Based in Port Stephens, OCDecor has earned a loyal following across The Bay area thanks to their precision workmanship, systemised processes, and long-standing relationships with clients — some going back more than a decade. Led by owner Ryan, the team specialises in high-end repaints with a level of care and consistency that truly sets them apart.
Can you tell us a bit about your business?
I’ve been painting for around 20 years now. After moving from England, I established OCDecor — and we’ll be celebrating 10 years this December. We work across Port Stephens and The Bay area, and we’re proud to have a strong base of repeat clients. Many of the people we painted for a decade ago still call us back today.
We focus on high-end repaints, and over the years we’ve created a specialised system for delivering those projects at a really consistent, high-quality level. That structure, along with the care factor, is what makes us stand out.
How did you get started in the painting industry?
I actually started pretty young — around 12 or 13 — just looking for part-time work during weekends and holidays. My uncle was a painter, so I’d join him on odd jobs. I spent five or six years learning the fundamentals with his team in Suffolk, England.
I was born in England and grew up around heritage restoration. No TAFE course — just proper, old-school training. In rural England, if you do one job poorly, you’re done. That pride in workmanship and wallpapering is where it all began for me.
Eventually I went out on my own as a sole trader, and that’s where I learned the business side of painting. After about five years I moved to Australia to play rugby for the Nelson Bay Gropers and couldn’t find an employer to sponsor me – so I ended up setting up OCDecor to sponsor myself!
Tell us about the OCDecor team.
We actually downsized this year, and it’s been a great decision. We started 2025 with six full-timers and two subcontractors. Now we’re a tight team of three, including myself.
I’m back on the tools every day, which I love — I’m in my comfort zone running the job sites and being across every detail.
We’ve got Jesse, my first apprentice from 10 years ago, who rejoined the team this year, and Tomas, who’s been with us for two years. It’s a great mix.
What sets your business apart?
High-end repaints are our speciality. We use a full SOP system — separate checklists for interior, exterior, roofs, everything. That structure means clients know exactly what to expect and the quality stays consistent.
Roof projects are a good example. First, we inspect the roof thoroughly, then involve a third-party specialist for any restoration. We outsource the pressure washing, then once the surface is ready, 9 times out of 10 we’ll spray the roof — any size — in a single day. Pointing is handled by a specialist afterwards.
We also do interior and exterior repaints, maintenance plans, wallpapering, and more. The organised approach and the care factor are a huge part of what makes OCDecor different.
How would you describe your experience with the Spray Gun Club team?
Honestly, five stars doesn’t feel like enough. I first connected with Mitch after picking up a business card at Bristol in Taylors Beach. One phone call and I knew these guys were different.
They’ve been incredible with repairs, servicing, and training. The education alone has changed our whole workflow — they’ve taken us from brushing and rolling homes to spray-finishing trim within a few months of me completing the course.
We’ve halved the size of our team, but when we have a spray gun on site, it’s like having an extra painter there. All of our team have trained with SGC — Jesse had spraying experience but still learned heaps, and Tomas has gone from zero experience to confidently spraying.
Seven years ago we started dustless sanding and it completely changed the game. Spraying with SGC has been the biggest shift since then. There’s been a real renewed love for the craft — it feels like a hobby again, not just work.
Having Mitch and Todd available for support whenever we get stuck is priceless.
What’s been a standout job you’ve completed with your SGC setup?
There have been a few — a mix of projects where spraying different elements has just lifted the finish. The biggest win has been consistency across jobs, especially with trims and ceilings. Everything’s sprayed with fine-finish tips and water-based enamels, and it’s a level of finish you just can’t match with a brush and roller.
What advice would you give painters thinking about upgrading to an airless spray gun?
Honestly — take the leap. For us, spraying used to feel intimidating, and there were a few dramas early on that knocked our confidence. You can always talk yourself out of spraying on a job. I would say, do the training with SGC and commit to it.
Get your systems dialled in, trust the process, and back yourself. Once you’re comfortable with the equipment, the results are unbelievable. Spraying will make you excited about your work again.
Where can people find you?
Website: ocdecorptyltd.com.au
Instagram: @ocdecorau
Facebook: OCDecor Pty Ltd