How to Start a Painting and Decorating Business In the UK [6 Applicable Steps]

Are you thinking of turning your love for transforming spaces into a profitable business?

Starting a painting and decorating business in the UK can be a solid move, with low startup costs, steady demand, and the freedom to work on your own terms. 

No matter if you're switching careers or finally stepping out solo after years on the job, this guide walks you through every step.

From legal setup to your first quote, here’s how to start a painting and decorating business that’s built to last.

1. Build skills and confidence in the trade

Trust is everything in the trades. And while you technically don’t need formal qualifications to call yourself a painter and decorator in the UK, having real training or verifiable experience goes a long way. 

Clients are more likely to book you if they know you’ve been professionally trained or come with credentials.

Plus, building your knowledge helps you avoid costly mistakes on the job and lets you work more efficiently, saving time and money in the long run.

💡 How to implement:

If you're brand new to the trade, start by looking at formal qualifications like:

• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Painting and Decorating – these give you a solid foundation in wall prep, paint systems, wallpapering, and health & safety.
• T Level in On-Site Construction – combines classroom learning with industry placement, offering a modern pathway for school leavers.
• CSCS Card – essential if you plan on doing any commercial work or entering construction sites. It shows clients and contractors that you meet health and safety standards.

For those with experience but no qualifications, consider topping up with short, specialised courses, for example, spray painting, mural design, or exterior finishes. These can help you carve out a niche and justify higher prices.

If you’re coming from employment, it’s worth using your notice period to:

• Practice quoting jobs.
• Research what tools you'll need.
• Shadow or subcontract from another local decorator to observe how they manage client expectations.

👉 Extra tip: CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) sometimes offers funding for upskilling or tools, especially if you're going self-employed.

2. Define your services and audience

Not every painter and decorator offers the same services, and that’s a good thing. 

When you specialise in certain types of work, it can set you apart in a crowded market. 

You can focus on luxury residential interiors, fast-turnaround rental properties, or large-scale commercial projects.

That way, narrowing your niche helps shape your pricing, marketing, and reputation. 

Plus, knowing your ideal customer lets you focus your efforts where they’ll pay off.

💡 How to implement:

First, get clear on the types of jobs you enjoy (and which ones you want to avoid). 

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Do you prefer residential or commercial work?
• Are you drawn to interiors, exteriors, or both?
• Would you rather take on high-end finishes for boutique clients or fast, repeat work for landlords and developers?

You can also decide whether to specialise in certain techniques or services, such as:

• Spray painting for ultra-smooth finishes or faster, large-scale coverage.
• Wallpaper hanging for feature walls and design-forward interiors.
• Kitchen cabinet painting is a niche service with high demand and profit potential.
• Murals (nursery/baby rooms) or decorative finishes for creative work that commands a premium.

Choosing a niche doesn’t mean you can’t take on other work, especially at the start. But it helps you build a reputation faster and attract clients who are willing to pay more for your specific skill set.

Once you know what you're offering, define your target customer. This affects everything from your website copy to how you quote jobs. For example:

• If you’re targeting homeowners in affluent areas, you’ll want polished branding and a portfolio that highlights attention to detail.
• If you're going after landlords or letting agents, they’ll value reliability, competitive pricing, and fast turnaround.

🎯 Let’s say you focus on residential interiors in Surrey. Your marketing might emphasise colour consultations, dust-free sanding equipment, and weekend availability.

If you target commercial refurbishments in Birmingham, you'd highlight your CSCS status, your ability to manage large teams, and your familiarity with project deadlines.

3. Register your business and get insured

Even the most skilled decorator can run into legal or financial issues without the right setup. Registering your business correctly ensures you’re compliant with HMRC, while insurance protects you if something goes wrong on the job. 

💡 How to implement:

✅ Choose your business structure

Most solo decorators start as sole traders, which is the simplest option. You’ll pay tax on your profits and need to register with HMRC for self-assessment.

• Pros: Easy setup, fewer admin duties, full control of profits.
• Cons: You're personally liable if something goes wrong.

Alternatively, you can set up a limited company, which gives your business a separate legal identity.

• Pros: Limited liability, potentially more tax-efficient, looks more professional to larger clients.
• Cons: More paperwork, must file annual accounts with Companies House.

