Do you know what brand/type of paint is used in apartments?

Question

I want to do some spot-painting in my apartment, but I want to make sure it's the exact same thing. Does anyone know specifically, what generic brand or style paint is used for white walls in apartments, the cost and where I can find it?

Answer 1

As a painter at an apartment complex-I just HAD to answer this one! Please, for the sake of your deposit-ask the property manager or landlord for touch up paint! They will most likely give you a small jar of their paint.
You could possibly be charged or have your deposit taken to cover the cost of repainting an entire wall if you attempt to color match the paint yourself!
Also, before you consider painting, use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove scuffs and scratch marks from the wall first. (Rinse the residue off with a clean rag and water when finished.) You might be amazed at how many spots can be removed without actually painting! Save the jar of touch up paint for the spots that won't come off with the eraser and water.
I don't know how most landlords/complexes are, but there isn't really a standard, generic, regionally used paint/brand. And most of the time, even though the walls "look" white, they are actually painted with an off white color or they have faded with time.
If I were you, I wouldn't chance anything when it comes to getting your deposit back! It costs money to paint an entire wall, and it will cost a lot more if THEY are going to charge YOU for it!
Good Luck!

Answer 2

After applying thousands of gallons of paint and with all due respect, I agree in part with number 3. You should first get info from the complex management. Most especially you may need "permission"?

Obviously no one here can give you any advice about brand, shade, and in not knowing the age or condition of the walls, it's likely a MATCH isn't going to be successful.

Usually in apartments the owners use what might be considered a low grade paint, and most often when an apartment is vacated. They likely buy it in bulk and if they have a large number to paint at one time, they may sub out the work.

You may not know paint properties extensively, but most apartments are likely done in FLAT which isn't very durable, doesn't clean up very well, and not anything I use any longer. My preference is quality satins, and in some cases semi gloss.

Best bet, check with property management, owners, and/or maintenance. I suspect YOU will have to foot the bill, as it's likely not an issue they should be liable for. In fact if left alone they may deduct from your security deposit should you ever move.

Without knowing the age, or again, the condition of the walls, IE: normal wear, normal dirt/dust residues/nicotine/ cooking residues, etc. I suspect you'll have to paint an entire area, not just spot paint.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

I would approach this a little differently.
You seem ready to paint. So ask the maintenance guy... he probably has some. If not let the manager know what you want to do..they will probably buy it for you and maybe take a little off the rent for your labor. Either way it should not cost you a thing. I wouldn't buy any paint on my own. Down the road when you move out, you might get hit with a bill to repaint the entire apartment because it's not the right shade.

Answer 4

When I used to paint apartments, I used the cheapest paint I could find and that changed, depending on what was in stock or on sale. Spot painting is never a good idea. Even with the same paint, it will be noticeable.

Answer 5

Ask your landlord. There are 10 zillion shades of white and as many companies. Try telling your landlord that there are some knicks in the paint and you would like to touch them up. I don't give my tenants paint because I had one that just dropped it all over the carpets but I'm always glad to come in and touch up so that the apartment looks nice. So if he doesn't want you to do it, ask him if he would like to do it. Last resort ask him the shade and where he buys his paint.

Answer 6

I suggest you go to the apartment office and tell them what you want to do. They will LOVE you for taking care of their property and they will have the maintenance staff provide you with the paint that your apartment was painted with.

Answer 7

The paint could have been purchased anywhere, you need to ask the landlord... if they dont know, be prepared to paint the entire apt or any walls that you touch up... all manufactures are a little different in color...

Answer 8

I have always used semi gloss paint. It's durable and could be washed. The paint is usually twenty dollars a gallon. You could find it at home depot, although I prefer Sherwin William's.Good Luck

Answer 9

any brand of paint that you want...