Childcare centres and schools take a lot of wear. Busy hallways, classrooms and play areas quickly collect scuffs, marks and fingerprints. Repainting keeps learning spaces bright and welcoming, but the work has to fit around children’s safety and the school calendar.
This guide explains how to plan childcare centre painting and school repaints so the work is finished safely before children return.
Why the holidays are the best time
Painting while buildings are empty avoids disruption to learning, keeps children away from work areas, and gives paint time to dry and air out. The long summer break is the most popular time for larger jobs, while shorter term breaks suit smaller areas like a single classroom or corridor.
Childcare centres that open all year often use their Christmas and New Year closure, or stage the work room by room on weekends.
Book early
Holiday periods are busy for painters, as many schools and centres want work done at the same time. Start planning several months ahead so you can confirm the scope, get quotes and lock in dates.
Safety comes first
- Low-VOC paints. Choose low-odour products to keep indoor air quality high once children return.
- Time to air out. Finish painting a few days before children return, and keep rooms well ventilated.
- Lead paint checks. Buildings constructed before 1970 may contain lead-based paint. Have old paint tested before any sanding or scraping.
- Working with Children Checks. If your centre or school requires contractors to hold a Working with Children Check, confirm this with your painting company before work starts.
- Safe work zones. If any staff or children are on site, make sure work areas are clearly separated.
Choosing durable finishes
| Area | Recommended finish | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Classrooms and play rooms | Washable low sheen or satin | Handles crayon, paint and fingerprints |
| Corridors and entries | Satin or scrubbable finish | Takes bags, trolleys and constant contact |
| Doors and trims | Semi-gloss enamel | Hard-wearing and easy to wipe |
| Bathrooms | Wet-area paint with mould inhibitor | Resists moisture and mould |
| Ceilings | Flat ceiling paint | Hides imperfections and reduces glare |
Colours for learning spaces
Soft, calm colours such as muted greens, gentle blues and warm neutrals help create a relaxed environment. Bright colours work well as accents, for example on a single wall, a door or a reading nook, rather than covering whole rooms. Using a different accent colour for each room or age group can help young children find their way around.
Outdoor areas
Fences, sheds, verandahs and outdoor structures also need regular maintenance. For play equipment, always check the manufacturer’s guidance before painting, and use products suitable for surfaces children touch.
Holiday painting checklist
- Confirm the scope and colours with your board, owner or principal
- Book the painting company early
- Check for lead paint in older buildings
- Confirm Working with Children Check requirements
- Choose low-VOC, durable products
- Clear or cover furniture, displays and equipment
- Finish a few days before children return
- Ventilate and clean before reopening
Local, experienced painters
Expert Painting and Renovation is a family-run, Aussie-local company based in Richmond, with more than 9 years of experience in commercial and residential painting. We help plan each job around your timetable and handle plaster and render repairs as part of the preparation.
Learn more about our commercial painting Melbourne service, our rendering work, or the suburbs we cover on our service areas page.
Dulux Australia — Exterior Render Systems https://www.dulux.com.au
Haymes Paint — Texture Coating Solutions https://www.haymespaint.com.au (haymespaint.com.au in Bing)
Safe Work Australia — Rendering Safety Guidelines https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
Floor Protect – https://floor-protect.com.au/
Laser Clean Pro – https://www.lasercleanpro.com.au/
FAQ
How long before the holidays should we book painters?
Several months ahead is ideal, especially for the summer break, which is the busiest time for school painting.
How soon can children return after painting?
It depends on the products used and ventilation. Finishing a few days before children return is a sensible buffer.
What paint is safest for childcare centres?
Low-VOC, low-odour paints are generally recommended. Your painting company can suggest suitable products for each area.
Can painting be done during term?
Small jobs can sometimes be done on weekends or after hours, but larger projects are best left for the holidays.
Planning a holiday repaint? Contact Expert Painting and Renovation to book early.
Related guides
About Expert Painting & Renovation
Expert Painting and Renovation is an Aussie-local, family-run company based in Richmond, Melbourne, with more than 9 years of experience in residential and commercial painting and renovation. Our specialists deliver premium workmanship, timely service and durable finishes designed for Melbourne homes.
- Ceiling crack repairs
- Sagging ceiling restoration
- Water‑damaged ceiling repairs
- Cornice replacement
- Full plastering services
- Interior & exterior painting
- Weatherboard restoration
- Deck & timber maintenance
- Roof painting
- Rendering & texture coating
- Commercial Painting
- Plastering Services
- House Painting
Whether you need maintenance advice, a single-room refresh or a full home makeover, our team is just a call away.
📍 Our Service Areas Across Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, Surf Coast & Phillip Island
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