Signs You’ve Found a Good Painter (and How to Spot the Cowboys)

Hiring a painter shouldn’t feel like a gamble - but unfortunately, not all tradespeople are created equal. Most of us have heard horror stories about paint peeling after a year, walls left patchy, or “cowboy” painters disappearing mid-job.

The difference between a good painter and a bad one isn’t just in how it looks on day one - it’s in how it lasts five or ten years down the track. And here in Napier and Hawke’s Bay, where strong UV, sea air, and humidity test even the best finishes, quality workmanship matters more than ever.

At Bay Decorating, we’ve seen both sides of the trade - the good, the bad, and the lazy. This guide will help you spot the difference early, understand what to look for in a professional painter, and avoid those costly cowboy mistakes.

Good Painter vs Cowboy Painter - What’s the Difference?

The Mindset of a Professional

A good painter treats every home like it’s their own. They take pride in the finish, follow a clear process, and are upfront about what’s involved. You’ll see them taking their time, explaining each step, and protecting your home while they work.

They care about prep work, tidy edges, and leaving a job that lasts. Their goal isn’t just to get paid - it’s to build a reputation for quality and trust.

The Cowboy Approach

Cowboys, on the other hand, rely on being cheap and fast. They skip prep, paint over dust or flaking paint, and hope you don’t notice until it’s too late.

We’ve seen it firsthand - one painter in Napier was priming over cobwebs and mould because they “just wanted to get it done.” The paint started peeling within months.

A cheap job always ends up costing more when you have to repaint early.

Credentials, Quotes & Communication - The First Signs of Quality

Detailed Quotes, Not Vague Promises

A professional quote should clearly outline what’s included - washing, sanding, filling, priming, number of coats, and the specific paint products being used.

If you’re handed a one-line quote that just says “Exterior repaint - $X,” that’s a red flag.

A good painter takes the time to inspect your home properly before pricing. At Bay Decorating, we look at age, condition, access, and materials so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Reputation and References

Quality painters are proud to show their work - they’ll have photos, reviews, or past clients happy to vouch for them.

In a small community like Napier or Hastings, word gets around fast. Ask around - good names last.

Cowboys? They dodge the question or change the subject.

Communication and Reliability

Professionals are easy to get hold of and keep you updated on progress, weather delays, or changes in scope.

Cowboys disappear after the deposit’s paid, or show up days late with excuses.

Insurance and Safety

Good painters work cleanly and safely, with public liability insurance and dust extraction gear. They follow health and safety practices - especially on roofs or older homes. Cowboys tend to “wing it” and hope for the best.

Materials, Tools & Process - What to Look for Behind the Scenes

Proper scaffolding in use when staining this cedar house exterior.

Quality Paint Systems

Professional painters specify products designed for local conditions. We use Resene because it’s tested for New Zealand’s UV and humidity - not just imported paints that look good on the shelf.

Ask your painter:

• What primer are you using?

• How many coats will you apply?

• What brand and finish are recommended for my home?

If they can’t answer confidently, they’re probably not using quality materials.

Proper Tools and Site Setup

You can tell a lot from a painter’s setup.

Good painters bring dust extraction sanders, clean brushes, drop sheets, masking tape, and scaffolding or ladders that actually fit the job.

You’ll notice clean edges, no drips, and neat gear.

Cowboys skip masking, paint over hinges, and use gear that’s seen better days.

Prep Work and Hawke’s Bay Conditions

Here’s the big one - prep.

A good painter knows Hawke’s Bay’s climate is tough on paint, so they’ll always wash, sand, fill, and prime properly before painting.

They’ll plan around weather too - you won’t see them painting in full midday sun or over damp timber.

Cowboys rush in and hope for the best.

Older Homes and Villas

One of our crew using a specialist paint shaving tool to remove lead based paint from a villa exterior.

In Napier, there’s no shortage of beautiful villas and character homes - but they need extra care.

Good painters identify lead-based paint, strip or contain it safely, and protect detailed timber joinery.

They also understand how these homes move and breathe, using flexible fillers and breathable paint systems.

Cowboys sand lead paint dry (dangerous) or use cheap fillers that crack within a year.

On-Site Behaviour & Signs of Quality Work

Professional Conduct

You’ll notice the difference from day one.

Good painters arrive when they say they will, introduce themselves, and treat your property with respect. They communicate clearly, use drop sheets, and keep things tidy at the end of each day.

Cowboys? Loud radios, messy sites, cigarette butts in the garden - you get the picture.

Clean Workmanship

Good painters take pride in a clean, crisp finish:

• Straight edges

• No drips or roller marks

• Even sheen across walls and trims

• No overspray or paint on hardware

A sloppy finish tells you everything you need to know about how the job was done underneath.

Long-Term Evidence

The best test? Look at one of their jobs that’s five years old.

If it still looks sharp and even, you’ve found a painter who does things right.

Checklist: Questions to Ask and Signs to Watch

Before you hire anyone, ask:

• What prep do you include in your quote?

• What paint brand and system do you use?

• Can I see a job you’ve done in the past few years?

• How long do you expect this paint to last before it needs repainting?

During the job:

• Are they sanding consistently, not just patching?

• Is the site tidy and gear in good shape?

• Are they masking edges and cleaning as they go?

After completion:

• Check trims and corners for clean lines.

• Look for consistent coverage - no dull patches or visible brush strokes.

• Ask for maintenance advice; professionals are happy to explain.

(Check out our blog on how important prep work is to ensuring the longevity of your home)

Why Bay Decorating Stand Out in Napier & Hawke’s Bay

At Bay Decorating, we believe being a good painter isn’t just about paint - it’s about trust, communication, and care.

• Every quote details what’s included, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

• We use only quality, NZ-tested products and always prioritise prep work.

• Our small, friendly team takes pride in being tidy, respectful, and reliable.

• Whether it’s a new build or a 100-year-old villa, we treat your home like our own.

We’ve built our reputation on doing the job properly - and our clients’ homes still look great years later.

Conclusion

The easiest way to tell if you’ve found a good painter?

They’re the ones who talk more about prep, timing, and detail than about just “getting it done.”

Choosing a painter isn’t about finding the cheapest quote - it’s about finding someone you trust to protect your home.

If you want painters who turn up, take their time, and do things right from start to finish, we’d love to chat.

Get in touch with Bay Decorating for a free, no-pressure quote.