What to Know Before Hiring a Painter in Sydney

Painting your home might feel like a simple decision, but hiring the right painter in Sydney is where it gets complicated. You’re trusting someone with your space, your money, and your final results. And let’s be honest: a poor paint job is one of those things that’s hard to ignore once it’s done badly.

Sydney homeowners face a few unique challenges: older housing stock, coastal wear and tear, and wide-ranging weather that can mess with everything from paint adhesion to drying times. That’s why it’s essential to go beyond price and look at who you’re hiring, how they work, and what protections you have.

From experience, I’ve seen that successful projects almost always involve experts painter in Sydney who know the quirks of the area, from weather to heritage requirements, and work with the right tools and prep techniques. So let’s break this down properly: what to ask, what to check, and what to expect when hiring a painter in this city.

Compare quotes with confidence

Let’s be real: most people’s first step is getting three quotes. That’s not a bad start, but the way you compare those quotes makes all the difference.

Not all quotes are created equal. Some will include things like base coat, patchwork, and site protection. Others might just cover labour and one coat of paint, leaving you surprised when costs climb.

Key differences to look for in quotes:

• Scope of prep: Are sanding, patching, and washing included?
• Paint type and brand: Are they using a cheap trade paint or a reputable low-VOC brand?
• How many coats: Is it a single topcoat or proper base + two finish coats?
• Cleanup responsibilities: Will they remove masking tape, clean brushes on-site, and dispose of waste?

I had one client in Ryde receive a very cheap quote that didn’t specify any prep. After accepting, the painter arrived with discount paint and no primer, painted over flaky exterior walls, and it started peeling within weeks.

Here’s the takeaway: cheapest isn’t always best. Most trustworthy painters will offer itemised quotes, answer questions clearly, and never dodge the fine print.

Match paint types to the right spaces

Paint isn’t one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right type of paint—and the right finish—can make a big difference in how the space feels and how long it lasts.

Finish types and where to use them:

• Flat/Matte: Great for low-traffic areas and ceilings. Hides imperfections but is not easily cleaned.
• Eggshell/Satin: A solid all-rounder for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Semi-Gloss: Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and trim—easy to clean, more reflective.
• High-Gloss: Rarely used in residential interiors, but useful for a high-shine finish on doors or decorative trim.

Don’t underestimate this. I’ve seen beautifully painted living rooms ruined by high-gloss finishes that reflected every bump in the wall. Likewise, kitchens painted with flat paint can look grubby fast.

For a more detailed breakdown, check out this guide on interior paint finishes for advice on getting the balance right between style and practicality.

Prep work separates amateurs from pros

The truth? A high-quality finish depends almost entirely on what happens before the first coat goes on.

Too many painters rush through or skip prep steps, thinking a thick layer of paint will mask the flaws. But paint doesn’t hide bad surfaces—it highlights them.

A project I consulted on in Surry Hills involved an old terrace house with cracked render and uneven brickwork. The painting team spent three days doing nothing but surface repair, sealing, and masking. The result? Immaculate, crisp finishes that looked premium without the premium price.

What proper prep should include:

• Sanding and filling imperfections
• Sealing stains and applying primer where needed
• Taping edges and protecting the flooring
• Surface cleaning—especially for greasy kitchen walls or dusty exteriors

Ask your painter to describe their prep process. If they wave it off or skip straight to painting? That’s a sign they’re either rushing the job or cutting corners.

Don’t underestimate the power of colour

Colour is deeply personal, but it also has a major impact on your home’s mood and value. Ever walked into a freshly painted room and felt instantly calm? Or been turned off by a bold red feature wall in a real estate listing?

• That’s colour psychology in action.
• Top tips for colour planning:
• Test large swatches on multiple walls and check them at different times of day
• Understand undertones—‘white’ isn’t always white
• Use online visualisers or paint brand tools to preview entire colour schemes
• Match colours to room size and natural light

A client in Drummoyne was planning to repaint their open-plan kitchen/living area. They originally picked a cool grey, which looked blue under their warm-toned LED lights. After switching to a grey-beige blend, the room felt instantly more balanced and cohesive.

Need more guidance? Check out this blog on choosing paint colours to explore colour trends, visual hacks, and timeless combos.

Know who’s working on your home

This one might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked: Who will actually be doing the painting?

Sometimes, the person quoting the job isn’t the one showing up to do the work. They might subcontract to third-party crews with less experience or different standards.

To stay in control, ask:

• Will you be on-site every day, or will someone else be managing the job?
• Are all workers fully insured and trained?
• How many people will be on-site?
• How do you handle unexpected issues (weather delays, access problems)?

Good painters will offer transparent answers. They’ll also provide written documentation for insurance and safety protocols if asked.

And always always check reviews. Look for detailed testimonials, not just star ratings. A real review often shares what the experience was like: communication, punctuality, follow-up, and how issues were handled.

Don’t skip the follow-up

Once the last coat goes on, the job isn’t over.

A reputable painter will walk through the space with you, touch up any imperfections, and explain how to maintain the finish. They may also offer a warranty, often 2–5 years, for interior or exterior work.

I once worked with a painter who returned two weeks after completing a job to do a sunlight check on the exterior walls. Turns out, one section had developed blistering due to an unexpected surface sealant issue. He fixed it—at no charge—and kept the client for life.

Look for painters who offer:

• Post-project inspection
• Written warranties or touch-up guarantees
• Tips on maintaining painted surfaces (cleaning, avoiding damage, etc.)
• That kind of care? It’s a sign of a true professional.

Final thoughts: Protect your investment

Hiring a painter isn’t just about price, colour, or convenience—it’s about doing things properly the first time, so you’re not paying again six months down the track.

We’ve covered:

• What separates good quotes from bad ones
• Why prep matters more than paint
• How to plan finishes, colours, and expectations

But here’s the clincher: no matter how great your painter seems, you need to understand your legal rights. Take the time to review the trade licensing rules in NSW so you can hire with confidence, not confusion. Because at the end of the day, painting your home is an investment. And like all good investments, it pays to do your homework.