How To Choose the Best Commercial Painters in Perth?

Is your office looking tired and in need of a fresh coat of paint? You might be thinking, “I’ll just call any painter.”. But that quick fix can fail. Within months the paint peels, colours fade and clients notice. That leaves you with extra expense, wasted time and unnecessary stress.

If you manage a shop, strata block, office or hospitality venue, choosing the wrong contractor damages your brand, disrupts operations and costs more over time.

Commercial painters in Perth aren’t the same as tradies who do the occasional house job. A professional commercial painting contractor understands high-traffic finishes, warranty expectations, site management and which coatings survive Perth’s harsh sun and coastal conditions.

This guide cuts through the noise.

Read on to learn how to choose Perth’s commercial painters, which red flags to avoid, and how to secure professional commercial painting services that protect your asset and your reputation.

Who is a Commercial Painter | How They Differ from Industrial Painters

When planning a large painting project, it’s easy to assume all painters do the same job. But that’s far from true.

Commercial painters specialise in transforming spaces like offices, retail stores, schools, strata complexes, and hospitality venues. Their work focuses on creating a professional, visually appealing environment that leaves a positive impression on clients, staff, and visitors.

On the other hand, industrial painters handle heavy-duty projects in factories, warehouses, and manufacturing plants. Their focus is on protective coatings for machinery, floors, and structural steel to withstand chemicals, heat, and extreme wear.

In essence, if your goal is to refresh an office lobby, upgrade a retail shop, or repaint a strata building, you need commercial painters, not an industrial crew.

Why Choosing the Right Commercial Painter Matters

Choosing the right commercial painters in Perth isn’t just about price. It’s about results. A top-notch contractor delivers a smooth, long-lasting finish that protects walls and leaves a great impression on clients and employees.

Additionally, the right painter will understand WA regulations, handle permits, and plan around your business hours to minimise disruption. They’ll use high-quality paints suited to the local weather and apply them properly, so the finish lasts under our intense sun. Thus, investing a bit more in professional commercial painting services saves money. You’ll avoid frequent touch-ups, repairs, and lost time.

Remember, your building’s appearance reflects on your brand, so picking the right contractor means protecting your investment and reputation.

7 Key Factors to Look for in a Commercial Painter in Perth

When shopping for commercial painting contractors in Perth, focus on credentials and track record. Here are seven critical factors to compare in your shortlist:

1. Licensing & Insurance

Top commercial painting contractors put compliance and safety first. They hold the proper licences and up-to-date insurance, protecting you from legal and financial risk and keeping your project on track.

In Western Australia, any painter contracting work over $1,000 must be a registered painting contractor with the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

2. Portfolio & Experience in Commercial Projects

You want a painter who’s done jobs like yours. Ask about their experience with similar projects: offices, shops, schools, malls, industrial fit-outs or strata complexes.

An experienced painting contractor should have a portfolio or case studies to review, even photos of completed sites. For example, they might show you a retail fit-out in a shopping centre or an office block they recently refreshed. If you manage a strata apartment building, ensure the painter knows how to work in multi-unit sites.

Two key questions to ask a painter:

• How many years have you been doing commercial work?
• Can I see examples of similar projects?

Also check if clients or local business owners give good reviews. A proven track record means they understand the unique challenges of Perth’s commercial spaces.

3. Surface Prep, High Quality Painting Material & Techniques

Great painting starts long before the roller hits the wall. The right contractor will thoroughly prepare surfaces: cleaning, sanding, filling cracks or holes, and applying primers suited to each material.

For example, concrete and masonry often need a concrete or acrylic primer. Whereas steel or ironwork requires an anti-corrosion metal primer. They should detail their paint system, like a sealed undercoat, then two topcoats of a durable commercial-grade paint.

High-quality products (like Dulux Trade or Selleys) are a must in Perth’s climate. Ask about UV-resistant or waterproof coatings if your building’s exterior faces harsh sun or rain.

Bullet points to verify:

• Preparation: Cleaning, sanding, rust removal, filling gaps
• Primers & Sealers: Correct primer per substrate (e.g. epoxy primer for metal)
• Paint Quality: Commercial-grade, weatherproof topcoats (ask about brand/types)
• Coating System: Layers (sealer + 2 finish coats) and special options (anti-graffiti, epoxy floors)

4. Warranty & Workmanship Guarantees

Don’t be shy to ask: “What’s your warranty period, and what does it cover?” If a painter hesitates, it’s a red flag.

A reliable commercial painter will stand by their work. Look for contractors offering a workmanship warranty, usually at least 1–5 years on labour. This guarantee covers issues like peeling, cracking or flaking paint that result from their work. Expect the warranty terms in writing. It should specify what’s covered and for how long.

A typical industry practice is 1 year on small jobs and up to 5 years on large projects, but some Perth firms advertise even 5-year guarantees on workmanship.

5. Health, Safety & Site Management

Safety is non-negotiable on commercial jobs.

Verify that the contractor follows Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) standards. They should have a safety plan for your site. This includes:

• protecting staff and customers (signage, barricades)
• proper use of ladders and scaffolding
• handling of any hazardous materials (lead paint, solvents)

If the job blocks parking, footpaths or roads, the painter must arrange traffic control or permits with the city. Ask if they conduct a risk assessment or toolbox talk before starting. Also check on their waste management as paints and solvents must be disposed of properly, not dumped in drains.

