Does painting and decoration include filling cracks and holes in ceiling?

Painting and decorating ; any good Decorator will prepare all painted area. This may include washing the area , filling small cracks or holes then sanding back to a smooth finish. On some occasion the decorater may feel that preparation involved would require a more extensive overhaul and recommend plastering to obtain a top quality finish. Quality decorators are few and far between. Painting is all about the preparation- Best regards Paul Steele Project manager 360 Construction Solution Ltd

Any decorator worth their salt would 'make good' prior to painting and between coats. This decorator you have employed seems like a cowboy and a shame to the trade. Did you get a quote/estimate in writing explaining what was to be done? If so, maybe you have an arguement in small claims court? With regards to the cracks, they sound like movement of the plasterboard which is not uncommon nor a worry. there are a couple of options. If there is not too much movement, you can rake out the cracks with a stanley knife and fill with easyfill or such like, sand and paint. Or, for a much better chance of the cracks not opening, use a mesh tape (scrim) Rake out the cracks as before, apply the self adhesive tape over the cracks and fill over. You will have to firstly fill over the Scrim tape flush. Once the filler is dry I would fill over again using a trowel making sure to feather either side out with the filler maybe 4-6 inches. Finally sand and paint. I hope this helps and I am Truly sorry about your bad experience (we are'nt all cowboys!) Good luck in the future All the best, Ian Byrne

Hi Its always best to get an estimate in writing prior to commencement Regards Wullie Wilson

This makes my blood boil, it sounds like somebody has taken advantage of your good nature. All above comments are right, it is such a simple job for any professional decorator to do, all I can suggest is you tell all your friends about her so it doesnt happen to them. All the best.

I’ve been a decorator for over 25 years now and I’ve never been scared to pull out the sandpaper spend more time on the preparation and you will always get the best finish.and I would strongly recommend to use the best materials as they will achieve the highest level of perfection to make every client happy.

Yes painting and decoration includes all prep work as any professional would know as my company (finishers) finish at a high standard.

What does painting and decoration mean? Does it mean filling the cracks and holes and rubbing & then painting ? Yeah painters would only paint your ceilings/walls required.. If any preparation before painting Would hire decorators/plasterers Regards Troweltradeplasterers 👍

This definitely comes under what she should of done. Is any easy job for any competent painter and decorator.

Painting and decorating does included preparation, on the basis that you have discussed this and it is included in the specification. When you received your quotation from the company you choose you should have received an itemised specification alongside to show what you are paying for. If you choose a company or person who does not provided this you do not know what you will be getting, and it is your word against theirs. In future always request a specification and if the company or person will not give you one, hire a professional who would be willing to do so. There are a number of options to resolve this. 1. Take out the cracks clean edges fill and sand. This may be suitable for minor cracks. 2. Make sure there is no movement in the boards above the plaster. If when you push the ceiling near the crack it moves, I would advise solving this issue first. This is normally due to a lack of fixings in the plasterboard when it was first installed. 3. Take out cracks, skim tape over cracks, fill over skim tape and feather out, sand down. Without veining a job it is hard to say but one of these 3 should be suitable.

always fill and rub down before painting and dig out the crack a bit and fill it in and rub down ready for painting.

Hard to say without viewing it but if its that bad it should really be either re plastered or fibre lined. Sometimes cracks always go again even after filling it can be movement sometimes. If this is the case I would consider those two options. M.B.E decorators.

Agree with several of trades men's comments it appears you have hired another cowboy or girl. Why would they not fill cracks in rooms. Like others we usually use scrim tape followed by x3 fills easifill then rundown. If you received a written quote it must have stated prep work, if so get the cowboy back to correct work but with someone who knows the trade if not take them to small claim court. Another chancer giving decent tradesman a bad name. Good luck hope u sort it

Hi, the decorator has to cut out the cracks with a knife at 45 degree before filling, if you fill straight on top the cracks could come back within a week. Regards Tim Osgood

Any decent painter and decorator would snag a job property ie filling and sanding.also you would apply as many coats of paint as required but normal acouple of top coats does the job 👍🏻

Hi It is part of the job. A painter and Decorator should always make surfaces good prior to painting, this includes filling, corking, sealing, stain blocking etc. The additional work should be charged for but should also be included in the quote. A good finish cannot be achieved on a poorly prepared surface.

