It would make sense to keep some distance between yourself and subcontractors, and specific tools, if you can simply specify the quality and cleanliness of the finished product. If you're still not satisfied with the walls, you've greatly muddied the waters by mixing your labor with a sub's, and by telling the builder to use specific means and methods--rather than the walls must be free of dust, streaks, and smudges. Sounds like you're spending a lot of time being a GC on this job, increasing your risk. while still paying a GC.

I just tried some Behr Ultra Premium or something for a lady that provided the paint for me....she said it was $16 per gallon. It was pretty bad....didn't spread or flow, flashed like crazy. With those application properties, I can't imagine that it will clean that well. I imagine the Behr resin is 100 percent acrylic, but the rest of the ingredients are garbage. What this means is that it will cover well, so homeowners and DIY'ers may think it's great stuff, but coverage is only one of the things we look for in a paint. In a small kitchen with low lighting or absence of sunlight coming in from windows, it may look okay, but if washability is a concern, I wouldn't expect it to perform well. There is probably no need to double prime unless you really apply the first coat poorly. If your first coat of primer is a full one, then you can move right on to finish coating. I have never used a tack cloth in my life, but you do want to use some method to remove dust from sanding before applying the next coat...tack cloth is one of those methods, but I always have a dust brush on hand to dust out the corners of the panels and such that a tack cloth will certainly miss. What can happen is your brush will pick up those particles when you are painting and you will end up with a rough surface. Two finish coats is good.

Find a gas fitter who installs fireplaces and have them uninstall and re-install the fireplace properly.

Wouldn't you know it... I had the house painted and the first time we used the fireplace, it expelled soot. We had the fireplace inspected and repaired before we used it, however the repairman didn't leave the vent open as much as he said he did. No they won't pay for the cost of repaint. Is there any way to DIY this and not have to repaint? I researched dry sponges, but not sure if they work or will make it worse. I've haven't done anything for fear of smearing it, which I'll inevitably have to pay for a repaint. Thanks