangers, Breeching, Pipes, Flues, Stacks, Etc.)
EXT 5.3 GALVANIZED METAL (NOT CHROMATE PASSIVATED)
High Contact/High Traffic Areas (Doors, Frames, Railings, Pipes, Etc.)
Low Contact/Low Traffic Areas (Over-Head Decking, Eavestroughs (gutters), Downpipes, Ducts, Etc.)
EXT 5.4 ALUMINUM (NOT ANODIZED)
(Sash, Sills and Frames, Flashing, Handrails, Posts and Railings, Downpipes, Etc.)
EXT 5.5 COPPER (EXCLUDING ROOFS)
EXT 5.6 STAINLESS STEEL (NOT POLISHED)
EXT 6.1 GLUE LAMINATED BEAMS AND COLUMNS
EXT 6.2 DIMENSION LUMBER
(Columns, Beams, Exposed Joists, Underside of Decking, Siding, Fencing, Etc.)
EXT 6.3 DRESSED LUMBER
(Doors, Door and Window Frames, Casings, Battens, Smooth Fascias, Etc.)
EXT 6.4 WOOD PANELING
(Plywood Siding, Fascias, Soffits,, Etc.)
EXT 6.5 WOOD DECKS AND STAIRS/STEPS (USING SPACED LUMBER)
EXT 6.6 WOOD SHINGLE AND SHAKES (EXCLUDING ROOFS)
EXT 6.7 FIBERGLASS
(Panels, Trims, Fabrications, Etc. – Includes Decorative Posts and Beams, Pipes, Etc.)
EXT 6.8 PLASTIC
(Fabrications, Vinyl Siding, Windows And Related Trims, ABS, PVA, and PVC Materials, Etc.)
EXT 9.1 STUCCO
(Walls and Soffits)
EXT 10.1 CANVAS AND COTTON COVERINGS
(Pipes, Ductwork, Etc.)
EXT 10.2 BITUMINOUS COATED SURFACES
(Cast Iron Pipes, Concrete, Etc.)