Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a painting project? Find answers to common painting questions about preparation, paint selection, timing, quotes and our workmanship warranty.
Learn more about our painting team, explore our recent projects, or contact us for a free quote.
Do you provide free quotes?
Yes. We provide a free, no-obligation quote following an inspection and discussion of your requirements. This helps us understand the surfaces, preparation, access and finish involved, so we can explain the proposed work and pricing clearly.
How long will it take to paint the inside of my house?
As a general guide, the interior of a standard three-bedroom, single-storey house in relatively good condition may take approximately five to seven days.
The timeframe depends on the size of the property, ceiling heights, number of doors and windows, surface condition and amount of preparation required. We will discuss the expected schedule after inspecting your property.
How long does exterior painting take?
Exterior painting timeframes depend on the size and height of the property, access, surface materials and preparation required. Weatherboards, render and other exterior surfaces can each require a different approach.
Weather conditions and drying times also affect the schedule. We assess these factors when planning your project and communicate any changes that affect progress.
Are your painters qualified, and do you use an in-house team?
Yes. Our painting team consists of qualified, certified painters who work in-house. They bring professional experience and a shared commitment to quality workmanship, cleanliness and respect for your property.
Our team takes the time to understand your requirements and works with consideration for your home or business.
Is building practitioner registration required for painting ?
For domestic work that involves painting only, building practitioner registration is generally not required in Victoria. Different requirements can apply when the scope includes other types of building work.
Trade qualifications and building practitioner registration are different. For details about when registration is required, see the Building and Plumbing Commission’s guidance.
What preparation do you carry out before painting?
We begin by protecting the areas around the work, including floors, furniture, cabinetry and surfaces that will not be painted.
Depending on the surface condition, preparation may include cleaning, removing loose or flaking paint, sanding, filling, sealing and applying a suitable primer. The preparation required varies between projects, and we assess it before starting.
What should I do before the painters arrive?
Please clear smaller items from the work areas where practical, including decorations, valuables and belongings close to the surfaces being painted.
Let us know about heavy furniture or items that are difficult to move so we can plan around them. Where appropriate, larger furniture can be moved towards the centre of the room and covered. We will discuss access and preparation arrangements before work begins.
Can you finish one room before moving on to the next?
Please let us know in advance if a particular room needs to be completed first.
We usually work by surface type, completing ceilings before moving on to woodwork and walls. If you need a different sequence to accommodate your household or business, we can discuss how this may affect the work plan and timing.
What type of paint do you use for interiors?
We use interior-grade paints selected to suit the surface, room and intended use. Important considerations include the finish, durability, washability and suitability for everyday wear.
Walls, ceilings, doors and trim may require different products. We will discuss suitable options as part of planning your project.
What type of paint do you use for exteriors?
We use exterior-grade coatings suited to the surface and its exposure to the weather. Exterior products are formulated for outdoor conditions such as sunlight, rain and temperature changes.
The appropriate coating depends on the material being painted, its condition and the property’s location. Coastal exposure, for example, can require additional consideration when selecting the paint system.
How do I choose the right paint colour?
Colour charts are a useful starting point. Consider your flooring, furnishings, roofing and other finishes that will remain in place.
Before committing to a colour, test a sample in the actual space and view it under different lighting conditions. This helps you assess how it will look throughout the day. Dulux’s colour guidance also recommends checking samples in different lighting.
Can you match an existing colour or from another brand?
Colour matching may be possible using a colour name, code or physical sample. However, an exact match should not be assumed across different paint products or brands.
We recommend checking a sample in the intended product and finish before approving it for the full project. Lighting, sheen and the condition of an existing painted surface can affect how closely colours appear to match. See Dulux’s guidance on colour accuracy.
Why are some painting quotes higher or lower than others?
Quotes can differ because they allow for different preparation, products, surfaces, access requirements and amounts of labour. They may also include different services or exclusions.
Compare the scope carefully rather than relying on the total price alone. Check which areas are included, what preparation is proposed and which products will be used. A lower or higher price, by itself, does not establish the quality of the work.
We are happy to explain what is included in our quote.
What warranty do you offer?
Trusted Painters offers a 10-year workmanship warranty. If an issue arises from our painting workmanship, we will assess it and arrange appropriate rectification.
The workmanship warranty does not cover paint failures caused by faults in the underlying surface or building structure. Paint manufacturers’ warranties are separate and vary according to the product and its conditions.
Please ask us about the warranty coverage and exclusions relevant to your project.
