Understanding Paint Warranties: What's Really Covered and What You Need to Know

When you invest thousands of dollars in a professional paint job for your home, you naturally want assurance that the work will last. Paint warranties sound like protection and peace of mind—but many homeowners don't realize there are actually two completely different types of warranties at play, with very different coverage.

Understanding the difference between paint product warranties (offered by manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore) and workmanship warranties (offered by your painting contractor) is essential to knowing what protection you actually have if something goes wrong after the project is complete.

This guide breaks down both types of warranties in plain language, explains what they do and don't cover, and shows you how to ensure you're fully protected when you hire a professional painting contractor.

The Two Types of Paint Warranties

Let's start with the fundamental distinction that confuses most homeowners.

Paint Product Warranties (Manufacturer Warranties)

These are offered by the paint manufacturers themselves—companies like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, PPG, and Dunn-Edwards. Product warranties cover defects in the paint itself: manufacturing problems, premature failure of the coating, or performance issues that arise when the paint was applied correctly according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Think of this as a warranty on the can of paint, not on how it was applied to your walls.

Workmanship Warranties (Contractor Warranties)

These are offered by your painting contractor and cover the quality of their labor: surface preparation, application technique, attention to detail, and overall execution of the project. A workmanship warranty guarantees that the contractor's work was done correctly and will hold up under normal conditions.

Think of this as a warranty on the painter's skill and process, not on the paint product itself.

Both types of warranty matter, but for very different reasons. Let's examine each in detail.

Paint Product Warranties: What Manufacturers Guarantee

Every major paint manufacturer offers some form of limited warranty on their products. These warranties vary by brand and product line, but they share common features and limitations.

What Paint Product Warranties Typically Cover

Manufacturing defects: If the paint itself was improperly formulated or contaminated during production, the manufacturer will replace it. This is extremely rare with major brands that have rigorous quality control.

Premature failure: If the paint peels, blisters, cracks, or fails significantly earlier than expected under normal conditions, the warranty may cover replacement paint. "Normal conditions" is a key qualifier—we'll get to that in a moment.

Color fading or chalking: Some premium paint warranties guarantee against excessive fading or chalking (the powdery residue that sometimes appears on exterior paint as it ages) for a specified period, usually 10-15 years for high-end exterior paints.

Film integrity: The warranty may cover issues like loss of adhesion, excessive dirt retention, or mildew growth (for mold-resistant formulations) when the paint was applied correctly.

What Paint Product Warranties Don't Cover

Here's where many homeowners get surprised. Paint manufacturers explicitly exclude coverage for:

Improper surface preparation: If the contractor failed to clean, scrape, sand, prime, or otherwise prepare the surface correctly, any resulting paint failure is not covered. This is the single biggest exclusion and the reason contractor workmanship matters so much.

Incorrect application: If the wrong number of coats were applied, the paint was applied outside recommended temperature or humidity ranges, incompatible primers were used, or application techniques were shoddy, the manufacturer won't cover resulting failures.

Normal wear and tear: Paint naturally degrades over time from UV exposure, weathering, cleaning, and everyday use. Warranties don't cover aging and normal breakdown—they only cover premature or unexpected failure.

Environmental damage: Impact damage, scratches, stains from harsh chemicals, smoke damage, water damage from leaks or flooding, or damage from pressure washing are not manufacturing defects and aren't covered.

Labor costs: Even if the manufacturer agrees to replace the defective paint, they typically won't pay for the labor to remove the old paint and reapply the new product. You'll receive replacement paint, but you'll pay your contractor to do the work all over again.

How to Qualify for Paint Product Warranty Coverage

To have any hope of making a successful warranty claim with a paint manufacturer, you must:

1. Retain proof of purchase: Keep receipts showing what paint was purchased, when, and from which retailer.

2. Follow application instructions exactly: The paint must be applied according to the manufacturer's technical data sheet (TDS) specifications: correct surface prep, compatible primer, recommended number of coats, proper temperature and humidity conditions, etc.

3. Use compatible products: If the TDS specifies a particular primer or topcoat combination, you must use those products. Mixing brands or using incompatible products can void coverage.

4. Document the problem: Take clear photos showing the extent and nature of the failure. Note when the issue first appeared.

5. Contact the manufacturer promptly: Most warranties require notification within a specific timeframe (often 30-60 days) after discovering the problem.

6. Provide access for inspection: The manufacturer may send a representative to inspect the failure and determine the cause. They'll be looking for evidence of proper surface prep and application.

Warranty Lengths by Product Tier

Paint product warranties vary significantly by quality level:

Economy/builder-grade paints: Often carry minimal or no warranty, or very short coverage (1-2 years). These products are designed for initial construction, not long-term durability.

