Paint colour approvals for tenant improvements

Turn colours into a finish schedule

A finish schedule should identify each room or zone, surface, colour code, sheen, product line and approval status. Keep the schedule connected to the drawings or room list. Do not rely on screenshots or verbal colour names as the only record.

For Saskatoon tenant-improvement work, confirm whether the landlord, tenant, designer, contractor or owner approves final colours. The right approver depends on the project agreement; write it down before painting starts.

• Room or zone name.
• Surface type.
• Colour reference and sheen.
• Sample status and approver.

Review samples in the actual space

Lighting, neighbouring finishes and wall condition can change how a colour reads. Review samples near flooring, millwork, signage and natural or artificial light. If a colour changes, update the schedule and notify affected trades.

Sheen affects appearance as well as maintenance. Sherwin-Williams explains that gloss and sheen influence paint appearance and performance, which is why the approval should include sheen rather than colour alone.

Reference: Sherwin-Williams: gloss and sheen

Control late changes before they hit the wall

Late colour changes can affect ordering, schedule, adjacent finishes and touch-ups. Use a simple change record: requested change, affected zones, cost/schedule impact, approver and decision date. Keep rejected options out of the active finish schedule.

At handover, provide the final schedule so the tenant or property manager can maintain the space. A useful closeout record is part of the finished project, not an optional extra discovered months later.

Can colour approvals wait until painters are on site?

That creates avoidable risk. Samples and approvals should be completed before finish work starts, especially when tenant, landlord or designer decisions overlap.

Put the planning into practice

Download the free quote comparison kit to compare the work behind each price, or build your commercial project brief before requesting an estimate. No email required to use either tool.

Discuss your commercial project

For offices, retail spaces and other commercial interiors, review the surfaces, access and protection questions covered by our commercial interior painting in Saskatoon service.

Have a location and a rough scope? Request a commercial painting quote with the details you have. Access, timing and project requirements can then be reviewed for your property.