Completed painting should be inspected against the agreed scope and the approved sample, with the painter present. The purpose is to record specific observations and resolve them before handover — using the room's normal lighting and the agreed finish as the reference, not a general expectation.
What to have to hand at the inspection
Keep the quote, the approved colour, and the product and finish names available. If the job covered only certain walls or local repairs, mark those limits. A verbal expectation of "perfect walls" is far less useful than an agreed sample and a written preparation scope that both sides accepted.
How to walk through the room together
The inspection runs in order, so nothing is missed:
- Check that the agreed surfaces and edges are covered.
- Look for missed areas, runs and inconsistent patches.
- Compare the finish with the approved sample.
- Check adjacent flooring, furniture and fittings for paint marks.
- Record unfinished items with a location and a photograph.
- Establish which observations need curing time before judgement.
Why lighting is part of the inspection
Most defects do not show under straight-on light. Direct a light along the wall instead: that is what reveals ridges, roller marks and uneven areas. Check the result both in daylight and in the evening with the fittings on, because that is how you will actually live in the room.
How to write a clear correction list
Write "visible patch beside the left window" rather than "bad painting". Agree who will assess it, what correction is proposed and when it can be checked again. Some appearance checks need the coating to reach the stage specified by its manufacturer before they mean anything.
Which faults can only be judged later
Faults tied to durability — adhesion, wear resistance, washability — cannot be assessed on handover day, because the film goes on hardening for up to 28 days. So handover checks appearance, while anything depending on curing is checked separately, within an agreed period.
What information to collect
Record the paint name, the colour code and any remaining labelled material. Ask when items may be placed against the wall and when cleaning becomes permitted. The manufacturer's care guidance distinguishes drying from curing before cleaning.
What to do after handover
Put the agreed corrections in writing, with a deadline and a re-inspection date. Keep the photographs and the product details: years later those are exactly what a local repair will need. See drying and curing times and the quote guide.
This general guide was prepared with AI assistance. Technical sources are linked in the text; the specific product instructions and an assessment of the property take precedence over general examples.
