Get the right professional for your project

In Victoria and Tasmania where there is no licensing of trades, it is a challenge to know where to find skilled and trustworthy tradespeople for your project. 


If you are looking for a professional painter to paint the exterior or interior of your home, a specialist restoration painter, a decorator, a wallpaper hanger, a commercial painter or an industrial painter, the Master Painters Association can connect you with the best suited tradesperson for the job. 

Considerations when choosing a painter

What makes a good painter

  • Experience is critical. Painting is highly technical, requires training and years of experience to be skilled at the range of application circumstances. Proper preparation, correct type of paint and skilful application are all essential in delivering a high-quality outcome.
  • Qualifications can be an indicator of knowledge. Many trade painters have completed an apprenticeship and attained a Certificate III. Some painters have many years experience as an alternative to qualifications. In addition to the skills taught at tradeschool or on the job, many painters have further qualifications in niche painting and construction specific subjects eg. lead paint and asbestos management.
  • The proof is in the pudding as they say, and a good painter can demonstrate previous work at a high standard. Professional painters will often have examples of work they are proud of on their website or social media. They may be able to provide locations where their work can be seen or previous customers who are happy to be referees for their work.
  • Professional painters act, communicate and present themselves as professionals. Indicators of professionalism can be reliability, clear communication, being considerate of your needs and wants as a customer, tidy and professional attire, they have professional stationery and marketing material e.g. business cards, website, signage, quotations and contracts.
  • Professional painters, like any professional, are suitably insured. This protects you, the client, and their business because sometime accidents happen. Good insurance for painting professionals covers at least $5 million in public liability and has additional cover for trade specific issues like overspray. You can ask to see a certificate of currency to ensure that the painter, and you, are covered.

How to choose a painter

  • Understand what you are planning to do and your expectations on quality vs. cost vs. time.
  • Make sure that the painter has expertise in the type of painting you want.
  • Get multiple quotes and compare them on all elements of the job not just price.
  • Are you comfortable with the painter, do you feel you could discuss any issues about the job with them, are they professional?

Do painters need to be insured?

  • Painters should be insured for public liability because sometimes accidents happen. If you choose a painter who does not have insurance or insurance that is insufficient, then you may end up being left with additional costs. The Master Painters Association recommends that painters have a policy cover of at least $5 million and that there is extended cover for painting specific risks eg. overspray. Overspray occurs when using a spray applicator and tiny droplets of paint travel beyond the target zone. There are many cases where overspray has damaged neighbours’ cars and houses. As the ‘contractor’ you are ultimately responsible for any damage so you should to ensure your painter is insured. All Members of the Master Painters Association have public liability insurance.

Are painters in Victoria and Tasmania licenced?

  • Painters and decorators are not licenced trades in Victoria (along with Carpentry, Tiling, Landscaping, Plastering and Floor installing). The State Government passed a law in 2023 to create a licencing scheme for trades in the construction industry, but the scheme is not yet in effect. Some painters may hold a builders registration under the Victorian Building Authority, and you can check that registration by visiting the VBA Find a Practitioner. Many painters have completed Certificate III or Certificate II in Painting and Decorating, these are qualifications, not licences.

Are there standards for painting work?

Painting work is covered by both the Australian Standard and an Industry Standard.

 

The Australian Standard AS/NZS 2311:2017 Guide to The Painting of Buildings is the current recognised standard for painting. The Australian Standard covers all key aspects of painting work. Some key considerations when engaging a painter should be that the Australian Standard for painting sets out:

    • Nature of substrates (the surface to be painted) and types of paint suitable for those substrates.
    • Number of coats, application, sheen levels and dry film thickness.
    • Paint preparation and environmental conditions that may cause issues.
    • Testing and inspection procedures
  • The Industry Standard: Surface Coating Industry was developed by The Master Painters Association of Victoria and Tasmania as a best practice document to provide straight-forward practical advice to contractors that provide painting services in the commercial and residential sector and to assist them in good commercial behaviour and in preventing injuries. This Standard is not a legislative document and compliance to this Standard is strictly voluntary. This Industry Standard was supported by WorkSafe Victoria.

What to ask when getting a quote

  • Ask for examples of their work you can review either in person or online.
  • Do they have current insurance and to what level.
  • Will the work be to the Australian or Industry Standard and how.
    • What will be involved in the preparation.
    • How many coats will be applied (Australian Standard is 3 coats).
    • What products will they be using.
  • Do the painters working on the job have their White Card (WorkSafe Victoria construction OHS induction training is compulsory for all work even on domestic sites. Tasmania White Card is only required for Commercial Work).

What to look for in a quote

  • What is the scope of work or specification of the job.
  • Scope of work and specification includes number of coats, type of paint, colour, sheen or gloss level and preparation.
  • What materials will be used and the costs e.g. types and brands of paints.
  • Estimated completion time of the job.
  • Exact cost of the job including GST.
  • Exclusions – what will not be painted
  • How will variations or changes be handled.
  • Is clean up and disposal included?
  • When will payment be required and how including payment terms such as deposit and progress payments.
  • When and how will the job be reviewed and signed off.
  • What guarantees will be given.
  • How long is the quote valid for.

What should I check before engaging a painter?

  • Check their ABN is current via Australian Business Register ABN Lookup
  • Are they a current member of the Master Painters Association, you can check by calling 03 9813 5922 or via Verify a Master Painter request form. 
  • Their website and social media accounts to confirm their details, for examples of their work and customer testimonials.
  • Search for the business name and main company contact on Google.

What are the options if you are not happy

  • The first step is always to speak with your painter and explain what your concerns are. You should review your quote to ensure that the work you expected was detailed in the quote. You may like to follow up your conversation in writing to ensure that your concerns are clearly articulated.
  • Consumer Affairs Victoria has a helpful guide relating to building work disputes. Building disputes, defects and delays
  • Contact Consumer Building and Occupational Affairs Tasmania
  • If you would like to have your painting work reviewed by an independent painting inspector, The Master Painter Association has a Painting Inspection and Report service.