I qualified as a C&G/NVQ3 Painter and Decorator in the early 90s. Initially impressed with The Invisible Painter’s corporate image, I replied to their advert on Gumtree and without interview I was offered work - they did not ask for any references. I worked for The Invisible Painter from 14 April 2017 until I left on 22 May 2017 because they did not offer work as promised in their advertisement. In short, they employ predominantly unqualified Eastern Europeans or other foreign nationals, when most bona fide decorating firms and agencies require painters to have at least NVQ 2. I had never met any painters, labourers or painters' mates studying towards an NVQ 2 qualification. I was probably the only qualified painter and decorator. The lack of any proper training amongst the painters I had worked with was very evident - much of my time was spent cleaning up after the non-qualified painters who were quite messy as well as cutting corners - to my dismay I was once instructed by Denis (site supervisor) to apply emulsion to existing oil-painted woodwork, instead of properly applying oil-based undercoat (around 2pm 15 April 2017, Smart Games, Clerkenwell). The "site supervisor" only visited the projects I was on just once over a 2-week period. I had never seen Andy on ANY of the projects I was on. In fact, I have never met Andy at all in my 6-weeks at the firm nor had I met a painter to the name of "Hamish S". The Invisible Painter advert on Gumtree proved to be materially false and misleading. For instance, not only did the advert give the overall misleading impression that they were offering permanent employment, they were specifically offering a “full time position” which was not true. I was falsely assured of continuous work only to discover at 1700 on a Monday (22 May 17) I had no work booked in for the rest of the week. We were always expected to “wait and see” until 1700 each day whether we had work the next day despite being on a large unfinished project (Dora Road, Wimbledon). This was confirmed by both Polish and Lithuanian Team Leaders. It was frowned upon if I was not available for work. Incidentally, a non-qualified (CSCS blue "unqualified" cardholder) messy Ukrainian painter on the same project, who had only recently joined, was immediately allocated to another project (Yoko Wallet) without delay or loss of income. The same Gumtree advertisement by The Invisible Painter promised a “rate [will be] depending on experience” which also turned out to be materially false. Despite the role being on a self-employed sub-contract basis the rate was non-negotiable and firmly set by the company at £12.50/hour, inclusive of tools, equipment, travel etc. This flat rate applied to everyone, regardless of qualifications or experience. The Invisible Painter also advertised “overtime” work of which there was not – everyone must finish promptly at 1700 or they will not be paid. Although they advertised “weekend” work but this would be just the occasional Saturday at the same hourly rate. To add insult to injury, I was not always paid on time either and on one occasion a Lithuanian Team Leader (Darius) called Vicky at the office to query why I had not been paid. PS. I was directly recruited by Invisible Painter - they advertised the job on Gumtree to which I responded. Vicky requested evidence of my right to work in the UK, work was offered by them, the hours worked were recorded with them directly. I was never employed by or through an employment agency. Indigo were acting as a payroll bureau for CIS purposes, they are not an employment agency. I did not become aware of Indigo until after I was offered work when Vicky told me "...this is the company we use..." to process wages every fortnight. Under no circumstances was my employment terminated by Invisible Painter as Andrew falsely implies. I left the company on 22 May 2017 to accept regular work elsewhere at a higher rate of pay to reflect my qualifications and experience. The enclosed screenshots verify the veracity of this review.

After researching a number of different decorating companies to work on my central London shop exterior, I chose The Invisible Painter due to their positive feedback. From planning the job to completion, they were flawless. Highly professional, knowledgeable team that went above and beyond my expectations. They worked on my shopfront for 5 days, starting the day at 8am on the dot and finishing at around 5 - 5.30 pm, always cleaning the premises before they leave for the evening. Since finishing the job, I have been approached by a number of local residents and shop keepers requesting details of this company. Highly recommend.

