A painter and decorator is typically the last trade on site in any building project - and the quality of their preparation work determines whether the final finish looks professional or amateurish. The trade covers interior painting (walls, ceilings, woodwork and metal), exterior painting and maintenance, wallpaper hanging, wood staining and varnishing, and specialist decorative finishes including colour washing, wood graining and gilding. A good decorator will spend as much time on preparation - filling, sanding, priming and masking - as on the actual painting, because no amount of high-quality paint will hide a poorly prepared surface.
What they do
- Full house interior redecoration - walls, ceilings and woodwork
- Post-building works decoration after plastering and building work
- Exterior painting and maintenance of walls, windows and doors
- Wallpaper hanging including feature walls and full rooms
- Wood staining and varnishing of floors and furniture
- Specialist faux and decorative finishes
- New build first and second fix decoration
- Damp treatment overpainting with specialist primers and coatings
When you need one
A decorator is needed at the end of every building project, and for regular maintenance of exterior surfaces. Allow sufficient drying time for new plaster before decoration begins.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Day rate | £150 - £280/day |
| Room - walls and ceiling, labour | £200 - £500 |
| Exterior of house - labour | £1,500 - £4,000 |
| Wallpaper hanging (per roll) | £30 - £60 |
| External woodwork - windows and doors, labour | £500 - £1,500 |
| Hourly rate | £30 - £55/hr |
Costs vary significantly by the number of coats required, quality of finish specified and surface condition. Properties not decorated for many years will require more preparation work and cost more per room.
Qualifications to look for
The PDA is the trade body for professional painters and decorators. Membership requires proof of qualifications and adherence to a code of professional conduct. Find a PDA member at paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk.
The standard vocational qualification covering all aspects of interior and exterior painting and decorating including specialist finishes. Level 3 covers advanced techniques and supervision.
The blue CSCS Skilled Worker card confirms the holder has achieved the relevant qualification and health and safety competence. Expected on commercial and larger domestic projects.
How to find a reputable painter and decorator
Frequently asked questions
How long after plastering can I decorate?
New plaster must be allowed to dry fully before painting - typically 4-6 weeks minimum depending on the thickness and conditions. A mist coat of diluted emulsion (50% paint, 50% water) should be applied first to seal the plaster before applying full-strength paint. Painting too early causes peeling and flaking.
How often should I repaint exterior woodwork?
Exterior wood typically needs repainting every 3-5 years depending on exposure. South and west facing elevations are more exposed to sun and driving rain and deteriorate more quickly. Oil-based paints generally last longer than water-based on exterior wood. Regular maintenance painting is much cheaper than leaving it until timber begins to rot.
What is the difference between a painter and a decorator?
Painting refers to applying paint to walls, ceilings and woodwork. Decorating also covers wallpapering, staining, varnishing and specialist decorative finishes. Most professional painters also offer decorating services and use the two terms interchangeably.