Look, I’m going to be honest with you from the start. I’m a painter, not a writer, so this won’t sound like those polished blog posts you see everywhere. But what I can give you is the truth about painting apartments in Dubai Marina the stuff nobody tells you until you’ve already signed a contract and handed over a deposit.

I started painting apartments here back when Marina 101 was still under construction. Twelve years later, I’ve painted studios in Princess Tower where the walls were so thin I could hear three different languages being spoken at once. I’ve done penthouses in Cayan Tower where the paint bill alone was 18,000 dirhams. Along the way, I also took on high-end residential work outside the Marina large homes where expectations were higher and mistakes cost real money. That experience is what shaped how I approach every villa painting service Dubai clients trust today.

This guide is everything I wish someone had told homeowners before they called me to fix someone else’s mess.

Why Most Marina Apartments Look Like Crap After Two Years

Here’s something they don’t mention in those glossy apartment brochures: Dubai Marina is basically the worst environment for paint in the entire city.

Think about it. You’ve got:

• Humidity from the water   We’re literally next to the Arabian Gulf. Every morning, especially November through March, you can see condensation on the windows. That moisture gets into everything.
• Salt in the air   Not as bad as JBR, but still there. Salt corrodes. It gets on your balcony, works its way into tiny cracks, and over time, it breaks down your paint.
• Direct sun on south-facing towers   Marina Terrace south-facing apartments? The outside wall gets hot enough in summer that I’ve seen paint bubble off in sheets. I’m talking 60-65°C surface temperature.
• AC units running 24/7   Every apartment has AC vents creating temperature differences between walls. Hot wall, cold wall, hot wall, cold wall. Paint doesn’t like that.

Add it all together and you get what I see constantly: walls that looked perfect two years ago now have cracks, water stains, or that weird yellowing that happens when cheap paint meets humidity.

The developers use the cheapest paint that meets building code. Period. It’s designed to look good for the handover inspection, not to last. I’ve been in brand-new apartments where the paint was already peeling behind the kitchen cabinets before the owner even moved in.

What Actually Happens When You Paint an Apartment (The Real Version)

Forget those neat little lists about “surface prep, prime, paint.” Here’s what actually goes down when you paint a Dubai Marina apartment:

Day Zero: The Assessment (That Most Painters Skip)

A good painter shows up, walks through every room, and actually looks at your walls. Not just glances. Looks.

What am I checking?

• Moisture problems   I run my hand along walls near bathrooms and kitchens. If it feels cool or damp, we’ve got an issue. Can’t paint over moisture. Ever. I learned that the hard way in Botanica Tower, 2014. Painted a bathroom wall that felt slightly damp. Owner called me back three months later paint was peeling off in ribbons. Had to redo the whole thing for free.
• Cracks   Little hairline cracks are normal in Marina towers. The buildings actually move slightly. But cracks wider than 2-3mm? That’s a structural issue. I point it out, recommend they get building management involved, and I won’t touch it until it’s fixed properly.
• Old paint condition   I scratch it with my fingernail. If the paint comes off easily, the whole thing needs to be scraped. If it’s solid, we can paint over it. Sometimes you can tell cheap paint just by touching it it feels powdery or chalky.
• Water stains on ceilings   Almost every Marina apartment has them. Usually from AC condensation leaking inside the ceiling void. I tell clients straight: we can paint over it, it’ll look fine for three months, then the stain will come back. You want a permanent fix? Find where the water’s coming from first.

One time in Marina Diamond, the owner insisted I just paint over these massive brown water stains on the bedroom ceiling. I told him it wouldn’t work. He insisted. I made him sign a paper saying I warned him. Six weeks later, the stains were back. He called angry. I showed him the paper. We ended up fixing the AC drain line and repainting. Cost him double.

Day One: Prep Work (Where Most Contractors Fail)

Here’s where cheap painters screw you. They skip prep or do it half-assed because it’s boring, dirty work that takes time.

Real prep means:

Moving furniture   Not just pushing it to the center. Actually moving it out or into another room. I’ve seen painters just throw a plastic sheet over a sofa and paint around it. Then you’ve got overspray on your furniture and unpainted spots where the sheet bunched up.

