Painting and decorating questions
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about painting, decorating and specialist finishes. If yours isn't here, send me a message.
- How much does a painter and decorator cost?
It depends on the size of the room, the condition of the walls and woodwork, how much preparation is needed, and the paint you choose. A room with cracked plaster and a lot of woodwork takes much longer than a newly plastered room of the same size. The quickest way to get a price is to send photos of the job on WhatsApp, and I'll come back to you or come and look.
- How long does it take to paint a room?
An average bedroom or living room usually takes one to three days, including preparation, two coats on the walls and ceiling, and the woodwork. Drying time between coats is the main limit, and rooms with a lot of filling or stripping take longer.
- Do I need to move my furniture?
It helps if you clear small items, ornaments and pictures, but I'll move and cover larger furniture myself, and protect floors with dust sheets.
- Can I stay in the house while you decorate?
Yes. Most people do. I work room by room where possible and tidy up at the end of each day. Modern water-based paints have little smell, though oil-based paints for woodwork do smell for a day or two.
- Is it worth paying a painter and decorator?
For a quick touch-up, perhaps not. For anything where the finish matters, like hallways, stairwells, woodwork, wallpaper or exteriors, preparation and experience make the difference between a finish that looks good for years and one that shows every patch and peels at the edges.
- Can you paint kitchen cupboards?
Yes, either hand-painted or sprayed. Wood, MDF and many laminate doors can be painted, as long as they're properly degreased, sanded and primed with the right primer first. Peeling vinyl-wrapped doors usually aren't worth painting. More on the kitchen cupboard painting page.
- What is faux marbling?
Faux marbling is a hand-painted finish that makes wood, plaster or MDF look like real marble. It's built up in translucent glazes, with the veins painted in last, then varnished. It's used on fire surrounds, columns, skirting and furniture. More on the faux marbling page.
- What is wood graining?
Wood graining is a traditional technique that makes a painted surface look like timber such as oak, mahogany or walnut. A coloured glaze is worked with combs and brushes to draw the grain. It's used to match new joinery to original woodwork, and on period front doors. More on the wood graining page.
- When is the best time of year for exterior painting?
From spring to early autumn, when surfaces are dry and temperatures are mild enough for the paint to cure. Painting onto damp render or timber, or in frost, leads to flaking.
- Do I need permission to repaint the outside of my house?
Usually not. But if your house is listed, in a conservation area, or covered by a scheme such as Welwyn Garden City's Estate Management Scheme, a change of exterior colour may need consent. Check with your local council first.
- Do you do commercial work?
Yes. As well as homes, I decorate shops, offices and other business premises across Hertfordshire, and rental properties between tenants.
- When can I contact you?
Any reasonable time. Call or WhatsApp 07779 919079, or email darren@fisservices.co.uk. If I'm up a ladder, I'll get back to you.
- Which areas do you cover?
All of Hertfordshire. I'm based in Hertford, and regularly cover St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, Welwyn Garden City, Hitchin, Ware, Hatfield, Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead and Bishop's Stortford. See the areas page.
- What experience do you have?
I've been a painter and decorator for 30 years, and spent 25 of them painting sets in the film industry, on productions including the James Bond films Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and Skyfall, plus Batman, Wonder Woman, Mission: Impossible and Fury. I hold a City & Guilds qualification in painting and decorating. More on my about page.