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Find 81 painters near Cairns. Compare ratings, reviews, and credentials from local professionals.

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How many rooms need painting? (Include bedrooms, living areas, and hallways.)

Estimated range

$1,429 – $2,866

$663$4,450

Guide pricing only. Final quotes vary by scope, access, materials, and site conditions.

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Browse 81 painters

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Regions in Cairns

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What to expect when hiring painters in Cairns

How to choose one, what the job should cost, what a good quote includes and which licence to check.

How to choose a good painter in Cairns

Cairns has plenty of well-reviewed painters to choose from. Use these numbers as a reference point when you compare profiles and quotes.

Most painters here are rated highly, so it helps to check how many reviews sit behind a rating. The typical painter has 5 reviews. Of the 58 rated painters based in Cairns, 9 have 4.8 stars or more from at least 20 reviews.

SureQuote rankings take both star rating and review count into consideration to ensure you're seeing the best of the bunch. Updated October 2026.

average rating
4.53
typical reviews
5
what the best have
4.8★ · 20+

Star rating

67% of painters here have a perfect 5.0

Best: 4.8+

Number of reviews

Half have 5 or fewer reviews

Best: 20+ reviews

How do areas in Cairns compare?

AreaAverage star rating
Cairns North11 painters5 typical reviews
4.84
All Cairns58 painters5 typical reviews
4.53
Innisfail & Cassowary Coast12 painters4 typical reviews
4.53
Cairns South25 painters5 typical reviews
4.42
Tablelands & Kuranda6 painters3 typical reviews
4.17

What painting should cost across Cairns

Painting across Cairns usually runs $1,429 – $2,866 for interior painting, and $5,297 – $9,818 for exterior painting.

What you'll pay comes down to the size of the job, the condition of what's being worked on, and the finish you choose. Get a few quotes to see your exact number — it's free.

Full painting cost guideGet an instant estimate

Things to consider before you book

The local conditions that shape the job, the best time of year to book, and what to sort out before you choose a painter.

Cyclone Zone
Tropical Climate Zone
High Rainfall Area
Very High Termite Risk

  • Cyclone-Rated Materials Required

    Cairns is in a cyclone zone — all external installations need cyclone-rated fixings and mounting. Standard fixings aren't adequate for the wind loads here.

  • UV-Stable and Mould-Resistant Products Essential

    Cairns's tropical climate means intense UV, high humidity, and heavy seasonal rain. Mould-resistant, UV-stable products aren't optional for exterior work here.

  • Book Early — Weather Windows Fill Fast

    Cairns gets significantly more rainfall than most of Australia — exterior painting work needs to target the drier months. Book well ahead, because the good weather windows fill up fast.

  • High Termite Activity

    Cairns has very high termite activity — annual inspections are essential, and any work involving timber or ground contact should factor in termite management.

Best time of year for exterior painting in Cairns

Ideal months: June to October.

IdealWorkableLess suitable

Based on typical local rainfall, temperature and humidity.

What's in a good Painting quote?

A good quote spells out how the job is priced and what's covered — labour, materials, prep and clean-up — so you're comparing like for like. Check what each painter's quote covers before you choose.

Worth knowing: getting two or three quotes is the simplest way to land a fair price — and it costs you nothing.

  • 01
    Surface prep

    Filling, sanding, priming and washing, where the quality lives.

  • 02
    Paint brand and coats

    The exact product, and how many coats. Standard is two.

  • 03
    Room-by-room scope

    Walls, ceilings, skirting, doors and windows, all named.

  • 04
    Exclusions

    What's not included, like powder-coated windows or plaster repairs.

  • 05
    Insurance and licence

    Public liability and the painter's licence or ABN.

  • 06
    GST-inclusive total

    One figure with GST, as Australian Consumer Law requires.

Cheapest isn't always the best. Check these before you hire anybody.

  • Recent, genuine reviews

    Read the latest ones, not just the count

  • Experience near you

    Jobs like yours, done locally

  • Credentials for the job

    Licence, insurance and business details

  • A clear written quote

    Itemised, so you can compare like-for-like

Conditionally licensed

Painting licensing in Queensland

Painting work may require registration in Queensland. Requirements vary by state. Here's what to know before hiring.

What to look for

  • Valid state contractor licence or registration displayed on quotes and advertising (where applicable)
  • ABN with active GST registration
  • Public liability insurance ($5M minimum)
  • Master Painters Australia or HIA membership
  • White Card (construction induction)

Licence details

A Painting and Decorating Licence is required for jobs over $3,300. Regulated by Queensland Building and Construction Commission. Verify a licence

Frequently asked questions

Hiring painters

How much do painters typically charge?
Painting costs depend on the size of the job, the condition of existing surfaces, and whether the work is interior, exterior or both. Jobs requiring significant preparation such as sanding, filling or priming will generally cost more than a straightforward repaint over sound surfaces. Most painters quote per square metre or per room, with exterior work and multi-storey access typically attracting higher rates. This page shows live pricing for jobs in your area.
Do painters need a licence in Australia?
Yes. In most Australian states and territories, painters carrying out domestic work above a certain value must hold a trade-specific licence or registration. Licensing requirements and thresholds vary by jurisdiction — for example, NSW requires a Contractor Licence for painting work. A licensed painter should be able to provide their licence number on request, and you can verify it with your state's building authority.
How should I prepare my home before painters arrive?
Most painters will handle masking, drop sheets and surface preparation as part of the job, but clearing the area of furniture, wall hangings and fragile items beforehand helps the job run smoothly and may reduce your quote. For exterior work, ensure the painter has clear access to all walls and that garden beds or outdoor furniture are moved back. Discuss any specific concerns like lead paint, mould or moisture damage before work begins so the painter can plan accordingly.
Is it cheaper to hire a Painter or do it yourself in Cairns?
DIY can cut upfront costs on smaller jobs, but a professional brings the right tools, finish, and turnaround. Compare quotes from local painters in Cairns to see what the job is worth before you decide.
Does cyclone risk affect painting work in Cairns?
Yes — Cairns is in a cyclone-rated area. All external installations, from solar panels to fencing, need cyclone-rated fixings and mounting systems. Make sure your quote specifies cyclone-rated materials.
Does the tropical climate affect painting work in Cairns?
Yes — Cairns's tropical conditions drive everything: UV-stable products for any exterior surface, mould resistance for coatings, and scheduling around the wet season. Discuss tropical-rated product options when getting quotes.
Can exterior painting work be done year-round in Cairns?
Cairns receives high rainfall, so exterior painting work is best scheduled for the drier months. Weather delays are common outside the dry window — booking well in advance makes a real difference.
Is termite risk a concern for painting work in Cairns?
Cairns has very high termite activity. If your job involves timber or ground contact, termite treatment should be part of the scope. Annual professional inspections are recommended for all properties here.
How do I get the best value for painting work in Cairns?
Getting three quotes is the best way to compare value for painting work in Cairns. Ask each tradie about options at different price points — there's usually a good mid-range choice. Compare what's included in each quote to make sure you're comparing like for like.

Using SureQuote

How accurate is the instant estimate?
Our estimates are built from research across thousands of local jobs and real pricing data. Use them as a guide when speaking to painters — your actual quote will depend on your specific job.
How many quotes will I get?
We'll match you with up to 3 painters initially. If you'd like more options, you can request additional matches.
Do I pay anything to get quotes?
No — the service is 100% free for homeowners.
Why do you need photos?
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