Question 1

Do you need a licence to be a painter in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in Queensland painters need a QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) licence for any painting work valued over $3,300. This is mandatory across the state. Before hiring any painter in Cairns, verify their licence status at my.qbcc.qld.gov.au — all 22 local providers should hold valid credentials if they're quoting jobs above this threshold. Don't hire unlicensed operators; you'll have no insurance protection if something goes wrong.

Question 2

How much does it cost to paint a house in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary significantly based on house size, condition, and whether it's interior or exterior work. In Cairns, all 22 painters offer free quotes, so get at least three estimates. Walters Painting Services delivers quotes within 24 hours, while N.Q Painter's offers a 10% seniors discount. Expect exterior jobs on typical Queenslander-style homes to cost more due to elevated structures and tropical weather prep requirements. Always request itemised quotes in AUD.

Question 3

How long does it take to paint a 3 bedroom house exterior?

Accepted Answer

A standard 3-bedroom house exterior typically takes 3–5 days in Cairns, depending on preparation needs and weather. Tropical humidity can extend drying times between coats, especially during the wet season (November–April). High-set Queenslanders require more scaffolding time than ground-level brick homes. Ask your painter for a realistic timeline upfront — 86% of Cairns providers handle interior work, but exterior jobs (59% of providers) need proper weather planning.

Question 4

What should I look for when hiring a painter in Cairns?

Accepted Answer

Check three things: valid QBCC licence (mandatory for jobs over $3,300), local reviews, and a detailed written quote. Wawallpaper & Painting Services leads with 5.0★ across 70 reviews, while Pete's Painting Solutions holds 4.8★ from 64 reviews. Only 77% of Cairns painters maintain websites, so phone quotes are common. Verify insurance coverage and ask about warranty periods. Avoid anyone who won't provide references or rushes you into signing.

Question 5

Is it more expensive to paint the interior or exterior of a house?

Accepted Answer

Exterior painting typically costs 20–30% more due to scaffolding, weather-resistant primers, and surface preparation. In Cairns, tropical conditions mean exteriors need mould treatment and cyclone-resistant paints, adding to costs. Of the 22 local painters, 86% offer interior services while only 59% handle exteriors — this smaller pool can affect pricing. Get separate quotes for each; Brilliance Painting Services and Coastal Painting Cairns both offer free measures for accurate comparisons.

Painters in Cairns

Morgans Master Painters

MDSR Group

Cairns Painting Contractors

Precision Spray Painting and Booth Solutions

N.Q Painter'S

Forfront Coatings

Express Paint

SM Coatings

Urban Fresh Painting Services

Highstar Painting

PRO-Cote Painting & Decor

Vogue Painting And Decorative Finishes

Fellows Painting Pty Ltd

Handy Manny

A J Borgo Painting Contractors

Anthony Thompson Painting

Reinvent Painting

Vellacorp Painting

Frequently Asked Questions

Painters in Other Queensland Cities