12 Best Painters & Decorators in Portsmouth for 2026

🖌️ 12 businesses · 📍 Portsmouth
✓ Verified Google reviews · ✓ Reviewed regularly · ✓ Updated 29 May 2026
Mark Reid
Written by Mark Reid, Trades Editor · Verified 29 May 2026
Portsmouth's housing stock is unusually varied for a city of its size. You've got Victorian terraces in Southsea and Fratton sitting alongside post-war semis in Paulsgrove and Cosham, newer builds out towards Farlington, and the distinctive period properties lining the streets around Albert Road and Clarendon Road. That mix matters when you're hiring a decorator, because the prep work varies enormously. Older properties often have layers of old lead paint on woodwork, uneven plaster on walls, and salty damp from the city's proximity to the Solent that can cause paint to blister or peel if it's not properly addressed first. A decorator who's worked regularly in Portsmouth will know what they're dealing with before they even unroll a dustsheet.

Every business listed on this page was drawn from third-party business listings and ranked by public review rating and review count, with a small lift applied to those that show a working website and a phone number. We read each business's homepage to confirm that painters and decorating work is what they primarily offer, which is how unrelated trades get kept off the page. Listings flagged as permanently closed are removed automatically. Where you see a Trust Verified badge on a business, that means they've gone further and passed our full independent verification covering trade qualifications and accreditations, public liability insurance, trading history, customer review history, and registered company information. You can see exactly what that process involves on our How We Verify page. Businesses without that badge have not been independently verified by us, so those checks are yours to carry out before you book.

Before you commit to anyone, get at least three written quotes. Prices in Portsmouth vary quite a bit depending on the job: a single bedroom repaint might come in anywhere between £200 and £450, while a full exterior repaint on a three-bedroom terrace could run from £800 upwards depending on condition and access. Ask each decorator to specify what prep work is included, whether that's filling cracks, sanding woodwork, or applying a stabilising primer to a flaky surface. Check what paint they're pricing with, because there's a significant difference between trade-grade and budget alternatives. Ask to see a previous job if you can, and make sure you're clear on whether VAT is included in the figure they've given you.
How We Select & Rate The Best Painters & Decorators in Portsmouth

Rankings on this page are driven by public review rating and review count, sourced from third-party business listings, with a small lift for businesses that have a working website and phone number. We check each business's homepage to confirm that painting and decorating is what they primarily offer, keeping unrelated trades off the page. Permanently closed listings are removed automatically. Businesses displaying a Trust Verified badge 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 details. All other businesses on this page have not been independently verified by us, and inclusion is not an endorsement. Always carry out 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 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
Not Verified
5.0 (16 reviews)
Portsmouth +44 7739 158092

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
Not Verified
4.8 (17 reviews)
Portsmouth +44 7445 777134

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
Not Verified
5.0 (11 reviews)
Portsmouth +44 7900 827753

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
Not Verified
4.9 (7 reviews)
Portsmouth +44 7810 844466

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
Not Verified
5.0 (4 reviews)
Portsmouth +44 7801 814341

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
Not Verified
5.0 (3 reviews)
Portsmouth +44 7927 264929

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
Not Verified
5.0 (3 reviews)
Portsmouth +44 7786 130466

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, 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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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.