How to Find a Trustworthy Painter and Decorator in the UK

Look for membership of the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA), the main UK trade body for this work. Membership is not a legal requirement, but it signals a track record.

Ask to see recent work similar to yours, such as exterior painting or wallpapering, not only flat wall colour.

Most visible faults, such as flaking or an uneven finish, come from poor preparation. Ask what preparation is included, such as filling, sanding and undercoating.

Confirm how many coats are included, since this is where quotes most often differ.

Older homes may still have layers of lead-based paint under newer coats. Dry sanding or burning off this paint releases lead dust, which is harmful, especially to children.

In an older property, ask how the decorator will prepare existing paintwork. Wet sanding, or testing a sample first, is safer than dry sanding.

• Which paint brand and finish will you use, and who buys it?
• Is a mist coat included on any new plaster?
• How will you protect floors, furniture and fittings?
• For exterior work, what will you do if it rains?

A finished paint job can look good in a photo even if the preparation was poor. On Propvio, a review only appears once a homeowner has logged the job and the decorator has confirmed it.

Look for confirmed jobs across different work, such as both interior and exterior painting.

Ask for a written quote that lists the preparation, the number of coats, and the paint brand and finish.

See What to Ask a Tradesperson Before Work Starts for questions that apply to any trade.