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myRoom Painting Cost Calculator
Painting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to refresh a room. Whether you're brightening up a dated living space, adding some colour to the bedroom or getting the house ready to put on the market, a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference. Plus, aesthetics aside, room painting is an excellent way to reflect your personal style and even increase its value.
But when it comes to planning a painting project, understanding the costs involved is key. There’s no one-size-fits-all cost for room painting, as the amount of labour involved, materials and room size all play a part in how much you’ll end up spending.
That’s why it’s a good idea to use a painting cost calculator. By entering a few small pieces of information into a wall paint calculator, you can get a custom estimate that helps you to budget for your project.
Room Painting Cost
Table of Contents
Average Room Painting Costs
The average cost of painting a room is £50 per square metre. This amounts to roughly £350 for a small room, £450 for a medium-sized room and £1,000 for a large room. For a three-bed semi-detached property, you should expect to pay around £1,300, with prices increasing to £6,000 for a much larger, five-bed property. You also need to include the cost of labour and materials.
Cost Breakdown
Decorators charge an average of £325 per day for painting and decorating services, with most charging somewhere between £250 and £400. You also need to factor in the cost of materials, including paint, brushes, rollers and primer.
The cost of paint varies hugely, depending on the type of paint you choose.
For example, matte paint tends to cost between £5 and £8 per litre. But, semi-gloss is more expensive, with prices between £9 and £18 per litre. Glossy paint can reach up to £25 per litre for premium options.
Depending on the state of the wall, you might need to factor in the cost of wall preparation, including filling, sanding or two-coat applications. On average, you should expect to pay between £50 and £100 to have a small water-damaged area of plaster repaired. The cost of re-plastering a wall costs an average of £30 per square metre, and sanding a wall costs an average of £10 per square metre.
Factors Affecting the Cost
Not all painting projects are the same, and there are a handful of factors that impact the cost. Understanding these factors will help you to make more informed decisions about the project and help you to get a more accurate cost estimate using a paint calculator.
Room Size and Height
As you might expect, larger rooms require more paint and more time to complete, which increases the cost. High ceilings also add to the complexity, which can increase labour costs.
Number of Coats Required
Most rooms need at least two coats of paint for even coverage, but some surfaces or bold colour changes may require more. Each additional coat means more time, effort and materials, all of which increase the cost.
Quality and Type of Paint
Paint comes in a variety of finishes - such as matte, satin and gloss - and the finish you choose can impact the cost. Premium or specialist paints - for example, mould-resistant or washable - tend to cost more, but they’re more durable in the long run.
Condition of the Walls
If your walls have cracks, holes or peeling paint, they will probably need to be prepped before painting can begin. Jobs like filling, sanding and priming can significantly increase the amount of work involved, which in turn increases the price.
Decorative Features
Painting around skirting boards, coving, or feature walls adds time and precision to a painting job. These tasks often require cutting in or using multiple paint types, which can increase both material and labour costs.
Room Painting Cost Calculator
A painting cost calculator is designed to make budgeting your painting project quicker and easier. By inputting your room’s dimensions, choosing the type of paint you plan to use, selecting the number of coats required and detailing your location to reflect local labour rates, the paint calculator can provide an instant cost estimate based on current averages.
Though it’s not a substitute for a professional quote, as not everything can be taken into account, it offers an accurate and convenient way to estimate the potential cost of your painting project.
How to Save Money on Room Painting
Painting a room doesn’t have to break the bank, not if you know how to save money when you’re planning the job. With a bit of planning, you can keep the cost of painting a room down, without compromising on the end result.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to take a DIY approach to room painting, as it’s an effective way to save a lot of money on labour. If the job is straightforward, a basic understanding of painting and decorating could be enough to see you through. However, professionals bring experience, speed and a high-quality finish, which is usually worth the investment if you’re painting a larger or more complex space.
Buy Paint in Bulk
If you're painting multiple rooms or the whole house, you will benefit from buying paint in bulk. Buying paint in larger quantities can reduce the cost per litre, meaning that you get more out of your budget. Many paint suppliers offer bulk discounts, which can help you save in the long run. Of course, this is only a possibility if you’re using the same paint for multiple spaces.
Get Multiple Quotes
If you decide to hire a professional decorator, it’s important to get multiple quotes, and don’t settle for the first one you hear back from. Get estimates from a handful of local professionals to compare prices, timelines and services. With this information, you can ensure that you're getting the most for your money and you’re not overpaying.
Painting Tips for Best Results
There’s a lot more that goes into a flawless painting finish than choosing the right paint. You also need to prepare, have the right tools and work safely.
Preparation is Key
Don’t jump straight into a room painting project; make sure you prepare first. Start by cleaning the walls to remove dust and grease, and fill in any holes or cracks. Sand rough areas and apply a suitable primer if needed to create a smooth canvas. By prepping, you ensure the paint adheres to the wall properly and lasts longer.
Use the Right Tools and Techniques
Don’t underestimate the importance of having the right tools and techniques. It’s important to invest in high-quality brushes and rollers, choosing those that are well suited to your wall type and paint finish. Use a roller for large and flat areas, and a brush for edges and corners. Make sure to apply paint in even strokes, working in sections to avoid overlapping marks.
Prioritise Safety and Ventilation
It’s important to always ventilate the room you’re painting by opening windows and doors to allow fumes to escape. Plus, this also speeds up drying time. Remember to use dust sheets to protect floors and furniture, and wear protective clothing like masks and goggles.
FAQs
How long does it take to paint a room?
Do I need to move furniture out?
What’s the best type of paint for each room?
Is it cheaper to paint yourself?
Painting is a great way to refresh a room, boost its value and make the space truly your own. But it's important to budget carefully to avoid unexpected costs. By understanding the key factors that affect painting prices and using a painting cost calculator, you can plan ahead and stay in control of your project. Try our wall paint calculator to get a quick estimate based on your room and preferences.
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Last updated by MyJobQuote on 30th June 2025.
