Typical Day Rates Across the UK
Most painters and decorators charge day rates that range from £180 to £300 per day. Rates rise in large cities where demand is high and parking or access slows the job. Skilled tradespeople who handle fine finishes, complex prep work or heritage properties often sit at the higher end. Cheaper rates usually mean longer job times or weaker finishes, so weigh cost against quality.
Room-by-Room Painting Prices
Painting a room in the UK varies by size, prep work and the type of finish you want.
- Small bedroom (up to 10m²): £250–£450
- Medium bedroom (10–14m²): £350–£650
- Large bedroom (15m²+): £500–£850
- Living room: £500–£1,200
- Hall, stairs and landing: £650–£1,500 These areas cost more because of the height, angles, and cutting-in take more time.
Fresh plaster needs a mist coat and sanding, which adds to the final cost. Old properties with cracked plaster or pebbledash walls push prices up.
For a polished finish without fuss, hire the best painter and decorator in Wandsworth for clean, sharp work.
Whole House Painting Costs
House painting prices depend on layout, age, access and the quality of materials.
- 1-bedroom flat: £900–£1,800
- 2-bedroom house: £1,800–£2,800
- 3-bedroom house: £2,800–£4,500
- 4-bedroom house: £4,500–£7,500+
Large homes with high ceilings, feature walls or timber detailing cost more. Homes with years of neglected paintwork take extra prep time. This includes stripping loose paint, sanding, filling cracks, sealing stains and priming problem areas.
Exterior Painting Prices
Exterior work carries extra labour due to weather, access and safety equipment.
- Small terrace exterior: £1,000–£2,000
- Semi-detached home: £1,800–£3,500
- Detached home: £3,500–£7,000+
Brickwork repointing, render repairs, and rotten timber repairs add to costs. Homes above two storeys require towers or scaffolding, which can cost £500–£1,500 on top of the paintwork.
Cost of Materials
Paint prices differ by brand, coverage and durability.
- Standard emulsion: £20–£40 per tub
- Premium emulsion: £40–£75+ per tub
- Woodwork gloss or satin: £20–£50 per tin
- Specialist paints (kitchens, bathrooms, mould-resistant): £30–£70+
Trade-quality paints last longer, cover better and save labour time. Good decorators choose paints that reduce patchiness and give crisp, even coats.
Prep Work and How It Affects Cost
Prep work often shapes the total spend more than anything else. Walls with cracks, blown plaster or uneven textures require more time before painting starts. Tasks that increase the budget include:
- Stripping wallpaper
- Sanding rough walls
- Filling deep holes
- Repairing cracked plaster
- Sealing stains
- Fixing loose paint
- Priming bare surfaces
Prep work rates are £20 and £35 per hour. Cutting corners here shows later, so a good decorator handles it with care.
Factors That Influence the Final Price
Several elements shape your quote:
- Size of the room or house
- Height of ceilings
- Type of paint
- Number of coats
- Quality of finish
- Furniture removal
- Access and parking
- Repair work required
- Time frame or urgency
A clear brief keeps prices accurate. Provide photos and room sizes so the decorator can give a firm quote.
Is Hiring a Professional Worth It?
A trained decorator produces sharp lines, smooth finishes and even coverage. They work faster, tidier and protect floors, furniture and fixtures. They also spot issues early, such as damp patches, loose plaster or flaking paint. Good work lasts longer and saves you from repainting every year.
Final Thoughts
Painter and decorator costs in the UK vary, but the value of a skilled hand shows in every room. A clear quote, strong prep and high-quality materials give you results that stand the test of time. If you want reliable workmanship and a fuss-free finish, professional help always pays off.