💼 Tip: If you plan to grow or hire staff in the future, starting as a limited company may be worth it from the outset.

✅ Register with HMRC (and Companies House if limited)

• Sole traders must register with HMRC for self-assessment.
• Limited companies must register with Companies House and set up for Corporation Tax.

📎 Don’t forget to set up a business bank account to keep your finances separate – this makes life so much easier when tracking income, expenses, and paying taxes.

✅ Get essential insurance

Public liability insurance is a must. It protects you if a client is injured or their property is damaged while you're working. For example, if paint spills on a customer's carpet or someone trips over your ladder, this insurance covers the cost of claims.

Depending on your setup, consider these additional policies:

• Tool insurance: Replaces or repairs stolen or damaged tools.
• Employer’s liability insurance: Legally required if you hire anyone, even a part-time mate.
• Van insurance: If you’re transporting gear or paint in a vehicle.
• Professional indemnity insurance: Useful if you provide design advice or colour consultations.

Pro tip from Anna

If all this setup feels a bit overwhelming – or if you just don’t have time to deal with forms, registrations, and figuring out what HMRC needs from you – ANNA can handle it for you.

With ANNA, you can register a limited company for free, open a business bank account, and even sort out your taxes – all in one place. No jargon, no confusion. Just quick, clear steps with real human support when you need it.

Choose from flexible plans depending on where you are in your journey:

• Want a simple business setup with no monthly fees? ANNA’s Basic plan sorts your registration and lets you pay only for the extras you use.
• Need ongoing support with your taxes, filings, and business admin? The Essential and Total Support plans include everything from confirmation statements to Corporation Tax filings, insurance-friendly business accounts, and even a London virtual office address.

4. Invest in the right tools and setup

Turning up with battered brushes and a dusty roller tray gives a very different impression than arriving with clean, organised, professional-grade gear. 

The right setup also means fewer delays, better health and safety, and happier customers.

💡 How to implement:

You don’t need to buy every tool on day one. Instead, start with a core toolkit and expand as you go. Here's a breakdown by category:

🖌️ Basic painting tools

• Brushes (angled, sash, wall): Invest in various sizes, especially good-quality synthetic brushes for water-based paints.
• Rollers and frames: Choose different nap lengths for smooth and textured walls. Don’t forget mini rollers for trims.
• Paint trays and liners: Multiple trays let you work with different colours simultaneously.
• Extension poles: Crucial for ceilings and tall walls. It saves your back and reduces the need for ladders.
• Paint sprayer: Optional at the start, but worth considering for large-scale or commercial jobs.

🔧 Prep and repair tools

• Putty knives and filling blades: For patching cracks and dents.
• Sandpaper (various grits) and sanding blocks: Smooth surfaces before painting for a better finish.
• Scrapers and wire brushes: Strip old paint or flaking surfaces.
• Caulking gun and decorator’s caulk: Fill gaps between walls and skirting for a crisp edge.
• Filler/spackling compound: Essential for quick repairs and touch-ups.

🧼 Protection and cleanup supplies

• Painter’s tape: Clean lines every time.
• Dust sheets/drop cloths: Go for canvas over plastic – they’re reusable and don’t slide around.
• Tack cloths, rags, microfiber cloths: For cleaning, dusting, and wiping between coats.
• Vacuum or dust extractor: To clean up properly before painting, especially important if sanding.

🪜 Access and safety equipment

• Step ladder and extension ladder: Make sure they meet safety standards and are suited to indoor/outdoor use.
• Scaffolding: Not a day-one essential, but useful for exterior work or tall interiors.
• Safety gear: Respirators (for spraying or oil-based paints), goggles, gloves, knee pads, and overalls.

📐 Measuring and utility tools

• Tape measure: For calculating wall space, estimating paint needs, and quoting accurately.
• Multi-tool: Open cans, scrape walls, clean rollers – all with one handy gadget.
• Screwdrivers: For removing socket covers, light fixtures, and hardware.

💻 Business tools

• Phone or tablet: To take photos, create quotes, and communicate with clients.
• Job management app: Helps with scheduling, invoicing, and client tracking.
• Accounting software: Keeps your finances tidy.

