How to Choose the Right House Painter for Your Home Renovation

Renovating your home is one of the most rewarding ways to breathe new life into your space. Whether you're upgrading the interior, refreshing the exterior or preparing a property for sale, paintwork plays a transformative role. But achieving a flawless, long-lasting finish doesn’t just depend on the colour you choose—it hinges on the skill, care and professionalism of the painter you hire. Selecting a reliable painter in Mackay who understands your renovation goals and delivers quality workmanship can make all the difference. Here’s what you should look for when choosing the right house painters in Mackay for your next renovation project.

Confirm Licensing & Insurance for Peace of Mind

Before you get excited about colour swatches or decorative finishes, ensure the painter you’re considering is licensed and insured. In Queensland, painters should hold a QBCC licence, which signifies compliance with state regulations and industry standards. Hiring a licensed and insured painter protects you from legal and financial risks. It also reflects the provider's professionalism and commitment to doing things right.

Key considerations:

• Verify that the painter holds a current QBCC licence, which can be checked online via the Queensland Building and Construction Commission website.
• Request proof of public liability insurance to cover potential accidents or damage during the project.
• Ensure they carry the appropriate coverage for residential or commercial work, depending on your specific needs.

Assess Their Experience with Both Interior & Exterior Work

Different areas of your home require different painting approaches. From sun-exposed exteriors to moisture-prone bathrooms or detailed ceilings, experienced painters know how to treat each surface appropriately. A painter specialising in interior and exterior services is well-equipped to handle everything from whole-home renovations to targeted refreshes.

What to look for:

• Experience in interior surfaces such as feature walls, architraves, ceilings, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
• Exterior work capabilities include roof recoating, eaves, gutter painting, and outdoor trims.
• A decade or more of experience, such as Wix Painting’s 10+ years servicing Mackay, is a reliable indicator of capability.

Focus on Their Surface Preparation & Cleanup Methods

Painting isn’t just about applying colour—it’s about ensuring surfaces are properly prepped and cleaned before and after the job. A reputable painter knows preparation is key to a durable and visually appealing finish. High-quality painters will invest time in sanding, filling, priming, and protecting surrounding areas to avoid paint splattering or damage to fixtures.

What a solid prep process includes:

• Sanding and patching cracks or imperfections in plaster or timber.
• Applying primers or undercoats suited to the substrate.
• Masking surfaces, using drop sheets and ensuring no paint marks are left behind.
• Full clean-up and rubbish removal will be done once the work is complete.

Check the Quality of Paint Types & Finishes They Use

Not all paints are created equal. A professional painter will use high-grade brands suited to Australian conditions, especially in coastal areas where weather and salt exposure can affect finishes. You’ll also want a painter who offers a range of finishes—especially if your renovation includes bespoke features or decorative touches.

Quality indicators:

• Use of industry-leading paint brands for longevity and UV resistance.
• Decorative finish options include faux, textured, distressed, or metallic styles.
• Special services like 2-pac spray painting for kitchens, vanities or cabinetry.



Review Their Portfolio and Before & After Examples

Photos of past projects are a window into the painter’s skill, attention to detail and ability to deliver on a vision. A painter who takes pride in their work will be happy to show off transformations they’ve contributed to. Browsing a portfolio also helps you assess whether their style aligns with yours—especially for detailed or creative renovations.

When reviewing portfolios:

• Look for consistency in edge work, coverage, colour matching and finish quality.
• Check their gallery or request before-and-after examples of interior and exterior projects.
• See if they’ve worked on similar homes, surfaces or renovation types to your own.

Evaluate How They Fit Into Your Renovation Schedule

Renovation timelines often involve multiple trades working in tandem. A dependable painter will know how to coordinate with builders, electricians or tilers and adjust their schedule as needed. Delays can disrupt your entire renovation, so ensure your painter is responsive and understands the importance of sticking to the agreed timeframe.

Points to clarify:

• How they coordinate with other trades during large renovations?
• Whether they work weekends or after hours to meet deadlines.
• How long does each stage of the painting process typically take (prep, undercoat, topcoat, drying)?

Gauge Their Communication & Clarity of Estimates

Effective communication is crucial in any renovation. Your painter should be easy to reach, willing to answer questions and provide a clear outline of costs and timeframes.

A professional quote should include materials, labour, preparation, and specialised finishes. This helps avoid misunderstandings and budget blowouts.

Things to expect from a trustworthy painter:

• A free, no-obligation quote with a clear scope of work.
• Colour consultations are available if you need help choosing tones that suit your style or lighting.
• Transparency about changes in price or timing, should they arise.
• Progress updates during the job to keep you informed.

Read Local Reviews & Seek Client References

Word of mouth remains one of the most reliable ways to vet a house painter. Online reviews offer insights into punctuality, reliability, workmanship and professionalism from real clients in your area. Don’t hesitate to ask for references or contact previous clients about their experience.

What to ask or look for:

• Are they prompt, polite and respectful of your home?
• Did they finish the job on time and budget?
• Were clients happy with the results months after completion?
• Would they hire the same painter again?

Ready to Transform Your Home? Let Us Help You Get Started

At Wix Painting Services, we understand how important your home renovation is. From first contact to the final coat, our painters in Mackay are here to provide high-quality, reliable painting tailored to your vision. Whether you're repainting a single room, refreshing your roof or transforming your entire property, we offer licensed, insured and experienced painters who care about the result as much as you do.

Give us a call for expert colour advice or to request your free quote today. Let’s bring your renovation to life with lasting colour and craftsmanship.