Not every facade paint is suitable for every surface. Check the plaster, existing paintwork, moisture levels, and manufacturer's instructions. (Photo: © AMH/ Sascha Schneider)
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August 5, 2026
Painting facades is not a routine job: Ignoring the substrate, weather, materials, and documentation can lead to costly disputes. A construction law expert explains what painting companies should pay attention to.
After facade painting, complaints about defects are common. These are usually not due to the materials themselves, but rather to avoidable workmanship errors. Lawyer Carsten Seeger, a specialist in construction and architectural law, offers eight tips on how tradespeople can best avoid complaints.
Never treat a surface without first checking it. A coating will only adhere as well as the surface it's on. Loose old coatings, chalking, moisture, or cracks will quickly lead to flaking. Therefore , check and document the load-bearing capacity, absorbency, moisture levels, cracks, and any dirt before you begin.
Dust, algae, moss, and soot impair adhesion. Clean the surface thoroughly using appropriate methods. The substrate must then be clean and sound. A brief before/after photo documentation will serve as proof later.
Don't skip the primer lightly. It improves adhesion, ensures even absorbency, and reduces paint consumption. Ideally, use a system from a single manufacturer and follow the instructions precisely.
Operations management
Operations management
Operations management
Rain, frost, intense heat, or direct sunlight will impair the results. Document the weather, temperature, humidity, and the start and end times of your work. Also note any disruptions and your response to them.
Don't try to save money by over-diluting or using too little material. A coat that's too thin will have poor coverage, chalk more quickly, and won't last as long. Follow the technical data sheets and monitor consumption on site.
Not every facade paint is suitable for every surface. Check the plaster, existing paintwork, moisture levels, and manufacturer's instructions. Do not mix product systems from different manufacturers without proper approval.
You must repair any cracks, hollow areas, or damaged plaster first. If the client refuses necessary work, inform them of the risks in writing . Clearly stating your concerns can significantly limit your liability.
Document photos, materials, batch numbers, weather conditions, substrate tests, and notes to the client. In case of a dispute, evidence is what counts, not recollection . Thorough documentation can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
"One point is often underestimated in practice: communication with the client," says lawyer Carsten Seeger , a specialist in construction and architectural law . "If you identify unsuitable preliminary work, defective substrates, or technically questionable specifications, it's not enough to simply identify them internally. Inform your client of the risks and potential damages in a timely manner and in writing . A proper notification of concerns not only protects the quality of your work but can also significantly limit or even eliminate your liability in the event of a dispute . A notification of concerns is a warning to the client: 'Attention! Something is going wrong in our contractual relationship!' This must always be communicated . My experience from numerous construction lawsuits shows that successful tradespeople are not sued less often because they never make mistakes. They are sued less often because they work professionally, identify risks early on, document their services thoroughly, and communicate promptly. This combination of high-quality craftsmanship and legal foresight is the most effective protection against costly disputes."
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