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.

Queensland Building and Construction Commission — Regulatory Overview

Queensland Building and Construction Commission is Queensland's principal regulator for the building and construction industry, responsible for licensing all painters who perform regulated work in the state. The QBCC issues and renews licences, sets minimum requirements for licensees, investigates complaints, and takes disciplinary action against non-compliant operators.

As of February 2026, Queensland Building and Construction Commission oversees 6,362 licensed painters across Queensland, covering 3 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 Queensland 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 Queensland

Verifying a painter's licence in Queensland 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 Queenslandpainter by name, licence number, or business name. Alternatively, you can search directly through Queensland Building and Construction Commission at https://www.qbcc.qld.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 Queensland

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 Queensland

Hourly Rate

$50 – $85

Callout Fee

$50 – $80

Common Painter Jobs & Estimated Costs

Job	Estimated Cost
Single room interior repaint	$300 – $700
Full house interior (3-bed)	$3,000 – $7,000
Exterior house repaint	$4,000 – $10,000
Fence painting/staining	$500 – $1,500
Feature wall painting	$200 – $500

Painter Complaints & Disputes in Queensland

Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)

139 333 Website

How to Lodge a Complaint

1Write to the tradesperson detailing the issue and requesting rectification within a reasonable timeframe (usually 14 days)
2If unresolved, lodge a complaint online via the QBCC website or call 139 333
3QBCC will assess the complaint and may arrange an inspection
4If the complaint is substantiated, QBCC can issue a direction to rectify the work
5If the tradesperson fails to comply, QBCC may take disciplinary action or use its insurance fund to cover rectification

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 Queensland?

As of February 2026, there are 6,362 licensed painters registered with Queensland Building and Construction Commission in Queensland. This includes all licence classes: Painting and Decorating, Painting Restricted To Roof Painting, Painting Restricted To Special Finishes.

How do I verify a painter's licence in Queensland?

You can verify any Queensland painter's licence using TradieVerify's free search tool or directly through Queensland Building and Construction Commission at https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au. Enter the painter's name or licence number to confirm their registration status, licence class, and any disciplinary history.

Licensed Painters in Queensland

Find Painters by City

QueenslandPainter Statistics

Breakdown by Licence Class

Breakdown by Financial Category

Painter Licensing in Queensland