Best painters and decorators in Edinburgh

Edinburgh painters and decorators for interiors, exteriors and period-property restoration

A professional decorating project depends as much on preparation and specification as it does on the final coats of paint.

Walls may need filling, stabilising, sanding or lining. Previously painted woodwork can require stripping, repair and suitable primers. Exterior masonry needs a coating compatible with the underlying render or stone, while traditional sash windows must be prepared carefully if the finish is expected to withstand Edinburgh’s wet and changeable climate.

Edinburgh properties can also present distinctive challenges.

The city contains Georgian townhouses, Victorian tenements, Edwardian villas, listed buildings, common stairs, modern flats, commercial premises and sandstone elevations. The materials and access requirements differ considerably between them.

A suitable painter and decorator should therefore understand:

• Surface preparation
• Interior and exterior coatings
• Moisture and ventilation
• Timber repair
• Traditional building materials
• Wallpaper and lining paper
• High-level access
• Occupied-property protection
• Colour and finish selection
• Scheduling around residents or customers
• Safe use of equipment and products
• Waste removal
• Snagging and aftercare

The right contractor also depends on the scale of the project.

A small decorator may be ideal for one room, a hallway or fitted kitchen. A larger directly employed team may be more appropriate for a complete townhouse, common stair, commercial building or exterior requiring powered access and formal health-and-safety controls.

This guide compares six Edinburgh businesses offering different combinations of domestic decorating, exterior painting, heritage work, commercial contracts and wider renovation services.

How the painters and decorators were selected

The businesses were considered against factors relevant to Edinburgh property owners and organisations:

• Current trading activity: Each company must currently advertise painting or decorating services in Edinburgh.
• Service range: Interior painting, exterior work, woodwork, wallpapering and specialist services are considered.
• Preparation standards: Strong decorating depends on appropriate repair, filling, sanding, priming and protection.
• Professional standing: Trade memberships, Trusted Trader status, insurance and health-and-safety accreditations are included where verifiable.
• Relevant experience: Period properties, sash windows, common stairs and commercial premises require specific knowledge.
• Project capacity: The selection includes smaller teams and larger contractors capable of managing substantial work.
• Quotation clarity: Useful firms explain the scope, materials, preparation and exclusions rather than providing only a headline total.
• Property protection: Dust control, floor protection, daily cleaning and secure working arrangements are important in occupied buildings.
• Communication: Customers should receive a named contact, realistic programme and updates when conditions change.
• Aftercare: Snagging, guarantees and responsibility for defects are considered where the contractor publishes clear terms.

Inclusion is editorial and does not guarantee availability, pricing or suitability for a particular building.

What services do painters and decorators provide?

A decorating contractor may offer more than applying emulsion to walls.

Interior painting

Interior services can include:

• Walls
• Ceilings
• Skirting boards
• Doors
• Door frames
• Window surrounds
• Radiators
• Cupboards
• Shelving
• Cornices
• Panelling
• Staircases
• Floors
• Fitted furniture

The quotation should state which surfaces are included and how each will be prepared.

Exterior painting

Exterior work may cover:

• Render
• Harling
• Masonry
• Timber windows
• Fascias
• Soffits
• Doors
• Railings
• Gates
• Gutters
• Downpipes
• Shopfronts
• Commercial cladding
• External joinery

Access equipment, weather conditions and substrate repairs can significantly affect the price.

Wallpapering

Wallpaper services may include:

• Removing existing paper
• Repairing walls
• Cross-lining
• Hanging lining paper
• Patterned wallpaper
• Murals
• Fabric wallcoverings
• Specialist commercial coverings

Pattern matching, wall condition and paper quality influence the labour required.

Specialist finishes

Some contractors also provide:

• Spray finishes
• Marbling
• Graining
• Gold leaf
• Signwriting
• Limewash
• Mineral paint
• Furniture finishing
• Kitchen spraying
• Decorative effects
• Fire-protective coatings
• Industrial coatings

These tasks require appropriate materials and experience beyond standard emulsion work.

How much do painters and decorators charge in Edinburgh?

There is no reliable universal price per room.

