Sanding and plastering

[JohnnyJazz]

We're having the whole house repainted. I'm not very happy with the job done so far. I find the sanding and plastering has been very roughly done but I want to stay reasonable, there is no point in upsetting everybody with a standard that is too much above average standard in Thailand.

What can one reasonably expect in Thailand ? A neat and smooth surface is it something that can be achieved ? I know it's a difficult and subjective question, that's why I'm asking it. Elements to discuss with my painter and improve the final result within reasonable limits will be greatly appreciated

[gerry123]

in the past and worked for me although a little late for you

but i did a small sample of the finish i expected and how to achieve such

the first guy never came back but the second guy caught on right away and even used the dust sheets i provided

monkey see monkey do

[JohnnyJazz]

in the past and worked for me although a little late for you

but i did a small sample of the finish i expected and how to achieve such

the first guy never came back but the second guy caught on right away and even used the dust sheets i provided

monkey see monkey do

Thanks for your answer but if I were able to do that I wouldn't ask for advises on this forum :-(

Edited February 27, 2015 by JohnnyJazz

[bankruatsteve]

OK - if you are asking if you can expect a western style professional painting job done in most parts of Thailand, then NO. But, it also sounds like you wouldn't know the difference, so what's your point?

My experience is that painting seems to be the bottom of the food chain for Thai labor and, if you can do it yourself, it will certainly be better. But, it you think you can "instruct" them without knowing yourself the best method, you're better to back off and just accept what happens.

[JohnnyJazz]

OK - if you are asking if you can expect a western style professional painting job done in most parts of Thailand, then NO. But, it also sounds like you wouldn't know the difference, so what's your point?

My experience is that painting seems to be the bottom of the food chain for Thai labor and, if you can do it yourself, it will certainly be better. But, it you think you can "instruct" them without knowing yourself the best method, you're better to back off and just accept what happens.

If I wouldn't know the difference why would I complain about the job done ? I asked a question, if you don't have the answer just back off (and I'm being polite here).

Edited February 27, 2015 by JohnnyJazz

[IMHO]

Can you be more detailed about what it is you're not happy with?

Is it a problem with the actual paint / painting technique? a problem with the way the walls(?) were rendered? something else?

[JohnnyJazz]

Can you be more detailed about what it is you're not happy with?

Is it a problem with the actual paint / painting technique? a problem with the way the walls(?) were rendered? something else?

The problem is with the quality of the surface, not smooth. In my opinion they could have done a better job with first plastering then sanding. Unfortunately I don't know what is the standard that can be expected in Thailand. We are in Bangkok, the total cost of the renovation is around 2 something Millions, not cheap, so I believe I m entitled to a certain level of quality. The plumber did an excellent job, metal work too, tiling is near perfect. The only problem I have is with the electrician and now the painter. The painter is a good guy, listen to my suggestion but I understand his abilities have limits and his boss tends to push for a quick job before moving to the next one. I just found out a problem with the color, I showed them the problem, they accepted it and are now going to paint again the whole 1st floor.

Take an other example. My wife wanted a polished concrete floor but they don't know how to do. They tried but now we have to be realistic and we are going to put floor tiles instead. Same with the painting, nowadays there are some "artistic" styles promoted by Berger that would have looked very good in the living room. The painter doesn't know how to do and we haven't find anybody willing to do it for a "reasonable" price so just forget it.

Probably there is no good answer to my post but there is no harm trying, is it ?

[bankruatsteve]

Agree with IMHO that more detail about your concerns might get you closer to the answers you are looking for.

Your OP questions were:

"What can one reasonably expect in Thailand?" As usual, it depends on where you are located and who is doing the job. If you have a known reliable construction crew doing the job, you could reasonably expect to get whatever you asked. If it's the local village guy, you could reasonably expect to get a crappy job.

"A neat and smooth surface is it something that can be achieved?" This is where you need to understand the construction difference between western style and Thai style. If your walls are the normal cement and sand render, you will never get to plaster board smooth.

If you can be more specific and provide photos, there might be some advice you appreciate.

[cheeryble]

Minor point: I think you need to use the term "rendering" (with mortar) rather than plastering which is done with plaster (not suitable for exterior).

Usually a rendered finish is used for both inside and out here in LOS.

It is usually a finish not very smooth, you can feel the sand in it.

If you want it done smoother I think the term is "cut mun" (someone can correct me?)

This is a "polished" render finish (if I have the right term)

I think this cut mun is what you wanted for the floor. It can look quite nice with just a few tiles set in it.

There may be proprietary finishes you can buy but I think your need for outside should be satisfied.

For inside of course you can use plaster if you wish, but they must never be damp.

Probably better just get the right rendered finish.

[IMHO]

The problem is with the quality of the surface, not smooth. In my opinion they could have done a better job with first plastering then sanding.

Plastering walls is not the normal standard in Thailand - most houses simply apply paint or wallpaper directly to the cement rendered surface.

There was some discussion on wall finishing options a few days ago, in this thread: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801485-refinishing-interior-rendered-walls-with-a-few-hair-line-cracks/

Yes, you can certainly opt for one of the higher-end finishing options I mentioned in that thread, but normally you wouldn't expect the painter to have these skills, nor to have priced it into their quote.

[JohnnyJazz]

Thanks everybody for your answers. I'm not sure I will able to achieve what I want but at least I had learned a lot thanks to you.

After further discussion with my contractor it seems what they do is to start with a first layer of paint, see the imperfection in the wall surface, fix them then apply one or two more layers of paint as needed. Let see ...

Edited March 2, 2015 by JohnnyJazz

[cheeryble]

Thanks everybody for your answers. I'm not sure I will able to achieve what I want but at least I had learned a lot thanks to you.

After further discussion with my contractor it seems what they do is to start with a first layer of paint, see the imperfection in the wall surface, fix them then apply one or two more layers of paint as needed. Let see ...

Actually that's what decorators do......as much as possible before the paint, then look after a first coat is applied.

TOP TIP (as Ed China says):

It is easier to FEEL imperfections than see them (especially before it's painted).

Run the hand full of fingers across the surface in broad sweeps.

Feel is surprisingly sensitive.

Edited March 2, 2015 by cheeryble

[krisb]

I'm a plasterer.

Normal procedure is painter's give 1 coat to seal, then fix any imperfections.