What to look for in a painter & decorator
- PDA (Painting and Decorating Association) membership — PDA members are vetted and follow a code of practice. Membership is not compulsory, but it demonstrates commitment to professional standards and ongoing training.
- CSCS card — For commercial or site-based work, a CSCS card shows the decorator has passed health-and-safety training. For domestic work it is less critical but still a positive indicator.
- Understanding of surface preparation — The quality of a paint job depends 80% on preparation. Ask how they handle filling, sanding, priming, and dealing with damp or flaking surfaces. A decorator who rushes prep will deliver a poor finish.
- Knowledge of paint systems — A professional decorator understands the difference between trade emulsions (Dulux Trade, Crown Trade, Johnstone’s) and retail versions. They should advise on the right product for each surface — masonry paint for exteriors, eggshell for woodwork, specialist primers for bare plaster.
- Portfolio and references — Ask to see recent work. Pay attention to cutting-in lines around ceilings and woodwork, consistency of finish on large walls, and how they handle corners and edges.
- Public liability insurance — Paint spills, ladder damage, and accidental harm happen. Ensure cover of at least £1 million for domestic work.
Questions to ask before hiring
- What preparation work is included in the quote? This is the most important question. The quote should detail filling, sanding, priming, and how many coats are included. A cheap quote often omits thorough prep.
- What paint brand and finish will you use? Trade-quality paints like Dulux Trade Diamond Matt or Johnstone’s Covaplus cost more but last significantly longer. Ask specifically what product they plan to use and how many coats.
- How do you handle woodwork — strip, sand, or paint over? The correct answer depends on the existing condition. Heavily layered gloss should be stripped or keyed and primed. Painting over flaking gloss without prep will peel within months.
- How will you protect carpets, furniture, and fittings? Professional decorators use dust sheets (cotton, not thin plastic), mask skirting and architrave carefully, and remove switch plates. Ask about their protection approach.
- What is the expected drying time between coats? Rushing coats leads to peeling and uneven finish. Most trade emulsions need 2–4 hours between coats; gloss and eggshell may need overnight curing. A decorator who applies two coats in a few hours is cutting corners.
Red flags to watch for
- No mention of preparation in the quote. If the quote simply says ‘paint lounge and hallway’ without specifying filling, sanding, and priming steps, the decorator plans to skip them. This guarantees a poor finish.
- Brings retail (DIY) paint rather than trade products. Retail paint is thinner and less durable than trade equivalents. If a decorator turns up with standard Dulux (not Dulux Trade), question their professionalism.
- Rushes through the work. A single room (walls and woodwork) typically takes 2–3 days to prepare and paint properly. A decorator who promises a room per day is not doing adequate prep or allowing proper drying time.
- Does not move furniture or lay dust sheets. Splatters on carpets and furniture are not ‘normal.’ A professional moves furniture to the centre of the room and covers everything before opening a tin.
- Cannot explain how they handle damp patches. Damp areas need investigation before painting. A decorator who simply paints over a damp patch with standard emulsion will see it bleed through within weeks. They should recommend a stain-block primer or advise on fixing the underlying damp issue.
What to expect on costs
Painting a single room (walls and ceiling) typically costs £300–£600 depending on size and condition. A full house interior (three-bedroom) ranges from £2,000–£4,500. External painting for a semi-detached house costs £1,500–£3,000, and wallpaper hanging runs £150–£300 per room for labour.
Find rated painters & decorators in Kent
- Painters & Decorators in Kent — county-level directory
- Painters & Decorators in Maidstone
- Painters & Decorators in Canterbury
- Painters & Decorators in Dartford
- Painters & Decorators in Tunbridge Wells
- Painters & Decorators in Ashford
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