Understanding the Difference Between Painters and Decorators: Choosing the Right One

September 6, 2024| Skure SSO| 0 Comment| 5:18 pm

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When renovating a house or office, one may find painters or painter-decorators who claim to be artisans. While the terms may relate to each other, the truth is that there are differences between the two. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right professional for your project.

1. The focus of the work

Painters: A painter, in simple terms, is a person who paints surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. A painter’s daily work usually involves preparing walls, ceilings, or outdoor surfaces. The goal is to achieve a smooth, even surface. A painter’s job is rather functional, protective, and clean finishes-oriented. They know how to choose the right paint for the job. For example, it should be waterproof and anti-mold. They also ensure it adheres well to the surface.
Decorators: A decorator will go one step further than just painting. Many work inside homes and businesses, giving a dramatic internal makeover. Decorators can wallpaper, stencil, and apply special textures. They can also advise on materials, colour schemes, and finishes. They improve the look and feel of rooms. They might also be interested in interior design.

2. Skills and Specializations

A painter generally is more aware of the technical skills concerning paint application. This includes:

Smoothing the surface with the help of sand, crack filling, and primer
Application of paint through brushes, rollers, and sprayers.
Applying several coats of paint for long-lasting use.
Internal and external painting.
Whereas a decorator offers diversified services. The skills of his trade include:
Colour schemes and design advice
Hanging of wallpaper and wall coverings.
Application of special finishes, like murals, textures, and stencilling.
Organization of furniture, fabrics, and lighting for a unified expression.
Use paints and finishes for the desired effect: gloss, satin, or flat.
Most decorators use an artistic approach. They aim to meet clients’ aesthetic goals while ensuring functionality.

3. Interior vs. Exterior Work

Painters can be experienced in both interior and exterior jobs. They paint walls, ceilings, and floors and, at times, even furniture. In the case of exterior ones, they paint doors, fences, and siding. Exterior painting requires more specialised knowledge. It must weatherproof and protect against rain and sunlight.

Decorators work mostly indoors. They focus on interior spaces and making them look different. Yes, they paint. But they often specialise in design, like wallpapers and textures. They enhance spaces with these cosmetic touches. These would include:

4. Materials and Instruments Used

Painters use a basic toolkit: brushes, rollers, sprayers, tape, sandpaper, and fillers. They may also use ladders, scaffolding, or protective sheets on larger, exposed projects. Of course, there are many kinds of paints. They include water-based and oil-based ones. There are also anti-mold, fire-retardant, and eco-friendly specialty paints.
Decorators: They use painting tools and, for textures, wallpapering tools, stencils, and sponges. They use many other materials to create special effects on surfaces. Sometimes, they coordinate the room’s other elements. This includes the furniture, lighting, and accessories. It helps to achieve harmony in the design.

5. The End Goal

Painters aim to provide a clean, professional finish. It should make the surface look fresh, protected, and uniform. They want durability and quality. The surface must resist wear and tear.

Decorators: Contractors and painters focus on finishing the walls. A decorator aims to enhance the room’s look and feel. They aim to make rooms more beautiful and useful. They want to achieve this through design choices. These include colours, textures, and materials.

6. Budget Considerations

The cost may be one way to make a comparison between hiring a painter and hiring a painter and decorator. For the simpler jobs of just painting, they quote lower prices. A decorator’s work involves some design. Their services would be more expensive. They need expertise, varied materials, and time.

7. Specialization and Experience

Painters are trained in paint application methods. Decorators may have design training or experience in interior design. A painter and decorator will usually have more experience. They will have both technical painting skills and creative decorating skills. When choosing, consider your project’s type. Also, think about whether you need a decorator’s design advice and services.

Example: Painters and Decorators in Lewisham

If you need painters and decorators in Lewisham, several firms offer these services. An example is TJ Painting & Decorating. It is an established company in Lewisham. It offers skilled painting and decorating services. Besides these, this firm provides interior and exterior painting, wallpapering, and special finishes. Their blog has useful hints on painting and decorating. They help customers make choices a bit easier.

11 Steps to Hire a Painter or Decorator in Lewisham

If you are in Lewisham and want to hire a pro, follow these 11 steps for the best results:

Decide on the work’s scope: Will it be simple painting or a complete makeover?
Set your budget: Painters may be cheaper than decorators. So, budget based on your needs.
Research local pros: Read reviews to learn about Lewisham painters and decorators.
Check qualifications: Ensure the professional has the skills and experience that the job requires.
Ask for Portfolio: Make sure they do the kind of job that you are about to offer them.
Compare Quotes: Get quotes from more than one professional. Compare their prices to get the best deal.
Ask for References: Provide client references to confirm the quality of your work.
Agree on Timeline: Before commencing, agree on when the project should be completed.
Check for Insurance: Ensure the pro is insured for any accidents or damages.
Sign a Contract: Put everything in writing: the scope of work, costs, and deadlines.
Inspect the Final Work: Once the work is done, inspect to see if the work has lived up to your expectations.

Barry's Luxe Take on Painters and Decorators

At Barry’s Luxe Decorating, we believe the answer depends on your desired transformation. It’s about whether you want a painter or a decorator. If all you want is a simple, clean paint job, then you need a painter. If you want a complete, stylish makeover, hire a painter and a decorator. They can add colour, texture, and design to realise your vision.