Covering floors   I use actual drop cloths, not those thin plastic sheets that rip. Marble floors in Marina apartments? One drop of paint is a nightmare to remove. I learned this in Marina Mansions when I was still starting out. Spent an hour on my hands and knees scraping paint off marble because I used cheap plastic that moved.

Taping   Edges, skirting, door frames, window frames, AC vents. Proper tape, pressed down firmly. You want sharp lines, not bleeding edges.

Filling cracks   This is where experience matters. You can’t just smear filler into a crack. Small cracks get filled with acrylic filler. Deeper cracks need multiple applications fill, let dry, sand, fill again. Wide cracks? Sometimes I inject flexible filler so they don’t just crack again next month.

Sanding   After filling, everything gets sanded smooth. If you don’t sand, you’ll see every bump and imperfection once the paint’s on. The light from those big Marina windows shows EVERYTHING.

Cleaning   Dubai dust is no joke. Before any primer goes on, I wipe down walls with a damp cloth. Dust on walls = paint doesn’t stick properly.

This prep work takes 6-8 hours for a two-bedroom apartment. Some contractors claim they can do it in 2 hours. They’re lying.

Day One Afternoon: Primer (The Layer Everyone Forgets)

Primer is not paint. It’s the foundation. Skipping it is like building a house without laying concrete first.

In Dubai Marina, I use moisture-resistant primer. Always. The humidity here demands it. Regular primer? It’ll work for a year, maybe eighteen months. Then you start seeing problems.

I use Jotun Primer 2780 for most jobs. Costs about 45 dirhams per liter, covers 10-12 square meters. A two-bedroom apartment needs roughly 10-12 liters. Do the math that’s 450-540 dirhams just for primer. When a contractor quotes you 2,000 dirhams for an entire paint job including materials, where do you think they’re cutting costs?

Application matters too. I roll it on with a proper 15mm nap roller, making sure it gets into every tiny pit in the plaster. Some painters spray it on super thin just to say they used primer. That’s worse than not using it at all because now you think you’re protected but you’re not.

Day Two: First Coat

Paint goes on.

Sounds simple. It isn’t.

Temperature matters   Best time to paint in Dubai Marina is early morning (6-9 AM) or evening (after 5 PM). Why? The AC creates too much temperature difference during the day. Paint dries unevenly. You get lap marks where one section dries before you can blend it with the next.

I painted an apartment in Ocean Heights once during peak afternoon heat with the AC blasting. The paint was drying on the roller before I could even spread it properly. Looked terrible. Had to sand it down and start over the next morning.

Application technique   I use a W-pattern. Start at the top, work down in overlapping W shapes. Keeps the paint even, prevents streaks. Every painter has their own method, but this works for me.

Ventilation   Windows open, fans on, but AC off. Paint needs to dry at a consistent temperature. I know it’s uncomfortable, especially in summer, but that’s reality.

One coat is never enough. I don’t care what the paint can says. In Dubai Marina lighting conditions those big windows, direct sun one coat looks patchy. You’ll see streaks, light spots, dark spots.

Day Three: Second Coat

This is the coat that actually matters. First coat is foundation. Second coat is what you see.

I always do it the next day, never the same day. Paint needs to cure. The can says “dry in 4 hours.” That means dry to touch. Full cure takes 24 hours minimum in our humidity.

Rushed it once in Princess Tower because the client was having guests over. Second coat went on after 6 hours. It pulled up the first coat in spots, created this weird texture. Ended up sanding those spots and touching them up. Added an extra day to the job.

Day Four: Touch-Ups and Details

This is what separates professionals from hacks.

I go around with a small brush and fix:

• Spots I missed
• Edges that aren’t sharp enough
• Areas where tape pulled off a tiny bit of paint
• Switch plates (remove them, paint behind, reinstall)
• Skirting boards (if they’re getting painted)

Then I remove all tape slowly, at a 45-degree angle, pulling away from the paint edge. Rip it off fast and you’ll tear the paint.

Clean up everything. Furniture back in place. Vacuum. Wipe down skirting boards. The apartment should look better than when I arrived.

