How to Find a Good Painter in Australia: A Homeowner’s Guide

Finding a painter in Australia isn't difficult.

Finding someone who will do the job properly is.

A quick Google search for painters near me can bring up dozens of businesses, all offering professional service, quality workmanship and competitive prices. You can also ask for recommendations, post a job online or compare contractors through trade platforms.

The harder part is knowing what happens after you accept the quote.

Will the surfaces be properly prepared?
Will your floors and furniture be protected?
Is the right paint being used for each surface?
Are enough coats included?
And if something goes wrong, will the painter come back and fix it?

These details matter because a good paint job is about much more than applying color to a wall.

Poor preparation, incorrect products and rushed application can lead to peeling, bubbling, cracking, uneven coverage and other defects. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission specifically identifies poor surface preparation as one of the common causes of painting defects.

So, before choosing a painter based on price or availability, it is worth understanding what a good painting contractor should actually provide.

This guide walks you through the process; from finding painters and comparing quotes to checking licenses, understanding preparation and inspecting the finished work.

🔎 Where Should You Look for a Painter?

There is no single website that guarantees you will find the right painter.

A better approach is to create a shortlist from several sources, then verify each contractor yourself.

Google

Google is usually the easiest place to start.

Search for terms such as:

house painters near me
interior painters Sydney
exterior house painters Melbourne
painters Brisbane
residential painters Australia

Look beyond the star rating. Check:

how many reviews the business has;
how recent those reviews are;
photographs of completed projects;
whether the work looks similar to yours;
how the business responds to negative reviews;
whether the website provides clear information about its services.

A 5.0-star rating from a handful of reviews does not necessarily tell you more than a 4.8-star rating backed by hundreds of detailed reviews.

More importantly, read what customers actually say.

Look for comments about preparation, cleanliness, communication, punctuality, attention to detail and how the painter handled problems.

Those details are often more useful than a five-star rating on its own.

Personal recommendations

A recommendation from someone you trust can be even more useful.

Ask friends, neighbors, builders, property managers or other tradespeople whether they have used a painter recently.

Ideally, ask to see the work.

There is a big difference between:

“Someone recommended this painter to me.”

and:

“They painted my house three years ago and it still looks great.”

A personal recommendation is a strong starting point, but it should still be followed by the same checks you would make for any other contractor.

Trade platforms

Platforms such as Hipages can be useful when you want several painters to respond to the same job.

They can help you gather options quickly, compare profiles and request quotes.

But treat the platform as a starting point — not as the final quality check.

Once you find a contractor, research the business independently. Check its reviews, license requirements, insurance and previous work before making a decision.

Professional networks

Another option is a professional accreditation network.

For example, Dulux's Accredited Painter network allows homeowners to search for painters who have been selected by Dulux and are licensed and insured. Dulux also says its Accredited Painters can provide a five-year workmanship warranty on request.

Accreditation does not mean you should stop doing your own research, but it can be another useful factor when comparing contractors.

💰 How Much Does a Painter Cost in Australia?

Painting prices vary considerably from one property to another.

As a broad 2026 reference, Hipages lists professional house painting at around $60–$100 per square meter, with indicative ranges of approximately $6,000–$40,000 for a complete interior and $4,000–$28,000 for an exterior.

These figures are only a guide.

Your actual quote may depend on:

size of the property;
condition of the existing surfaces;
amount of preparation required;
interior or exterior work;
ceiling height and access;
number of colors;
doors, trims and windows;
type of paint;
number of coats;
repairs;
scaffolding or specialist access;
whether the property is occupied;
and your location.

For that reason, comparing painters purely on the final price can be misleading.

Compare the scope, not just the number

Imagine three painters quote:

Painter A: $8,500
Painter B: $11,500
Painter C: $14,000

At first glance, Painter A looks like the obvious choice.

But what if A includes minimal preparation and one coat, while B includes patching, sanding, primer and two finish coats?

The cheapest quote may simply contain less work.

A better question is:

“What exactly is included in this price?”

🧰 The Most Important Part of a Paint Job: Preparation

Most homeowners focus on the paint.

A professional painter should be thinking about the surface underneath it first.

Depending on the condition of the property, preparation may include:

cleaning;
removing dirt and contaminants;
scraping loose paint;
filling holes;
repairing cracks;
sanding;
caulking gaps;
treating stains;
addressing moisture or mold issues;
applying primer or sealer;
masking;
protecting floors and furniture;
preparing bare or previously painted surfaces.

