9.1.10 Paint finishes
Painted and varnished surfaces shall be even in appearance and free from conspicuous runs and prominent brush marks.
Painted and varnished surfaces should:
- be reasonably smooth and free from nail holes, cracks and splits
- have joints filled
- be reasonably uniform in colour, texture and finish.
Also note:
- surfaces should be viewed in daylight from a distance of 2m and not by shining artificial light on the surface. Wall lights and/or uplighters should be switched off
- timber surfaces may show limited raised grain, and the colour and texture may also vary
- drying shrinkage of timber may cause cracking of the paint finish, particularly where joints occur in plaster and woodwork
- where painted surfaces are touched up, minor colour variations may occur
- external finishes will dull over time, depending on a number of factors such as exposure to sunlight, rain and pollutants
- resin can exude from knots, causing discoloration of paintwork, even though modern primers contain a compound to limit this
- site-decorated trim, such as architrave and skirting, may have a different finished appearance from factory-finished components, such as doors.
Last updated: 2nd January 2024