Yes, the Standard System differentiates between painting on smooth and rough plastered surfaces. Rough plaster has a greater surface area and absorbs more paint, requiring more coats. If this was not specified in the BOQ, the contractor may have grounds for a variation claim.

Yes, gloss finishes require additional surface preparation, potentially more coats, and specialised paint. Since this change affects cost and labour, it should be measured separately as a variation.

Openings up to 0.5m² are generally ignored in measurement. Anything larger must be deducted unless otherwise agreed in the contract.

Yes. Primers are classified separately based on the substrate (e.g., galvanised steel, wood, concrete). If the primer differs from the BOQ specification, it should be considered a variation.

Yes. Wood stain, varnishing, and painting are different processes. If the BOQ originally specified paint, but the client opts for staining, this should be measured as a variation.

Yes, any patterned, multi-colour, or decorative painting should be itemised separately as it requires more labour, skill, and materials.

No. Epoxy coatings, waterproof coatings, and anti-slip finishes are not standard paints and must be measured separately due to their material costs and specialised application process.

If the issue was due to improper surface preparation (e.g., failure to seal a damp substrate), the contractor is responsible. However, if the BOQ did not specify moisture-resistant paint or preparatory treatment, the QS should determine whether a variation is necessary.

Yes. Painting over wallpaper, vinyl coverings, or textured surfaces requires additional primers and special sealing, which should be measured as a separate preparatory item.

No. Protective coatings, sealers, and special finishes (e.g., fire-resistant, UV-resistant, or anti-graffiti coatings) should be measured separately.

Yes, deep colours generally require more coats to achieve full coverage, especially over light surfaces. The Standard System classifies "Deep" colours separately from "Pastel" colours due to increased paint consumption and labour. This constitutes a valid variation, and the contractor is entitled to additional compensation if a "Deep" colour was not originally allowed for in the contract.

No. Painting of skirtings, dado rails, cornices, and trims must be measured separately from wall painting because they involve different materials, preparation, and application techniques. If the BOQ does not specify separate measurement, an adjustment may be necessary.

Yes. Ceiling painting and painting under soffits or overhangs should be measured separately from vertical surfaces. These areas typically require extra labour, scaffolding, or specialised equipment, impacting the cost.

Yes. Spray painting and brush/roller application are different methods requiring separate consideration. Spray painting often requires additional masking, preparation, and materials, and should be measured separately if not originally specified.

Yes. Painting over movement joints requires specialized flexible coatings that allow for expansion and contraction. This should be measured separately from standard paint applications.

No. Efflorescence treatment (such as acid washing, sealing, or priming against moisture) is a separate process from standard painting. If not accounted for in the original BOQ, it should be considered a variation.

The number of coats is a contract requirement, and the contractor must follow the specification. Even if fewer coats appear sufficient, the required coats serve purposes beyond coverage (e.g., durability, warranty compliance). The QS should refer to the contract and enforce compliance unless a variation is formally approved.

Painting on steelwork, trusses, and exposed framework should be measured over the total exposed surface area rather than as a flat measurement. If the BOQ only accounted for flat measurement, an adjustment may be required.

The QS is correct. Painting on gates, balustrades, and intricate metalwork must consider both sides and any gaps or perforations, requiring a different measurement approach.

Yes. Switching paint types affects material costs, application methods, drying times, and safety considerations (e.g., ventilation for solvent-based paints). If the change was not originally specified, it constitutes a variation and should be measured separately.

The QS should measure based on the actual exposed area of the metal rather than the full flat area. However, the perforations can complicate spraying or rolling, and additional preparation might be needed. The correct approach is to either follow a predetermined rate or agree on an adjusted rate that accounts for material wastage and application difficulty.

The Standard System follows the Natural Colour System (NCS) as adopted by SA National Standards, which classifies paintwork into White, Pastel, Deep, and Transparent categories. To determine the correct classification:

• Check the NCS Code assigned to the paint colour by the manufacturer.
• Refer to the SA National Standards or NCS classification guidelines to see which group the code falls under.
• Use an approved colour fan deck or digital tool to confirm the classification.
• If uncertainty remains, consult the contract documents or seek formal clarification from the paint supplier.

This classification is critical as deeper and more transparent colours often require additional coats and different formulations, impacting cost and application time.

Resolution:

• Always refer to the manufacturer’s NCS classification rather than just a fan deck, as slight variations in perception can occur.
• The NCS colour reference should be specified in the BOQ to avoid disputes.
• If the BOQ does not provide an NCS reference, the QS should consult the paint supplier for an official classification.

Resolution:

• The colour classification should be based on the NCS and SA National Standards, not on-site performance.
• If the paint was incorrectly specified in the BOQ, this may be a BOQ error, requiring correction through a variation order.
• However, if the correct NCS classification was provided, and the contractor misjudged the coverage, they must absorb the cost difference.

Resolution:

• Yes. Transparent coatings, such as stains and washes, fall into a different classification as per the Standard System.
• Unlike opaque paints, transparent finishes depend on the substrate colour and may require additional coats for uniformity.
• This should have been itemized separately, and if not, a variation may be necessary.

Resolution:

• If the NCS classification categorizes it as “White,” then the QS is correct.
• If the colour has a high enough pigment concentration to be classified as “Pastel” under the NCS system, then the contractor may have grounds for an adjustment.
• The paint supplier’s NCS classification should be the final reference, not personal interpretation.

Resolution: This depends on how the contract was structured:

• If the BOQ included a fixed rate for Deep colours, then the contractor is entitled to keep the rate even if fewer coats are required.
• If the BOQ allows for rate adjustments based on actual classification, then the rate should be revised accordingly.

A fair approach is to reference the NCS system and adjust pricing based on actual classification.

Resolution:

• Yes. Some deep colours (e.g., reds, yellows) require a grey or tinted primer to reduce the number of topcoats needed.
• If the BOQ did not specify a tinted primer, then this is a valid variation and should be measured separately.
• If the BOQ stated "Deep" colours without primer details, the contractor should have priced accordingly and may not be entitled to an additional claim.

Resolution:

• If the client willingly accepts the change, then it could be considered a variation, requiring a rate adjustment.
• However, if the contractor mistakenly ordered the wrong colour, they bear the cost.
• The QS should verify if the client initiated the change before making any pricing adjustments.

Resolution:

• If multi-colour painting was specified in the BOQ, the contractor should have priced accordingly and may not be entitled to additional compensation.
• If the multi-colour scheme was introduced later, masking, cutting-in, and additional labour should be considered a valid variation.

Resolution:

• Pearlescent, metallic, or special-effect finishes are not part of the standard White/Pastel/Deep/Transparent classifications.
• These should be measured separately under special finishes and will likely require specialized application methods.
• If introduced after the contract was signed, it qualifies as a variation order.