Painters prepare and coat interior and exterior surfaces of residential and commercial buildings across Australia. The work goes far beyond simply rolling on paint — a skilled painter assesses substrate condition, carries out sanding, filling, and priming, selects the right coating system for each surface, and applies it to achieve a durable, even finish. Australian painters work with a wide range of coatings including water-based acrylics, oil-based enamels, epoxies, and specialist anti-mould and heat-reflective formulations. Homeowners most commonly engage a painter for full interior repaints, exterior weatherboard and render refreshes, feature wall treatments, deck and fence staining, and ceiling repairs after water damage. Proper surface preparation accounts for roughly 80 per cent of a quality paint job.

NSW Fair Trading — Regulatory Overview

NSW Fair Trading is New South Wales's principal regulator for the building and construction industry, responsible for licensing all painters who perform regulated work in the state. The NSW Fair Trading issues and renews licences, sets minimum requirements for licensees, investigates complaints, and takes disciplinary action against non-compliant operators.

As of February 2026, NSW Fair Trading oversees 8,705 licensed painters across New South Wales, covering 0 licence classes. This represents one of the most comprehensive licensing regimes in Australia, designed to protect consumers and maintain industry standards.

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Performing unlicensed painter work in New South Wales carries significant fines. Homeowners who engage unlicensed painters lose access to statutory consumer protections and may face voided insurance, failed inspections, and other consequences.

How to Verify a Painter in New South Wales

Verifying a painter's licence in New South Wales is straightforward and should be done before engaging any tradesperson for work. You can use TradieVerify's free search tool to instantly look up any New South Walespainter by name, licence number, or business name. Alternatively, you can search directly through NSW Fair Trading at https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.

When verifying, confirm: (1) the licence is current and active, (2) the licence class covers the type of work you need, (3) there are no conditions or restrictions on their licence, and (4) there is no disciplinary history. A legitimate painter will have no hesitation providing their licence number for verification.

How to Hire a Painter in New South Wales

1
Ask what surface preparation they include in the quote
The biggest differentiator between a good and bad paint job is preparation. Ask whether the quote includes washing, scraping, sanding, crack filling, spot priming, and caulking — or just "two coats of paint." Skimping on prep leads to peeling and flaking within months.
2
Confirm which paint brand and product line they will use
Reputable painters specify the exact product — for example, Dulux Weathershield or Taubmans All Weather — in their quote. Vague descriptions like "premium paint" can mean anything. Ask for the product data sheet so you can verify it is fit for purpose (e.g. exterior grade for outside walls, low-VOC for nurseries).
3
Check whether they hold a QBCC or equivalent painting licence
In Queensland, painting and decorating work over $3,300 (inc. GST) requires a QBCC licence. NSW requires a licence for work over $5,000. Ask to see the licence and verify it on the relevant state register — unlicensed painters have no accountability for defective work.
4
Ask about their approach to lead paint on older homes
Homes built before 1970 are likely to contain lead-based paint. Disturbing lead paint without proper containment creates serious health hazards. Ask the painter whether they will test for lead before sanding or scraping, and what containment measures they use if lead is found.
5
Request a written colour specification and number of coats
Ensure the quote specifies the exact colour codes, the number of coats for each surface (walls, ceilings, trims), and which surfaces receive which finish (e.g. low sheen for walls, semi-gloss for trims). This prevents disputes about coverage and sheen levels after the job is complete.

Red Flags When Hiring a Painter

Quotes without inspecting the surfaces first:A painter who quotes over the phone or from a photo without inspecting wall condition, existing coatings, and potential issues like mould, cracks, or lead paint cannot give you an accurate price. Expect a site visit for any job beyond a single room.
Does not specify paint brand or product in the quote:Painters who use vague terms like "quality paint" may be using cheap, diluted, or off-brand products. A professional painter will specify the exact brand, product name, and colour code in their written quote so you can verify the product is fit for purpose.
Proposes painting over mould, peeling, or damp surfaces:Painting over mould or moisture problems traps the issue behind the new coating and guarantees early failure. A professional painter will identify mould and damp, recommend remediation (which may involve another trade), and only paint once the substrate is sound and dry.

Typical Painter Costs in New South Wales

Hourly Rate

$50 – $90

Callout Fee

$50 – $85

Common Painter Jobs & Estimated Costs

Job	Estimated Cost
Single room interior repaint	$315 – $735
Full house interior (3-bed)	$3,150 – $7,350
Exterior house repaint	$4,200 – $10,500
Fence painting/staining	$525 – $1,575
Feature wall painting	$210 – $525

Painter Complaints & Disputes in New South Wales

NSW Fair Trading

13 32 20 Website

How to Lodge a Complaint

1Write to the tradesperson describing the problem and requesting a solution within a reasonable time (14–21 days)
2If unresolved, lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading online or by calling 13 32 20
3Fair Trading will assess your complaint and may contact the tradesperson on your behalf
4If mediation fails, Fair Trading can inspect the work and issue rectification orders
5For unresolved disputes, you can escalate to NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal)

Related Directories

Painters in Other States

Painters in Western Australia9,421 licensed Painters in Queensland6,362 licensed

Browse All

All Trades in New South Wales All States & Territories

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an exterior paint job last in Australia?

A quality exterior paint job using premium acrylic paint over properly prepared surfaces typically lasts 10–15 years in moderate climates and 7–10 years in harsh conditions (coastal salt spray, intense UV in northern Australia, or heavy rainfall areas). Factors that shorten paint life include poor surface preparation, low-quality paint, and applying paint in extreme heat or humidity.

Do painters need a licence in Australia?

Requirements vary by state. In Queensland, painting and decorating work valued over $3,300 (inc. GST) requires a QBCC licence. In NSW, a licence is required for work over $5,000. Victoria does not require a specific painting licence, but the painter must be registered as a building practitioner for work over $10,000. Even where not legally required, hiring a licensed painter gives you access to dispute resolution through the licensing body.

How many coats of paint do I need?

For a standard repaint over a sound existing surface, two coats of topcoat are standard. If changing from a dark to light colour, you may need a tinted primer plus two topcoats. New plasterboard requires a dedicated sealer/primer coat plus two topcoats. Exterior surfaces in harsh conditions may benefit from three coats. Any painter who offers "one coat" for a full repaint is likely cutting corners.

How many licensed painters are there in New South Wales?

As of February 2026, there are 8,705 licensed painters registered with NSW Fair Trading in New South Wales. This includes all licence classes.

How do I verify a painter's licence in New South Wales?

You can verify any New South Wales painter's licence using TradieVerify's free search tool or directly through NSW Fair Trading at https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. Enter the painter's name or licence number to confirm their registration status, licence class, and any disciplinary history.