How to Choose the Right Painting Company in London (2025 Guide)

Choosing a painter is more than picking a colour. The right team will protect your home, deliver a long-lasting finish, and respect your time and budget. Here’s a practical 2025 checklist from the pros at PaintingServices.London to help you hire with confidence.

Quick checklist (TL;DR)

Check insurance & written warranty.
Ask for recent, local references with photos (last 6–12 months).
Get a fixed, itemised quote (prep, coats, paint brand, timeline).
Confirm surface preparation steps (filling, sanding, priming).
Verify materials (low-VOC paints, brand, finish) and cleanup.
Ensure communication: start/end times, site protection, snagging list.

1) Verify credentials and protection

A reputable London painting contractor will provide:

Public liability insurance and, where applicable, employer’s liability.
A written warranty specifying what’s covered (peeling, blistering) and for how long.
Registered business details and a physical service area in London.

Tip: Ask for a sample contract before you commit.

2) Demand an itemised, like-for-like quote

To compare bids fairly, ask each company to break down:

Preparation: masking, protection, repairs, caulking, priming.
Number of coats and expected coverage.
Paint brand & finish (e.g., durable scrubbable emulsions for hallways).
Timeline (start date, working hours, estimated completion).
Waste disposal & cleanup.

Beware of vague lines like “materials included” without detail.

3) Preparation is 70% of the finish

Great results come from great prep. Ask specifically:

Will you fill, sand and spot-prime repairs before top coats?
How do you handle stains, mould, or damp (stain-blocking primers, moisture checks)?
For woodwork, will you degloss, sand, prime and use a durable enamel?

4) Choose the right paint for each room

Match products to use-case:

Kitchens & bathrooms: moisture-resistant, mildew-resistant finishes.
Hallways & kids’ rooms: scrubbable matt/eggshell.
Exteriors: weatherproof masonry paints or specialist wood systems.

Ask for low-VOC options for healthier indoor air.

5) Evidence: recent local work

Request a mini-portfolio of London jobs completed in the last year. Look for:

Before/after photos with close-ups of edges, caulking and cutting-in.
Client references you can call.
Consistent Google reviews mentioning punctuality, cleanliness and aftercare.

6) Clear communication & site protection

A professional team will:

Protect floors, furniture and fixtures with clean coverings.
Provide a daily update and a named point of contact.
Agree a snagging list and walk-through before final payment.

7) Typical timelines & cost drivers in London

Time and price vary with prep complexity, room size, access, and finish quality. Expect small single-room projects to complete within 1–2 days, while whole-home repaints may take 1–2 weeks depending on scope and drying times.

Get a free, no-obligation quote in 24 hours

At PaintingServices.London, we provide itemised quotes, premium materials and tidy, on-time delivery.

Request your free quote or call us today.

Related services

FAQ: hiring a painter in London

How many coats do I really need?

Most interiors require two finish coats over a suitable primer for consistent colour and durability.

Do you help with colour selection?

Yes — we can provide sample boards and brand guidance to suit lighting and traffic levels.

What about dust and cleanup?

We use dust control where practical, protect floors and furniture, and leave spaces tidy each day.