At Cornerstone Pro Painting, a recent customer came to us with a clear goal — and a colour in mind: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.
It's a beautiful white. But based on the condition of the walls and our experience with similar projects, we recommended considering another option before moving forward. Here's why, and how that advice helped us achieve an even finish in two coats.
The Customer's Goal: A Fresh White Interior Before Listing
Our customer wanted to repaint the property before putting it on the market. They liked the bright appearance of Chantilly Lace and wanted that fresh look throughout the home.
The existing walls, however, weren't in ideal condition.
From our experience, using Chantilly Lace over an existing colour or an uneven-looking surface can sometimes require an additional coat to achieve consistent coverage. For this project, that was a possibility worth discussing upfront.
An extra coat across a property means additional labour and materials. Before starting, we wanted the homeowner to understand how their colour choice could affect the final cost.
Does Chantilly Lace Always Need an Extra Coat?
No. We wouldn't make that promise — or that assumption — based on the colour name alone.
Chantilly Lace is a colour available in different Benjamin Moore paint products. The product selected, the existing wall colour, surface preparation, and application all matter when assessing coverage.
On some of our projects, reaching the finish we wanted with Chantilly Lace has required more than two coats. That experience informed our advice to this customer.
There's also a difference between coverage and wall condition. A different colour won't repair damaged walls or replace proper cleaning, preparation, and priming where needed. Those requirements should be assessed separately.
Our Recommendation: A Similar Look That Suited the Project
We explained that Chantilly Lace was still an option. If the customer preferred it, we could proceed with a clear understanding that an additional coat might be necessary.
We also recommended a similar white that, in our judgement, was better suited to the existing walls and the customer's goal.
The homeowner was preparing to sell. Their priority was a clean, consistent appearance without unnecessary additional work. They weren't committed to one exact shade at any cost.
After discussing the options, they chose the alternative we recommended.
The Result: Even Coverage in Two Coats
With the selected colour, we completed the painting in two coats and achieved consistent coverage throughout the property.
The customer got the fresh white appearance they wanted without needing a third finishing coat on this project.
That outcome doesn't mean every similar white will cover in two coats. It shows why choosing a colour alongside your painter — while considering the actual walls — can make a meaningful difference.
What Homeowners Can Learn Before Painting to Sell
Before committing to an interior paint colour, ask your painter:
- How does this colour work with the current walls and the paint product being quoted?
- What preparation or primer is needed?
- How many finishing coats are included in the estimate?
- What happens if an additional coat is required?
- Is there a similar colour that could better suit the project?
These conversations help you compare estimates properly and understand potential costs before work begins.
The right choice balances the appearance you want, the condition of your home, and your budget.
Planning Interior Painting Before Selling in Toronto or the GTA?
At Cornerstone Pro Painting, we believe professional advice is part of a good painting job. That means explaining your options, discussing potential extra work early, and helping you choose a finish that makes sense for your property.
If you're preparing your home for sale in Toronto or the GTA, we can help you plan your interior painting project — from colour selection to the final walkthrough.