The Money Part (Real Numbers, Not “Contact Us for Quote” Bullshit)

Here’s what I charge as of February 2026. These are real prices for standard apartments in Marina towers. Your price might be different based on condition, but this is the baseline:

Studio Apartment (35-45 sqm)

Standard Package: 1,800-2,200 AED

What you get:

• Wall inspection and minor crack filling (up to 10 small cracks)
• One coat Jotun moisture-resistant primer
• Two coats Jotun Majestic interior emulsion (your choice of colors from standard range)
• Ceiling painting included
• All materials, drop cloths, tape, cleanup
• Two workers, two days work

Not included:

• Major wall repairs (big cracks, holes, water damage)
• Skirting boards or trim (add 300-400 AED)
• Doors (add 150 AED per door)
• Fancy paint brands (Farrow & Ball, Little Greene add 40% to price)

Example: The studio I did last week in Botanica Tower 1 1,950 AED total. Walls were in decent shape, owner chose light gray (Jotun Lady Pure Color 1624), no major repairs needed. Job took exactly two days.

One-Bedroom Apartment (55-75 sqm)

Standard Package: 3,500-4,800 AED

Same inclusions as studio, just more area.

Real example: Marina Terrace one-bedroom last month 4,200 AED. Owner wanted different colors in bedroom and living room. Bedroom was dark blue (bold choice, looked great), living room off-white. Had to fix some cracks behind where they’d mounted a TV. Total time: three days.

Two-Bedroom Apartment (85-110 sqm)

Standard Package: 6,000-8,500 AED

This is the most common size I do in Marina.

Breakdown for a typical 95 sqm two-bedroom:

• Labor (2 workers × 4 days): 2,400 AED
• Primer (12 liters): 540 AED
• Paint (28 liters at 65 AED/liter): 1,820 AED
• Supplies (tape, filler, sandpaper, drop cloths): 280 AED
• Transportation, waste removal: 160 AED
• My overhead and profit: 1,800 AED

Total: 7,000 AED

Last two-bedroom I completed was in The Torch. 102 sqm, needed more crack repair than usual (the tower has settlement issues on lower floors). Final bill: 7,800 AED. Took five days because of the extra repair work.

Three-Bedroom / Penthouse (120+ sqm)

Starting from 9,500 AED and up

These vary too much to give a standard price. I need to see the place.

Did a three-bedroom in Marina 101 last year owner wanted entire apartment in Farrow & Ball paint (fancy British brand). Paint alone cost 8,400 AED. Total project: 17,600 AED. Took a full week.

Add-On Services (Real Costs)

Balcony exterior walls: 1,500-3,000 AED extra

• Requires weather-resistant paint (Jotun Weathershield or similar)
• More prep work because of salt damage
• Sometimes need building management approval

Major wall repairs: 800-2,500 AED depending on damage

• Water damage: Need to cut out damaged plaster, replaster, let cure
• Large holes or cracks: Similar process
• I don’t mess around with structure issues those go to building management

Ceiling water stain blocking: 400-800 AED extra

• Special stain-blocking primer (Zinsser BIN or similar)
• Multiple coats needed
• Still won’t work if leak isn’t fixed first

Wallpaper removal: 1,200-2,800 AED

• Depends how well it was installed
• Some wallpaper comes off easy, some is nightmare
• Did a bedroom in Silverene Tower once previous owner used super-strong adhesive. Took two full days just to strip the walls.

How to Choose a Painter (Without Getting Conned)

I’m going to be brutally honest: there are a lot of shady contractors in Dubai, and painting is one of the worst trades for scams. Low barrier to entry anyone can buy a roller and call themselves a painter.

Here’s how to spot the good from the garbage:

Red Flags (Run Away Fast)

 “We can start today”

Good painters are booked 1-2 weeks ahead. If someone can start immediately, they’re either brand new or they do terrible work and nobody hires them twice.

Price is 40%+ below everyone else

I get it, you want a deal. But if three painters quote 6,000-7,000 AED and one quotes 3,500 AED, that’s not a deal. That’s either:

• Terrible quality paint
• No primer
• Rushed work
• Workers who don’t know what they’re doing
• Someone who’ll disappear if there’s a problem

I’ve fixed so many cheap paint jobs. Usually costs more than doing it right the first time.

