Complaint and visual assessment of painting work

What is visual assessment?

Visual assessment is the common method for evaluating painting quality. Surfaces are judged in normal, diffuse daylight — not in sharp, directed light — at a reasonable viewing distance. The aim is to evaluate the overall impression, not microscopic details.

Lighting and viewing distance

• Assess in daylight or comparable diffuse, even artificial light.
• Avoid sharp, directed light (e.g. work lamps) straight onto the surface.
• Distance: typically 1–1.5 meters for walls/ceilings and about 0.5 meter for woodwork.

Acceptance criteria – walls and ceilings

• The overall impression should be even and uniform in color and sheen.
• Minor texture traces from the substrate and light roller marks can occur in certain lighting.
• No visible sanding scratches, drips/runs, greasy spots or obvious unevenness.
• Joints in lining (fleece) must not appear as open seams.

Acceptance criteria – woodwork (panels, doors, casings)

• Even coverage without notable runs or sags.
• Slight substrate texture can be visible — mirror-gloss is not standard unless agreed.
• Edges must be covered; minor dust nibs can be acceptable from a normal viewpoint.

Color differences and gloss

Small sheen variations can occur due to substrate, suction and application. We therefore work in whole fields/rooms and with correct primers to minimize variations. Distinct shadows, spots or uneven coverage should be rectified.

Typical defects — when is it a complaint?

• Clear streaks, runs or transparent coverage in normal light.
• Open seams in lining or visible filler edges.
• Unpainted areas, nicotine/moisture bleed-through without blocker, or lack of cleaning.

How to complain properly

1. Document in daylight with photos (no flash and no work lamps).
2. Note where the issue appears and at what distance.
3. Contact us quickly — preferably within 5 business days after handover — so we can plan remedial action.

Walkthrough and remediation

For complaints we arrange a joint inspection. If issues outside the scope (e.g. hidden damage, moisture) are found, we advise on solutions. Remedial work is carried out targeted and as gently as possible for the finished result.

Standards and professional guidelines

We follow established industry standards and professional painting guidelines for visual assessment and quality. If you have questions about tolerances or process, we are happy to help.