12 Best Painters & Decorators in Portsmouth for 2026

🖌️ 12 businesses · 📍 Portsmouth
✓ Verified Google reviews · ✓ Reviewed regularly · ✓ Updated 15 May 2026
Mark Reid
Written by Mark Reid, Trades Editor · Verified 15 May 2026
Portsmouth's mix of Victorian terraces, naval quarters, and modern developments creates unique decorating challenges. The coastal location means paint jobs need to withstand salt air and changing weather, whilst period properties often require specialist techniques for original features like picture rails and sash windows. Many local decorators have developed expertise working with the city's distinctive housing stock, from the compact terraces in Southsea to the larger family homes in Copnor and Fratton.

Every business featured here has been selected through careful analysis of their Google reviews, ratings consistency, and verified trading status. We've checked their credentials where applicable, looked at review patterns over time, and confirmed they're actively trading in the Portsmouth area. This process helps filter out businesses with fake reviews or those that might not deliver reliable service.

Before contacting any decorator, photograph the areas you want painted and note any preparation work needed like filling cracks or treating damp spots. Ask for written quotes that break down labour and materials separately, and don't hesitate to request references from recent local jobs. Getting three quotes is standard practice and helps you understand the market rate for your specific project.
How We Select & Rate The Best Painters & Decorators in Portsmouth

Our selection process analyses Google ratings and review volume patterns over time, verifies active trading status, and checks relevant credentials where applicable. We examine review authenticity and consistency to identify reliable local traders. This methodology helps highlight businesses with genuine track records, though inclusion here isn't an endorsement and you should still conduct your own checks before hiring any decorator.

Quick Comparison — Painters & Decorators in Portsmouth

# Business Rating Reviews Phone
1 Paintology - Decorators of Hampshire Recommended ⭐ 5.0 97 +44 7860 866591 View →
2 Stark & Son Painting and Decorating Featured ⭐ 5.0 81 +44 7446 099673 View →
3 The Southsea Decorating Company Featured ⭐ 4.9 90 +44 7946 003004 View →
4 Westcote Heritage Featured ⭐ 5.0 21 +44 7761 384074 View →
5 SL Painting & Decorating Southsea Featured ⭐ 5.0 17 +44 7789 078604 View →
6 Just Paint Decorating Company ⭐ 5.0 16 +44 7739 158092 View →
7 NW Decorating Limited ⭐ 4.8 17 +44 7445 777134 View →
8 Steve McLean Painting and Decorating ⭐ 5.0 11 +44 7900 827753 View →
9 M. Jones Decorating Services Ltd ⭐ 4.9 7 +44 7810 844466 View →
10 Mark Otton Painter and Decorator ⭐ 5.0 4 +44 7801 814341 View →
11 Jacobs Decorating ⭐ 5.0 3 +44 7927 264929 View →
12 BB Decor ⭐ 5.0 3 +44 7786 130466 View →

Our Top Picks

6
Just Paint Decorating Company
5.0 (16 reviews)

Just Paint Decorating Company provides professional painting and decorating services throughout Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. Based in Southsea, this local business has earned an excellent reputation with customers, maintaining a perfect 5-star rating from 16 verified Google reviews. The company serves residential and commercial clients across the PO4 postcode area and beyond.

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7
NW Decorating Limited
4.8 (17 reviews)

NW Decorating Limited provides professional painting and decorating services throughout Portsmouth from their base in Hilsea. The company has earned a strong reputation with customers, maintaining a 4.8-star rating from 17 verified Google reviews. Their experienced team handles both interior and exterior projects for residential and commercial properties across the PO2 area.

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8
Steve McLean Painting and Decorating
5.0 (11 reviews)

Steve McLean Painting and Decorating provides professional painting and decorating services throughout Portsmouth. The company has earned a 5-star rating from 11 verified customer reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality workmanship. They offer comprehensive interior and exterior painting solutions for residential and commercial properties in the Portsmouth area.

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9
M. Jones Decorating Services Ltd
4.9 (7 reviews)

M. Jones Decorating Services Ltd provides professional painting and decorating services throughout Portsmouth from their base in Wymering. The company has earned a strong reputation with customers, achieving a 4.9/5 star rating from 7 verified Google reviews. They serve residential and commercial clients across the Portsmouth area, offering reliable interior and exterior decorating solutions.

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10
Mark Otton Painter and Decorator
5.0 (4 reviews)

Mark Otton Painter and Decorator provides professional painting and decorating services throughout Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. Based in Southsea, the business has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 4 verified customer reviews on Google. The company offers comprehensive interior and exterior painting solutions for residential and commercial properties across the PO4 area.

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11
Jacobs Decorating
5.0 (3 reviews)

Jacobs Decorating provides professional painting and decorating services to Portsmouth and surrounding areas from their base in PO6. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 3 verified Google reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality workmanship. They serve both residential and commercial clients throughout the Portsmouth area with comprehensive interior and exterior painting solutions.

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12
BB Decor
5.0 (3 reviews)

BB Decor provides professional painting and decorating services to customers in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. Based on Moneyfield Avenue in the PO3 area, the company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 3 verified customer reviews on Google. Their experienced team handles both interior and exterior decorating projects for residential and commercial properties.

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Transparency notice: Recommended (#1) and Featured (positions 2-5) listings may be paid placements. All other rankings are determined by a combined score drawn from Google ratings, review counts, and reputation signals gathered from multiple independent online sources. How we verify →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a painters & decorators cost in Portsmouth?
Day rates for decorators in Portsmouth typically range from £150-250, depending on experience and job complexity. Room painting usually costs £300-600 for a standard bedroom, whilst full house exterior work starts around £2,500 for a terraced house. Prices vary based on surface preparation needed, paint quality, and property access. Always get two or three written quotes to compare pricing and scope of work included.
How long does exterior painting take on Portsmouth properties?
A typical Portsmouth terrace exterior takes 4-7 days depending on weather and preparation needed. Victorian properties often require extra time for window frame repairs and weatherboard treatment. Coastal exposure means surfaces need thorough cleaning and priming. Most decorators plan exterior work for dry periods and may need to reschedule if rain's forecast, so build flexibility into your timeline.
What paint types work for Portsmouth's coastal climate?
Exterior paints need salt-resistant properties due to Portsmouth's coastal location. Quality masonry paints like Dulux Weathershield or Crown Timonox work well for render and brickwork. For woodwork, microporous paints allow moisture movement whilst protecting against salt air. Many local decorators recommend premium marine-grade paints for exposed areas facing the sea, though these cost more upfront.
Do Portsmouth decorators handle period property features?
Many Portsmouth decorators specialise in Victorian and Edwardian properties common across the city. This includes restoring original features like decorative cornices, picture rails, and panel doors. Some offer lime-based paints for older walls that need to breathe. Ask about their experience with period properties and request photos of similar local projects they've completed.
What preparation work affects decorating costs?
Preparation often takes longer than actual painting, particularly in Portsmouth's older housing stock. Filling cracks, sanding woodwork, and treating areas with previous water damage all add time and cost. Exterior work may need power washing, window putty repairs, and weatherboard replacement. Honest decorators will assess preparation needs during quotes rather than discovering expensive extras later.
How do I verify a Portsmouth decorator's credentials?
Check they're registered for VAT if their turnover warrants it, and ask for recent local references you can contact. Look up their business on Companies House if they're incorporated. Verify public liability insurance covers decorating work. Check recent Google reviews mention specific Portsmouth areas and look for photos of completed local projects. Trust your instincts during initial meetings about their professionalism and knowledge.