Sadly for you, you had a very lazy decorator you have to fill the holes then sand, this is called preparation what a few companies and people are over looking nowadays, it’s pure laziness.

On all of our jobs the Preparation process includes filling of cracks and holes prior to Painting and Decorating finish. We clearly specify on our quotes & contracts to guarantee filling, sanding/smoothing of any imperfections to wall surface (making absolutely good of all the work involved). As mentioned above, if walls require plaster we aim to inform the client in advance (during the Shortlisting process) as part of our Customer Support/dialogue. As responsible Painters & Decorators, we provide all the necessary support and definition of each stage of works, to ensure our clients are absolutely clear about the level of work thats required within their home/project. We go as far, as listing down on our Quotes/Contracts the entire Services Required for each room. This way, we are legally obliged to complete every step to the highest standard and also make sure that we are fully transparent. As part of our Company Ethos, we are adamant in being concise, work extremely hard, always deliver on time and on budget as part of our "Flatrate Price" pledge.

Preparation of your surface/area of attention is the most important and crucial stage of any painting and decorating job. It will determine the outcome and quality of the final finish of your work. Before you even consider picking up a paint brush ...preparation isn't a choice it's a determination of level of quality you expect of yourself.

Always. I'd feel cheated paying for a professional to do a job & for them to not prepare surfaces before painting But hey, you always get a cowboy haha

In my opinion there's levels to this. There's labourers with tools that they can come and paint but they're basically just throwing paint on walls, they don't really know what they're doing. Then there's painters who can come and paint but don't know about repairs and making good and then there's painters and decorators who fill what needs to be filled, caulk around, mask up, protect and leave the area nicer and cleaner than they found it.

Any decent decorators would would not like to complete a job leaving holes and cracks all over the place for the sole fact of the job doesn’t look finished.

Yes painting includes all of the above. Filling all cracks and holes before sanding down to give a nice finish on the wall before painting. It’s called preparation to a job, this 100% is included in the works of a decorator!!

More then %50 to painting is preparation the areas/places, surfaces to be ready for painting . As professional painter should do that work like filling up the holls, small crackling on the walls or ceiling even wood works before painting . More important to use Sandpaper for be come smooth and ready to paint .

Painting and decorating typically refers to a range of activities that involve improving the appearance of a space, such as painting walls, ceilings, and trim, applying wallpaper, and adding decorative finishes or accents. It can also include tasks like filling cracks and holes in walls and ceilings, sanding and priming surfaces, and preparing the space for painting or other decorative applications. Filling cracks and holes in a ceiling is a common part of the painting and decorating process, and it is reasonable to expect that a painter would be willing to carry out this task as part of their work. However, it is important to clarify the scope of the work with the painter beforehand to ensure that everyone is on the same page about what is included in the job. In terms of dealing with straight cracks in a ceiling, it is generally best to first widen the crack slightly with a scraper or utility knife, then apply filler or joint compound to the crack, using a putty knife to smooth it out. Once the filler is dry, it can be sanded down to create a smooth, even surface. As for whether to address ceiling cracks before or after painting, it depends on the severity and extent of the cracking. If the cracks are minor and only require minor filling, it may be possible to do this after painting. However, if the cracks are more severe or widespread, it may be necessary to address them before painting to ensure a smooth, even finish. Regarding your specific situation, it's unfortunate that the painter did not fulfill their agreement to fill the cracks in the ceiling. If you have a written contract or agreement that specifies the scope of work, you may have some recourse for seeking a resolution. It's always a good idea to have a written agreement that clearly outlines the work to be done and the price, and to communicate clearly with the contractor to ensure that everyone is on the same page about expectations.

