7 Things to Know Before Hiring Interior Painters in Melbourne

The Shopping Phase

If you’ve started looking for interior house painters in Melbourne, you’ve probably noticed something confusing: quotes for the exact same room can vary by thousands of dollars. Why? Because in the painting industry, you aren't just paying for the colour on the wall; you’re paying for the invisible work that happens before the lid of the paint tin ever opens. This guide is designed to help you navigate the "shopping" phase so you can hire with confidence.

The "Cheap Quote" Trap

It is tempting to go with the lowest bidder, especially with rising costs in Victoria. However, a "cheap" quote usually means the painter is skipping Surface Preparation.

• The Reality: 80% of a professional paint job is prep. If a quote doesn't explicitly mention sanding, patching cracks with flexible fillers, and cleaning surfaces to remove oils, the paint will peel. At Athans Painting, we spend the first 2 days of a project just getting the "canvas" ready.

Ask About the "Team" Structure

Are the people in your house employees or subcontractors? Many large Melbourne painting franchises sell you the job and then "sub" it out to the cheapest crew they can find.

• The Athans Difference: We are a dedicated team. You know exactly who is in your home, ensuring consistent quality and security for your family.

Verify Public Liability Insurance

In Australia, any professional painter in Melbourne should carry at least $5 million (ideally $10m–$20m) in Public Liability Insurance. If a painter spills a 10-litre tin of "Lexicon Half" on your $15,000 Tasmanian Oak floors and they aren't insured, you are the one at a loss. Always ask for a Certificate of Currency.

The "Two-Coat" Myth

Some "budget" painters will tell you that modern paint is "Self-Priming" and only needs one coat.

• The Truth: For a durable, wipeable finish that lasts 10+ years, you need a dedicated primer (especially on fresh plaster) followed by two full topcoats. Anything less is a "refresh," not a professional restoration.

Paint Quality: Dulux vs. The Rest

Melbourne homes face unique humidity and temperature shifts. We exclusively use premium Australian-tested brands like Dulux Wash&Wear or Taubmans Endure. Why? Because they are "scrubbable." If you have kids or pets, you want a paint that allows you to wipe off a scuff mark without the paint coming off onto the cloth.

Health & VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Does the painter use Low-VOC paint? Older "oil-based" paints release fumes that can trigger asthma or headaches for days. In 2026, there is no excuse for using high-fume paints indoors. Ensure your interior painters in Melbourne prioritise water-based, low-odour technology.

The Final Inspection "Walkthrough"

Never pay the final instalment until you have done a "Worklight Walkthrough." At Athans, we use high-intensity LED lights to check for "holidays" (missed spots) and ensure every line against your cornices and skirtings is laser-straight.