Painting: most of the quality is in the preparation
Paint shows every crack, patch and wave under it. A good painter spends more time preparing than painting, and leaves the right time between coats.
- 1 + 2primer coat, then two topcoatsManufacturer
- 6 hbetween coats at 23 °C for one common emulsionManufacturer
- Drysurface: no damp, dust or grease before paintingManufacturer
- Torchheld flat to the wall: no patches, laps or brush marksGood practice
A good paint job starts with a sound, clean, dry surface: cracks filled, patches sanded flush, dust removed. Then one coat of primer and two topcoats of the agreed paint, with the drying time on the data sheet between coats (one common interior emulsion needs 6 hours at 23 °C). Check with a torch held flat against the wall before you sign off.
Why check before it is covered. Painting over cracks, damp or dust looks fine for weeks, then cracks, peels or stains through, and the whole wall has to be prepared and painted again.
The checklist
0 of 13 checked · 0 issuesEach check shows its basis: Manufacturer Published standard Good practice. Hold points, in coral, are the moments to see the work before it is covered.
Preparation
Before any paint goes on- Walls checked for cracks, holes, damp, mould and loose paint Paint does not fix any of these. It hides them for a few weeks. Good practice
- Cracks and holes filled and sanded flush with the wall Unsanded filler shows as a raised patch once painted. Manufacturer[1]
- Surface clean and dry, free from dust, oil and grease Paint over dust peels. Manufacturer[1]
- Floors, frames, switches and fittings masked or covered Paint on fittings and floors is a common snag. Good practice
Primer and topcoats
While painting- A primer suited to the surface goes on first1 coat Primer seals filler and new plaster so the topcoat dries evenly. Manufacturer[1]
- The paint is the agreed brand, product and colour code Check the tins. Cheaper paint can look the same on day one. Good practice
- The drying time on the data sheet is left between coats6 h at 23 °C For one common emulsion. Rushing coats leaves a soft, patchy finish. Manufacturer[1]
- Two full topcoats, not one thick coat2 coats Two coats give even colour and cover. Manufacturer[1]
- Straight, clean lines where walls meet ceilings and trims Wavy cut-in lines are the first thing people notice. Good practice
Final check
Before you sign off- Hold a torch flat against each wall: no patches, lap marks, brush marks or bumps Side light shows what daylight will show later. Good practice
- The colour matches the agreed sample in daylight Colours look different under site lights. Good practice
- Touch-ups after the fit-out are done and blend in Fitting kitchens and wardrobes always marks walls. Good practice
- Leftover paint labelled with the room and colour code For invisible repairs later. Good practice
All 13 checks, including the hold point. Tick them on site, add notes and photos, and download a PDF to send your contractor. Free with a SoukLocal account.
Sign in freeQuestions to ask your contractor
- Which paint brand, product and colour codes?
- Primer, then how many topcoats?
- How will you prepare the walls and fill the cracks?
- Will you leave labelled leftover paint?
Questions
How many coats of paint does a wall need?
Usually one coat of primer and two topcoats, as the paint maker specifies. New plaster, filler and strong colour changes need the primer; two topcoats give an even colour.
How long between coats of paint?
As the data sheet says. For one common interior emulsion it is about 6 hours at 23 °C and 2 hours at 40 °C. Rushing coats gives a soft, patchy finish.
How do I check a paint job?
Hold a torch flat against the wall and look along it. Patches, lap marks, brush marks and bumps show up clearly. Check colour against the sample in daylight.
Sources
Written from the working method statements of a Dubai design-and-build contractor, then checked against manufacturer data sheets and published guidance. Each check says which. Manufacturer figures are examples from one product or system: follow the data sheet for the product used on your job. This page helps you ask the right questions; it is not a certificate that work is sound.
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