Licensed Painters in Perth, Western Australia
licensed painters
29 suburbs · Data from Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
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Top Suburbs for Painters in Perth
Browse painters by suburb across the Perth metro area.
PerthPainter Statistics
Breakdown by Licence Class
- Painting Practitioner - Current706
- Painting Contractor - Current694
About Painters in Perth
Perth has a strong network of 664 licensed painters, spread across 29 suburbs. All painters listed are registered with Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, the Western Australia licensing authority responsible for ensuring compliance and consumer protection.
Verify licences on Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and SafetyHiring a Painter in Perth
Perth is a major Australian city with strong demand for licensed painters. With 664 options across the metro area, finding the right one for your job is both achievable and important. Always verify their licence through Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety before any work begins.
Hiring Checklist for Perth
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Always ask your painter for their Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety licence number before any work begins. You can verify it instantly on TradieVerify. A legitimate painter will have no hesitation providing this.
- 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 WA
Hourly Rate
$55 – $90
Callout Fee
$55 – $85
Common Jobs
| Job | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Single room interior repaint | $325 – $755 |
| Full house interior (3-bed) | $3240 – $7560 |
| Exterior house repaint | $4320 – $10800 |
Related Directories
Other Trades in Perth
Broader Areas
Helpful Resources
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.
What is the difference between water-based and oil-based paint?
Water-based (acrylic) paints dry faster, have lower odour, are easier to clean up, and are now the standard for most interior and exterior walls in Australia. Oil-based (enamel) paints provide a harder, more durable finish and are still preferred by some painters for trims, doors, and high-traffic areas. However, modern water-based enamels have largely closed the durability gap.
Should I move my furniture or does the painter handle that?
Most painters expect rooms to be largely cleared before they start, or they will quote an additional fee for moving and covering furniture. At minimum, remove breakables and small items. Professional painters should cover remaining furniture and floors with drop sheets and mask off skirting boards, light switches, and fittings.
How many licensed painters are there in Perth?
There are 664 licensed painters registered across the Perth metropolitan area, covering 29 suburbs tracked by TradieVerify.
Which Perth suburbs have the most painters?
The Perth suburbs with the highest concentration of licensed painters include Gosnells (88), Morley (59), Canning Vale (53), Thornlie (43), Osborne Park (36). Inner-city suburbs tend to have more painters due to higher population density and commercial activity.
All Painters by Perth Suburb
Click any suburb to view the full directory with licence details.