No physical business address or showroom

Just a mobile number? No office? That’s a guy with a van, not a business. If something goes wrong three months later, good luck finding him.

 Cash only, no receipt

Legitimate businesses give receipts. They pay taxes. They have insurance. Cash-only guys? They’re off the books for a reason.

 Can’t show you previous work in Dubai Marina specifically

Every area has different challenges. Marina is unique because of humidity and salt air. If they’ve never worked here, they don’t understand the conditions.

 Pushy about closing the deal immediately

“Special price only if you sign today.” Classic pressure tactic. Real professionals give you time to think and get other quotes.

Green Flags (These Are Good Signs)

  Shows up on time for the estimate

Basic professionalism. You’d be shocked how many contractors don’t even show up for scheduled appointments.

  Asks lots of questions about your walls

“When was the apartment built? Any water leaks? How long since last paint job? Which direction does your balcony face?”

Good painters want to understand the job before quoting.

  Points out potential problems honestly

If I see a wall with moisture issues and I don’t mention it, I’m setting myself up for a callback. I’d rather lose a job by being honest than do a bad job and damage my reputation.

  Explains the process clearly

You should understand what’s happening and why. If a painter can’t explain their work in simple terms, they either don’t know what they’re doing or they’re hiding something.

  Gives you a detailed written quote

Not just “painting – 5,000 AED.”

Should list:

• Square meters being painted
• Number of coats
• Type and brand of primer
• Type and brand of paint
• What’s included (ceiling? skirting?)
• What’s not included
• Timeline
• Payment terms

  Has pictures of recent Marina projects

I keep photos on my phone of every job. Can show you before/after shots from the specific tower you live in, usually.

  Provides references you can actually call

Not just “we have many happy customers.” Actual names and numbers of people in Dubai Marina who’ll vouch for the work.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

“What brand of paint do you use?”

If they say “good quality paint” or “the best paint” without naming a brand, they’re dodging. Could be anything.

I use Jotun for 90% of jobs (Norwegian brand, good quality, available everywhere in Dubai). Sometimes Dulux. Occasionally Farrow & Ball or Little Greene if client wants premium.

“How many coats of paint?”

Correct answer: One primer, two coats of finish paint. Minimum.

If they say “depends on the color” or “one coat is usually enough,” they’re cutting corners.

“How do you handle wall preparation?”

Listen for: filling cracks, sanding, cleaning, priming.

If they jump straight to “we apply the paint,” prep will be minimal.

“What’s your warranty?”

I give one year warranty on workmanship. Paint peeling due to my bad prep? I fix it free.

But I don’t warranty against building issues. If your walls develop new cracks because the tower is settling, that’s not on me.

“How long will the job take?”

Realistic timeline for a two-bedroom: 3-5 days depending on wall condition.

If they promise it in one day, the work will be rushed and sloppy.

“What happens if I’m not happy with the result?”

Good answer: “We’ll fix it until you’re satisfied.”

Bad answer: “You have to pay first, then we’ll see.”

Paint Choices: What Actually Works in Dubai Marina

Forget those paint-comparison articles that list 47 different options. In reality, there are three paint brands that dominate Dubai Marina apartments:

Jotun (My Default Choice)

Price Range: 60-75 AED per liter for interior emulsion

Why I use it:

• Available everywhere (HomeBox, Ace Hardware, Jotun stores)
• Specifically formulated for Gulf climate
• Moisture-resistant options
• Decent coverage (12-14 sqm per liter)
• Color matching is reliable (important when you need to touch up later)

Specific products I use:

• Jotun Majestic Interior – standard choice, good quality, huge color range
• Jotun Fenomastic Pure – low VOC, almost no smell, good for occupied apartments
• Jotun Lady Pure Color – their premium line, slightly better coverage and finish

Real-world test: Painted my own apartment in Bay Central in 2018 with Jotun Majestic. Still looks good in 2026. No yellowing, no peeling, holds up to my kids drawing on it (washable).

