If you are considering hiring a professional residential painter, you want to be confident that you’ll get the highest standard results. Painting can be a large time and financial investment, so it’s worth knowing the facts before jumping in. 

In this article, we run through the most common questions about residential painters so that you can make a more informed decision.

How much do professional painters charge? 

One of the most common questions we are asked is ‘How much do painters charge per room?’ 

On average, 4×2 house walls cost around $2,500 to $3,000 to apply 2 coats of Dulux premium paint. For new homes that require an oil based sealer binder and Dulux Wash ‘n Wear top coats, prices start from $3,500 for an average 4×2 house.

However, pricing varies from painter to painter and job to job. The best way to get accurate pricing is to enquire with Elite Painting for a custom quote.

Factors that affect the cost of residential painting include:

  • How big the job is and the size of the room or rooms to be painted.
  • The quality of the products used.
  • Any preparation work required such as removing old paint and cleaning walls
  • The amount of decorative elements such as window trims.

How to check if a painter is licensed?

In Western Australia, in order to provide painting services of over $1,000 a painter needs to be licenced. You can ask the painter to show you their licence, or look them up on the Register of Painters. All the painters at Elite Painting are registered with the WA Building Commission Painters Registration Board.

How to choose a painter?

Hiring a painter only for them to do a poor job is a waste of time and money. To avoid disappointment, it’s a good idea to know what you’re looking for in a painter.

Firstly, ensure the painter is licenced or registered. This means they have undergone special training to provide painting services to industry standards. For residential painting in Fremantle, Rockingham, Baldivis or elsewhere in WA, painters are required to be registered for jobs costing over $1,000.

Secondly, check out the previous work the painter has done. This will show you their level of experience and the quality of their work. Whether you live in Mandurah, Secret Harbour or Fremantle, your painter should have experience and knowledge that matches your residential painting project.

Thirdly, you want a painter who is familiar with your local area and its environmental factors. For example, if you require residential painting in Mandurah, you should choose a painter who knows what paint types and techniques work best for the warm, coastal environment in Mandurah.

Lastly, see what others are saying about the painter. If you don’t know someone who has used their services before, have a look at the reviews on Google or other websites. When a painter has a lot of good reviews, you can be more confident hiring them.

What questions to ask a painter? / What to ask house painters?

You want your home painted to a high standard, so it’s important to feel confident you’re hiring the right people to do the job. Here are some questions you should run by a house painter before you engage their services.

  • Do you have experience with this type of painting project?
  • Are you registered?
  • Are you qualified?
  • What insurance coverage do you have?
  • Can you provide references?
  • What brand of paint do you use?
  • What’s included in the quote?
  • What should I do to prepare before you arrive?

If a painter can’t answer these questions to your satisfaction, you should look for another painter who can. Even if a painter’s quote is low, it doesn’t mean you’ll get a top standard service. 

When should painters tape be removed?

Painter’s tape should be removed when the paint is fully dried. Removing too early could smear the paint or create a mess on clean floors. Most brands of painter’s tape should be removed within a 14-day period to avoid sticky residue being left behind.

Painters tape is used to create sharp lines while painting. It is normally stuck on top of woodwork or other surfaces to ensure a clean, professional finish. Unlike other more robust tapes, painter’s tape is designed to stick firmly to wood and wall surfaces but will not peel away dry paint when it’s removed.

How to remove painter’s tape after the paint has dried?

  1. Begin at one end of the tape. 
  2. Pull the tape back over itself at a 45 degree angle to the painted surface.
  3. Pull at a slow and steady pace.
  4. Enjoy the crisp painted edge left behind.

Do painters move furniture?

In most residential painting projects, you should move furniture out of the way before your painter arrives. Some painters may offer this as an additional service. If you are unsure, ask your painter what you need to do to prepare for their arrival.

Other things you might need to move out of the way include:

  • picture frames and other items hanging on the walls
  • electrical cords
  • ornaments 
  • plants/greenery (for exterior jobs)

What to expect from professional painters?

When you hire a professional painter, you should expect: 

  • High quality equipment and paints
  • Colour advice that suits the aesthetic of your space
  • A safe work environment and insurance for peace of mind
  • Problem detection and prevention for issues such as mould
  • The perfect finish and the highest standard workmanship
  • Proper cleanup of any painting messes

Still, have questions?

If you still have questions about residential painting in Mandurah or Perth, get in touch with the team at Elite Painting. We provide exceptional painting services across Perth and Mandurah and would be happy to answer any of your questions. As professional, registered painters, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest standard services and the best quality painting products every time.

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