This is one of the areas where a good contractor can make a significant difference.

The QBCC notes that poor surface preparation is a common cause of painting defects, including poor adhesion, uneven coverage, cracking, peeling and bubbling.

So ask your painter:

“What preparation is included before painting starts?”

A good contractor should be able to explain the process clearly.

If the answer is simply, “We'll make it look good,” ask for more detail.

You are not just paying for paint.

You are paying for the preparation that allows the paint to perform properly.

🎨 Ask Which Paint System Will Be Used

“Premium paint” isn't specific enough.

Your quote should ideally identify:

paint brand;
product or range;
finish or sheen;
primer or undercoat;
number of coats;
and any specialized coating required.

Different surfaces can require different products.

For example, bathroom walls, exterior timber, masonry, metal, doors and trims may each need a different approach.

A professional painter should be able to explain why a particular product or coating system is appropriate for the surface.

How many coats are included?

Always ask.

“Paint walls” could mean one coat, two coats, or primer plus two topcoats.

Color changes can also affect the amount of work required. A similar color may cover relatively easily, while changing from a dark color to a light one may require additional preparation or coats.

Get the coating system written into the quote rather than relying on a verbal agreement.

🖌️ Is Airless Spray Painting Better Than Rolling?

Not necessarily.

Both methods can produce excellent results when used correctly.

Airless spraying can be highly efficient on large surfaces and can produce a consistent finish. Brushes and rollers remain important for cutting-in, smaller areas and finishing work.

The more important question is:

How will the painter protect everything that isn't being painted?

Professional spraying requires careful preparation and masking.

Ask:

What will be masked?
How will overspray be controlled?
Are floors and windows protected?
What about cabinetry and fittings?
Will surfaces be back-rolled where appropriate?
How will paint mist be controlled inside an occupied home?

The QBCC specifically lists overspray and untidy cutting-in among common painting defects.

The equipment matters, but preparation and application technique matter more.

🛡️ Check the Painter’s License and Insurance

Licensing requirements are not identical across Australia.

They can depend on the state, the type of work and the value of the project.

New South Wales

NSW Government guidance states that a contractor license is required for residential building or trade work, including painting, valued at more than $5,000 including labor, materials and GST.

Queensland

In Queensland, a QBCC license is generally required for building work valued over $3,300. The QBCC recommends homeowners check a contractor's license before signing a contract or handing over money.

Victoria

Victoria has different rules around domestic building work and contracts. Consumer Affairs Victoria recommends using a written contract for building work, while qualifying domestic building work over $10,000 generally requires a major domestic building contract.

Because requirements can change and vary by state, don't rely on a generic statement such as “I'm licensed.”

Instead ask:

“Can you provide your current license or registration details, where required, and your certificate of insurance?”

Then verify the information yourself with the relevant state authority.

📄 Get the Quote in Writing

A good painting quote should make it easy to understand what you are paying for.

At minimum, look for:

areas and rooms included;
surfaces included;
preparation work;
repairs;
primer or undercoat;
paint brand and product;
number of coats;
doors, trims and ceilings;
exclusions;
total price;
expected start and completion dates;
payment terms;
warranty information.

Avoid quotes that say little more than:

“Paint house — $12,000.”

The more expensive the project, the more important a clear written scope becomes.

It protects both sides and makes it much easier to resolve disagreements later.

⭐ Ask About the Workmanship Warranty

There is an important difference between a paint manufacturer's product warranty and a painter's workmanship warranty.

They are not the same thing.

Ask:

“What workmanship warranty do you provide, and what exactly does it cover?”

If a painter offers a warranty, get the terms in writing.

For example, Dulux states that its Accredited Painters can provide their own five-year Workmanship Warranty on request.

A warranty is useful, but it should never replace checking the quality of the contractor before hiring them.

🚩 Red Flags When Choosing a Painter

Be cautious if a painter:

refuses to provide a detailed written quote;
cannot explain the preparation process;
will not specify the paint products;
cannot provide appropriate license details;
cannot demonstrate current insurance;
pressures you to accept immediately;
asks for an unusually large upfront payment;
gives a dramatically lower quote without explaining why;
promises an unrealistically short completion time;
has vague or repetitive reviews;
or avoids putting important agreements in writing.

One of the biggest warning signs is a very cheap quote with a very vague scope.

If two quotes are dramatically different, don't immediately assume one painter is overcharging.