Dulux (Second Choice)

Price Range: 55-70 AED per liter

Why clients choose it:

• Slightly cheaper than Jotun
• Also widely available
• Good color selection
• Some painters prefer it

My honest take: It’s fine. Not bad, not amazing. I use it if a client specifically requests it or if budget is tight. Coverage isn’t quite as good as Jotun (10-12 sqm per liter), so you end up using more.

Farrow & Ball / Little Greene (Premium Expensive Options)

Price Range: 180-250 AED per liter (yes, really)

Why anyone pays this:

• Unique colors you can’t get elsewhere
• Depth of color is genuinely better
• Prestige factor
• Some people just want the best

My honest take: The paint quality is excellent. The colors are beautiful. But you’re paying 3-4x more for maybe 20-30% better result.

Only worth it if:

• You’re doing a feature wall, not the whole apartment
• You have specific color requirements
• Money isn’t a concern
• You’re selling/renting a luxury apartment and presentation matters

Did a Marina Mansions penthouse with all Farrow & Ball paint last year. Paint cost alone: 9,200 AED. Looked absolutely stunning. But that client could afford it.

What About Paint from Dragon Mart or Random Shops?

Don’t.

I tried it once when I was starting out, trying to save money. Chinese-made paint, 25 AED per liter, seemed like a great deal.

Coverage was terrible (needed three coats). Color was inconsistent between cans. Started fading within six months. Client was angry, I had to repaint for free with proper paint.

Cheap paint is expensive in the long run.

Colors: What Works, What Doesn’t, What I’ve Learned

Here’s what twelve years of painting Marina apartments has taught me about color:

What Everyone Asks For (And Why It’s Usually Wrong)

“Pure white walls throughout”

This is what 60% of clients request initially. I get it white feels clean, bright, modern.

But pure white in Dubai Marina apartments creates problems:

1. Shows every imperfection – Those floor-to-ceiling windows blast light across your walls. Every small bump, crack, or uneven patch shows up.
2. Reflects too much light – South-facing apartments especially. The glare can be uncomfortable.
3. Yellows over time – Even good white paint develops a slight yellow tint in our humidity after 2-3 years.
4. Feels cold and sterile – Big glass, white walls, marble floors it feels like a hotel lobby, not a home.

What I recommend instead: Warm off-white or very light cream.

Colors I use constantly:

• Jotun Lady Pure Color 1624 (Linen White) – slight warm tint, very popular
• Jotun Lady 10308 (Sand Dollar) – warm beige-white, works everywhere
• Farrow & Ball “Pointing” (for premium jobs) – perfect warm off-white

These colors give you the brightness you want without the problems of pure white.

What Actually Works Well in Marina Apartments

Living Rooms – Light Neutrals with One Feature Wall

Most living rooms in Marina face the water or Sheikh Zayed Road. Big windows, lots of light.

Strategy that works:

• Three walls: Light neutral (cream, light gray, warm white)
• One feature wall: Deeper color for interest

Real example: Marina Terrace two-bedroom last month. Three walls in light warm gray (Jotun 10355), one feature wall behind the TV in deep blue-gray (Jotun 1389). Looked incredible. Made the room feel sophisticated without being dark.

Bedrooms – Whatever You Want, But Consider This

Bedrooms are personal. I’ve done everything from dark navy to blush pink to charcoal gray.

But: Test the color in your actual bedroom light first.

Those little paint chips in the store are useless. Buy a sample pot (30-40 AED), paint a 1-meter square patch, look at it morning, afternoon, evening, and with your bedroom lights on.

Did a bedroom in Princess Tower once client fell in love with a purple-gray color in the store. Painted the whole room. When the sun hit it in the afternoon, it looked almost pink. She hated it. We repainted in a different color. Lost two days and materials.

Always test first.

Kitchens – Keep It Light and Washable

Kitchens get dirty. Grease, food splatter, humidity from cooking.

I always recommend:

• Light colors (easier to spot dirt and clean)
• Satin or semi-gloss finish (wipeable more on this below)
• Moisture-resistant paint (critical near sink and stove)

Bathrooms – Moisture-Resistant Everything

Bathrooms are the harshest environment for paint. Steam, humidity, temperature changes.

