Painting and Decorating: Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a range of interior design services including residential design, commercial design, and e-design. We also offer a vast array of decorating services and other services. This includes painting, staining, French polishing, wallpapering, wooden window repairs, resin repairs, renovations and so much more. These services expand to internal and external areas. If you would like to know if we undertake a specific service, please get in touch and we will happily help.

The cost of our services varies depending on the scope of the project. Contact us for a consultation and quote.

A Painter and decorator is a highly skilled tradesperson who improves the aesthetics of an area by applying: paint, wallpaper and other finishes like gold leaf.

The decorating process varies from project to project however the fundamentals will always be the same. These are: understanding your requirements, planning, protecting surfaces, preparing surfaces for decoration, priming, and lastly applying the finish. 

Yes, we will always provide you with a quotation. We aim to have our quotations sent over within 3 working days. The process is simple. A appointment is made where a member of our team visits your project, we will discuss what you want, styles and give our advice on what products to use. The quotation will be sent over via email which will contain a PDF document, if you accept the quote then a deposit will need to be paid and your job is booked into our diary. 

Yes. Decorating is not all we do at Geodec. We have an in house interior designer who can help you on your aesthetic journey. We also, have an extensive list of other trades that we work with.

No. Currently we are not VAT registered.

Yes. We have a team of decorators and also work with different highly skilled trades 

Yes. We have full Public Liability Insurance with a cover of £1,000,000

Yes. The areas we cover include: London, Kent, Essex, and Surrey. We can travel further if needed. Please contact our team for more information. 

Yes. We have references and photos here on this site under Testimonials and Gallery. 

Not necessarily. Having a room empty is always best practice however we understand that this isn’t always possible. We would advise removing all valuable items like pictures, TV, ornaments etc. We will always protect all surfaces including any furniture that may be in the room.

Yes. Interior and exterior works are undertaken.

There are no hidden charges.

 Yes, we offer gift cards that you can purchase here

This is all dependant on the current condition of the walls. A good decorator will always fill and make good of surfaces however this is limited. You could improve the smoothness of walls by lining them but again this all depends on the current condition of the walls. Speak to your decorator and they will advise you accordingly. 

Trade paint is a higher quality paint specifically made for professionals. While retail paint is made for DIY customers. Trade paints are made with better ingredients and contain more pigments allowing for a better finish, while retail paints contain more water meaning more coats will need to be applied. Trade paints are more durable, have easier application, better coverage and have had rigorous testing. 

Yes, of course. These are great paints to use and have some really lovely colours. Please take into consideration that designer plants have a higher price tag. We would always advise speaking to your decorator.

Yes, there are lots of different brands to choose from.

Decorating isn’t just about making an area look nice. Infact this is the least important reason to decorate. The reasons in which we decorate are: 

Preservation

To preserve surfaces and protect them. 

Sanitation

To sanitise surfaces, for example in hospitals. 

Identification

To create identification points like road markings. 

Decoration. 

To make something aesthetically pleasing 

All paints have different drying properties and will dry quicker depending on what type of paint you use and the surrounding environment. The methods in which paint dries are as follows.

Oxidation 

Oil based paints dry by oxidation. They need more air to dry.

Coalescence

The majority of Water based paints dry by coalescence. This will require a mixture of heat and air to dry. 

Evaporation

This is where the liquid turns into a gas and disappears into the air. An example of this is white sprit.

Polymerisation 

This is where different particles fuse together to create larger polymers. An example of this would be paints that require a hardener to dry. 

Oil based paints and water based paints, both have different properties and have different positives and negatives.

Sheen

Oil based paints have a higher sheen level however it dulls over time. Water based paints have a lower sheen level however this is maintained for longer. 

Durability 

Oil based paints are more durable and more resistant to wear and tear. Water based paints are less durable. This is starting to change in recent years. The advancement of water based technology has improved massively and there are some fantastic durable water based paints available. 

Drying time

Oil based paints can take up to 24 hours to fully dry where’s water based paints are touch try within an hour. 

VOC 

Oil based paints contain a higher VOC where’s water based paints contain a low level VOC. Some paints on the market advertise as 99.99% VOC free. 

Yellowing 

Oil based paints absorb contaminants from the air, and therefore after a while will start to go yellow. Water based paints stay whiter for much longer. 

Best for 

Oil based paints are best used on front doors, and exterior woodwork and joinery. Water based paints are best used for internal walls, and masonry. All surfaces can be painted in either oil or water based paints. Always take the advice of your decorator when choosing what paint to use. 

