Finding the right painting company in Sydney can be hard, especially when every suburb seems to have another painter’s van parked on the street. If you are staring at peeling walls or faded weatherboards and you know a big paint job is looming, the choices can be overwhelming. After more than a decade as a Sydney homeowner, I have seen friends take risks with cowboy operators, as well as enjoy the huge difference a top professional can make. Here is my real-world guide to getting it right, with stories from the trenches and advice you can actually use.

Clarify your needs before calling anyone

A little upfront planning can save a mountain of pain down the road. When my partner and I decided to repaint our terrace in Newtown, we thought “just a quick refresh” was all we needed. By the time we finished our wish list, the job had ballooned from a single living room to the whole interior, plus the faded front fence. My tip? Get everything on paper first, from colours to finishes, and think about the mood you want in each space.

Some things to jot down:

• Do you want a simple tidy-up or a full transformation?
  
  

• Are there rooms with special requirements, such as bathrooms that need mould-resistant paint?
  
  

• Will family members or pets need to stay elsewhere during the work?
  
  

• Are you hoping for eco-friendly products or low-odour paint for sensitive noses?
  
  

Being clear at the start means you can compare quotes properly and avoid hidden extras creeping in.

Do not skip license checks, insurance, and reviews

In Sydney, not every business using a brush is a true professional. Only painters with proper licences can legally take on larger jobs. Even smaller projects benefit from hiring someone who is both qualified and insured. I have watched neighbours deal with leaks after a shoddy bathroom paint job and the hassle of chasing repairs.

The state government explains these requirements well in their house painting regulations, which are worth a look before you even ring a company.

Here is my process for filtering out the cowboys:

• Ask for their painter’s licence number and proof of insurance before agreeing to a site visit
  
  

• Search their ABN to see if it matches the business name and has a solid history
  
  

• Dig through independent review sites, not just the testimonials on their own website
  
  

• Call at least two local customers and ask about punctuality, quality, and how any problems were handled
  
  

It is not being picky; it is being smart. Years ago, I almost booked a painter from a Facebook group because he was “cheap and friendly.” A quick online search showed three court disputes in the past year. Dodged a bullet there.

Do not just skim the quotes; read the fine print

It is easy to get excited when a quote looks a little lower than expected. But the devil is always in the details. I once got three quotes for our exterior, and the cheapest one left out all the prep work. No wonder it looked like a bargain. When I asked questions, the company went quiet.

A good painting quote should spell out:

• What surfaces need sanding, cleaning, or priming
  
  

• The brand and type of paint for every area (walls, ceilings, trims)
  
  

• How many coats will they apply for each room or surface
  
  

• How long will the job take, and how many hours will they plan to be on site
  
  

• Payment schedule and what counts as an “extra” cost
  
  

Take your time. Make sure nothing is vague or “to be advised.” I always ask for explanations, even if they sound obvious. Last time I had my hallway done, my painter happily explained the pros and cons of satin versus semi-gloss, with real paint swatches.

Watch for signs of real professionalism

A painting company that cares about its reputation will want everything to be clear and transparent. This does not just protect them, it also means fewer surprises for you. Expect a written contract, not just a handshake or a text message. Good companies usually confirm their availability and timeline, and are happy to run through the whole process from prep to clean up.

Red flags to watch for:

• They avoid giving anything in writing or pushing for full cash payment
  
  

• They dodge questions about previous jobs or say, “Just trust me”
  
  

• They do not want you to contact past clients
  
  

• They cannot produce insurance paperwork when asked
  
  

One trick I have learned? If they are happy to walk you through a few projects they have completed recently, it usually means they stand by their work.

Need more tips on prepping your space or what paints work best in cold months? See interior painters' advice for detailed insights straight from the pros.

Understand the real cost, not just the quote

There is a reason quality painting sometimes costs more. You are paying for proper prep, premium paints, and skilled hands who will not rush. I once tried to save a few bucks by using a discount painter in my investment flat. Within a year, the bathroom ceiling started peeling, and stains came through the walls. Lesson learned. The company I hired later explained that the original painter had skipped primer and only given it a single quick coat.

If you are curious about what drives pricing up or down in Sydney, check out the cost of professional painters . It breaks down common fees, hidden extras, and what to budget for different property types.

A few real costs to consider:

• Prepping surfaces can take as long as the painting itself, especially in older homes
  
  

• Cheaper quotes often mean less time spent on each room or inferior materials
  
  

• Warranties and after-care are worth the small extra spend for peace of mind
  
  

Final thoughts: take your time and trust your research

Bringing in the right painting company is not just about ticking a box. It is about protecting the value of your property, feeling happy every time you walk into your living room, and avoiding headaches. Take your time, compare carefully, and always follow up on references. Sydney is full of skilled, honest painters—finding them just means a little homework up front.

Jot down your must-haves, ask around, and do not rush. Your perfect painting company is out there, ready to turn your home into something special.