A simple modern bedroom with sound walls can cost substantially less than an apparently similar room containing:

• Cracked plaster
• Water staining
• Elaborate cornicing
• Several doors
• Sash windows
• Dark colours requiring additional coats
• Wallpaper removal
• Damaged woodwork
• High ceilings
• Occupied furniture
• Restricted access

Indicative budgeting ranges may include:

These figures are broad planning allowances rather than fixed Edinburgh tariffs.

The final quotation depends on:

• Surface area
• Existing condition
• Preparation
• Number of coats
• Paint specification
• Woodwork
• Ceiling height
• Access
• Parking
• Furniture
• Drying time
• Repairs
• Scaffolding or access equipment
• Number of decorators
• Programme
• Waste
• VAT

A quotation should not be judged only by the final total. Customers should compare what has actually been included.

Labour-only or labour-and-materials quotations

A contractor may quote:

Labour only

The customer purchases paint, wallpaper and other materials.

This can appear cheaper but creates responsibility for:

• Correct quantities
• Suitable primers
• Compatible products
• Delivery
• Storage
• Additional paint
• Batch consistency
• Returns

Labour and materials

The contractor supplies the products required by the written specification.

This is often simpler and reduces disputes about responsibility where coverage or compatibility problems arise.

The quotation should identify:

• Paint brand or equivalent standard
• Product range
• Finish
• Colour
• Number of coats
• Primer
• Filler
• Caulk
• Wallpaper adhesive
• Specialist coatings
• Whether VAT is included

Descriptions such as “quality paint” are too vague for a substantial project.

Borthwick Decorators Ltd

Edinburgh office: 93 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3ES

Phone: 0131 235 2733

Office hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 5:30 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM to 12 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Website

Borthwick Decorators is a large family-run painting and decorating business established in Scotland in 1959.

The company operates from Edinburgh, Glasgow and London and undertakes residential, commercial and heritage projects across Scotland and the wider UK.

Its Edinburgh work includes:

• Georgian New Town properties
• Victorian tenements
• Edwardian villas
• Listed buildings
• Commercial premises
• Common stairs
• Exterior masonry
• Sash-and-case windows
• High-end residential interiors

Borthwick directly employs its painters, decorators, wallpaper hangers and specialist plasterers rather than building its main workforce around subcontractors.

That structure may provide greater consistency on larger projects, although customers should still establish who will supervise their specific site.

The company publishes a substantial range of professional memberships and accreditations, including:

• Edinburgh Trusted Trader
• Painting and Decorating Association
• Scottish Decorators Federation
• CHAS
• SafeContractor
• SMAS
• PASMA
• IPAF

It also states that it carries public-liability insurance of £10 million.

These accreditations are particularly relevant to commercial, high-access and multi-trade projects. They do not replace the need to assess the actual quotation, proposed team and workmanship.

Borthwick’s service range includes:

• Interior painting and decorating
• Exterior painting
• Wallpaper hanging
• Decorative finishes
• Specialist plastering
• Sash-window decoration
• Sandstone and masonry coatings
• Commercial painting
• Common-stair decoration
• Listed and conservation-property work
• Spray application
• Access-platform work

The company publishes experience with breathable coatings, limewash and mineral paint for traditional substrates.

This is important in older Edinburgh buildings where a dense modern coating may trap moisture rather than allowing the wall to dry appropriately.

Borthwick also works with architects and interior designers and can prepare sample boards using specified premium paint systems.

The business states that its normal residential lead time is often around four to six weeks, with additional time potentially required where listed-building consent or conservation input is needed.

A larger contractor may cost more than a sole trader for a small room. Its scale is more likely to add value where the project requires:

• Several decorators
• Formal programme management
• Commercial paperwork
• High-level access
• Heritage specification
• Multiple trades
• Strict completion dates
• Occupied-building coordination

Services include

• Interior painting
• Exterior painting
• Wallpapering
• Specialist plastering
• Decorative finishes
• Sash-window painting
• Period-property work
• Sandstone and masonry coatings
• Common stairs
• Commercial decorating
• Spray finishes
• Listed-building projects
• Architect and designer collaboration
• High-access work

Best suited to: Larger residential, heritage and commercial projects requiring an established directly employed team, extensive accreditations and formal project management.

