Painting & Decorating

Painting and decorating services are available for both interior and exterior updates. Painting and decorating is a very broad sector ranging from single interior room painting through to entire outer structures.

Painting and decorating, particularly interior work, is popular with DIY enthusiasts.

However, it can be both messy and very time consuming, which is why many people will opt instead to use the services of a professional contractor.

Not much is known about the painting and decorating trade prior to the late 13th century, and it wasn’t until 1894 that a national association was formed, eventually transitioning into the National Federation of Master Painters and Decorators of England and Wales in 1918. After a name change to the British Decorators Association, in 2002 they merged with the Painting & Decorating Federation to became the Painting & Decorating Association.

An experienced painter and decorator who is registered with the Painting and Decorating Association will be able to guarantee a top quality service using the correct equipment, tools and paints. To become a member of the association, strict criteria must be adhered to, including achieving an apprenticeship under the National Joint Training Scheme for Building Operatives (Painting & Decorating) and holding a City & Guilds of London Institute Craft Certificate, or having been employed as a painter and decorator for at least five continuous years, amongst other requirements.

Why hire a professional painter and decorator

There are various reasons why you would out source your painting and decorating work. Home decorating can be a highly time consuming job, and with today’s busy modern lives, juggling work and family life, it can be difficult to find the time needed to undertake the work.

Not only that, but painting and decorating isn’t for everyone. There’s more to it than you might think – it’s not just about slapping a bit of paint on a wall.

A professional painter will know how to get the job done to the highest of standards, and quickly, with minimal disruption. Not only that, but some painting and decorating jobs can be quite hazardous, particularly if external painting is involved.

A painter and decorator will offer a variety of services, which can include:

• wallpaper hanging
• wallpaper removal
• interior painting
• exterior painting
• coving/artexing

They will also be able to offer specialist finishes for decoration, plaster, timbers, ceilings and hard woods. Door painting and stripping, handrail painting, window painting hole fitting and drywall repair can also be conducted by a trained painter and decorator.

Brands of paint range in price and will depend on their coverage and whether they are emulsions, gloss or oil based. Popular choices include Dulux, Crown, Farrow & Ball, Johnstones/Leyland. Brands from DIY store chains like B&Q and Homebase tend to be cheaper, while exterior masonry paint tends to be more expensive.

What to look for when sourcing a painter and decorator

• Someone who you will be able to trust to do a good job
• Fully insured with Public liability insurance
• Testimonials from happy customers
• Competitive rates
• A clear pricing structure when quoting for work

Whether you need an exterior painting job undertaken or simply want to spruce up the inside of your property with a new colour scheme, Builder Guide’s national and regional-based painters and decorators will happily provide you with a quote to get the work done.