Painting & Decorating FAQs

Price depends on measured scope, surface condition, preparation, access, products, working restrictions and programme. A useful written quote identifies its assumptions, exclusions and price basis instead of relying on a generic per-room figure.

Use the website form, email or telephone and provide the address, property type, surfaces, photographs where useful, desired finish and proposed timing. The next assessment step and response timing depend on the information and current availability.

Ask for current availability before relying on a start date. Project size, access, approvals, sample decisions, product lead times and coordination with other trades can all affect the programme.

The Areas page lists the 48 declared London service areas. Choose the relevant area guide or contact us with the full postcode to confirm availability for the specific address.

Request current project documents tied to the legal entity named in the quotation. Check insured activities, limits and expiry dates, and verify any accreditation or membership in the issuing body’s live directory.

Any workmanship undertaking, duration, exclusions and remedy must be stated in the quotation or contract accepted for the project. Website wording does not replace those project-specific terms.

The written specification should name the manufacturer, product, colour and sheen for each substrate. Selection should follow condition, compatibility, exposure, maintenance requirements, a representative colour sample and current manufacturer technical data.

The quote should state who supplies each product, the quantity or coverage basis, delivery responsibility and how unopened or surplus material is handled. Confirm those terms before buying paint.

Matt has no sheen and hides surface imperfections. Eggshell has a subtle low sheen, is durable and wipeable. Satin has a gentle sheen and is common for woodwork and kitchens. Gloss is highly reflective and traditionally used on doors and skirting boards.

Preparation is substrate-specific. The proposal should identify cleaning, removal of loose material, repairs, abrasion, dust control, primer and protection assumptions, plus any defects that need separate investigation.

Confirm which items the client removes, which items may be moved, the protection method for each floor or fixture, access routes and responsibility for particularly fragile or high-value belongings.

No. Protection must be compatible with the floor finish and remain safe for the intended duration. The agreed method should account for timber finishes, carpet, stone, underfloor heating, stairs and required access.

An occupied-home programme may be possible, but access, room sequence, ventilation, drying, belongings, pets, children, security and essential facilities must be discussed for the individual property.

There is no reliable duration without the room dimensions, condition, preparation, surfaces, coating system, drying requirements, access and occupancy constraints. The proposal should state its programme assumptions.

Use the selected manufacturer system and the condition of the substrate. The written specification should state primers or base coats, the topcoat coverage basis and how colour change or poor opacity will be handled.

State the requested working window in the enquiry. Availability, building rules, neighbour restrictions, permits and any programme or price effect must be confirmed in writing.

A mist coat is a thinned-down first coat of emulsion applied to new or freshly skimmed plaster. It soaks into the porous surface and creates a stable base for subsequent coats. Without it, paint can peel away from the plaster.

Include colour advice or sampling in the requested scope. Agree who supplies samples, what surfaces are tested, who approves the result and whether further changes affect price or programme.