Lining paper can be used to create a smooth, even surface for wallpaper or paint. It can also help to hide imperfections, reduce stains, and prevent wallpaper from shrinking. Lining paper comes in different thicknesses, and the grade you choose depends on the condition of the wall. There are different types of lining paper, and these include: soundproofing, fibre-lining, thermal insulating and damp proofing lining paper.  

We offer a range of interior design services including residential design, commercial design, and e-design. Also within the services we provide, we offer a face-to-face service where we can understand the customer’s needs and preferences, as well as take measurements. We can discuss the best options for them. After this, we can offer all different types of designs, which can start from a simple 2D floor plan to a custom virtual 3D walk-through of the space we are working on.

The cost of our services varies depending on the scope of the project. Contact us for a consultation and quote.

Our design process starts with an initial consultation to discuss your needs and preferences. From there, we create a design concept and present it to you for feedback. We then refine the design and manage the implementation of the project.

Engaging the services of an interior designer offers numerous benefits to our clients. By leveraging our extensive resources and industry connections, we facilitate the acquisition of high-quality home decor items. This expertise alleviates the stress associated with design decisions, ultimately enhancing the value of the property.

The duration of the project will vary depending on the specific requirements. During our face-to-face meeting, we will provide you with a detailed schedule and a time frame. This time frame will be finalised after we have confirmed the availability of our suppliers and tradespeople. Each project and design is unique, so the timeframe will be determined by the nature of the work. 

During the initial consultation, we will engage in a comprehensive discussion to understand your vision for the project. We will explore various materials, patterns, colours, and any additional details you may have in mind. Additionally, we will discuss the pricing structure and ensure that you are satisfied with the estimated time frame for the project. While time frames may be subject to change, we will maintain a commitment to delivering the project within the agreed-upon timeline.

During the initial consultation, we will engage in a comprehensive discussion to understand your vision for the project. We will explore various materials, patterns, colours, and any additional details you may have in mind. Additionally, we will discuss the pricing structure and ensure that you are satisfied with the estimated time frame for the project. While time frames may be subject to change, we will maintain a commitment to delivering the project within the agreed-upon timeline.

In terms of the level of involvement you have in the process, the decision lies solely with the individual. This matter will be discussed during the face-to-face consultation. We will provide regular updates on the project’s progress.

In terms of my involvement in the project, I would personally be involved in every step and stage of the project. This would encompass our initial consultation and culminate in the final day of handover, ensuring that you are satisfied with all aspects of the project’s completion.

Pricing for interior design services is primarily determined by the designer’s experience and location. Interior designers offer a range of pricing options, catering to different budgets. Designers with extensive experience and a proven track record bring valuable knowledge and expertise to the table. Their trained eye, access to exceptional vendors and artisans, and experience in identifying potential challenges and developing effective solutions provide a comprehensive service. In addition to the aesthetic outcome, clients also benefit from the designer’s ability to ensure a smooth and stress-free design process.

An interior designer can save you money by ensuring that all aspects of the project are done correctly from the outset, thereby avoiding costly mistakes. We collaborate closely with our clients and tradespeople to ensure that the project is executed flawlessly and meets the client’s expectations. 

We can provide paint and material samples for the project, subject to availability. However, for furniture, we recommend visiting the store where you/we intend to purchase it. This allows you to inspect the furniture in person and determine its size.

Yes, we would necessitate a contract that must be signed prior to the commencement of any work. This matter will be discussed during our consultation.

Vegan interior design entails abstaining from the utilisation of animal-derived products or their by-products in the design of residential, commercial, or office spaces. If you would like vegan materials to be used then please let us  know during the initial consultation.

We are able to procure furniture for our clients. This will be discussed during our face-to-face consultation, where we will gain an understanding of the client’s preferences and style. This will allow us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client’s likes and dislikes. 

You are welcome to purchase the furniture yourself. However, we would appreciate it if you could provide us with the link or measurements of the furniture before making a purchase. This will allow us to confirm that the furniture will fit within the space we are working with. This will prevent any potential problems or delays in the project.

We aim to complete our consultations face to face, this is so we are able to complete measurements, see the project and discuss anything which you may have concerns about or would like to show us. If for some reason you would rather do a remote consultation we do facilitate Zoom, FaceTime and Microsoft teams.

We are happy to travel anywhere, this can be within the UK as well as abroad.

Yes. We have a vast array of good quality tradespeople who we work with. 

Yes, we are fully insured. 

As a company, we offer gift cards in five distinct price tiers or a custom amount. Additionally, you have the option to purchase up to ten cards in bulk. Please note that these are e-gift cards, which will not be delivered physically.