Mid-grade paints: Typically offer 5-10 year limited warranties covering manufacturing defects and some performance issues.

Premium/designer paints: May offer 10-25 year warranties on high-end products, with some lifetime limited warranties on flagship lines. These longer warranties usually still exclude labor and require strict adherence to application guidelines.

Specialty coatings: Products like elastomeric coatings for stucco, anti-mildew formulas, or stain-blocking primers often carry specific performance guarantees (e.g., "blocks mildew growth for 5 years when applied correctly").

Real-World Warranty Claim Reality

Here's the truth about paint product warranty claims: they're rarely successful for typical homeowner projects.

Why? Because almost all paint failure stems from surface preparation or application issues, not defects in the paint itself. Modern paints from reputable manufacturers are highly consistent and reliable. When paint peels, it's almost always because:

• The surface wasn't properly cleaned or primed
• Loose or peeling old paint wasn't scraped away
• Moisture problems weren't addressed before painting
• The wrong primer was used (or no primer at all)
• Paint was applied in temperatures below 50°F or above 90°F
• Insufficient coats were applied
• The surface wasn't allowed to cure properly between coats

All of these are contractor workmanship issues, not paint defects—and they're not covered by manufacturer warranties.

This is why your contractor's workmanship warranty is actually far more important than the paint product warranty.

Contractor Workmanship Warranties: Your Real Protection

A workmanship warranty from your painting contractor is your primary protection against problems after the project is complete. This warranty covers the quality and durability of the contractor's labor.

What a Good Workmanship Warranty Should Cover

Paint adhesion and durability: The contractor guarantees that paint won't peel, blister, or fail due to improper surface preparation or application technique. If it does, they return and redo the work at no additional cost.

Proper coverage and finish quality: The warranty should cover issues like thin spots, visible brushstrokes or roller marks, uneven sheen, or poor color consistency—all signs of subpar application.

Caulking and patching: Any caulk joints around trim, windows, and doors should remain sealed and flexible. Patched areas should remain smooth and invisible under the finish coat.

Clean cut lines: Where different paint colors meet (walls and ceilings, walls and trim), the lines should remain crisp without bleed-through or overlap.

Thorough cleanup: While not always explicitly stated, a quality contractor stands behind their promise to leave your home clean and undamaged.

What Workmanship Warranties Typically Exclude

Legitimate exclusions in a contractor warranty usually include:

Normal wear and tear: Just like the paint manufacturer, contractors don't warranty against natural aging, fading from UV exposure, or gradual breakdown over many years.

Damage from homeowner actions: If you scrub walls with abrasive cleaners, bang furniture into freshly painted trim, or spill harsh chemicals on painted surfaces, that's not the contractor's responsibility.

Environmental events: Water damage from plumbing leaks or roof failures, smoke damage from fires, or impact damage from storms or accidents aren't covered.

Changes to the structure: If the home settles, cracks appear in walls, or moisture problems develop after painting, these structural issues aren't the contractor's fault (though they may cause paint to fail).

Unauthorized repairs: If you hire someone else to touch up or repaint areas during the warranty period, the original contractor may void their warranty.

How Long Should a Workmanship Warranty Last?

Workmanship warranty lengths vary widely by contractor:

1 year: This is the minimum you should accept. Some contractors offer only a one-year warranty, which covers the first year after project completion. This is enough time for application defects to become apparent, but it's a relatively short commitment.

2-3 years: A more generous standard. Contractors who offer 2-3 year warranties are demonstrating confidence in their surface prep and application quality. Most workmanship-related failures will show up within this window.

5+ years: Premium workmanship warranties are offered by contractors who are exceptionally confident in their process and materials. At Lamorinda Painting, we offer a 6-year workmanship warranty on all projects—one of the longest in the industry. We can make this commitment because we invest heavily in proper surface preparation, use premium materials, and follow manufacturer specifications exactly.

Lifetime warranties: Be very cautious of "lifetime" workmanship warranties. Read the fine print carefully. Many have extensive exclusions, require annual inspections or maintenance, or are prorated (covering a smaller percentage of costs each year). Some are marketing gimmicks that sound better than they actually are.

How to Make a Workmanship Warranty Claim

If you notice issues during the warranty period:

1. Document the problem: Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles showing the extent of the issue.

2. Contact the contractor promptly: Refer to your contract for warranty claim procedures. Most contractors prefer a phone call or email with photos attached.

3. Describe the issue specifically: "The paint is peeling on the north-facing exterior wall near the garage" is much more helpful than "the paint is coming off."

