10 Best Painters & Decorators in Cambridge for 2026
🖌️ 10 businesses·📍 Cambridge
✓ Verified Google reviews·✓ Reviewed regularly·✓ Updated 29 May 2026
Written by Mark Reid,
Trades Editor ·Verified 29 May 2026
Cambridge is an unusual place to hire a decorator. The housing stock spans everything from Victorian terraces in Romsey and two-up two-downs off Mill Road, to Georgian townhouses in Newnham, post-war semis in Kings Hedges, and modern new-builds on the Trumpington Meadows development. Each property type brings its own challenges: older lime-plastered walls don't take modern vinyl paints well, and many period homes need specialist preparation work before a finish coat goes on. Damp is a real factor too, particularly in ground-floor rooms of older Cambridge terraces where cellars and solid floors are common. A decorator who knows the local housing stock will tell you these things upfront rather than after they've already primed the walls.
The businesses on this page are drawn from third-party business listings and ranked by public review rating and review count, with a small lift for those that show a working website and a phone number. Before anything appears here, we check each business's website to confirm that painters and decorators work is what they primarily offer, which keeps unrelated trades off the page. Any listing flagged as permanently closed is removed automatically. Where you see a Trust Verified badge on a business, that means they've additionally passed our full verification process, covering trade qualifications and accreditations, public liability insurance, trading history, customer review history, and registered company information. You can find the complete list of what that involves on our How We Verify page. Businesses that don't carry that badge have not been independently verified by us, and you should carry out your own checks before booking.
Before you commit to anyone, get at least three written quotes. Good quotes itemise labour and materials separately, specify the paint brands and grades they intend to use, and give a clear timeline. Ask whether their price includes filling and sanding, how many coats are included, and who supplies dust sheets and masking. It's worth asking for photos of recent work on similar property types, ideally in Cambridge itself where the period stock is comparable to yours. Check that the decorator carries public liability insurance and ask to see the certificate rather than just taking their word for it. For exterior work, ask specifically about the preparation process, because a fresh coat over flaking paint won't last more than a season.
How We Select & Rate The Best Painters & Decorators in Cambridge
Rankings on this page are driven by public review rating and review count from third-party business listings, with a small lift applied to businesses that have a working website and phone number. We check each business's website to confirm that painters and decorators work is what they primarily offer, keeping unrelated trades off the page. Permanently closed listings are removed automatically. Businesses marked Trust Verified have additionally passed our full verification covering qualifications, insurance, trading history, customer review history, and registered company information. See our How We Verify page for the full list. All other businesses on this page have not been independently verified by us, and inclusion is not an endorsement. Always do your own checks before hiring.
Positions 1–5 (Recommended and Featured) may be paid placements. Every other listing is ranked on rating and review count from third-party business listings. How we rank & verify →
Quick Comparison — Painters & Decorators in Cambridge
Rated 5.0 from 76 Google reviews, HG Decorating is a painting and decorating service based in Cambridge. The company covers both interior and exterior work for residential and commercial clients across the area, with a consistent track record reflected in its clean sweep of customer ratings.
Covering interior and exterior work across Cambridge, Prime Finish specialises in residential painting and decorating with a focus on clean preparation and neat results. The company holds a five-star rating across 42 Google reviews, suggesting consistent quality on domestic projects. Clients in CB4 and surrounding neighbourhoods commission the firm for both full redecoration and smaller refresh jobs.
Painting and decorating services covering Cambridge and the surrounding area, P&D Cambridge Ltd works across residential and commercial properties. The company holds a 4.8 Google rating from 42 reviews, reflecting consistent feedback from local customers. Interior and exterior work forms the core of their offer, with colour consultation available through the website.
Rated 5.0 across 23 Google reviews, Morgan McLeod Decorators is a painting and decorating firm based in Cambridge. The consistent rating across a reasonable sample of clients points to reliable workmanship and straightforward service. The company handles both interior and exterior projects for residential and commercial customers across the city.
Residential and commercial properties across Cambridge are the focus for Kevin James Decorating Ltd, a painting and decorating company operating in the CB2 area. The business holds a 5.0 rating from 18 Google reviews, reflecting consistent work across its local client base. Interior and exterior decoration form the core of its offer.