Must use:

• Jotun Fenomastic Pure or similar moisture-resistant paint
• Primer designed for wet areas
• Satin or semi-gloss finish (moisture beads off instead of absorbing)

Had a client use regular matte paint in a bathroom once against my advice. Mold appeared within three months on the ceiling. I told her before we started it would happen. She didn’t listen.

Color Combinations That I’ve Seen Work Repeatedly

These aren’t rules, just patterns I’ve noticed:

Modern Minimal (Very Popular in Marina)

• Walls: Light gray throughout
• Feature wall: Charcoal or black
• Ceiling: White
• Clean, contemporary, easy to furnish

Warm Contemporary

• Main walls: Warm off-white or cream
• Feature wall: Deep taupe or warm gray
• Ceiling: White
• Feels sophisticated but welcoming

Bold But Balanced

• Main walls: Neutral (white, cream, light gray)
• One accent wall: Deep color (navy, emerald, burgundy)
• Ceiling: White
• Adds personality without overwhelming

Paint Finishes: Matte vs. Satin vs. Gloss (The Part Nobody Explains Well)

Paint comes in different finishes. This matters more than people think.

Matte / Flat Finish

What it is: No shine at all. Absorbs light rather than reflecting it.

Best for:

• Ceilings (always matte reflects light looks terrible on ceilings)
• Bedrooms where you want a soft, cozy feel
• Walls with minor imperfections (matte hides them better)

Problems:

• Can’t wipe it clean scrubbing removes paint
• Shows scuffs and marks easily
• Not good for high-traffic areas

Where I use it: Almost all ceilings, bedroom walls if client wants that soft look.

Eggshell / Low-Sheen Finish

What it is: Very slight sheen. Subtle glow when light hits it.

Best for:

• Living rooms
• Dining areas
• Bedrooms (if you want wipeable surfaces)
• Basically anywhere indoors

Why I like it:

• Wipes clean reasonably well
• Doesn’t show imperfections as much as gloss
• Looks elegant without being flashy

Where I use it: 80% of wall surfaces in Marina apartments.

Satin / Semi-Gloss Finish

What it is: Noticeable sheen. Reflects light clearly.

Best for:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Kids’ rooms
• High-traffic hallways
• Skirting boards and trim

Why it’s practical:

• Very wipeable you can scrub it
• Moisture resistant
• Durable against scuffs

Where I use it: Anywhere that gets dirty or wet frequently.

Full Gloss Finish

What it is: High shine, mirror-like.

Best for:

• Doors
• Window frames
• Metal railings
• Occasionally feature walls (very modern look)

Problems:

• Shows every single imperfection
• Very unforgiving on walls
• Can be overwhelming in small spaces

Where I use it: Trim and doors, almost never on walls unless specifically requested.

DIY Painting: Can You Do It Yourself?

Short answer: Maybe, but probably not as well as you think.

I’m not trying to talk you out of work I’m booked solid for the next three weeks. But I’ve repainted enough DIY disasters to have opinions on this.

When DIY Makes Sense

  You’re painting one small room (bedroom, study)
  You have time and patience
  Walls are in good condition (no cracks, no moisture issues)
  You’re okay with good-enough results
  You’ve painted before (your childhood bedroom doesn’t count)

When You Should Hire Someone

  Entire apartment
  Walls need repair work
  You’ve never painted before
  You want it done fast
  You work full-time and value your weekends
  Ceilings are involved (ceiling painting is harder than it looks)

The Reality of DIY Painting

Time Investment:

Professional painter doing a bedroom: 1 day

You doing the same bedroom: 2-3 days (prep, painting, fixing mistakes, cleanup)

Equipment You Need:

• Roller and tray (60-80 AED)
• Brushes (40-60 AED for decent ones)
• Drop cloths (80-100 AED)
• Painter’s tape (25-35 AED per roll, you’ll need several)
• Sandpaper, filler, putty knife (40-60 AED)
• Step ladder (if you don’t own one: 150-250 AED)
• Primer (200-300 AED)
• Paint (300-600 AED depending on room size)

Total: 1,000-1,500 AED in materials and equipment

Compare that to hiring me for a single bedroom: 1,400-1,800 AED including labor and materials.

