Painting guides
Straight answers to the questions we're asked most, from four decades on the tools.
Low-VOC Paint Explained
Low-VOC paints release fewer volatile organic compounds as they dry, so they have less smell and are easier to live with during a repaint. Here is what VOCs are and when low-VOC paint makes sense.
How Many Coats of Paint and Primer Do You Need?
Most repaints need one coat of primer or sealer where the surface calls for it, then two finish coats. Here is when you need more, when primer can be skipped, and why touch-ups often show.
Painting Victorian and Edwardian Homes in Melbourne
Period homes need more care than modern ones: lath and plaster, ornate cornices and ceiling roses, old layers of lead paint, and sometimes a heritage overlay. Here is what to expect.
When Is the Best Time to Paint a House Exterior in Melbourne?
Mild, dry weather in autumn and spring usually suits exterior painting best in Melbourne. Here is how temperature, dew, rain and sun affect the paint, and how to plan around them.
What Affects the Cost of House Painting in Melbourne?
The cost of painting a house depends on its size, condition, the surfaces involved, access, colours and the paint range. Here is what drives the price, and how to read an itemised quote.
How to Compare Painting Quotes in Melbourne
Painting quotes for the same job can vary widely. Here is how to compare them line by line, which questions to ask, and the red flags that point to corners being cut.
What a Quality Paint Job Includes (and What Gets Skipped)
Most of a paint job's quality is decided before the first coat. Here is what thorough preparation, the right products and a proper finish look like, so you can tell a quality job from a quick one.