How to Hire a Licensed Painter in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide

A fresh coat of paint is the fastest way to transform a home, but a bad paint job is one of the most visible mistakes you can make. Peeling exterior paint after six months, brush marks across every wall, or a painter who disappears mid-job leaving your furniture under drop sheets. With over 6,300 licensed painters in Queensland and 4,700 in Western Australia listed on TradieVerify, finding a qualified professional does not have to be a gamble. This guide covers how to hire a licensed painter in Australia, what to check before signing, costs in AUD, lead paint risks in older homes, and your rights under Australian Consumer Law.

Why You Should Only Hire a Licensed Painter

Painting looks simple, but a professional finish depends on proper surface preparation, the right products for your climate, and trade-specific knowledge that takes years to develop.

Legal requirement. Most Australian states require painters to hold a licence or registration for work above a set dollar threshold. In Queensland, any painting work over $3,300 requires a QBCC licence. In Western Australia, the threshold is just $1,000. A licensed painter has completed a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620) and served an apprenticeship.

Quality standard. Qualified painters are expected to meet AS/NZS 2311:2017, the Australian standard for painting buildings. This covers surface preparation, paint systems, minimum coat thickness, and application methods. Three coats on bare timber or plaster is the minimum under this standard.

Insurance protection. If an unlicensed painter damages your property or a worker is injured on your site, you may have no recourse. Properly licensed painters carry public liability insurance and, if they employ staff, workers compensation insurance.

Accountability. Registered painters are accountable to state regulators. If there is a dispute, you can lodge a complaint through the QBCC, VBA, NSW Fair Trading, or the relevant state body.

Consumer guarantees. Under Australian Consumer Law, painting services must be provided with due care and skill, be fit for purpose, and completed within a reasonable time. These guarantees cannot be excluded by contract.

You can verify any painter’s licence on TradieVerify’s search page.

1. Know Which States Require a Painter’s Licence

Unlike plumbing or electrical work, painting is not licensed in every Australian state. The rules vary significantly, and some states have no specific painter licensing at all.

What this means for you. In QLD, WA, NSW, VIC, and SA, always check your painter holds the required licence. In the ACT, TAS, and NT, there is no painter-specific licence, but you should still check for an ABN, insurance, and trade qualifications.

Western Australia is unique. WA has the lowest threshold ($1,000) and a two-tier system: a Painting Practitioner (PP) who supervises work, and a Painting Contractor (PC) who contracts directly with clients.

Browse licensed painters in Queensland or licensed painters in Western Australia to see verified listings.

2. Check Their Licence Before Signing Anything

Before you accept a quote or pay a deposit, verify the painter’s licence on TradieVerify or the relevant state register.

Here is what to check:

• Licence status. Is it current and active? An expired or suspended licence means they cannot legally take on your job.
• Licence class. In Queensland, check whether they hold “Painting and Decorating” (which includes rendering) or “Painting and Decorating excluding Rendering.”
• Business details. Does the licence name and ABN match what appears on the quote?
• Disciplinary history. State registers often show past enforcement actions or complaints.
• Insurance currency. Ask for a copy of their public liability insurance certificate and check the expiry date.

Where to verify online:

• QLD: QBCC licence search at qbcc.qld.gov.au
• WA: DEMIRS online licence search at ols.demirs.wa.gov.au
• NSW: Service NSW licence check at service.nsw.gov.au
• VIC: VBA practitioner register at vba.vic.gov.au

Any legitimate painter will provide their licence number without hesitation. If they dodge the question, find someone else.

3. Understand the Difference Between Interior and Exterior Painters

There is no separate licensing category for interior versus exterior painting in Australia. The Certificate III covers both. However, the skills and experience required are quite different.

Exterior painting requires knowledge of weather-resistant coatings, UV-stable paint systems, substrate preparation for weathered surfaces (timber, brick, render, metal), and working safely at heights. Exterior painters typically use spray equipment and need to manage weather windows for drying.

Interior painting focuses on finish quality, colour consistency, cutting in around fixtures and trim, and managing dust and fumes in occupied spaces. Low-VOC paints are standard for interior work, especially in homes with children or people with respiratory conditions.

What to ask. When hiring, ask specifically about experience with your project type. A painter who specialises in new-build exteriors may not deliver the fine finish you expect for interior feature walls. Ask to see photos of completed projects similar to yours.

Search for painters in your area on TradieVerify.

4. Check for Lead Paint in Older Homes

If your home was built before 1970, there is a high chance it contains lead paint. This is a safety issue that most homeowners overlook and most competitor guides ignore entirely.

The history. Australian paint contained up to 50% lead before 1965. The limit dropped to 1% in 1965, 0.25% in 1992, and 0.1% in 1997. Lead was fully banned as a paint additive in 2010.