Ask what is missing from the cheaper quote.

👀 Inspect the Work Before Final Payment

Once the job is finished, walk through the property carefully.

Don't only inspect the walls from the middle of the room.

Check:

corners;
ceiling lines;
door frames;
skirting boards;
windows;
repaired areas;
edges around switches;
color transitions;
coverage;
sheen consistency;
drips;
overspray;
paint on floors or fixtures.

Natural side-light can reveal surface imperfections that are difficult to see under normal lighting.

The QBCC recommends homeowners look for issues such as uneven coverage, roller or brush marks, mismatched sheen, peeling, bubbling, cracking and overspray.

If something needs attention, raise it promptly and clearly.

🏠 DIY or Hire a Professional Painter?

DIY painting can make sense for a small bedroom or a straightforward refresh.

Professional painting becomes more valuable when the project involves:

extensive surface preparation;
high ceilings;
exterior work;
difficult access;
scaffolding;
spraying;
major repairs;
large properties;
or an occupied home where time and cleanliness matter.

The difference between DIY and professional work isn't simply knowing how to use a roller.

It is often the combination of preparation, product knowledge, equipment, protection, speed and consistency.

✅ A Simple Checklist Before Hiring a Painter

Before accepting a quote, ask these ten questions:

What preparation is included?
Which exact paint products will you use?
How many coats are included?
Is primer or undercoat required?
Are you appropriately licensed for this work?
Do you have current insurance?
Who will actually carry out the work?
How will my floors, furniture and fixtures be protected?
What workmanship warranty do you provide?
Can I see recent projects similar to mine?

A professional painter should be comfortable answering these questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many quotes should I get from painters?

For a substantial residential painting project, three detailed quotes are a sensible starting point.

The important part is to compare the scope of work, not just the total price.

Should I choose the cheapest painter?

Not automatically.

A lower price may mean less preparation, fewer coats, cheaper products or a smaller scope.

Ask the painter to explain exactly what is included before deciding.

Are Google reviews reliable for painters?

Google reviews are useful, but they should be only one part of your research.

Look at the number of reviews, how recent they are and whether customers mention specific aspects of the work such as preparation, cleanliness and finishing quality.

Is Hipages a good place to find a painter?

It can be a useful starting point if you want to receive several options quickly.

However, independently check any painter you are considering before accepting a quote.

Do painters need a license in Australia?

Licensing requirements vary between states and can depend on the value and type of work.

For example, NSW has a $5,000 threshold for relevant residential painting work, while Queensland generally requires a QBCC license for building work over $3,300.

Always check the current requirements for your state.

Should I ask a painter for proof of insurance?

Yes.

For a professional contractor working on your property, asking for evidence of appropriate current insurance is a sensible part of due diligence.

Is airless spray painting better than rolling?

Neither method is automatically better.

Airless spraying can be efficient for large areas, while rollers and brushes remain important for many interior and finishing applications.

The quality of the result depends heavily on preparation, product selection, equipment and application technique.

What should be included in a painting quote?

At minimum, the quote should clearly identify the areas being painted, preparation, repairs, paint system, number of coats, exclusions, total price and expected timeframe.

For larger projects, additional contract requirements may apply depending on your state.

How can I tell whether a painter actually does quality work?

Ask to see recent completed projects that are similar to yours.

If you have an older home with damaged timber, cracked plaster or difficult surfaces, ask to see examples of similar work rather than only looking at photographs of new homes.

What matters most when choosing a painter?

If the decision comes down to five things, focus on:

Preparation.
Proven workmanship.
A clear scope.
The right coating system.
Accountability.

A great-looking Instagram portfolio means little if the surfaces underneath were poorly prepared.

Final Thoughts

The best painter isn't necessarily the cheapest one.

It isn't automatically the business with the biggest Instagram following, the newest vehicle or even the perfect Google rating.

The right painter is someone who can clearly explain what they will do, how they will prepare the surfaces, what products they will use, how they will protect your property and what happens if something needs fixing.

Start with Google, recommendations and reputable trade or professional networks.

Build a shortlist.

Read the reviews.

Check licenses where required.

Ask for insurance.

Compare detailed quotes.

And most importantly, compare what is included, not simply what it costs.

A good painting job can transform a home and last for years.

A poor one can leave you paying twice — once for the original job and again to fix it.

When you're spending thousands of dollars on your property, choosing the right painter deserves just as much attention as choosing the right paint.