Adam Dennis Smith — Licensed Painter (New South Wales)
Licence Details
| Licence Number | 122225C |
|---|---|
| Licence Class | Decorator |
| Status | Expired |
| Issue Date | 15 February 2001 |
| Expiry Date | 21 January 2025 |
| Source | NSW_FT |
This data is sourced from public government registers and may not reflect real-time changes. Always confirm licence details with NSW Fair Trading directly. Full disclaimer.
What a Painter Licence Means in New South Wales
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.
Hiring a licensed painter means you are protected by the state's regulatory framework. Licensed tradespersons must comply with industry standards, maintain appropriate insurance, and can be held accountable through the licensing body's complaint and disciplinary processes.
Hiring a Licensed Painter in NSW
Before hiring any painter in New South Wales, use this five-point checklist to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a properly licensed and insured professional.
- 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.
Red Flags to Watch For
- 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 |
| Single room interior repaint | $315 – $735 |
| Full house interior (3-bed) | $3150 – $7350 |
| Exterior house repaint | $4200 – $10500 |
Your Rights — Complaints & Disputes in New South Wales
NSW Fair Trading
How to Lodge a Complaint
- 1 Write to the tradesperson describing the problem and requesting a solution within a reasonable time (14–21 days)
- 2 If unresolved, lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading online or by calling 13 32 20
- 3 Fair Trading will assess your complaint and may contact the tradesperson on your behalf