Why it matters. Sanding, scraping, or disturbing lead paint creates toxic dust. Children under four and pregnant women are most at risk.

What a qualified painter should do:

• Conduct or arrange a lead paint assessment before starting work on pre-1970 homes
• Use approved removal methods only: wet scraping, chemical stripping, or power tools with HEPA extraction
• Never dry sand, dry scrape, or use heat guns on lead paint
• Follow AS/NZS 4361.2:2017 for hazardous paint management in residential buildings
• Dispose of lead-contaminated waste according to state EPA requirements

Ask your painter directly: “Have you worked with lead paint before, and what removal methods do you use?” If they do not mention wet methods or HEPA filtration, they are not following the regulations.

The Australian Government publishes a free guide called “Lead Alert: The Six Step Guide to Painting Your Home” available from the Department of Climate Change and Energy.

5. Get Three Written Quotes and Compare Properly

Get at least three written quotes before committing to any painting work.

What a proper painting quote should include:

• Full scope of work (which rooms or surfaces, number of coats, prep work included)
• Paint brand and product specified by name (e.g., Dulux Weathershield, Taubmans Endure)
• Surface preparation details (filling, sanding, priming, washing)
• Whether furniture moving and masking are included
• Labour costs, timeline, and warranty terms
• GST inclusion (mandatory for businesses turning over more than $75,000)

Compare like for like. If one painter quotes two coats of Dulux Wash & Wear and another quotes three coats of a budget brand, the finish and longevity will differ. Always compare the same paint system, number of coats, and preparation scope.

Watch for lowball quotes. A quote 40% below the others usually means fewer coats, skipped preparation, or cheaper paint substituted on the day.

6. How Much Does Painting Cost in Australia?

Painting costs depend on the surface type, condition, paint quality, and accessibility. Here are indicative costs as of 2025-2026:

Common painting jobs:

Labour rates. Most painters charge between $45 and $70 per hour, or quote by the square metre ($20 to $40/sqm for interior, $25 to $50/sqm for exterior).

Factors that increase cost: high ceilings, extensive preparation (crack filling, plaster repair, lead paint removal), premium paint brands, decorative finishes, multi-storey exteriors requiring scaffolding, and tight timelines.

Location matters. Painting in Sydney tends to cost 10-20% more than Brisbane or Adelaide. Regional areas may carry additional travel charges.

7. Understand Paint Warranties and Your Consumer Rights

Two distinct warranties apply to any painting job, and most homeowners do not realise this.

Paint product warranty (from the manufacturer). This covers defects in the paint itself. For example, Dulux Weathershield carries a 15-year warranty against blistering, flaking, and peeling on properly prepared new surfaces. These warranties are conditional on correct surface preparation and application.

Workmanship warranty (from the painter). This covers application quality: paint runs, brush marks, uneven coverage, and unfilled surface defects. A reasonable workmanship warranty is one to two years. Ask for it in writing before work starts.

Australian Consumer Law guarantees. The ACCC’s consumer guarantees also apply automatically. Painting services must be provided with due care and skill, be fit for purpose, and completed within a reasonable time. These guarantees cannot be excluded by contract.

8. Know What You Can and Cannot Do Yourself

Unlike gas or electrical work, painting is not entirely restricted to licensed tradespeople. However, there are situations where you must hire a professional.

What homeowners can legally do:

• Interior painting and repainting in most states (under the licensing threshold)
• Fence painting and staining
• Touch-up work and maintenance painting
• Choosing colours and purchasing paint

When you must hire a licensed painter:

• Any job exceeding your state’s licensing threshold ($1,000 in WA, $3,300 in QLD, $5,000 in NSW/ACT, $10,000 in VIC)
• Work involving lead paint disturbance on pre-1970 homes
• Exterior work requiring scaffolding or elevated platforms (working at heights regulations apply)
• Strata or body corporate common property (usually requires licensed contractors)

Practical reality. Even when you can legally paint a room yourself, a professional painter will deliver a better finish in less time with trade-grade equipment and materials.

9. State-by-State Licensed Painter Guide

Each Australian state has its own system for painter licensing. Here is a summary with real licence counts from the TradieVerify database:

Key differences between states:

• Queensland requires a QBCC licence plus the QBCC Trade Contractor Course. Two classes available: with or without rendering.
• Western Australia has the lowest threshold ($1,000) and separates practitioners from contractors.
• New South Wales requires a contractor licence for work over $5,000, with penalties of up to $22,000 for unlicensed individuals.
• Victoria uses a registration system for domestic work over $10,000 through the VBA.
• ACT, Tasmania, and NT have no specific painter licensing. Check for an ABN, insurance, and trade qualifications instead.