Preparation is often more important than the painting for achieving a professional fresh finish. A pet hate of mine is when someone will paint over something, usually woodwork, that has already had years of layers of paint (often the wrong kind) and absolutely no surface preparation in between paint jobs. This is usually down to DIY jobs and if a professional painter doesn’t ensure the surfaces haven’t had prep prior to painting they’re not worth using. I only ever charge more for resurfacing or resealing which is always discussed at quote level. Standard prep should always be included and stated before starting the job. Sign posting what the steps of your work are and what the customer is going to expect you to be doing is essential in my opinion.

Yes, painting and decoration typically include filling cracks and holes in ceilings (and walls) before painting. This step is essential for achieving a smooth and flawless finish. You can use a filler or spackling compound to fill these imperfections, sand them once they dry, and then proceed with painting. Properly preparing the surface ensures that the paint adheres well and results in a more professional-looking outcome.

Hi, Painting and decorating needs prepared walls, cilling and any surfaces. First fill all the cracks, hole ect. Than the area of repair need to be dry sand it to make it smooth and clean before painting. If necessary use under coat first. You can paint over the cracks, holes and try to hide and and damp need to treated before. If the above mentioned is not done than that will be cowboy job. I hope that's helps. A Thokchom

Yes, it is true that the painter must prepare the surface well before painting

Painter must prepare the surface before any paint is applied

Hi, Yes, of course, they should of filled cracks and holes. I always do that as we can’t do great job without doing that.

Hi there, It’s always best to get a written contract on what you expect from the service or tradesmen. Therefore you have evidence when work isn’t completed to the standards agreed upon.

Any decent decorator should prepare all areas fully before painting. This includes filling in cracks or any other indecencies on surfaces and rubbing down until completely smooth. If it is a job that requires a more extensive preparation then they should tell you it’ll need re-plastering etc. All the best, L&H Decorators

All cracks should be racked out at an angle and filled with filler then sanded before any paint is applied, sometimes when not all cracks are visible it's a good idea to put a coat on so that then you are able to see what needs filling much more clearly.

I agree with most of the decorators replies about this awful situation you found yourself in. Any professional decorator, would prep (using the right products for the surface), sand and paint, too achieve to best possible finish. Sadly there are unprincipled people out there!!!!

It's sad to hear that. Professionals should do professional job - painting and decorating always including all preps so filling, sanding etc - make surface good and ready to paint.

Hi Yes it does mean filling any holes or cracks in walls and ceilings any good painter would do this first the best way is to ra k out the crack and then fill and sand then 2 coats of paint

Yes this should have been carried out and it sounds like the painter in question has taken advantage of your good nature.

(chip around the crack and than apply filler) What she did was wrong painting and decorating includes prep as prep is key for a painter the better the prep the easier and better the finish will be

Yes they should of filled cracks and holes wherever they were on the ceilings, walls or woodwork.

Painting and decorating means preparation first- ceilings, walls and woodwork need to be filled, sand and undercoat and brought to the state you're 100% sure there will be absolutely no problems and defects on surface. All professionals should advise what's the best solution for walls - ames taping, light skim are plastering. * there is no excuse for not filling and no sanding - it's part of the job !!! * Unfortunately, some of the painters are just painters who Don't care

90% of painting and decorating is preparation eg: filling,sanding dusting and washing surfaces. The other 10% is the painting and finishes. Just painting over bad surfaces will just be putting a face mask over it and the mask will fall off and show what's underneath. Always get in righting everything the tradesman is going to do and ask for stage photos so you can see that they have done what they have said they would do.

Hi, Yes.. Painting and decorating includes all of the above from a professional and it's very sad to hear about your Bad experience.

Always ask for a written survey of works. Yes it is within the job to sort these problems. My solution would be to take out the crack first. Then a 1st fill. Allow to dry and sink. Filler will always sink in bigger cracks. Sand back excess, then apply 2nd fill taking it just above ceiling to allow room to work the filler when dry. Then once sanded back, spot the filler with emulsion prior to painting ceiling. This stop s filler showing through final coats

I would always state on my quotation fill and sand where need be. I don't know any decoraters that would paint over cracks and leave it like that that's should be the first job you do fill cracks and sand.