4. Allow the contractor to inspect: A reputable contractor will visit your home to assess the issue in person and determine the cause.

5. Expect a reasonable resolution timeline: Minor touch-ups might be handled within a week or two. Larger issues may need to be scheduled around the contractor's current project commitments and weather conditions.

6. Get repairs in writing: If the contractor agrees to warranty work, get a written description of what will be done and when.

A quality contractor will stand behind their warranty and make things right if the issue stems from their workmanship. They may push back if the damage clearly results from homeowner actions or environmental factors outside their control, but legitimate warranty claims should be honored without argument.

Comparing Product and Workmanship Warranties

Let's look at a real-world example to illustrate the difference:

Scenario: Two years after your exterior was painted, you notice paint peeling on the south-facing wall above the garage.

Paint product warranty perspective: The manufacturer's representative inspects and determines that the wood siding wasn't properly primed before painting. Because improper surface prep is excluded, the paint warranty doesn't apply. You might receive free replacement paint as a goodwill gesture, but you're responsible for paying a contractor to scrape, prep, prime, and repaint the area.

Contractor workmanship warranty perspective: Your contractor inspects and agrees that the failure resulted from inadequate priming on that section of siding. Because this is a workmanship issue and you're still within the warranty period, the contractor returns and redoes the work at no cost to you: scraping the peeling paint, properly priming the bare wood, and applying fresh topcoats.

In this scenario, the contractor warranty is what actually protects you and saves you money.

Questions to Ask Contractors About Warranties

When you're evaluating painting contractors and reviewing estimates, ask these specific questions about warranties:

About Their Workmanship Warranty

• How long is your workmanship warranty?
• What specific issues does it cover?
• What's excluded from coverage?
• How do I make a warranty claim if I have an issue?
• Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?
• Do you have a written warranty document I can review before signing the contract?

About Paint Product Warranties

• What paint brand and product line do you recommend, and what warranty does it carry?
• Will you provide me with the manufacturer's warranty documentation and technical data sheets?
• How do you ensure the paint is applied according to manufacturer specifications to maintain warranty coverage?
• If a paint product warranty issue arises, will you help me navigate the claim process with the manufacturer?

Red Flags

Be cautious if a contractor:

• Offers no warranty at all (major red flag—walk away)
• Provides only a verbal warranty with nothing in writing
• Offers an unusually long "lifetime" warranty without clear documentation of terms
• Can't or won't explain what the warranty covers
• Dismisses warranty questions as unimportant ("You won't need it—my work is perfect")

How Proper Workmanship Protects Both Warranties

Here's a key insight: when your contractor does excellent surface preparation and follows paint manufacturer specifications exactly, you get the benefit of both warranties.

Proper surface prep means:

• Thoroughly scraping and sanding any loose, peeling, or flaking paint
• Cleaning surfaces to remove dirt, grease, mildew, and chalky residue
• Repairing damaged areas (rotted wood, cracked stucco, holes in drywall)
• Priming bare surfaces, stained areas, and repaired spots with the appropriate primer for the substrate
• Caulking gaps and joints to seal against moisture intrusion
• Allowing adequate drying time between coats
• Applying paint in appropriate temperature and humidity conditions

Following manufacturer specs means:

• Using the recommended primer for the specific surface and topcoat
• Applying the specified number of coats (usually two, sometimes three)
• Maintaining proper mil thickness (paint film thickness)
• Adhering to temperature and humidity guidelines (typically 50-90°F, humidity below 85%)
• Allowing proper cure time between coats
• Using compatible products from the same manufacturer system

When a contractor takes these steps, paint failure is extremely rare. The product warranty remains valid because application was correct, and the workmanship warranty covers any issues that do arise from the labor.

This is why hiring a quality contractor who invests in proper preparation and follows best practices is so important. You're not just paying for someone to slap paint on your walls—you're paying for expertise and process that protects your investment.

What to Look for in a Written Warranty

Your contractor should provide a written warranty document either as part of your contract or as a separate addendum. Look for these elements:

Clear warranty length: "This workmanship is warranted for 6 years from the completion date of [PROJECT DATE]."

Specific coverage: List of what's covered (adhesion failure, peeling, blistering due to improper prep or application, etc.).

Clear exclusions: List of what's not covered (wear and tear, homeowner damage, structural issues, environmental damage).

Claim process: How to notify the contractor of issues, expected response time, and resolution process.

Transferability terms: Whether the warranty transfers to new owners if you sell the home (some do, some don't).

Contractor contact information: Business name, license number, phone number, and email.

Signatures: Both you and the contractor should sign and date the warranty document.

Keep this document with your other home records. You'll need it if warranty issues arise.