We used The Invisible Painter six years ago (Easter 2012) to redecorate the entire inside of our London home. Andrew clearly has an excellent team as the workmanship is still standing the test of time with our two dogs. The attention to detail in the decorating was first class with no short cuts taken. The house was left in immaculate condition and all work was completed on time and to budget with high quality paints used. We chose to move out for eight days while the work was done but Andrew communicated the progress throughout. We can highly recommend and would certainly use again.

I have used The Invisible Painter twice now and they are excellent. If you care about your home/property then use these guys because they know what they’re doing, will respect your home in terms of meticulously protecting everything up and cleaning up each day, and not asking for payment until you are completely happy and all snagging issues are dealt with. If you don’t care about all that then get someone off my builder . com. I have had many bad experiences with other traders. You need someone good quality, trustworthy and reliable and The Invisible Painters are exactly that.

Andrew Bassett and his team are a great group of guys and Andrew runs a first class business. I knew Andrew was different from your typical contractor when I first met him as he was so approachable, straight forward and engaging. And, he picks up the phone, returns calls and answer emails quickly! Hooray! The Invisible Painter did a great job on my flat in London and I would not hesitate to use them again or recommend them. In fact Andrew has continued to be a great help advising me on my new home in the home counties.

I used The Invisible Painter for a small but detailed job last week and they were fantastic. They even managed to colour match the colours that fit with our branding at short notice and completed the job well within the timescale they quoted. Staff at the head office are also friendly and helpful. Their response to queries has been outstanding. I have used The Invisible Painter for large and small scale work and will continue to do so, and have no reservation in recommending them.

I use to work for this company... those days were nightmare... have to say all the 1star ratings are true and 5 stars ones are false... the company director is the master of misleading and probably because of that this company is still exist.. but shouldn't... hope not by now in 20023... I just feel sorry for all the clients that have fallen in to use them because this company just sold themselves as how great are they and in the end.the complete opposite turned out

We have worked alongside The Invisible Painter for many years and they have always been a pleasure to deal with. Hard working and reliable we have hired them for many of our clients installations to ensure we get a fantastic finish of our Sketchpaint and Whiteboard Wall Covering products. We are very happy with their service and look forward to many more years of collaboration.

In early September you repainted our home and we could not be happier with the process and the result. Your crew was beyond reproach, professional, punctual, polite and most helpful. Their attention to detail was impressive. I will happily recommend your company to friends, family and anyone looking for a great painting and decorating company. Murielle.

I've worked for Andy and the team since 2014. The quality of the office decorating work in particular is exceptional and it has been a genuine pleasure helping them. Andy continues to keep a very close eye on all the work completed and the case studies on the website speak for themselves.

We went to the Invisible Painter to get some whiteboard paint put up in our new office. They came and went in what seemed like a flash and left behind an immaculately painted wall space which we can now scribble all over! Very polite staff too - I'd thoroughly recommend :)

I’m real estate sales manager and I urgently needed a professional painter. "The Invisible Painter" were the first who came forward. They completed first-class job very quickly and the price was reasonable. Don’t hesitate to use their services.

Definatly the best Painer and Decorator in London, Geniune, professional - very competitive Quote. Delivered work on time. Lovely team, well managed... If you are looking for a good Painer /Decorator in central London; call these guys.

Superb company! We have just completed a refurbishment of our offices and The Invisible Painter were professional, clean, and so quick. The completed works are first class I will always recommend them Ian - Director Selby Carpets Ltd

It was a pleasure to work with Andy and the team. They are a skilled and driven set of operators within the commercial refurbishment and fit out industry, and would highly recommend them to anyone seeking these services.

The Invisible Painter have helped us with a few jobs at our offices and are now our "go to" guys for office redecoration jobs, large or small. We would recommend them.

Used the guys for a commercial job in the heart of The City of London - a full office refurb. Job was done quickly and the quality was superb. Faultless.

Call them up to ask about painting and was greated with - what do you want and that he was too busy to talk.

Top class job and I'll be using them again for sure. Friendly and polite service as well.

Very poor attitude. Very rude company. I would not use these people.

Darius was very efficient and friendly, did a great job!