Before hiring a painter in Dubai, confirm they're licensed and insured, ask for a written quote and warranty, check the paint brand and number of coats, and clarify who does the work and how they'll protect your home. A professional company answers all of these clearly and puts the details in writing. The questions below help you separate them from the rest.
Hiring a painter should be exciting — a fresh, transformed home. But in Dubai, where anyone with a brush can advertise as a professional, the wrong choice leads to thin coats, poor prep, and a finish that fails within months. The good news: a handful of well-chosen questions quickly reveals who's a true professional and who isn't. Here are the ten to ask before you commit.
The 10 questions
- Are you licensed and registered in Dubai?
- Are you insured?
- Can I see reviews, references, or past work?
- What paint brand and quality do you use?
- How many coats are included?
- How do you prepare the surfaces?
- Do you provide a written quote, and what does it include?
- Do you offer a warranty?
- Who is my point of contact, and who does the work?
- How will you protect my home and clean up?
1.Are you licensed and registered in Dubai?
This is the first thing to check. A legitimate painting company in Dubai holds a valid trade licence and is registered with Dubai Municipality. A licence means the business is accountable and operating legally — and it gives you recourse if anything goes wrong. Anyone can buy a brush and print a business card, so confirming the licence quickly separates established companies from casual operators.
Painterlobby: At Painterlobby we're Dubai Municipality licensed — ask and we'll confirm it.
2.Are you insured?
Accidents happen on any job — a dropped tin, a scratched floor, a broken window. Insurance protects both you and the workers if there's damage or an injury on your property. Always ask whether the company carries insurance, so a small mishap doesn't become your bill.
3.Can I see reviews, references, or past work?
A trustworthy painter is happy to share reviews, photos of finished projects, or references from past clients — ideally on homes similar to yours. Be aware that references can be cherry-picked, so ask specific questions: What was the project? Would you hire them again? How did they handle problems? Consistent, detailed answers are a good sign.
4.What paint brand and quality do you use?
Paint quality directly affects how the finish looks and how long it lasts — especially in Dubai's heat and humidity. Ask which brand they use (premium brands like Jotun and Dulux are a good sign) and be wary of vague answers. A known trick is decanting cheap paint into premium tins, so a company that's transparent about exactly what goes on your walls is one to trust.
Painterlobby: We use premium Jotun and Dulux systems and tell you exactly what we're applying.
5.How many coats are included?
Two coats is standard for a durable, even finish — sometimes with a primer first, depending on the surface and any colour change. A single-coat 'budget' job looks thin and wears fast. Get the number of coats in writing, because it's one of the easiest places for a low quote to cut corners.
6.How do you prepare the surfaces?
Preparation is the difference between a finish that lasts and one that peels. Every painter will say prep matters — the good ones can explain exactly what they'll do: cleaning, filling cracks, sanding, repairing damp, and priming. Ask for specifics. If the answer is vague or they seem keen to skip straight to painting, that's a red flag.
7.Do you provide a written quote, and what does it include?
Insist on a written quote after a site visit, not a rough figure over the phone. It should spell out what's covered: which rooms or surfaces, number of coats, paint brand, ceilings and trims, preparation, and clean-up. A clear written quote lets you compare companies fairly and prevents 'surprise' charges later.
8.Do you offer a warranty?
A written warranty shows a company stands behind its work and will return to fix problems like peeling or patchy areas. Be cautious of unrealistic promises — some firms advertise 10-, 20-year, or 'lifetime' warranties they'll never be around to honour. A clear one-to-three-year workmanship warranty from an established, licensed company is far more meaningful.
Painterlobby: Every Painterlobby project comes with a written warranty.
9.Who is my point of contact, and who does the work?
Often the person who quotes isn't the person who paints. Ask who will actually be on site, who supervises, and who you call if something comes up. Knowing your direct contact avoids the frustration of chasing an unreachable salesperson once work begins.
10.How will you protect my home and clean up?
A professional protects floors, furniture, and fittings with drop cloths and covers, works tidily, and leaves the property clean. Ask how they'll protect your belongings and what the site will look like each day. This matters even more for occupied villas and apartments full of furniture — a careful team is a mark of a good one.
Red flags to watch for
As you ask these questions, a few warning signs should give you pause: a painter who only wants to talk about price, won't put anything in writing, can't confirm a licence, is vague about paint or preparation, pressures you to pay a large advance up front, or promises an unrealistic warranty. Any one of these is a reason to get another quote before you decide.
The bottom line
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value in painting — a slightly higher price that includes proper preparation, quality paint, two coats, insurance, and a written warranty almost always lasts longer and costs less over time. Ask these ten questions, trust the company that answers them clearly and confidently, and you'll hire with far more peace of mind. If you'd like to see how we answer them, explore our villa painting and interior painting services, or simply ask us directly.