What's a good paint finish? Maybe I'm being picky?

Prep work to new plaster is essential to the finish. New plaster is rarely finished to a condition that can just be emulsioned. Ive explained the process to customers many times, time, effort and pride in your work produces the desired results. I mist coat all new plaster with paint for new plaster ( did he do this?) I do not use vinyl matt etc. Paint for new plaster is designed to be absorbed into the plaster ( diluted as required) it obliterates the colour of the plaster. Mist coating will highlight imperfections and areas that are not taking paint well. Prep by abrading and/or surfacing with a good quality filler like toupret. When abrading the paint for new plaster, it will abrade with the filler shedding dust. Re-mist coat areas that have been prepped. Once happy that a smooth even matt finish is achieved then apply finishing coats. The first coat diluted as the plaster will still be absorbent or 'warm' Rushing through the prep, not using paint for new plaster, not diluting paint can and will result in all the problems you are seeing. Edit Armstead contract Matt is the correct paint to use. But it will need to be diluted, by how much isn't feasible to state here. A good experienced decorator will adjust the paint with water to the point it's absorbed into the plaster, this is altered 2nd,3rd coats etc. If not diluted it will not be absorbed and as you say will be thick on the surface (as the plaster absorbs the water from the paint) this will mean the surface is un-primed. Also as you are seeing thick edges, brush marks around fixtures etc. The paint is too thick and has no flow. All very ugly work by someone who doesn't really know what they are doing.

Hello, It sounds as if you have had a very bad job done. On freshly plastered walls, the painter still needs to go over with a very fine paper to take off any uneven bits of plaster and be prepared to fill any scratches that have been left by the plasterer. The important stage then is to apply a paint mist coat (paint watered down 4:1 with water) and it sounds to me that your painter may not have used a mist coat? Not doing this before painting 2 coats of emulsion would result in a patchy finish. It sounds as if relations have broken down with the painter, so if he refuses to make the job good, I would get a competent painter in to sort the mess out for you and pay him out of the outstanding money you have kept back from the first one. Good luck!