Pros

• Established in 1959
• Directly employed decorators
• Edinburgh Trusted Trader
• PDA and SDF memberships
• CHAS, SafeContractor and SMAS accreditations
• PASMA and IPAF capability
• £10 million public-liability cover stated
• Residential and commercial capacity
• Period and listed-property experience
• Breathable exterior coating systems
• Specialist plastering and wallpapering
• Edinburgh, Glasgow and London operations

Customer reviews

A high-quality finish

“Borthwick Decorators have just completed a full exterior paint job on our house, walls, windows, gutters and chimneys. The work was executed by a skilled tradesman who delivered a high-quality finish. They completed the project without interruption, always started at 8:30am, were polite and always left a tidy site in the evening. Their vans and workwear were all company-branded which supports the professionalism of the organisation. I would have no hesitation in recommending.”

• Donald Lawson, Google review

A very detailed quotation

“They provided a very detailed quotation with options as to scope and an indicative time frame. I was happy with both and agreed to use their services. The work was carried out as per specification and the team worked hard to complete the job quickly and cleanly.”

• David Smith, Google review

Dean McCathie Painters and Decorators Ltd

Phone: 0131 341 4311

Business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday: 9:30 AM to 12 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Website

Dean McCathie Painters and Decorators provides residential, commercial and specialist decorating services across Edinburgh and surrounding areas.

The business covers considerably more than ordinary wall painting.

Its current service range includes:

• Residential interiors
• Exterior painting
• Wallpapering
• Wallcoverings
• Plastering
• Mastic and sealant work
• Common stairs and tenements
• Sash-and-case windows
• Decorative finishes
• Spray application
• Industrial coatings
• Fire-protective coatings
• Insurance repairs
• High-level access work

Specialist decorative work can include:

• Signwriting
• Glass gilding
• Gold leaf
• Graining
• Marbling
• Stencilling
• Faux stone effects
• Airless spraying

This range may suit customers restoring period interiors or seeking a finish that cannot be delivered through standard roller application alone.

Dean McCathie also provides cherry-picker and mobile-elevating-work-platform access for suitable projects. This can be useful for exterior elevations, high windows, commercial buildings and locations where traditional scaffolding is disproportionate or difficult.

Access method should be selected after a site assessment. A cherry picker is not automatically suitable for every elevation, particularly where the ground, road position or overhead obstructions create limitations.

The firm undertakes plastering and sealing work, reducing the need for a customer to coordinate separate trades for modest repairs before decoration.

It also provides industrial and intumescent coating services. These require a clear technical specification, preparation standard and documentation rather than being treated as ordinary decorative paint.

For domestic customers, Dean McCathie may be particularly suitable where a project combines:

• Painting
• Wallpaper
• Plaster repair
• Exterior work
• Timber decoration
• Specialist finishes

Free estimates are advertised.

The quotation should identify whether plastering, access equipment, joinery repair and specialist coatings are included or priced separately.

Services include

• Interior decorating
• Exterior painting
• Wallpaper hanging
• Plastering
• Mastic and sealing
• Sash-window painting
• Tenement and stairwell decoration
• Decorative effects
• Gold leaf and gilding
• Spray application
• Industrial coatings
• Intumescent coatings
• Insurance repairs
• Cherry-picker access
• Residential and commercial work

Best suited to: Property owners seeking one contractor for conventional decoration, plaster repairs, high-access work and specialist finishes.

Pros

• Broad residential and commercial service range
• Interior and exterior work
• Plastering and mastic services
• Specialist decorative finishes
• Wallpapering
• Industrial and fire-coating capability
• Cherry-picker access
• Tenement and common-stair experience
• Insurance-repair support
• Free estimates
• Edinburgh base
• Suitable for complex mixed-scope projects

Customer reviews

They maintain impeccable standards

“I highly recommend Dean and his team, who did a fantastic job renovating my flat. This included repairing the windows, painting the garden railings, sanding and varnishing the floors, painting the kitchen units, and papering and painting every room (including moving the furniture around). Dean and his team maintain impeccable standards and are a pleasure to work with. They consistently arrive on time and are friendly and approachable. I would not use anyone else.”