10. Red Flags When Hiring a Painter

Protect yourself by watching for these warning signs:

• No licence number on the quote. In states where licensing is required, a reputable painter displays their licence number on all paperwork.
• Vague scope of work. “Paint the house” is not a quote. You need room-by-room detail, paint brand, number of coats, and preparation included.
• No mention of surface preparation. Prep work accounts for 60-80% of a professional paint job. A painter who skips this discussion will deliver a poor result.
• Large upfront payment. A deposit of 10-20% is reasonable. Requesting 50% or more before starting is a warning sign.
• Cash only, no invoice. This usually means no ABN, no GST registration, and no accountability.
• Refuses to specify paint brand. Some painters quote premium brands then use budget alternatives on the day. Get the brand and product name in writing.
• No insurance certificates. If a painter cannot produce current public liability insurance, do not hire them.
• Pressure to sign immediately. A legitimate licensed painter is happy for you to take time, get other quotes, and check references.

If you suspect someone is performing unlicensed painting work, report them to your state regulator. In Queensland, report directly to the QBCC. In WA, contact DEMIRS. In NSW, report to NSW Fair Trading.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a painter is licensed in Australia?

Search for any painter’s licence on TradieVerify’s search page, which pulls data from state regulators. You can also check directly with the QBCC (QLD), DEMIRS (WA), VBA (VIC), or Service NSW. Ask for the licence number upfront and verify it before signing. The ACT, Tasmania, and the NT do not have specific painter licensing.

How much does it cost to paint a 3-bedroom house interior?

A licensed painter typically charges $3,000 to $6,500 to repaint the interior of a standard 3-bedroom house, including walls and ceilings. This assumes surfaces in reasonable condition. Extensive plaster repairs, high ceilings, or premium paint brands will push costs higher.

Do painters need a licence in all Australian states?

No. QLD, WA, NSW, VIC, and SA require painter licensing or registration above certain dollar thresholds. The ACT, Tasmania, and the NT do not have specific painter licensing. Even in those states, check for an ABN, insurance, and a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating.

Should I worry about lead paint when repainting my home?

If your home was built before 1970, yes. Australian paint contained up to 50% lead before 1965. Disturbing lead paint through sanding or scraping creates toxic dust dangerous to children and pregnant women. Hire a painter experienced in lead paint management who follows AS/NZS 4361.2.

What is the difference between a paint warranty and a workmanship warranty?

A paint warranty comes from the manufacturer and covers product defects like premature blistering or peeling. A workmanship warranty comes from the painter and covers application quality: runs, brush marks, uneven coverage. You should receive both in writing. Australian Consumer Law guarantees also apply on top and cannot be excluded by contract.

How long should a professional exterior paint job last?

A quality exterior paint job using premium acrylic should last 10 to 15 years on properly prepared surfaces. Factors that reduce lifespan include coastal salt exposure, direct western sun, poor preparation, and fewer than three coats. Most manufacturers require three coats on bare surfaces for warranty validity.

Summary

Hiring a licensed painter in Australia comes down to these key steps:

• Check whether your state requires licensing and verify the painter’s licence on TradieVerify or the relevant state register
• Get three written quotes specifying paint brand, number of coats, preparation scope, and warranty terms
• Ask about lead paint if your home was built before 1970, and confirm they use approved removal methods
• Verify insurance by requesting current certificates for public liability and workers compensation
• Understand your warranties including paint product warranty, workmanship warranty, and your rights under Australian Consumer Law
• Know the difference between interior and exterior specialists, and hire for the experience that matches your project

With over 6,300 licensed painters in Queensland and 4,700 in Western Australia listed on TradieVerify, and more states being added regularly, finding a qualified painting professional starts with a simple licence check. Search for a licensed painter in your area on TradieVerify and get your painting project done right.

Related Guides

• How Much Does House Painting Cost? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide — Our house painting costs
• Selling Your Home: Trade Jobs That Add the Most Value — Our value-adding trade jobs
• Getting Quotes from Tradies — Our getting quotes guide

Sources

1. Queensland Building and Construction Commission: Painting and Decorating Licence, https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/licences/apply-licence/available-licences/other-trade/painting-decorating
2. NSW Government: Painting Work Licences, https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/licences-and-credentials/building-and-trade-licences-and-registrations/painting-work
3. WA Government: Painters’ Registration, https://www.wa.gov.au/government/multi-step-guides/painters-registration
4. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water: Lead in House Paint, https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/chemicals-management/lead/lead-in-house-paint
5. WorkSafe Victoria: Managing Lead-Based Paint Removal, https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/managing-lead-based-paint-removal
6. Master Painters Australia, https://masterpainters.com.au/
7. Standards Australia: AS/NZS 2311:2017 Guide to the Painting of Buildings, https://store.standards.org.au/product/as-nzs-2311-2017
8. ACCC: Consumer Guarantees, https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/buying-products-and-services/warranties