Painting and decorating services covering Cambridge and the surrounding area, SB Decorations handles both interior and exterior work for residential clients. The business holds a perfect five-star rating across ten Google reviews, suggesting consistent results and reliable communication. CB3 9HX places them on the western side of the city, well positioned for work across that side of Cambridge and into neighbouring villages.
E. Unwin Painting & Decorating provides professional painting and decorating services throughout Cambridge. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 7 verified customer reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
Interior and exterior painting and decorating in Cambridge, with a particular focus on residential properties across the CB4 area. Ryno Decorating holds a perfect 5.0 rating across its Google reviews, reflecting consistent results on domestic projects. The business covers preparation, painting, and finishing work throughout the city.
Hynon Painters & Decorators is a painting and decorating business based in Cambridge, serving residential and commercial clients across the local area. The postcode CB1 3PG places them within easy reach of the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods. They handle interior and exterior work, with a focus on delivering clean, lasting finishes.
Associate Decorators Ltd is a painting and decorating firm based in Cambridge, covering both residential and commercial properties. Operating under a limited company structure, the business brings a professional, trade-level approach to interior and exterior work across the CB5 area and surrounding neighbourhoods. Enquiries and project details can be found via their website.
Transparency notice: Recommended (#1) and Featured (positions 2-5) listings may be paid placements, so a business's fee affects whether and where it appears in those positions. All other listings are ranked by a combined score drawn from ratings and review counts published on third-party business listings, plus basic completeness signals such as a working website and phone. A Trust Verified badge means we have independently checked that business's documents; businesses without it have not been independently verified by us. How we verify →
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How much does a painters & decorators cost in Cambridge?
Day rates for painters in Cambridge typically range from £150-250, depending on experience and the complexity of work. A single room might cost £300-600, whilst full house exterior painting can run £2,000-5,000 for a typical terraced house. Prices vary based on surface preparation needed, paint quality, and whether you're in a conservation area requiring specialist paints. Period properties often cost more due to additional prep work. Getting two or three quotes is standard practice and helps you understand the local market rate.
Do I need planning permission for exterior painting in Cambridge?
Most exterior painting doesn't need planning permission, but Cambridge has numerous conservation areas where colour choices may be restricted. Properties in the city centre conservation area often require neutral or traditional colours. Listed buildings may need listed building consent for external colour changes. Check with Cambridge City Council's planning department if you're unsure, particularly for bold colour changes or if your property is listed or in a conservation area.
What's the difference between trade and domestic paint?
Trade paints typically offer better coverage, durability, and finish quality than DIY store alternatives. They often require fewer coats and last longer, making them more cost-effective despite higher upfront costs. Professional decorators can access trade-only brands like Dulux Trade or Crown Trade, which aren't available to the public. Many trade paints also have low or zero VOC formulations, important for indoor air quality in Cambridge's often poorly ventilated older properties.
How long should exterior painting last in Cambridge?
Good quality exterior paintwork should last 7-10 years in Cambridge's climate, though this varies by exposure and paint quality. South-facing walls and areas exposed to driving rain may need refreshing sooner. Proper surface preparation is crucial for longevity. Properties near busy roads like the A14 or in the city centre may need more frequent maintenance due to pollution. Masonry paint on rendered walls typically lasts longer than gloss on timber, which may need touching up every 5-7 years.
Should I move out whilst having my house painted?
You don't usually need to move out for internal painting, though rooms will be unusable whilst work's in progress. Modern low-VOC paints have minimal odour, making it easier to stay put. However, if you're having extensive work done, multiple rooms simultaneously, or using oil-based paints, temporary relocation might be more comfortable. Exterior painting rarely requires moving out, though access to some areas might be restricted whilst scaffolding's up.
How can I verify a painter's credentials and reliability?
Check their public liability insurance certificate and ask for recent customer references you can contact directly. Look at their Google reviews but focus on recent feedback and responses to any negative reviews. Ask to see photos of similar recent projects and, if possible, visit a current job site. Verify they're registered for VAT if they're charging it, and check they provide detailed written quotes rather than rough estimates. Trust your instincts during initial conversations about reliability and professionalism.
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