• John Mullin, Google review

Completed the job quickly and to a high standard

“Absolutely delighted with the work that Dean and his team carried out in our kitchen and dining room. He arrived on time, was very professional and completed the job quickly and to a high standard! We were really pleased with the price and the quality of the workmanship is great. Would highly recommend Dean and his team.”

• Joanne Benard, Google review

A1 Group

Edinburgh service area: New Town, West End, Stockbridge and wider Edinburgh

Website

A1 Group is an Edinburgh painting and decorating contractor serving residential and commercial customers.

The business publishes more than 19 years of experience and is listed through the Edinburgh Trusted Trader scheme.

Its services include:

• Residential painting
• Commercial painting
• Interior decorating
• Exterior decorating
• Common-stair painting
• Wallpaper hanging
• Timber windows and doors
• Spray finishing
• French polishing
• Electrostatic painting
• Renovation-related decoration

A1’s experience with common stairs is particularly relevant to Edinburgh tenements.

A stair-decoration project normally requires agreement between owners, a factor or residents’ association and may involve:

• Shared quotation approval
• Colour selection
• Resident notices
• Access arrangements
• Dust control
• Fire-door protection
• Handrail work
• High ceilings
• Multiple landings
• Daily cleaning
• Secure storage
• Defined responsibility for repairs

The contractor should issue a scope that residents can compare and approve rather than relying on different verbal expectations.

A1 also undertakes commercial work for offices, restaurants and other business premises. Commercial customers should ask about:

• Out-of-hours working
• Phased completion
• Health-and-safety documentation
• Access equipment
• Product drying times
• Low-odour coatings
• Reopening deadlines
• Protection of stock and equipment

The company publishes use of established paint manufacturers including Dulux, Johnstone’s, Farrow & Ball and other specified brands.

The exact product range matters more than the brand alone. Each manufacturer sells products with different durability, washability and substrate requirements.

Customers should request the proposed product rather than accepting a quotation stating only the manufacturer.

Services include

• Residential decorating
• Commercial painting
• Interior work
• Exterior work
• Common stairs
• Wallpapering
• Sash and casement windows
• Doors and woodwork
• Spray finishing
• French polishing
• Electrostatic painting
• Period-property decoration
• Free quotation enquiries

Best suited to: Homeowners, tenement residents and commercial clients seeking an Edinburgh Trusted Trader with substantial common-stair and mixed residential-commercial experience.

Pros

• Edinburgh Trusted Trader
• More than 19 years of experience advertised
• Residential and commercial work
• Common-stair specialism
• Interior and exterior painting
• Wallpaper hanging
• Timber-window decoration
• Spray-finishing capability
• Experience with historic Edinburgh properties
• Wide Edinburgh coverage
• Free quotation process

Henderson & Paterson

Edinburgh-based service

Website

Henderson & Paterson is a long-established Edinburgh painting and decorating name with origins dating to 1932.

The business began by decorating domestic properties around Edinburgh and later expanded into commercial work for premises such as:

• Banks
• Offices
• Hotels
• Shops

Since 2008, Henderson & Paterson has operated as a division of George Nicolson, another established Edinburgh decorating company.

The current division focuses on:

• Residential homes
• Private properties
• Shops
• Small offices
• Interior decoration
• Exterior decoration

Its long trading history may appeal to customers who prefer an established contractor with experience across traditional Edinburgh property types.

The company is likely to be particularly relevant for:

• Complete home redecoration
• Period rooms
• Occupied residential work
• Exterior timber
• Shops
• Professional offices
• Properties needing coordinated preparation and painting

As with any long-established trading name, customers should confirm the exact legal entity entering the contract and whose insurance and guarantee apply.

A written quotation should identify:

• Preparation
• Paint specification
• Number of coats
• Repairs
• Protection
• Programme
• Team size
• Waste
• VAT
• Snagging

Longevity provides useful context but does not remove the need to assess the current proposal and project team.

Services include

• Residential painting
• Interior decoration
• Exterior decoration
• Private homes
• Shops
• Offices
• Commercial premises
• Traditional Edinburgh properties
• Surface preparation
• Quotation and project planning

Best suited to: Homeowners and smaller commercial premises seeking an established Edinburgh decorating business with a long history in domestic and traditional property work.

