So, What Do Painters and Decorators Do?

When it comes to home improvement, painters and decorators play a crucial role in transforming spaces, enhancing interiors, and maintaining the exterior of buildings. Whether you’re updating a single room or giving your entire home a fresh new look, these professionals ensure the job is done efficiently, with a high-quality finish that lasts.

But exactly what do painters and decorators do? If you’re considering hiring one, it helps to understand the full scope of their work and how they can add value to your property.

The Role of a Painter and Decorator

Painters and decorators are skilled professionals who handle the preparation, painting, and finishing of walls, ceilings, woodwork, and exteriors. Their work involves much more than simply applying paint; they ensure surfaces are properly prepared, protect fixtures and furnishings, and create flawless finishes that enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home or business.

1. Surface Preparation – The Key to a Professional Finish

Before any painting begins, preparation is essential. A professional decorator will:

• Inspect and repair walls – Fill cracks, sand rough patches, and smooth out imperfections.
• Clean surfaces – Remove dirt, grease, or old flaking paint to ensure the new coat adheres properly.
• Apply primer – Where necessary, primers help seal surfaces, block stains, and improve paint durability.
• Protect floors and furniture – Use dust sheets, masking tape, and plastic coverings to prevent splashes.

Skipping proper preparation can result in peeling paint, uneven finishes, and a job that doesn’t last.

2. Painting – More Than Just Applying Colour

A key part of what painters and decorators do is the actual painting process. This includes:

• Ceilings and walls – Applying multiple coats for a smooth, even finish.
• Woodwork and trim – Painting skirting boards, doors, and frames with durable finishes like gloss or satinwood.
• Feature walls – Creating focal points using bold colours, patterns, or decorative techniques.

Professional decorators use high-quality paints and tools to achieve a polished look, avoiding common DIY mistakes such as brush marks or roller streaks.

3. Wallpapering – A Skillful Alternative to Paint

Many decorators also specialise in wallpaper installation, a technique that requires precision and experience. Wallpapering services can include:

• Applying standard wallpaper – Ensuring clean seams and straight patterns.
• Hanging specialist wall coverings – Textured, metallic, or vinyl wallpapers for unique finishes.
• Removing old wallpaper – Stripping outdated coverings and preparing the walls for a fresh new look.

Wallpaper can add texture and depth to a space, but poor application can lead to peeling, bubbling, or misaligned patterns.

4. Exterior Painting – Protecting and Enhancing Your Property

Painters and decorators don’t just work indoors; they also maintain and enhance exteriors. This involves:

• Masonry painting – Protecting and refreshing brickwork, pebbledash, or rendered surfaces.
• Woodwork restoration – Repainting doors, window frames, and fences to prevent weather damage.
• Metalwork finishing – Coating gates, railings, and external fixtures with specialist paints to prevent rust.

Exterior painting not only improves kerb appeal but also helps protect buildings from the elements, extending their lifespan.

5. Commercial Decorating – Creating Professional Environments

Beyond residential properties, painters and decorators work on commercial spaces, including:

• Offices and retail spaces – Creating professional, clean, and inviting workplaces.
• Hotels and restaurants – Ensuring stylish, durable finishes that match brand aesthetics.
• Schools and public buildings – Applying specialist coatings for safety and hygiene.

Commercial projects often require decorators to work to tight schedules, using durable paints and techniques suited to high-traffic areas.

The Skills and Expertise of a Professional Decorator

A good painter and decorator isn’t just about applying paint—they have a range of skills that ensure a high-quality finish:

• Attention to detail – Ensuring clean lines, even coats, and no paint drips.
• Knowledge of materials – Understanding which paints, primers, and finishes work best for each surface.
• Time management – Completing projects efficiently while allowing proper drying times.
• Health and safety awareness – Using ladders, scaffolding, and protective gear correctly.

These skills separate professionals from DIY decorators, ensuring a longer-lasting and superior finish.

How to Choose the Right Painter and Decorator

If you’re hiring a professional, here’s what to look for:

1. Check Reviews and References

Look for verified customer reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Platforms like Checkatrade and Google My Business provide insights into a decorator’s reliability and quality of work.

2. Ask for a Detailed Quote

A professional decorator should provide a clear written quote outlining costs for materials, labour, and estimated timescales. This helps avoid unexpected expenses.

3. Ensure They Are Fully Insured

Decorators should have public liability insurance to cover accidental damage or injuries during the project.

4. View Their Portfolio

Most reputable decorators will have a portfolio of previous work, showcasing their experience with different styles and techniques.

How Much Do Painting and Decorating Services Cost?

The cost of hiring a professional decorator varies depending on the size of the project, the materials used, and the level of preparation required. According to Checkatrade, typical costs include:

• Painting a single room – £350 to £750
• Wallpapering a feature wall – £150 to £300
• Full house interior painting (3-bed home) – £2,000 to £4,000
• Exterior house painting – £2,500 to £5,000

(Checkatrade – Painting Costs)

While DIY decorating may seem cheaper, hiring a professional ensures better results, long-lasting finishes, and no stress.

Why Choose a Professional Painter and Decorator?

If you want a flawless finish, professional painters and decorators bring experience, efficiency, and quality materials to every project. They know how to handle difficult surfaces, prevent common mistakes, and deliver results that stand the test of time.

At Pro Finish Decorators, we take pride in transforming homes and commercial spaces across Kent with expert painting and decorating services. Whether you need interior painting, wallpapering, or full exterior restoration, we bring the skills and attention to detail needed for a perfect finish.

If you’re looking for reliable, high-quality decorating services, contact us here for a free consultation. You can also check out our Google My Business page to see reviews from our happy customers.