If you’ve ever stood in a Bunnings aisle staring blankly at a wall of paint swatches, you’ll know this: colour is only half the battle. A good Sydney painter won’t just give you fresh walls; they’ll help you avoid costly mistakes, pick finishes that last, and transform a room with far more than a brush.

In this blog, we’ll break down how to choose a reliable painter in Sydney, what you should expect from the quoting process, how to avoid dodgy contractors, and why paint jobs are rarely just cosmetic.

Why hiring a professional is always worth it

Painting might seem simple until you're stuck on a ladder at 7 pm trying to fix roller marks in your living room ceiling.

A professional Sydney painter brings:

• Surface prep skills (which make or break the finish)

• Experience with tricky architecture, like cornices and architraves

• Knowledge of paint types suited to Aussie weather and lighting

• Safety know-how for lead paint, asbestos risk, and ladder work

• Efficiency — they’ll finish in days, not weeks

The biggest difference? They know what not to paint. We’ve seen it all — from painted-over power points to gloss on ceilings. Pros avoid shortcuts.

A real-world example: Newtown Terrace turned modern

Last year, we worked on a heritage terrace in Newtown. The client had painted over the original cornices with off-white wall paint, leaving the whole room looking flat and heavy. They also chose a finish that clashed with the light flow from the back courtyard.

We recommended a subtle, low-sheen ceiling white, with crisp satin enamel trims and a warm neutral for the walls. After prep (which involved removing bubbling acrylic), the result was fresh, bright and breathable, and resale-ready.

A painter’s advice isn’t just aesthetic — it’s strategic.

Red flags to watch for when hiring painters

Not all painters are created equal. And in Sydney’s hot real estate market, plenty of fly-by-night operators are ready to roll.

Watch out for:

• Quotes without inspection — no site visit, no detail

• Cash-only jobs with no ABN or insurance

• Unclear timelines or verbal-only agreements

• Paint supplied by client (some do this to avoid warranty risk)

• No prep plan — if they don’t mention sanding, patching, or cleaning, that’s a problem

Always ask to see photos of recent jobs — not just generic stock images. Even better: ask for contactable client references.

What to expect in a quote

A quality painter in Sydney should provide a written quote that includes:

• Total price (incl. GST and all materials)

• A breakdown of surfaces to be painted

• Prep steps (e.g. patching, sanding, masking)

• Paint types and finishes (e.g. low sheen, gloss, enamel)

• Number of coats included

• Timeline (start and finish date)

• Terms (e.g. deposit, warranty, cancellation)

Quotes should reflect site-specific needs. A small kitchen with flaking plaster costs more per sqm than a flat lounge wall in new plasterboard.

Should you provide the paint yourself?

Short answer: no. It may seem cheaper, but it can void workmanship warranties and result in colour mismatches or performance issues.

Painters work with preferred paint systems (e.g. Dulux Wash & Wear, Taubmans Endure) for a reason — they know how those products behave. They also get better pricing and often include that value in their quote.

Also worth noting: Pros know which finishes handle lead paint safety rules, especially in pre-1970s homes.

Interior vs exterior painting: different rules

Exterior paint is a different beast — it must withstand UV, moisture, mould, and temperature extremes.

A good exterior job includes:

• Pressure cleaning surfaces

• Repairing render cracks

• Spot-priming problem areas

• Choosing high-performance coatings (not basic water-based paint)

We recommend low-sheen or matt finishes for exteriors — they’re more forgiving on rough surfaces and reduce glare.

Interior painting is more about mood and material:

• Matt finished the ceilings

• Low-sheen for walls

• Satin or semi-gloss for trims and doors

• Mould-resistant formulas for wet areas

Again, a sydney painter will make those decisions easy.

Choosing the right painter for your home

You’re not just paying for the paint. You’re paying for their judgment, consistency, and care inside your space.

Here’s what to look for in a top-tier painting team:

• Fully insured (public liability + workers’ comp)

• Licensed (NSW Fair Trading, where required)

• Clear communication from first contact

• Clean-up included

• Attention to furniture and floor protection

• Familiarity with how to choose a painting contractor
  
  

Also: go with your gut. If they rush the site visit or seem vague, they’ll probably rush the job too.

Simulated experience: one-bedroom repaint in Ashfield

I recently helped my cousin find a painter for their one-bed unit in Ashfield. They were quoted everything from $1,200 to $3,500 for the exact same scope.

The difference? The cheapest didn’t include prep, used generic paint, and wanted 50% upfront.

We went with a middle-tier quote from a local painter who explained everything clearly and even colour-matched their old skirting. The result was flawless, and they were back in their unit within three days — no mess, no drama.

Colour trends in Sydney homes

If you’re unsure where to start, here’s what’s popular right now:

• Warm whites (Lexicon Quarter, Natural White)

• Earthy neutrals (Greige, Mushroom, Dusty Clay)

• Deep contrast trims (Charcoal or Basalt)

• Soft sage greens in bathrooms and bedrooms

• Feature wall accents (but subtle — think blush, rust, olive)

Need help planning? Check out this guide to the best paint colours for Australian homes, it covers both trend and timeless choices.

Common questions people ask painters

Here are a few FAQs we hear all the time:

How long will it take?
Depends on prep. One room = 1–2 days. Whole home = 4–10 days.

Can I stay in the house while it’s painted?
Usually yes, but some areas may need to dry overnight before moving furniture.

Will you fix cracks and holes?
Yes — a good painter includes basic patching in their quote.

Do I need to move furniture?
Painters will usually help, but fragile or bulky items should be cleared beforehand.

How long will it last?
Interior paint can last 7–10 years with proper prep and quality product. Exteriors: 5–7 years, depending on exposure.

Don’t forget prep = perfection

The real magic is in the prep. Painting over dirty or damaged walls never works — it just traps problems under a fresh layer.

Top prep tasks include:

• Sugar-soaping or washing walls

• Removing loose/flaking paint

• Sanding glossy surfaces for grip

• Priming patched areas

• Taping edges and protecting floors

If your painter skips any of the above? Walk away.

Final thoughts: what you're really paying for

A sydney painter isn’t just offering colour. They’re offering time, protection, and polish — in a world where details matter. Whether you’re freshening up for sale, doing a full reno, or just tired of beige, the right painter will elevate your space without the stress.

Forget the DIY regret. A proper paint job pays off in comfort, resale, and sheer visual pleasure.