Pros

• Established origins dating to 1932
• Long history in Edinburgh
• Residential and commercial experience
• Interior and exterior services
• Experience with homes, shops and offices
• Operates within an established decorating group
• Suitable for traditional properties
• Focus on private residential work
• Established local identity

Recommended Decorators

Registered office: 1A Torphichen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8HX

Phone: 07710 770943 or 07912 170897

Website

Recommended Decorators is an Edinburgh painting and decorating company established in 1996.

The company undertakes residential and commercial work across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and other locations where required.

It states that its employees are qualified and time-served painters and decorators and that its team has more than 100 years of combined experience.

The business also operates an in-house apprenticeship training programme.

Its services include:

• Interior painting
• Exterior painting
• Wallpapering
• Plastering
• Hand-painted furniture
• Commercial decoration
• Residential renovation
• Shopfitting-related work
• Full refurbishment through associated project support

Recommended Decorators publishes fixed-price quotations that can include paint and materials.

A fixed quotation is useful only where the scope and exclusions are clear. Customers should confirm how unforeseen defects are handled, particularly after wallpaper removal or opening damaged exterior timber.

The company also advertises a one-year workmanship guarantee.

Its published process states that completed work is inspected by the owner and agreed with the client before the guarantee begins.

Customers should request the written guarantee terms and check whether exclusions apply to:

• Moisture
• Structural movement
• Previously defective coatings
• Customer-supplied materials
• Exterior weather damage
• Unreported building defects
• Substrates outside the decorating scope

Recommended Decorators works in collaboration with renovation and construction-management providers where a customer requires a broader turnkey service.

This can help on larger refurbishments, although responsibilities between the decorating company and associated contractors should be documented clearly.

Services include

• Interior painting
• Exterior painting
• Wallpapering
• Plastering
• Hand-painted furniture
• Residential decoration
• Commercial decoration
• Refurbishment support
• Shop and public-building work
• Fixed-price quotations
• Materials supply
• One-year workmanship guarantee
• Apprentice training

Best suited to: Customers seeking an established decorating team, fixed quotation, included materials and a published workmanship-guarantee process.

Pros

• Established in 1996
• Qualified and time-served employees stated
• More than 100 years of combined experience advertised
• In-house apprenticeship programme
• Domestic and commercial work
• Interior and exterior decorating
• Wallpapering and plastering
• Fixed-price quotations
• Paint and materials can be included
• One-year guarantee advertised
• Wider refurbishment support
• Edinburgh registered office

Bily Renovation

Edinburgh and Leith service

Phone: 07388 085357

Website

Bily Renovation is a multi-trade Edinburgh renovation company providing painting and decorating alongside wider property-improvement services.

Its current work includes:

• Interior painting
• Exterior painting
• Wallpapering
• Kitchen renovation
• Bathroom renovation
• Flooring
• Joinery
• General refurbishment
• Furniture and cabinet finishes

Bily is different from a specialist decorating-only contractor.

Its principal value is the ability to coordinate painting with other renovation tasks. This may suit a homeowner who needs new flooring, joinery alterations or kitchen work completed as part of the same project.

A multi-trade company can reduce the number of separate contractors involved, but the customer should establish:

• Who performs each trade
• Whether work is directly employed or subcontracted
• Who manages the programme
• Which insurance applies
• Whether specialist certificates are required
• How defects crossing trade boundaries are handled
• Whether each element is separately priced

For example, paint cracking after a renovation might relate to plaster drying, structural movement, poor preparation or the paint application. A clear contract helps establish responsibility.

The original draft described Bily as offering a flexible 24-hour decorating service. The current business site does not support treating it as a painter operating continuously around the clock.

Appointments and site work should be arranged directly.

Bily publishes interior-painting and wallpapering services and positions itself as a complete renovation provider rather than only a decorating firm.

It may be especially suitable where the project includes:

• Repainting after flooring replacement
• New kitchen units
• Joinery changes
• Door and trim replacement
• Complete flat renovation
• Coordinated decorating after building work

Customers seeking only one uncomplicated room should compare the quotation with smaller decorating specialists.