The Lamorinda Painting 6-Year Workmanship Warranty

At Lamorinda Painting, we stand behind every project with a 6-year workmanship warranty—one of the longest in the industry.

We can offer this exceptional warranty because we don't cut corners:

Thorough surface preparation: We scrape, sand, patch, and prime every surface according to best practices and manufacturer specifications. We don't skip steps to save time.

Quality materials: We use premium paints and primers from trusted manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore. We select the right products for your specific surfaces and climate conditions.

Proper application: We follow manufacturer guidelines exactly—correct number of coats, appropriate temperature and humidity conditions, proper cure times between coats.

Experienced crews: Our painters are skilled professionals who understand the chemistry of paint, the importance of surface prep, and the techniques that deliver lasting results.

Comprehensive protection: We protect your home during the project with professional drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and careful masking. We leave your property spotless when we're done.

If any issue arises from our workmanship during the 6-year warranty period, we return and make it right at no additional cost to you. No arguments, no fine print loopholes—just a straightforward commitment to quality work that lasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a paint warranty and a workmanship warranty?

A paint product warranty (from the manufacturer) covers defects in the paint itself when applied correctly according to their specifications. A workmanship warranty (from your contractor) covers the quality of surface preparation and application. The contractor warranty is usually more important because most paint failures stem from poor prep or application, not defective paint.

How long should I expect a professional paint job to last?

With proper surface preparation, quality materials, and skilled application, interior paint typically lasts 7-10 years in living spaces and 5-7 years in high-traffic areas. Exterior paint usually lasts 5-10 years depending on climate, sun exposure, and surface material. These are general expectations—a contractor's workmanship warranty should cover premature failures within the warranty period.

Will a paint manufacturer really honor their warranty?

Paint manufacturer warranties are difficult to claim successfully because most failures result from surface prep or application issues, which are explicitly excluded. If you do have a legitimate manufacturing defect, major brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore typically honor their warranties, but they usually only provide replacement paint, not labor costs to reapply it.

What should I do if my contractor goes out of business during the warranty period?

This is a risk with any service business. To protect yourself, choose established contractors with solid reputations and longevity in the community. Check their license status and history with the CSLB (California Contractors State License Board). Some contractors carry insurance that covers warranty obligations even if the business closes, but this is uncommon. The contractor's bond may provide some protection for claims filed with the CSLB.

Does a longer warranty always mean better work?

Not necessarily. A 6-year warranty from a reputable, established contractor is a strong commitment. A "lifetime" warranty from an unknown contractor may have so many exclusions and limitations that it's less valuable than a shorter, straightforward warranty. Always read the warranty terms carefully and evaluate the contractor's overall reputation, not just the warranty length.

Can I get a warranty if I supply my own paint?

Many contractors won't warranty their workmanship if you supply the paint because they can't control product quality or ensure you've purchased appropriate products for your surfaces. If you do supply your own paint and the contractor agrees to warranty the work, get the warranty terms in writing and understand that coverage may be limited.

What happens if I paint over the contractor's work during the warranty period?

Most workmanship warranties require that no one else perform painting work on the warranted surfaces during the warranty period. If you hire another contractor or DIY a touch-up, the original contractor may consider the warranty void for those areas. If you need touch-ups, contact the original contractor first.

Are warranties transferable if I sell my home?

This varies by contractor. Some workmanship warranties transfer to new owners, which can be a selling point for your home. Others are non-transferable and apply only to the original client. Check your warranty document for transferability terms, and if you're selling your home with a recent paint job, highlight the warranty coverage to potential buyers.

Protecting Your Investment

The best warranty is the one you never need to use—and that comes from hiring a quality contractor who does the job right the first time.

Look for contractors who:

• Invest time in thorough surface preparation before painting
• Use quality materials appropriate for your specific surfaces and climate
• Follow paint manufacturer specifications exactly
• Provide detailed written estimates that clearly describe scope and materials
• Offer meaningful workmanship warranties (2+ years minimum) in writing
• Have solid reputations, strong references, and established local presence

At Lamorinda Painting, we've built our reputation on quality workmanship and standing behind every project with our 6-year warranty. We serve homeowners throughout Lafayette, Lamorinda, and the greater East Bay with the same commitment to preparation, quality materials, and attention to detail that makes long-term warranties possible.

If you're planning a painting project and want the peace of mind that comes from working with a contractor who truly stands behind their work, contact us today for a free estimate. We'll explain our process, show you examples of our work, and provide a detailed proposal with clear warranty terms so you know exactly what protection you have.

Your home is an investment. Make sure your paint job is protected by a warranty that actually means something.