Find a painter you can trust

When to call a painter

Paint does two jobs. It makes the place look good, and it protects what’s underneath from weather, moisture and wear. So you call a painter both when you want a fresh look and when the old coat is starting to give up.

Inside, it might be a single room that needs a refresh, a feature wall to add some character, or a whole-house repaint when you move in or get ready to sell. Tired ceilings, scuffed doors and yellowed trim all come up nicely with a coat from someone who knows how to cut in.

Outside is where good painting really earns its keep. Sun, rain and salt air are brutal on Aussie homes, and once the exterior paint cracks or flakes, the surface underneath starts to cop it. If you’re seeing peeling, chalky render or bare patches, it’s time. The same goes for a faded or rusty roof, which a painter can respray to buy you years. If the roof itself needs repairs first, a roofer is the one to call.

What to check before you hire

Start with licensing, but know that it varies. Painting isn’t regulated the same way everywhere. Some states require a licence or registration once a job passes a certain value, others leave painting unlicensed on its own. The thresholds change and differ by state, so check the right body for where you live, for example Fair Trading in NSW, the QBCC in Queensland or the VBA in Victoria. You can read more about how tradie licences work in your state.

After that, look for:

• Public liability insurance, so your home and furniture are covered if something gets damaged or splattered.
• A clear answer on prep. Ask how they patch, sand and undercoat. A good painter will happily talk you through it.
• The paint they use and how many coats are in the price. Two coats of a quality paint outlasts one thin coat every time.
• Drop-sheets, masking and a proper clean-up at the end.
• An ABN, a written quote and real reviews from local jobs.

The honest truth is that almost anyone can roll paint onto a wall. The skill is in everything before that, and in the neat lines, even coverage and tidy finish that you only notice when they’re missing.

What it costs

Cost depends on the area, the prep and whether you’re painting inside or out. A single bedroom is a short job. A full interior repaint sits higher because of the time and the cutting in. Exteriors and roofs cost more again, since there’s access, weather and a lot more surface to cover.

Most painters give you a fixed price once they’ve seen the job and worked out how much prep it needs. That prep is exactly why two quotes for the “same” job can look different, so make sure you’re comparing like for like. For honest ballpark numbers, have a look at our price guides, then get a free quote for your actual place.

How needatradie matches you

We’re not a directory, and we won’t flog your details to five businesses who then ring you all week. You tell us what you need painted, and we match you with one local painter whose licence (where required), insurance, ABN and reviews we’ve already checked.

One good painter. Not five sales calls. Want to read up first? Have a browse through our guides. When you’re ready, get a free quote and we’ll line you up with a local who’ll prep it right and leave it looking sharp.