Services include

• Interior painting
• Exterior painting
• Wallpapering
• Kitchen renovation
• Bathroom renovation
• Flooring installation
• Joinery
• Property refurbishment
• Furniture finishes
• Cabinet painting
• Multi-trade project coordination
• Edinburgh renovation work

Best suited to: Homeowners seeking painting and decorating as part of a wider renovation involving floors, kitchens, bathrooms or joinery.

Pros

• Painting and wider renovation services
• Interior and exterior work
• Wallpapering
• Kitchen and bathroom projects
• Flooring
• Joinery
• Cabinet and furniture finishes
• One contractor for several workstreams
• Edinburgh and Leith coverage
• Suitable for complete refurbishments
• Direct project enquiries

Customer reviews

They go the extra mile

“If you’re considering a renovation, look no further than Bily Renovation. Great communication and delivers high-quality service. Ruslan and his team go the extra mile to ensure every detail is perfect, but what truly sets them apart is their commitment to making you feel at ease throughout your project. I highly recommend Bily Renovation!”

• Marie Elisabeth Auriac, Google review

Kept in touch with updates

“Ruslan and the team were amazing and did an impeccable job! Ruslan came to check and gave me advice throughout the whole process and kept in touch with updates. The other guys were amazing and did an incredible job in a very short space of time! Definitely recommend! They have put down new flooring and repainted all doors from brown to white! It’s incredible how much of a difference it makes and I’m very happy with the result!”

• Rachele Cavina, Google review

Which Edinburgh painter may suit different projects?

The six businesses are suited to different types of work.

For a large period or heritage property

Borthwick Decorators provides the clearest combination of:

• Directly employed teams
• Heritage experience
• Breathable coating knowledge
• Access accreditations
• Specialist plastering
• Formal commercial controls

It may be particularly appropriate for Georgian, Victorian and listed properties requiring several decorators or specialist specification.

For specialist decorative finishes

Dean McCathie publishes the broadest specialist-finish range, including gilding, graining, marbling, signwriting and spray application.

For a tenement common stair

A1 Group identifies common-stair painting as a core service and is listed as an Edinburgh Trusted Trader.

Borthwick and Dean McCathie also undertake common-area and tenement work.

For an established domestic decorating company

Henderson & Paterson provides a long-standing Edinburgh service focused on private homes, shops and smaller commercial premises.

For a fixed-price quotation and workmanship guarantee

Recommended Decorators publishes fixed quotations, employee training and a one-year guarantee.

The guarantee terms should be reviewed before appointment.

For a complete renovation

Bily Renovation is the strongest fit where painting forms part of a broader project involving flooring, kitchens, bathrooms or joinery.

Interior-painting preparation

Preparation commonly takes longer than applying the final paint.

A professional process may include:

1. Protecting floors and furniture
2. Removing fittings where agreed
3. Washing contaminated surfaces
4. Scraping loose paint
5. Opening cracks
6. Filling defects
7. Sanding
8. Spot priming
9. Sealing stains
10. Caulking gaps
11. Applying lining paper where needed
12. Applying undercoat
13. Applying finish coats
14. Removing masking
15. Touching up
16. Cleaning
17. Snagging

Skipping preparation can produce:

• Visible dents
• Peeling
• Cracking
• Flashing
• Poor adhesion
• Uneven sheen
• Stains returning
• Rough woodwork
• Visible wallpaper joints

A quotation that includes extensive preparation will often cost more but may provide a substantially better and longer-lasting result.

Painting traditional Edinburgh properties

Older buildings need careful assessment.

Potential issues include:

• Lime plaster
• Breathable masonry
• Damp
• Condensation
• Water ingress
• Salt contamination
• Old distemper
• Lead paint
• Historic wallpaper
• Loose cornicing
• Failing sash-window putty
• Rotten timber
• Previously incompatible coatings

Modern impermeable paint is not appropriate for every traditional surface.

Where a wall needs to release moisture, a contractor may recommend:

• Limewash
• Mineral paint
• Clay paint
• Breathable emulsion
• Traditional oil systems
• Other substrate-compatible coatings

The correct product depends on the material and condition rather than the age of the property alone.

