Painter and Decorator Costs UK 2026: Real Prices

Painter and decorator costs in the UK vary significantly based on location, project type, and tradesperson experience. Understanding the going rates in 2026 will help you budget accurately and avoid overpaying. This guide breaks down actual labour costs, daily rates, and price factors so you know what to expect before you get a quote.

Average Painter and Decorator Day Rates in 2026

As of 2026, the typical daily rate for a self-employed painter or decorator across the UK ranges from £150 to £350 per day, depending on their experience level and location. A painter with 5+ years' experience and a solid client base charges towards the upper end, while newer tradespeople or those in rural areas may quote lower rates.

In London and the South East, expect to pay 15–25% more than the national average. Outside major cities, rates drop by roughly 10–15%. Some established painting firms operating as limited companies may charge £200–£400+ per day, factoring in overheads, insurance, and guarantees.

Most painters work a 7-8 hour day, though some charge by the hour (£18–£50 per hour depending on skill). Day rates are more common for interior and exterior domestic work.

Interior Painting Costs: Room by Room

Interior painting is the most frequent job homeowners request. Costs depend on room size, wall condition, and whether woodwork or ceilings are included.

Living Rooms and Bedrooms

A typical 4m × 5m bedroom with basic wall preparation and one coat of emulsion costs £250–£450 in labour alone. If the walls need filling, sanding, or multiple coats, add another £100–£200. Painting the ceiling as well adds £80–£150 to the total. In London, the same room costs £350–£550.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

These rooms are more labour-intensive because of tight spaces, cupboards, and tiling edges. Labour for a standard kitchen typically runs £400–£700. Bathrooms are similar unless they involve extensive woodwork or tile painting, which pushes costs to £500–£800. Moisture-resistant paint is essential in bathrooms and costs slightly more but ensures better durability.

Hallways and Stairs

A hallway plus staircase and landing usually takes 1–2 days at £150–£350 labour. If the staircase has ornate banisters or spindles, labour can reach £400+ because of the detailed work involved.

Exterior Painting and Rendering Costs

Exterior work is more complex and risky, so prices are higher. Most exterior jobs cost 20–40% more than equivalent interior work because of scaffolding, weather delays, surface preparation, and safety regulations.

Door and Window Frames

Painting a front door and its frame costs £80–£150. A full set of windows (6–8 sashes or casements) typically runs £300–£600 depending on frame material and condition. UPVC windows are quicker than wooden sashes, so labour is cheaper.

Exterior Walls and Masonry

Painting or rendering a full exterior (2-storey semi-detached house, approximately 150–200 square metres) costs £2,500–£5,000 in labour. This assumes basic preparation and fair weather. High-access work (detached bungalows, gables) or walls requiring power-washing first can exceed £6,000. Scaffold hire, typically £150–£250 per week, is often charged separately.

Gutters, Fascias, and Soffits

Cleaning and painting PVC guttering and soffits on a semi-detached house costs £400–£800. If timber fascias need replacement and repainting, costs rise to £800–£1,500. These jobs almost always require scaffolding or a cherry picker.

Factors That Push Painter Costs Higher

Several variables affect the final bill beyond simple square footage.

• Surface condition: Walls with damp, mould, or old flaking paint require specialist priming or fungicide treatment, adding £0.50–£2 per square metre.
• Wallpaper removal: Stripping existing wallpaper adds £1–£3 per square metre depending on how well it adheres.
• Skimming and repairs: If plasterwork is uneven, professional skimming costs £10–£20 per square metre.
• Paint specification: Premium paints (Dulux, Farrow & Ball, specialty finishes) cost 10–40% more than budget brands, but often look better and last longer.
• Furniture moving: Some painters charge £50–£100 extra if you ask them to move or cover furniture; others include it.
• Site access: Restricted parking, narrow staircases, or difficult access can slow work and add £100–£300 to a job.
• Timescale: Demanding a 2-week turnaround on a 4-week job may incur a rush fee of 10–20%.

Regional Price Differences Across the UK

Painter costs vary by region. Here's a realistic breakdown for a standard bedroom (4m × 5m, walls only, one coat, basic prep):

• London and South East: £350–£550
• Midlands: £250–£400
• North West and Yorkshire: £220–£380
• Wales and South West: £240–£390
• Scotland: £260–£400
• Rural areas (all regions): Add 10–15% due to travel time and fewer local competitors.

London commands a premium because tradespeople have higher overheads, insurance costs, and cost of living. Demand is also constant and customers tend to have larger budgets. In smaller towns and villages, fewer painters mean less competition, which sometimes results in higher quotes despite lower overheads.

How to Get the Best Price Without Sacrificing Quality

Avoid picking the cheapest quote. The middle price is usually the sweet spot: experienced enough to work efficiently without the premium charges of an established firm.

