The short answer: a good painter is licensed, insured, happy to show you proof of both, quotes in writing with detail, and doesn't rush the preparation. If any of those are missing, keep looking — no matter how good the price is.
1. Check they're licensed and insured — before anything else
This is the single most important check, and it takes two minutes. Ask for their public liability insurance certificate and their licence details. A legitimate painter will send these without hesitation.
Why it matters: if an uninsured painter damages your property or injures themselves on your site, you can be left carrying the cost. Insurance isn't paperwork — it's your protection.
Warning sign: "I'll sort the paperwork later"
Any painter who deflects questions about licensing, insurance or written quotes should be ruled out immediately. It's a reliable predictor of how the rest of the job will go.
2. Look at their actual work — not their Instagram
Anyone can post a flattering photo. What you want to see is whole-job documentation: preparation, mid-stage progress, and the finished result. Professional painters photograph their work because it protects both parties.
Better still, ask to see a job in person or speak to a recent customer. Look closely at the details that separate careful work from rushed work:
Straight cut-in lines
Crisp edges where walls meet ceilings and trim
Masking removed cleanly
No paint on glass, floors or fittings
Even finish, no flashing
Consistent sheen across the whole surface
Tidy site at the end
Dust sheets packed up, no drips left behind
3. Read the quote properly — preparation is the tell
A good quote is itemised. A suspicious quote is a single number on a text message. The section that reveals the most is surface preparation, because it's the part that's invisible once the job is done — and the first thing a cheap operator skips.
A quote should clearly state:
- What preparation is included — washing, sanding, filling, priming
- The number of coats, and which products are used
- Whether materials, scaffolding and cleanup are included
- A realistic timeline and the payment schedule
- What warranty applies and how long it runs
Be sceptical of the lowest price
There's a reason one quote is dramatically cheaper. It's usually thin paint, no primer, minimal preparation, or no insurance. Paint failing two years early means paying twice — and the second time you'll also pay for repairs.
4. Get at least three quotes — and compare like for like
Three quotes is the sweet spot: enough to see the market rate, not so many that the process becomes endless. But comparing the total figure alone is a mistake — compare what each quote includes. One may look dearer until you notice the other excludes scaffolding, materials or preparation.
Also ask how long each painter has been operating locally. Longevity matters — you can't hide poor work in a small market for 20 years.
5. Ask these questions before you commit
Take this list with you when you speak to painters. Clear answers are a good sign; vague or defensive ones aren't.
Six red flags to walk away from
No written quote, or a quote with no detail
Can't or won't show insurance and licence
Asks for full payment before starting
Says preparation can be skipped to save money
Pressure to sign or pay "today only"
Price dramatically below every other quote
The two-minute checklist
Licensed and insured — with proof, upfront
Written, itemised quote including preparation
Photos or examples of complete jobs, not just close-ups
Two or three local references you can call
Named paint products and number of coats specified
A written workmanship warranty
Clear, sensible payment schedule