Painting over damp does not solve the source of moisture.

Exterior-painting considerations

Exterior work is affected by:

• Rain
• Temperature
• Humidity
• Wind
• Direct sun
• Surface moisture
• Drying time
• Access
• Neighbouring property
• Pavement safety
• Traffic management

The contractor should identify:

• Surface repairs
• Preparation method
• Primer
• Finish system
• Number of coats
• Access equipment
• Protection
• Weather allowances
• Scaffolding
• Waste
• Timber repairs
• Guarantee limitations

A contractor should not apply exterior paint merely to meet a deadline where the weather falls outside the manufacturer’s requirements.

Sash-window painting

Traditional sash windows require detailed preparation.

Possible work includes:

• Removing loose paint
• Sanding
• Repairing damaged timber
• Replacing defective putty
• Priming bare areas
• Treating knots
• Undercoating
• Applying finish coats
• Avoiding painted-shut sashes
• Clearing drainage paths
• Checking cords and movement

Decoration does not automatically include joinery repair or sash-cord replacement.

The quotation should state who handles rotten timber, glazing putty and mechanical defects.

Common-stair decoration

Common-stair projects require collective organisation.

Before obtaining quotations, residents or factors should agree:

• Areas included
• Wall colours
• Woodwork colours
• Ceiling treatment
• Railings
• Entrance doors
• Flat doors
• Stonework
• Plaster repairs
• Lighting removal
• Noticeboard treatment
• Working hours
• Access
• Payment allocation

The contractor should explain how the stair will remain usable and how wet paint, ladders and equipment will be managed safely.

One owner should be appointed as the main contact where no factor manages the project.

Kitchen-cabinet painting

Cabinet painting requires a different process from ordinary walls.

A suitable method may involve:

• Removing doors and drawer fronts
• Labelling components
• Degreasing
• Sanding
• Repair
• Adhesion primer
• Spray or hand-applied coats
• Controlled drying
• Reassembly
• Hardware replacement
• Final adjustment

Ask whether the finish is:

• Sprayed off site
• Sprayed on site
• Hand painted
• Water based
• Solvent based
• Suitable for the existing substrate

Factory-finished laminate, vinyl-wrapped doors and solid timber can require different preparation.

Not every kitchen is suitable for refinishing.

Paint finishes

Common finishes include:

Matt

Low sheen and useful for walls and ceilings.

Very flat matt finishes may mark more easily unless designed to be washable.

Durable matt

Intended for higher-traffic walls and repeated cleaning.

Useful for hallways, kitchens and family rooms.

Eggshell

A lower-sheen finish often used on woodwork, furniture or selected walls.

Satin

More reflective and commonly used for doors, trim and radiators.

Gloss

A high-sheen, durable finish requiring careful preparation because imperfections become more visible.

Masonry paint

Designed for exterior masonry, although compatibility with traditional substrates must be assessed.

The quotation should specify the product rather than the generic finish alone.

Wallpapering considerations

The decorator should assess:

• Wall condition
• Existing paper
• Lining requirements
• Pattern repeat
• Paper width
• Batch number
• Manufacturer instructions
• Adhesive
• Number of rolls
• Waste allowance
• Feature-wall edges
• Electrical fittings
• Drying conditions

All rolls should normally come from the same batch to reduce colour variation.

Customers should order a suitable spare allowance. An additional roll from a later batch may not match.

Expensive wallpaper does not correct a poorly prepared wall.

Lead paint and hazardous materials

Older properties may contain lead-based paint.

Work that disturbs old coatings can create hazardous dust.

The contractor should consider:

• Age of the coating
• Testing
• Controlled sanding
• Dust extraction
• Protective equipment
• Occupant protection
• Waste disposal
• Cleaning

Other potential hazards include:

• Asbestos-containing textured coatings
• Mould
• Solvents
• Wood preservatives
• Dust
• Working at height

A decorator should not remove suspected asbestos material without appropriate assessment.

