Preparation first, paint second
Find Painting Contractors in London
A great finish is mostly preparation: filling, sanding, priming and protecting. Tell us what needs painting and we’ll pass your enquiry to an independent decorator who covers your area. We don’t carry out the work ourselves.
Find a decorator
- 1Surfaces and rooms included
- 2Preparation work required
- 3Paint type and number of coats
- 4Protection of floors and furniture
Painting and decorating jobs you can ask about
Inside and out, from a single room to a whole house.
- Ask about this for walls & ceilings
Walls & ceilings
Cracks filled, surfaces sanded and walls and ceilings painted in finishes suited to each room.
- Ask about this for woodwork & doors
Woodwork & doors
Skirting, architraves, doors and staircases prepared and painted in durable trim paint.
- Ask about this for exterior masonry & render
Exterior masonry & render
Masonry paint on render and brick where appropriate, after cleaning and repairs.
- Ask about this for windows & fascias
Windows & fascias
Timber windows, sills, fascias and soffits prepared, primed and painted.
- Ask about this for front doors & railings
Front doors & railings
Front doors and metal railings stripped back where needed and repainted.
- Ask about this for wallpapering
Wallpapering
Lining paper and feature wallpaper hung on prepared walls.
Why preparation takes longer than painting
Paint shows every flaw beneath it. On most jobs, more time goes into filling, sanding, priming and masking than into the final coats, so ask any decorator how they prepare. That is what makes the finish look smooth and stay on.
- Filled and sanded surfaces
- Bare timber and repairs primed
- Floors and furniture protected
From enquiry to a finished room
What happens to your enquiry, and what to expect from the decorator.
Your enquiry
Tell us which rooms or exterior areas need painting. We try to pass it to an independent decorator; we can’t promise every enquiry is taken up.
Visit & quote
If a decorator can help, they look at the surfaces and give a written quote listing preparation, products and coats.
Prepare and paint
Rooms protected, surfaces prepared, coats applied by the decorator you hire. Your agreement is with them, not us.
Walk-round
Before the final payment, check every room with the decorator and agree any touch-ups.
Signs of a decorator who cares about the edges
Crisp lines and clean floors tell you a lot about a painter.
Clean cut-in lines
Look for neat edges where walls meet ceilings and trim.
Protected rooms
Dust sheets, masking, and furniture moved and covered.
Clear specification
Products and number of coats should be written into the quote.
Reliable timings
Ask for rooms to be done in an agreed order, so you can plan around the work.
Final walk-round
Touch-ups should be done before the decorator leaves.
Check insurance first
Decorators work independently of this site, so ask for proof of insurance before any decorating date is fixed.
Painting questions
What people ask before booking decorators.
Who supplies the paint?
Some decorators supply it, others use paint you’ve bought. The quote should state which and specify products and coats.
Can exteriors be painted in winter?
Exterior painting depends on temperature and dry weather. Ask the decorator for advice on timing for your job.
Can sash windows be painted?
Yes. Sashes should be prepared and painted carefully so they still open freely; ask how the decorator handles them.
Will furniture be moved?
Decorators usually move and cover furniture within the room where practical; very heavy or valuable items are best moved beforehand. Agree this in advance.
What about lead paint in older homes?
Older paintwork may contain lead. Ask the decorator which preparation methods they use before work starts; dry sanding of lead paint should be avoided.
Is scaffolding needed for exteriors?
For upper floors, often yes, or a tower. Any access equipment should be listed in the quote.
Is there help choosing colours?
Many decorators are happy to give opinions. Either way, test samples on the wall first.
Can I ask about wallpaper hanging?
Yes, including lining paper and feature papers.
Will the decorator be insured?
Each decorator works independently and we can’t vouch for their cover, so ask for proof of insurance with the quote and before any decorating date is fixed.
Painting enquiries from across London
Send an enquiry for a home or small commercial space in any London borough.
London’s period homes are full of mouldings, sash windows and stucco, which reward careful preparation and the right products.
Any visit is arranged directly between you and the decorator.
Send a painting enquiry
Tell us which rooms or exterior areas need painting. We’ll try to pass it to an independent decorator who can visit.