Pro tip from ANNA

Did you know that you don’t have to waste hours fiddling with spreadsheets just to get paid? If you’re spending more time chasing invoices than painting walls, it might be time to let tech take over.

ANNA makes invoicing ridiculously easy: you can create and send professional-looking invoices straight from the app, complete with your logo. Need to bill a client regularly? ANNA can set up repeating invoices, so you can send them with a single tap.

And here’s the best bit: ANNA automatically matches incoming payments to the correct invoice and even sends polite reminders to clients when a payment’s late, so you don’t have to play debt collector.

5. Set your prices smartly

If you undercharge, you’ll burn out trying to make ends meet. If you overcharge without justifying the value, clients will walk away. 

So, how can you get your prices right from the beginning? 

💡 How to implement:

Start by choosing your pricing model:

• Hourly rate: Ideal for small jobs or when you're just starting. Clients feel reassured when they know they're paying for your time.
• Daily rate: Works well for projects that stretch over several days. Easier to estimate and bill for.
• Per-room or per-job pricing: More common once you have experience. It rewards speed and efficiency and is often preferred by clients.

🔍 Understand market rates

Based on UK averages in 2024:

• Hourly rate (labour only): £15 to £40
• Daily rate: £100 to £250 (excluding materials)
• Including paint & materials: £150 to £400 per day

These can rise significantly depending on:

• Your location (London and the South East are usually 20–30% higher.)
• The complexity of the job (e.g., textured walls, high ceilings, or damaged surfaces)
• Your experience and reputation

🧾 Estimate properly

When quoting a job, factor in:

• Labour: How long will it realistically take?
• Materials: Paint, filler, caulk, tape, etc. Include a small buffer for waste.
• Overheads: Insurance, fuel, tool wear and tear, and admin time.
• Profit: Don’t just break even. Add a margin so the business can grow, and you can reinvest.

👷 Example quote for a 3m x 5m living room:

• Labour: 2 days @ £200 = £400
• Materials (mid-range paint, filler, tape): £90
• Total: £490 + VAT (if applicable)

If the job includes prepping damaged walls or removing wallpaper, adjust your quote accordingly, and explain the breakdown to the client.

📣 Present your quote professionally

Even if you’re a one-person business, act like a pro:

• Include a brief scope of work.
• List what's included (e.g. two coats on walls and ceiling, basic prep, cleanup).
• Specify if materials are included or billed separately.
• Provide a start and completion estimate.

Extra tip: When in doubt, quote higher with the option to discount, rather than pricing low and regretting it. Cheap decorators often work harder for less, and still lose clients if the job feels rushed or unpolished.

6. Build your brand and find clients

Being a great decorator only gets you so far if no one knows you exist. A strong brand and marketing strategy help you attract consistent work and better-paying clients.

💡 How to implement:

1. Start with your brand

• Choose a business name that’s clear and memorable.
• Use consistent branding: same logo, colours, and tone across your van, quotes, website, and socials.
• Keep things simple and professional, especially if you’re targeting higher-end clients or commercial work.

2. Build a basic portfolio

• You don’t need a fancy website to get started. A one-page site or even a Facebook page can do the job.
• Share before-and-after photos, testimonials, and the types of work you do.
• Include contact details, areas you cover, and how to request a quote.
• Don’t underestimate word of mouth – ask every happy client for a Google review.

3. Promote your services

• Local directories like Checkatrade, Rated People, or MyBuilder are powerful for lead generation.
• Use Facebook and Instagram to share projects, tips, and behind-the-scenes work. 
• Leave flyers or cards at hardware stores, coffee shops, or with local estate agents.
• Network with builders, landlords, and letting agents who need regular decorators.

Wrapping it up

Starting your own painting and decorating business in the UK  means you get to be your own boss, choose your hours, and take pride in every space you transform. 

But to build something sustainable, you need more than a steady hand and a van full of tools. You need a clear plan, reliable systems, and the confidence to price your work properly and 

Ready to get started?

Open a business account with ANNA and take control of your painting business from day one.

From instant invoicing to expense tracking and VAT reminders, ANNA’s built to support both sole traders and limited companies.

✅ Free to try

✅ Register your company and open a business account in minutes

✅ Get tax nudges, invoice tracking, and automatic reminders

Join ANNA now and build your business with less stress and more control.👇