Painters & Decorators Guildford | Hawkes Decor

Painters and decorators in Guildford

Guildford's housing stock is a mix of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, 1930s semis, post-war estates and newer developments on the outskirts. That range means decorating work here is rarely straightforward. Older properties often have lath and plaster walls, uneven surfaces and layers of old paint that need careful preparation. Newer homes come with their own issues, from shiny plasterboard to cheap contract emulsion that needs washing off before you can paint over it.

We work on all of it. The key to a good finish in Guildford is preparation. On period homes, that means filling cracks, sanding back rough woodwork and lining walls where plaster is too far gone to paint directly. On modern builds, it means dealing with new plaster properly, using a mist coat before any topcoat so the paint bonds and does not peel later.

Commercial work in Guildford is just as varied. Offices above the shops on the High Street, medical practices, salons and small business units all need decorating that lasts and causes minimum disruption. We can work evenings and weekends where needed and keep dust and noise down.

Because Guildford sits in a valley, some parts of the town are more exposed to wind and rain than others. That matters for exterior painting. We plan jobs around the weather and only paint when conditions are right, so the finish lasts.

Our painting and decorating services in Guildford

Interior decorating

We paint walls, ceilings and woodwork inside homes, flats and commercial buildings. Every job starts with surface preparation: filling, sanding, caulking and spot priming before any topcoat goes on.

Washing down walls and ceilings to remove grease and dust
Filling cracks and holes, then sanding smooth
Caulking gaps around skirting boards, architraves and window frames
Spot priming stains, knots and bare plaster
Applying emulsion, eggshell, satin or gloss in your chosen colours
Two coats as standard, with extra coats on colour changes

We use trade paints, usually water-based for walls and ceilings, and either water-based or solvent-based for woodwork depending on the finish you want and how much wear the area gets.

Exterior painting

We paint rendered walls, pebbledash, brickwork, timber cladding, fascias, soffits and exterior woodwork. Exterior work in Guildford has to cope with wet winters and strong sun in summer, so we use breathable masonry paints and microporous wood finishes that let moisture out and stop it getting in.

Washing down surfaces to remove dirt, algae and loose paint
Scraping and sanding flaking areas back to a sound edge
Filling cracks and holes with exterior filler
Spot priming bare wood and metal
Applying masonry paint or wood finish by brush, roller or spray
Two coats, with drying times adjusted to the weather

We only paint exteriors when the temperature is above about 8°C and there is no rain forecast. That might mean waiting for the right window, but it is the only way to get a finish that lasts.

Wallpaper hanging and removal

We hang all types of wallpaper, from standard paste-the-paper to paste-the-wall non-woven, and we remove old paper cleanly. Pattern matching is done properly, with waste allowed for and seams butted, not overlapped.

Stripping old wallpaper, including woodchip and vinyl
Washing off paste residue and sizing walls
Lining walls where needed before hanging decorative paper
Hanging paper around windows, doors and sockets
Pasting and booking paper before hanging
Trimming with a sharp blade for clean edges

We can also hang lining paper on its own and paint over it, which is often the best way to get a smooth finish on older Guildford walls.

Woodwork painting

Skirting boards, architraves, doors, window frames, staircases and fitted furniture all need a different approach to walls. We sand, fill and prime before painting, and we use the right paint for the job.

Sanding back old paint to a smooth surface
Filling dents, gaps and nail holes
Caulking joints between woodwork and walls
Spot priming knots and bare wood
Applying undercoat and topcoat in your chosen sheen
Water-based or solvent-based trim paint, depending on durability

For high-traffic areas like stair handrails and kitchen cabinets, we recommend a satin or eggshell finish, which is easier to clean than flat matt.

Commercial decorating

We decorate offices, shops, surgeries, salons, pubs and rental properties across Guildford. Work can be planned around your opening hours, including evenings and weekends.

Interior and exterior painting
Wallpaper hanging in feature areas
Woodwork and metalwork painting
Kitchen and bathroom painting
Colour consultation for brand or style
End-of-tenancy redecoration

We keep disruption to a minimum, protect floors and furniture, and clear up at the end of every day. For larger jobs we can work in phases so part of your premises stays usable.

Properties we decorate in Guildford

Victorian and Edwardian terraces

High ceilings, picture rails, sash windows and often uneven plaster. We line walls where needed, repair cracks and take care with original features. Woodwork usually needs more preparation than modern homes.

1930s and 1950s semis

Solid walls, often with lime plaster that needs breathable paint. Exteriors may be pebbledash or render. We use microporous masonry paint so moisture does not get trapped.

Post-war and modern estates

Plasterboard walls, new plaster and sometimes cheap contract emulsion. We apply a mist coat on bare plaster and wash off old emulsion before painting. Woodwork is usually softwood, so we prime knots and use flexible filler.

Flats and apartments

Communal areas, leasehold restrictions and limited access can be issues. We work with managing agents and freeholders where needed, and we keep noise and dust down for neighbours.

Rental properties

End-of-tenancy redecoration, pre-letting refreshes and full repaints between tenants. We use durable, scrubbable paints in neutral colours and can work to tight turnaround times.