You save maybe 200-300 AED and spend your whole weekend doing hard work.

Worth it? You decide.

Common DIY Mistakes I See

Not using enough drop cloths

Paint on marble floors is a nightmare. I watched someone spend four hours scraping tiny paint specks off their kitchen floor because they thought one small drop cloth was enough.

Skipping primer

“The walls are already painted, why do I need primer?”

Because new paint doesn’t stick properly to old paint without it. Your topcoat will look uneven and might peel later.

Rolling too fast or too hard

Creates splatters and uneven coverage. Painting should be slow, methodical, almost meditative.

Using cheap brushes

Bristles fall out, leave marks in the paint. Good brushes cost 30-40 AED. Cheap ones cost 10 AED and make your work look terrible.

Painting in the wrong order

Always: ceiling first, then walls, then trim.

I’ve seen people paint walls, then do the ceiling and drip on their freshly painted walls. Now they have to touch up the walls again.

Not waiting between coats

Paint feels dry after a few hours. It’s not fully dry. You need 24 hours minimum between coats in Dubai humidity. Rush it and you’ll pull up the first coat with your roller.

What I Wish Every Client Knew Before Calling

After twelve years, here are the things that would make everyone’s life easier:

1. Good paint jobs aren’t fast

A proper two-bedroom apartment takes 3-5 days. If you need it done in 24 hours for an emergency, I can do it, but it won’t be my best work.

2. The cheapest quote is usually the worst choice

I’m not the cheapest painter in Dubai. I’m okay with that. My work lasts and I don’t get called back to fix problems.

3. You get what you pay for in paint

Premium paint costs more but lasts longer and looks better. Over five years, it’s actually cheaper because you’re not repainting as often.

4. Wall issues don’t disappear under paint

Cracks, moisture problems, poor plaster paint doesn’t fix these things. It temporarily hides them. Then they come back.

5. Color samples are essential

Never choose a color from a tiny chip or a phone screen. Test it in your actual space.

6. We need access to water and electricity

Seems obvious, but I’ve shown up to jobs where utilities weren’t connected yet. Can’t work without them.

7. Move your valuables before we arrive

I’m careful, my team is careful, but accidents happen. Don’t leave your laptop on a table we’re painting around.

8. Trust the process

After the first coat, it might look patchy or uneven. That’s normal. Second coat fixes it.

9. Ventilation is important

Even low-VOC paint has some smell. Windows need to be open. You might not want to sleep in the apartment the first night.

10. Payment terms are reasonable

I ask for 30% deposit to buy materials, 40% when work starts, 30% on completion. That’s fair. Anyone asking for 100% upfront is a risk.

The Maintenance Nobody Tells You About

Fresh paint looks great. Keep it that way:

Monthly:

• Wipe off any scuffs with a slightly damp cloth
• Check for new cracks (especially near doors and windows)

Every 6 Months:

• Clean walls with mild soap and water solution
• Check ceilings for water stains (especially near AC vents)

Yearly:

• Touch up high-traffic areas (hallway corners, behind doors)
• Inspect for any peeling or bubbling

Every 4-6 Years:

• Full repaint of high-use areas (living room, hallway)

Every 7-10 Years:

• Full apartment repaint

This timeline assumes good-quality paint properly applied. Cheap paint jobs need refreshing every 3-4 years.

Final Thoughts (From Someone Who’s Been Doing This Too Long)

Painting seems simple. It’s not.

Good painting requires experience, proper materials, patience, and attention to detail. I’ve been doing this twelve years and I’m still learning things.

When you hire a painter, you’re not just paying for paint on walls. You’re paying for:

• Knowledge of which materials work in Dubai climate
• Experience identifying and fixing problems before painting
• Skills to apply paint evenly and smoothly
• Tools and equipment
• Time and labor
• Guarantee that the work will last

Can you do it yourself? Maybe. Should you? Depends on your skill level, time, and expectations.

But if you value your time and want results that last, hire someone who knows what they’re doing.