6. Timeframes & Disruption Management

A rushed job is a poor one, but you also can’t afford endless downtime. Your painter should provide a clear schedule: a start date, milestones, and a completion date.

Ask how long your project will take and whether it fits your needs. Good contractors plan for business hours. They may propose working after-hours or weekends to avoid disturbing customers and staff. If your site needs to stay partially open, they can do the work in phases or section off areas.

Confirm any accommodations: will they protect carpets and furniture? How will they clean each day? A professional painting contractor will build a realistic timeline and keep you updated if things change.

7. Pricing Transparency, Clear Communication & Change Orders

Finally, compare quotes carefully. The cheapest bid isn’t always best. It may exclude important steps.

Ask each painter for an itemised quote. It should break down costs (labour, paint, prep, equipment, travel, etc.) and specify what’s included (e.g. scaffolding, multiple coats, cleanup).

With a line-by-line breakdown, you can compare similar services between contractors.

Clarify everything up front: Will there be charges for accessing high areas? Is disassembly/reassembly of fixtures included? How about waste removal?

Also discuss how they handle changes. If you decide mid-job to add a feature wall or different paint, they should provide a written change order and update costs.

Tip: Don’t be swayed by an extremely low painter quote without checking the details. That cheap painters Perth deal may cut corners on prep or materials. A fair price for quality commercial painting in WA is higher than DIY or home painting rates.

Getting 3–4 quotes from credible contractors and asking them to itemise costs is the best way to find value.

Quick Tips on Finding a Reliable Commercial Painting Contractor

• Check Local Reviews – Look up Perth’s commercial painting contractors on Google, Facebook or Word of Mouth. Read testimonials; especially on similar projects.
• Ask for References – Request contact info for past clients or see case studies. A short call or a visit to a finished site can reassure you.
• Verify Credentials – Ensure the company has a local WA address and a Registered Painting Contractor number. Confirm insurance and licenses before hiring.
• Request a Site Visit – A good painter will want to inspect your site. An on-site assessment often yields a more accurate quote and shows they’re thorough.
• Compare Multiple Quotes – Don’t settle on the first estimate. Even if one quote is tempting, a quick check against others helps spot anomalies.
• Evaluate Communication – Note how quickly they respond to emails or calls. Professional contractors are clear, responsive, and explain details without jargon.
• Confirm Scheduling Flexibility – Ask if they can work around your operations. The right team will minimize disruption by working off-hours or in phases if needed.
• Look for Long-Term Thinking – A reliable contractor considers maintenance and durability. If they suggest quality paints or coatings suited to WA’s climate, that’s a good sign.

Beware the red flags given below and stick with companies that offer clear quotes, written contracts and solid warranties.

7 Red Flags to Watch Out for When Choosing Commercial Painters in Perth

1. Extremely Low Costs: If a quote is much lower than others, it often means hidden costs or skipped steps.
2. No License/Insurance: Never hire a painter who can’t show registration or insurance.
3. Vague or Verbal Quotes: If the contractor won’t put details in writing, step back.
4. High Pressure Tactics: Beware of sales reps demanding big deposits or pushing you to sign immediately.
5. Poor Communication: Difficulty reaching them or unclear answers during the bidding process indicates future headaches.
6. No Portfolio or Reviews: Reputable commercial painters will have examples of past work or at least customer testimonials.
7. Unprofessional Behaviour: Messy presentation, unmarked vehicles, or pushing you to buy paint separately are warning signs.

Trust your gut. If something feels off in the vetting stage, keep looking. A dependable contractor will make you feel confident about their expertise and process.

Hire Perth’s Trusted Commercial Painting Experts – Final Touch Paint & Décor

Final Touch Paint & Décor delivers professional commercial painting services across Perth and WA.

Our experienced team handles offices, shops, strata complexes and more, using high-quality paints designed for the local climate. We focus on thorough preparation, safety compliance, and clear scheduling to finish your project on time. You’ll get a detailed, itemised painter quote upfront, and our workmanship comes backed by industry-standard warranties.

Let us take care of every step; from free colour consultation to final inspection. Get a stunning, durable paint finish with minimal disruption.

Get Your Quote Now

See Our Completed Painting Projects

FAQs About Commercial Painters Perth

What is the difference between commercial and industrial painters?

Commercial painters work on non-residential buildings (offices, shops, hotels, strata) and focus on appearance, branding and durable finishes. Industrial painters use heavy-duty coatings (epoxy, anti-corrosion) for factories, machinery and harsh environments.

How long does a commercial repaint in Perth typically take?

Small interiors (one office or shop) can take a few days. Larger buildings, multi-stage or high-access jobs can take several weeks. Timeline depends on prep, number of coats, access (scaffolding/lifts) and weather for exteriors.

What do commercial painters do?

They prepare surfaces (clean, repair, sand), apply primers and commercial-grade coatings, and finish walls, trim and exteriors. They also manage protection, safety, site setup and final cleanup.

How much does commercial painting cost in Australia?

Costs vary by scope, but typical ballparks are about $10–$30/m² for standard work, with labour rates often around $45–$60/hr. Small jobs may be a few thousand dollars; large projects can reach tens of thousands. Always get multiple itemised quotes.

Do commercial painters in Perth provide warranties? How long?

Yes. Most contractors offer a workmanship warranty (commonly 1–5 years depending on job size). Paint manufacturers may offer longer product warranties — always get written warranty terms.