Interior and exterior painting and decorating
Painting and Decorating
Painting and decorating covers interior and exterior painting, wallpapering and general decorating, including surface preparation, which is usually what determines the quality of the finish.
Definition
What painting & decorating involves
Decorating work spans single-room repaints through to whole-house redecoration and exterior painting of render, brick or timber. Preparation — filling, sanding, priming and masking — typically takes longer than the painting itself and is what separates a lasting professional finish from a quick coat of paint.
Suitable for
- Interior room repaints and whole-house redecoration
- Exterior painting of render, timber or previously painted brick
- Wallpapering
- Decorating following building work, once plaster has fully dried
Not suitable for
- Decorating over damp or actively failing plaster — the underlying cause needs addressing first, which we can advise on
Process
How the work is carried out
- 01
Preparation
Filling, sanding, masking and priming surfaces ahead of painting.
- 02
Undercoat
Applying primer or undercoat where the surface or colour change requires it.
- 03
Finish coats
Applying finish coats to the agreed specification and colour.
- 04
Snagging
Final check and touch-ups before handover.
Typical timescale
A single room typically takes one to two days including preparation and drying time; a full house repaint takes a week or more depending on scope.
Cost guidance
Cost depends on area, surface condition and number of coats needed. An itemised quotation follows a site visit.
Limitations and exclusions
- Freshly plastered walls need adequate drying time before painting — rushing this affects the finish and is factored into the programme
- Paint and wallpaper are supplied to your specification unless a supply-and-fit package is agreed
Areas we cover
Painting & Decorating across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London
Local property styles, planning authorities and neighbourhood coverage for painting & decorating in each town we work in.
Evidence
Related projects
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FAQs
Painting & Decorating FAQs
How long after plastering can I paint?
Fresh plaster typically needs several weeks to fully dry before standard paint is applied, though mist coats (diluted paint) can go on sooner. We advise on timing based on the specific plaster and conditions.
Discuss your painting & decorating project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-19.