Get Multiple Quotes

Request quotes from at least three painters. A good quote should itemise labour, materials, and any extras (scaffolding, surface treatments, removal of old paper). Quotes that are suspiciously low (20–30% below the others) often signal inexperience or poor quality materials.

Check References and Insurance

Ask for recent client references and verify they hold employer liability insurance (minimum £6 million cover) and public liability insurance (minimum £5 million). This is non-negotiable for work in your home.

Agree on Materials Upfront

Specify the paint brand, type (emulsion, satin, eggshell), and colour in the quote. Don't let the painter substitute a cheaper brand mid-job without your approval. Premium paints often deliver better coverage and durability, offsetting their higher cost over 3–5 years.

Negotiate Labour, Not Quality

If a painter's rate is £200/day but you find a skilled alternative at £180/day, the £20 saving is worthwhile. If the difference is £200/day versus £120/day, the cheaper option likely cuts corners on preparation or uses lower-grade materials.

Bundle Jobs for Discounts

Painting multiple rooms, both interior and exterior, or combining painting with other redecoration (wallpapering, flooring) sometimes earns a 5–10% discount because the painter saves setup and travel time.

Material Costs to Budget Separately

If you're sourcing paint yourself, factor in material costs. Most quotes include paint in the labour fee, but it's worth understanding the cost:

• Budget emulsion (Dulux Silk, Crown): £8–£12 per 5-litre tin. Covers 50–60 square metres per tin.
• Mid-range paint (Farrow & Ball, Little Greene): £35–£50 per 2.5-litre tin. Covers 30–40 square metres, but finish is superior.
• Specialist exterior paint (weather-resistant, anti-mould): £20–£35 per 5-litre tin.
• Primer and undercoat: £8–£15 per 5-litre tin. Necessary for new plaster, woodwork, or significant colour changes.
• Protective coatings (sealers, varnishes): £15–£40 per litre depending on specification.

A typical 4-bedroom house requires 20–30 litres of emulsion across all rooms, costing £100–£350 in paint alone. Exterior work might require 15–25 litres at £150–£400.

Why Quotes Vary So Much Between Painters

Even in the same postcode, two painters might quote £300 and £500 for the same job. This isn't always about dishonesty. It reflects legitimate differences in approach and expectation:

• Experience and reputation: Established painters with strong client reviews charge more because demand allows it and they're less likely to need discounting.
• Preparation standards: A thorough painter spends 20–30% of time on preparation (filling, sanding, priming). A rushed painter skips steps and finishes faster but the paint may not last.
• Materials quality: A painter using premium paints and specialist primers costs more upfront but delivers a finish that lasts 5+ years rather than 2–3.
• Overheads: Painters operating from vans with basic tools charge less than those carrying full scaffolding, insurance, and administration.
• Specialisation: A painter specialising in period properties, listed buildings, or conservation work charges more because they understand specific regulations and paint types.

When to Book a Painter in 2026

Demand for painters peaks March–September, with summer (June–August) being the busiest. Booking in autumn or winter (October–February) often yields 10–15% discounts because painters have fewer enquiries and welcome guaranteed work. Spring and early summer carry a 5–10% premium due to competition.

Most painters are booked 2–4 weeks ahead during peak season and may have slots available within 5–7 days during winter. If you need urgent work, expect a rush fee or a smaller time window.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to paint a 3-bedroom house in the UK in 2026?

Interior labour for a 3-bedroom house typically costs £1,200–£2,000 depending on the region and surface condition. In London, expect £1,800–£2,800. This covers walls and ceilings with basic preparation. Add another 20–30% if the walls need extensive repairs or specialist primers.

Do painters provide paint or do I buy it?

Most painters include paint in their quote, but you should confirm this before agreeing. Some allow you to specify the brand and colour, then supply it themselves. A few prefer you to source paint to your own spec. Always clarify in the quote to avoid surprises.

How long does it take a painter to decorate a room?

A single room (4m × 5m) with basic preparation takes 1–2 days. If walls need significant filling, sanding, or priming, add another day. Large rooms, complex layouts, or high ceilings extend the timescale to 3–4 days. Exterior work is slower due to weather and access challenges.

What should I look for in a painter's quote?

A good quote lists labour, materials, and any extras (scaffolding, surface treatment, removal). It specifies paint brand and type, timeframe, payment terms, and VAT. Avoid quotes that are vague or significantly cheaper than others. Always ask for public liability insurance evidence.

Is it worth paying more for a well-known painter?

Not always, but reputation matters. A well-known painter typically delivers consistent quality and finishes on time, which is worth 10–20% more than an unknown tradesperson. However, mid-tier painters (5–10 years' experience, solid reviews, reasonable rates) often offer the best value—experienced enough to work efficiently but not premium-priced.