Insurance and professional checks

Before appointing a contractor, request:

• Public-liability insurance
• Employers’ liability insurance where applicable
• Company or sole-trader details
• VAT position
• Written quotation
• References
• Relevant accreditations
• Access qualifications
• Product specification
• Guarantee terms

Trade memberships can support due diligence but do not guarantee every individual job.

Edinburgh Trusted Trader is operated in partnership with local Trading Standards and provides verified local business information and customer feedback.

Customers should confirm that a badge shown on a website links to a current listing.

Deposits and payments

Payment structures vary.

A decorator may request:

• No deposit
• Material deposit
• Percentage deposit
• Staged payments
• Weekly labour payments
• Final balance after completion

A substantial advance payment should have a clear purpose.

The written agreement should state:

• Deposit
• Start date
• Stage payments
• Final-payment point
• VAT
• Changes
• Additional work
• Materials ownership
• Cancellation
• Delay
• Snagging
• Retention if agreed

Avoid paying the complete contract value before the work has been inspected.

Quotations and estimates

A quotation is generally a fixed offer for the defined work.

An estimate is an approximate prediction that may change.

The document should state which it is.

A strong quotation includes:

• Customer and property
• Scope
• Exclusions
• Preparation
• Surfaces
• Colours
• Paint products
• Number of coats
• Repairs
• Access
• Protection
• Waste
• Programme
• Labour
• Materials
• VAT
• Payment terms
• Guarantee
• Quote validity

A one-line price for “painting house” is difficult to compare or enforce.

Questions to ask a painter and decorator

1. Can you provide a written quotation?
2. What preparation is included?
3. Which products will you use?
4. How many coats are included?
5. Are materials included?
6. Is VAT included?
7. Who will complete the work?
8. Are workers employed or subcontracted?
9. Who supervises the project?
10. What insurance do you hold?
11. How will floors and furniture be protected?
12. Will the property remain usable?
13. How will dust be controlled?
14. What repairs are excluded?
15. Is scaffolding included?
16. What happens during bad weather?
17. How are additional costs approved?
18. What guarantee applies?
19. How is snagging handled?
20. When is payment due?
21. Can you provide recent comparable references?
22. How long will the work take?
23. What happens if the start date changes?
24. Will you remove waste?
25. Who supplies final colour codes?

Answers should be documented where they materially affect the project.

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing only by price

The lowest quotation may include less preparation, cheaper products or fewer coats.

Failing to compare the same scope

One contractor may include ceilings, woodwork and materials while another has quoted walls only.

Buying paint before the specification is agreed

The product may be unsuitable or insufficient.

Ignoring damp or leaks

Paint will not cure an unresolved building defect.

Accepting unclear start dates

A vague promise to begin “soon” can create substantial delays.

Paying too much in advance

Payments should correspond reasonably to materials and completed work.

Changing colours repeatedly

Late changes can increase labour and material costs.

Failing to inspect before final payment

Review walls in normal daylight and check edges, woodwork and repairs.

Frequently asked questions

Final checklist before appointing a decorator

Before accepting a quotation:

• Confirm the contractor’s legal identity.
• Request proof of insurance.
• Check current accreditations.
• Obtain a detailed written quotation.
• Confirm whether VAT is included.
• Identify every surface included.
• Review preparation requirements.
• Confirm paint brands and product ranges.
• Check the number of coats.
• Identify repair exclusions.
• Confirm access equipment.
• Agree the start date.
• Agree the expected duration.
• Establish working hours.
• Confirm furniture and floor protection.
• Ask how dust will be controlled.
• Record payment stages.
• Review guarantee terms.
• Agree how variations are authorised.
• Request comparable references.
• Inspect and snag before final payment.

Borthwick Decorators offers the strongest combination of scale, directly employed tradespeople, heritage knowledge and formal accreditations. Dean McCathie provides a particularly broad specialist service covering decorative finishes, access equipment, plastering and technical coatings. A1 Group is well positioned for tenement stairs and mixed residential-commercial work, while Henderson & Paterson provides a long-established domestic decorating service. Recommended Decorators combines qualified staff, fixed quotations and a published guarantee, and Bily Renovation is best considered where painting forms part of a wider renovation.

The best contractor is the one whose experience, team and written specification match the property - not simply the business offering the lowest initial price.

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