Offices and commercial units

Reception areas, meeting rooms, open-plan offices and retail space. We work out of hours where needed and use low-odour paints so your business can stay open.

How we work

Enquiry and quote
You tell us what needs doing, and we arrange a visit to look at the property. We measure up, check the condition of surfaces and talk through colours and finishes. You get a written quote with a breakdown of work and materials.
Preparation
We protect floors, furniture and fittings, then prepare every surface. That means filling, sanding, caulking, washing down and priming. Preparation takes longer than painting, but it is what makes the finish last.
Painting and decorating
We apply paints and wallpapers in the right order: ceilings first, then walls, then woodwork. We use trade paints and follow the manufacturer's drying and recoat times. For wallpaper, we match patterns and trim neatly.
Inspection and touch-ups
Before we call a job done, we go over every room with you. Any snags get fixed on the spot. We remove all masking and protection, and we leave the property clean and ready to use.
Aftercare
We tell you what paint we used and how to clean it. If you need touch-ups later, we can come back. Most paints we use are washable, so marks can be wiped off without repainting.

Choosing the right paint finish in Guildford

Guildford homes range from bright, modern flats to dark Victorian terraces. The right sheen level makes a big difference to how a room looks and how easy it is to live with.

Flat matt hides imperfections on walls and ceilings, but it marks easily and is hard to clean. Use it in low-traffic rooms like bedrooms and dining rooms.

Matt is slightly more durable than flat matt and works well in living rooms and hallways. It still hides small defects and gives a soft, contemporary look.

Eggshell has a low sheen and is much more washable. It is a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, children's rooms and woodwork. We often use eggshell on skirting boards and doors because it is easier to clean than gloss.

Satin has a soft sheen and is very durable. It works on woodwork in high-traffic areas like staircases and handrails, and on walls in commercial spaces.

Gloss is the most durable and the shiniest. It shows every imperfection, so preparation has to be perfect. We usually suggest satin or eggshell instead, unless you specifically want a high-shine look.

For exterior woodwork, we use microporous paints or stains that let moisture escape. For exterior walls, breathable masonry paint is essential on older properties to prevent damp.

Exterior painting and the Guildford weather

Guildford gets its share of rain, and some parts of the town are more exposed than others. Exterior painting can only be done when the weather allows.

We need a run of dry days with temperatures above about 8°C and no rain or heavy dew. That usually means exterior work happens between late spring and early autumn, but we can sometimes work earlier or later if conditions are right.

Before we start, we check the forecast and plan the job so each coat has time to dry before the next. If rain is due, we stop and wait. Painting over damp surfaces or painting just before rain will ruin the finish and shorten the life of the paint.

We also check for existing problems: flaking paint, cracked render, rotten wood, algae or mould. Those need fixing before painting, or the new paint will fail. We can do minor repairs as part of the job and advise on anything that needs a specialist.

Getting a quote in Guildford

If you are planning a decorating job in Guildford, get in touch and we will arrange a visit. We will look at the property, talk through what you want and give you a written quote with a clear breakdown.

We cover all of Guildford and the surrounding villages, including Burpham, Merrow, Shalford, Worplesdon and Jacobs Well. We also work across Surrey and into Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and London.

Tell us roughly what you need, and we will come back to you within a day or two.

Services

Decorating services in Guildford

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Projects

Recent work near Guildford

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Guildford · Property Refurbishment

Guildford, Surrey

FAQs

Decorating in Guildford — FAQs

Can't see your question? Call or send a message and we'll answer it.

Do you decorate rental properties in Guildford between tenancies?

Yes. We regularly repaint rental homes and flats between tenancies. We can work to tight deadlines, use durable and scrubbable paints in neutral colours, and we leave the property clean and ready for the next tenant.

Can you paint the outside of my house in Guildford during winter?

Usually not. Exterior painting needs dry weather and temperatures above about 8°C, so we do most outside work between late spring and early autumn. We can sometimes paint in milder, drier spells, but we will not start if rain or frost is forecast.

How long does it take to decorate a three-bedroom house in Guildford?

A full repaint of a three-bedroom house, including ceilings, walls, woodwork and two coats, typically takes one to two weeks. Preparation adds time on older properties with uneven walls or lots of old paint. Wallpapering or extra rooms will extend the job.

Do you use water-based or oil-based paint on woodwork?

We usually use water-based trim paints because they dry faster, stay whiter for longer and are easier to clean up. For some high-wear areas or specific finishes, we may recommend a solvent-based paint, but we will discuss the options with you before starting.

Can you work in offices and shops in Guildford without disrupting business?

Yes. We can work evenings, weekends or in phases so part of your premises stays open. We use low-odour paints where possible, protect floors and furniture, and clear up at the end of every shift.

Do you offer a colour consultation service in Guildford?

Yes. We can help you choose colours and finishes that suit the style of your property, the light in each room and how you use the space. We can also provide sample pots and test patches before you commit.

In Guildford? Get a free quote

Tell us about the rooms or exterior that need decorating and where you are. We will come back with a sensible, itemised price.

Request a Quote 07936 591 478

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Priced on the job in front of us
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Painters & decorators in Guildford