Painting Prices

A single room costs $300–$800 AUD in Australia, £200–£500 in the UK, $300–$700 USD in the US, C$400–$900 in Canada, and NZ$350–$750 in New Zealand. The price depends on room size, ceiling height, number of coats, and how much prep work is needed (filling holes, sanding, priming).

Exterior painting for a 3-bedroom house typically costs $5,000–$15,000 AUD in Australia. Factors that drive the price include the number of storeys, surface condition, paint type, and whether scaffolding is needed. Multi-storey homes cost significantly more due to access requirements and safety equipment.

A single room takes 1–2 days. A full interior (3-bedroom house) takes 5–10 days. A full exterior takes 7–14 days depending on size, weather, and prep work. Older homes with peeling paint, mould, or damaged surfaces need more prep time, which can double the timeline.

Paint is cheaper ($300–$800 per room vs $500–$1,500 for wallpaper), easier to change later, and simpler to maintain. Wallpaper offers richer textures and patterns but costs more to install and remove. For resale value, neutral paint is generally the safer choice. Feature walls are a good compromise — wallpaper one wall, paint the rest.

Interior walls should be repainted every 7–10 years, or sooner in high-traffic areas (hallways, kids' rooms). Exterior paint lasts 5–10 years depending on climate, sun exposure, and paint quality. Coastal homes and those in harsh climates may need repainting every 3–5 years. Look for peeling, fading, or chalking as signs it's time.

DIY is reasonable for single rooms, feature walls, and deck oiling. You can save 50–70% on labour costs. However, exterior painting, multi-storey work, spray finishing, and lead paint removal should be left to professionals. Professional painters work faster, achieve a better finish, and carry insurance for property damage.

For exterior painting, spring and autumn are ideal — mild temperatures (10–30°C) and low humidity give the best finish. Avoid painting in extreme heat (paint dries too fast and streaks), rain, or freezing conditions. Interior painting can be done year-round, though good ventilation helps with drying and fumes.

Most jobs need 2 coats over a primer coat. If you're painting a similar colour over an existing finish in good condition, 2 coats without primer may suffice. Dark-to-light colour changes may need 3 coats plus a tinted primer. Ceilings and feature walls with bold colours often need an extra coat for even coverage.

A single-storey 3-bedroom house costs $5,000–$9,000 AUD. A two-storey home costs $9,000–$15,000 due to scaffolding and access requirements. The main cost drivers are house size, number of storeys, surface condition, and paint quality. Weatherboard homes cost more than rendered homes because each board needs individual attention. Budget an extra $1,000–$3,000 for significant prep work on older homes.

A quote is a fixed price — the painter commits to that amount (assuming the scope doesn't change). An estimate is a rough guide that can go up or down. Always get a written quote that specifies: rooms/areas included, number of coats, paint brand and type, prep work scope, and what's excluded. Verbal estimates are not binding and frequently end up higher than expected.

Most painters will move light furniture to the centre of the room and cover it with drop sheets — this is typically included in the quote. Heavy items like pianos, large bookcases, or wall-mounted TVs are your responsibility. If you want the painter to handle everything, ask upfront — some charge $50–$150 extra for full furniture relocation. Moving your own furniture before the painter arrives saves time and money.