The difference between an interior decorator and a painter

In the UK, the terms ‘painter’ and ‘decorator’ are historically and professionally linked, but they represent a spectrum of skills and focus areas. The combined title—Painter and Decorator—acknowledges the necessity of both skills, but when hiring, understanding the specialism is crucial.

The simplest division is this:

• The Painter: Focuses on the application and protection of surfaces. Their job is functional, preparing surfaces meticulously, and achieving flawless, even colour coverage.
• The Decorator: Focuses on the aesthetic and decorative finishes beyond simple paint (wallpapering, panelling, specialised paint effects). This role is more craftsmanship-focused, dealing with complex materials and precise pattern matching.

Painter and decorator job roles: The essential breakdown

The initial confusion often comes from the fact that both professions share a base skill set: stripping old paper, sanding, filling, and masking. However, their end goals differ, dictating their chosen specialisation and training.

1. The Painter: The expert in preparation and protection

The painter’s core value is durability and uniformity.

Key Painter Skill	Role Clarification	Who does the patching?
Surface Preparation	Applying mist coats to new plaster, filling hairline cracks, and sanding woodwork.	The painter is responsible for all minor, cosmetic repairs. The patching is almost always done by the painter, preparing the surface for the new finish.
Application Techniques	Achieving a flawless finish using brushes, rollers, and often sprayers.	They are experts in cutting-in (the precise line between wall and ceiling) and avoiding roller stipple.
Protective Coatings	Understanding the best protective system: masonry paints for exteriors, anti-mould paints for bathrooms, and durable oil or water-based glosses for trim.	Ensures the paint job lasts the maximum lifespan.

2. The Decorator: The expert in finishes and craftsmanship

The decorator’s core value is intricate detail and the correct installation of complex coverings.

• Wallpaper Hanging: This is the defining skill. While a painter might hang simple lining paper, a decorator excels at complex patterns, matching drops, handling expensive vinyls, and installing delicate fabrics or murals seamlessly.
• Advanced Surface Prep: A skilled decorator fits the lining paper, as this is a precise step to ensure a perfect foundation for painting or subsequent wall coverings, smoothing out any plaster imperfections.
• Specialist Finishes: Techniques like marbling, rag rolling, faux finishes, stencilling, and applying polished plasters (like microcement). These are artistic, highly skilled tasks requiring different training than standard painting.

Training and specialisation

The difference is often reflected in their training and the level of finish they aim for:

• Painter Training: Usually focuses on vocational qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 2 in Painting and Decorating) emphasizing practical application, health and safety, and material handling (mixing, calculating coverage).
• Decorator Training: Often moves up to an NVQ Level 3 or ‘Craft Decorator’ apprenticeship, which includes advanced wall coverings, specialist decorative effects, and higher-level surface repairs.
• Interior Designer: This is a separate, higher-level role. They handle the overall design scheme, including lighting, furniture, fabrics, and space planning. They specify the colours and wallpaper, and then hire the painter or decorator to execute the vision.

When to hire one over the other (or both)

The decision of who to hire depends directly on the complexity and aesthetic ambition of your project.

Project Type	Recommended Professional	Why a specialist is needed
Whole House Refresh	A highly competent Painter (or a Painter/Decorator team).	Focus is on speed, clean lines, good coverage, and basic prep.
Complex Feature Wall	A Decorator/Wallpaper Specialist.	Required for calculating pattern match, seamless seaming, and handling expensive or delicate coverings.
Bespoke Cabinetry	A Specialist Finisher (often a Decorator who specialises in spray).	Requires a flawless, durable finish impossible to achieve with a brush.
Period Property Restoration	A Decorator with Heritage or Specialist Plasterwork skills.	Required for repairing delicate cornice work or lime plaster before painting.

To avoid confusion, when hiring, do not just ask if they are a ‘painter.’ Ask about their experience with the specific task: “Do you offer specialist wallpaper hanging for complex patterns?” or “What is your process for fitting lining paper?” This clarifies the roles and ensures you get the right person for the job.

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