Painting Job Checklist for NZ Contractors

Complete before starting any work on site:

• Scope review — Re-read the scope of works and quote — Master Painters NZ sets workmanship standards for this. Confirm what's included and excluded with the client before starting.
• Surface inspection — Check all surfaces for: peeling or flaking paint, cracks, holes, mould, stains, damp areas, and damage that wasn't visible during the quote.
• Access assessment — Confirm ladder and scaffolding requirements. Check for overhead power lines (exterior), ceiling height (interior), and tight spaces.
• Material check — Confirm you have the right paint (brand, product, colour, quantity), primer, and all consumables. Don't start a job and run out of paint on day 2.
• Client communication — Confirm start date, access arrangements, furniture moving (who's responsible), pets, parking, and any areas to avoid.
• Health and safety — Complete a site-specific hazard assessment. Check for asbestos (pre-2000 homes), lead paint (pre-1970s homes), and ventilation requirements.
• Additional work — If you find issues not covered in the scope (rot, extensive damage, mould), notify the client immediately and provide a variation quote before proceeding.

Thorough prep is what separates a professional job from an amateur one:

• Protection — Drop cloths on all floors. Mask light switches, power points, window frames, and any surfaces not being painted. Cover furniture that can't be moved.
• Washing — Wash all surfaces to remove dust, cobwebs, grease, and contaminants. Use sugar soap for interior. Waterblast or hand-wash exterior surfaces.
• Sanding — Sand all previously painted surfaces to create a key. P120–P180 for walls, P80–P120 for timber. Remove all dust after sanding.
• Filling and repairs — Fill all holes, cracks, and dents. Use appropriate filler (interior vs exterior, flexible vs rigid). Sand fillers smooth once dry.
• Caulking — Caulk all gaps at junctions: skirting to wall, architrave to wall, window frames to wall. Use a quality paintable caulk.
• Priming — Prime bare surfaces, stained areas, fillers, and any areas where the existing paint has been removed. Use the correct primer for the surface and topcoat.
• Mould treatment — Treat mould with a bleach solution or commercial mould killer. Allow to dry fully before painting. Common in NZ bathrooms, laundries, and south-facing exterior walls.

Prep takes 30–50% of total job time. See our time estimation guide for production rate benchmarks.

During painting, follow a systematic approach:

• Paint mixing — Stir paint thoroughly before use. For large areas, box (combine) multiple tins to ensure colour consistency.
• Cutting in first — Cut in all edges, corners, and trim before rolling. Use a quality angled brush (63mm) for clean, straight lines.
• Rolling technique — Load the roller evenly, apply in a W pattern, then lay off vertically. Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
• Coat coverage — Apply coats at the manufacturer's recommended coverage rate. Don't stretch paint too thin. Check wet film thickness if specified.
• Drying time — Allow full drying time between coats. Check the product data sheet — minimum recoat times are different from recommended times. Humidity and temperature affect drying in NZ (especially in winter).
• Quality checks between coats — After the first coat, check for: missed areas, drips and runs, poor coverage, visible roller marks, and cutting-in issues. Fix before applying the second coat.
• Second coat — Apply the second coat following the same process. Check coverage is even and consistent across all surfaces.
• Final inspection — Walk through every room/area with good lighting. Check for drips, misses, brush marks, and inconsistent coverage. Touch up before removing masking.

The handover is your chance to leave a professional impression:

• Remove masking — Pull tape at a 45-degree angle while the final coat is still slightly tacky for clean edges. Remove all masking tape, plastic, and drop cloths.
• Clean up — Remove all equipment, rubbish, and paint tins. Clean any paint drips on floors, windows, or hardware. Leave the site cleaner than you found it.
• Touch-ups — Do a final walkthrough and touch up any small imperfections. Check all edges, corners, and transitions.
• Client walkthrough — Walk through the completed job with the client. Point out what was done, discuss any areas that needed extra attention, and confirm they're satisfied.
• Paint handover — Leave leftover paint with the client for touch-ups. Label tins with the room, colour name, and code.
• Documentation — Provide a completion note listing: work completed, paint products and colours used, number of coats, and any warranty information.
• Invoice — Issue your invoice promptly. Include a reference to the original quote and scope of works.
• Follow-up — Contact the client after 1–2 weeks to check they're happy. This builds referrals and repeat business.

• Master Painters New Zealand — Trade standards and professional guidelines.