Ask any professional painter what separates a great job from a bad one, and they'll say the same thing: preparation. The painting is the easy part.

What proper prep involves

• Cleaning surfaces so paint bonds properly.
• Filling and sanding cracks, holes, and dents smooth.
• Priming bare or patched areas so the topcoat sits evenly.
• Protecting floors, furniture, and fittings from splatter.

What happens when prep is skipped

Paint over a dirty, glossy, or damaged surface and it peels, bubbles, or shows every flaw underneath. It might look fine for a month, then fail — and cost you a full redo.

The takeaway

When comparing painters, ask exactly what prep is included. A good painter spends more time preparing than painting, because that's what makes a finish look sharp and last for years across Sydney's tough climate.

Two walls can be the exact same colour but look completely different depending on the finish (or "sheen"). Choosing the right one affects both looks and durability.

A quick guide

• Matte/flat: hides wall imperfections beautifully; best for ceilings and low-traffic rooms, but harder to clean.
• Low-sheen/eggshell: the popular all-rounder for living areas and bedrooms — soft look, easier to wipe.
• Satin: more durable and washable; great for hallways, kids' rooms, and kitchens.
• Semi-gloss/gloss: tough and wipeable; ideal for trim, doors, and wet areas.

The trade-off

Higher sheen is more durable and washable, but it also shows more wall imperfections. That's why prep matters more as the gloss goes up.

Not sure?

A painter will recommend the right finish for each room based on traffic, light, and the state of your walls — so it looks good and holds up.

Bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens are the toughest rooms to paint. Constant moisture makes ordinary paint peel and invites mould — but the right approach keeps them looking fresh.

Why wet-area paint fails

Steam and humidity get behind standard paint, and warm damp surfaces are perfect for mould. In Sydney's climate this is a year-round battle in poorly ventilated rooms.

How to get it right

• Use mould-resistant, washable paints made for wet areas.
• Prepare and treat any existing mould before painting — don't paint over it.
• Improve ventilation: use the exhaust fan and open windows after showers.

Do it once, properly

Treating mould and using the right specialty paint costs a little more but saves repainting every year. A painter can prep, treat, and coat your wet areas so they stay clean and healthy for longer.