Wall Painting Costs

Scope of Works

• Site survey & colour confirmation – measure wall area, confirm paint type/sheen, check for damp or repairs.

• Protect & prepare – move/cover furniture, mask edges, scrape flaking paint, fill cracks, lightly sand and dust‑off.

• Prime or mist‑coat bare plaster or stained areas for uniform absorption.

• Cut‑in edges & fixtures with angled brush, roll main fields in “W” pattern for even coverage.

• Apply second (and third, if bold colour) coats after recommended drying time.

• Clean‑up & reinstate – remove masking tape, wipe drips, replace faceplates, hoover floors; leave touch‑up pot.

  
  

Typical Cost (inc. VAT)

Reference cost guides: Checkatrade Interior Painting Prices 2025, MyJobQuote Decorator Day‑Rates 2025, Dulux Decorator Centre material price lists (Q1 2025).

Time on Site

• Small room (<12 m²): 3 – 5 hours including prep.

• Medium room (12–25 m²): 1 full day.

• Large or complex areas (hall stairs landing, dark‑to‑light colour change): 1.5 – 2 days.

• Extra time for drying in cold/damp weather, stain‑blocking coats, or if walls need extensive repair.

  
  

Questions to Ask Your Trade

1. What surface prep is included and how will you handle existing cracks or stains?

2. Which paint brand and finish will you supply, and is it trade‑line or retail?

3. How will you protect floors, furniture and fixtures during spraying or rolling?

4. Is the quote fixed‑price for the job or day‑rate, and does it include VAT?

5. What ventilation or odour control measures will you use with solvent paints?

6. Can you show public‑liability insurance covering accidental spills or damage?

7. Do you leave leftover paint for future touch‑ups and provide a colour code record?

   
   

How to Avoid Surprises

• Clear access & parking: reserve space near entrance for paint and equipment offload.

• Room emptied or centred: move small items and pictures; large furniture to centre for easy sheet cover.

• Colour confirmation: test swatches on all walls under full lighting before workday.

• Damp & temperature: keep room above 10 °C; close windows only after paint has flashed off.

• Agree finish level: standard two‑coat or premium flawless finish (may need extra sanding).

• Dust containment: request vacuum‑sanding and taped doorways if you have allergies.

• Written quote & schedule: note start/finish dates, paint spec, number of coats and disposal route—keeps the project on budget inside the £180 – £550 range shown above.