Cost guide
How much does a painter and decorator cost?
Decorating is priced per room or per day. Preparation — filling, sanding, sealing — is where the hours actually go.
- Typical day rate
- £180–£280
- Smallest job
- from £35
- Priced jobs
- 4
Estimate your job
Pick what you need — we'll price it at current painter and decorator rates.
What each job costs
| Job | Unit | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Paint a room (walls and ceiling)Two coats over a similar colour; dark-to-light needs three. | per room | £350–£700 |
| Gloss the woodwork in a roomOld oil paint needs sanding and a bonding primer. | per room | £180–£380 |
| Hang wallpaperPattern-matched and hand-printed papers cost more to hang. | per roll | £35–£70 |
| Exterior masonry and trimScaffolding is usually a separate £600–£1,200 line. | per elevation | £600–£1,600 |
Ex VAT. South East baseline — the calculator adjusts for your region.
Keeping the cost down
- Buy your own paint if you want a specific brand — trade discounts vary.
- Empty and clear rooms before day one; it removes half a day of moving.
- Agree the number of coats in writing, not just "paint the room".
Common questions
- How long does a room take?
- A standard bedroom is one to two days including preparation. Add a day for heavy filling or wallpaper stripping.
- Is paint included?
- Often not. Materials for an average room run £70–£180 depending on brand and finish.
Ready for real numbers?
Describe the job once and vetted painter and decorators come back to you with priced quotes. Free, and no obligation.