Painting price per sq ft in 2024: Paint quotation & labour cost in India

Budgeting and getting a quotation for the cost of paint per sq ft is the first thing that crosses the mind when starting a painting project. It is essential to orient oneself with the price per sq ft when painting whether redoing one room or making your whole house appear completely different. The various elements that determine the cost include paint type, surface preparation and labour cost. This article will outline different aspects that affect house and wall painting prices and various ways to save on expenses while hiring a painter.

Painting price per sq ft

Paint cost

The cost of painting per sq ft can differ greatly based on the type of paint being used. Expensive paints often provide better coverage and last longer than cheaper ones, hence their high rates.

Putty cost

The cost of putty per sq ft may range from Rs 10 to Rs 20 for every square foot. However, this rate generally depends on various forms of putty-like wall-putty and white cement, their quality as well as for different regions. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult your local dealers or builders for updated prices.

Primer cost

The primer serves as a base for the paint, enhancing its appearance. The house and wall painting prices vary depending on the types of primers in the market. The price per sq ft of primer fluctuates between Rs 10 to 30. To improve paint adherence, It is advisable to apply a priming layer before applying putty.

Labour cost

Labour cost in India generally lies between Rs. 20 to 60 per square foot. The cost varies on factors like availability of labour, local labour cost, complexity of the job etc.

Average painting price of distemper per sq ft across cities

*Assumed average painting price per square foot.

Exterior vs interior painting price per sq ft

Image Source: Bergerpaints.com

Generally, the cost per square foot for exterior painting is between ₹30 and ₹80. The price includes weatherproofing, surface preparation and more durable paints. Additional costs may include the cost of scaffolding(if required) or additional coatings to improve durability.

Interior painting costs typically vary between ₹20 to ₹50 per square foot. The lower price indicates that surface preparation is minimal, and there are fewer specialized products. Costs may fluctuate according to the type of paint used, the size of the room, and the complexity of the design or finishes applied.

Repainting vs new paint price per sq ft

When it comes to painting, fresh paint normally costs a lot more than repainting it. Fresh painting includes extensive surface preparation, priming, and multiple coats and ranges from Rs.30 to 70 per square foot. Comparing this with repainting that costs between ₹20 to ₹50 per square foot which requires less preparation work as you are simply improving on an already laid coat of paint.

How to select the right paint?

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• • Purpose and area: First, choose the purpose and area of the paint application. Should choose paint taking into account the purpose of the room and surface. For example, you should choose tough, washable paints for rooms subjected to hard use while aesthetic features will be more important in places where there is less traffic.
  • Finish type: Select various finishes such as matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss or gloss. Matte finishes conceal imperfections easily but might not last long, on the other hand, glossy finishes tend to be very reflective and also easy to maintain.
  • Quality: Invest in good-quality paints for best coverage, extended lifespan and easier application. High-quality paints are usually more durable and have fewer problems like peeling and fading.
  • Colour: Choose a colour which complements your home decor. Additionally, lighter colours make a room look big while darker shades make a space look small.
  • Budget: Choose a paint that fits your budget. Premium quality paints are expensive while standard quality paints come at a more budget-friendly rate. Additionally, get paint quotation from multiple contractors and compare the house wall painting prices.

Paint budget calculator

A paint budget calculator helps you estimate the cost of painting a room or space by taking into account the size of the area, the number of coats, and the type of paint required. It provides a detailed budget breakdown and house painting prices.

Check out the Paint Budget Calculator Tool by Asian Paints here!

How can I estimate the painting price per sq ft for a 2 BHK flat or house?

Image Source: Bergerpaints.com

To get an idea about the painting price per sq ft for a 2 BHK, first, measure the entire area to be painted. You can calculate the area by multiplying the width and length of walls excluding the area of any windows, gates or other openings.

Now, choose your preferred paint and multiply the number of coats and its per-square-foot price by the total area to be painted. 

For example, if the total area is 1,000 sq ft, and the cost of paint per sq ft for a single coat is Rs.18, and two coats are needed, then the total estimated price would be 1,000 x 18 x 2 = Rs.36,000.

Factors affecting wall painting prices per sq ft

• Paint: Standard-quality paints are usually available at a cheap price while high-quality paints are expensive.
• Finish: Glossy and semi-gloss finishes are more durable and simpler to clean than matte finishes, which are less expensive but require more maintenance.
• Surface condition: Some walls require sanding down and small repairs before painting. This increases the overall house and wall painting prices.
• Number of colours used: The number of colours used affects the cost of painting as more coats may be required to achieve a particular contrast. Additionally, custom colours are often more expensive.
• Labour cost: Labour costs vary by off-season or peak season and different regions with painters in urban areas charging more.
• Exterior or interior: Exterior painting generally costs more as proper weatherproofing is needed.

How to reduce the painting cost 

• Do the surface preparation yourself to save the labour cost.
• Use standard-quality paints.
• Schedule your painting project in the off-season for cheaper labour costs.
• Buy paint materials in bulk if possible.
• Get multiple paint quotation.

Conclusion

Ultimately, knowing the cost of paint per sq ft is significant for budgeting and planning any painting task. The total painting price per sq ft can be greatly affected by various factors, such as the choice of paint, surface preparation, or even labour costs, all of which will influence the final paint quotation. By precisely calculating how much area needs to be painted in advance and taking into account possible hidden costs, you can make wise decisions that ensure an equilibrium between quality and affordability. Whether you hire professionals or do it yourself, being well-informed guarantees maximum value for the money spent on the project.

FAQs

What are the additional factors that can affect the cost of painting?

Preparation and labour are two of the major additional expenses that you may incur in your house wall painting prices. This may include cleaning and fixing walls, sanding down surfaces, and removing old paint. Depending on the condition of your walls, you may need to invest in extra supplies such as putty or primer.

How is the painting area calculated?

To calculate the area for painting, first measure the length and breadth and then multiply it. This will give you the square footage. Next, subtract the area of any doors or other openings. If the ceiling is also to be painted, multiply the length and breadth of the ceiling. Add the wall and ceiling to get the total area for painting.

Is it cheaper to paint during a certain time of year?

Painting price per sq ft varies throughout the year. Off-season, such as winter and late autumn, tends to have cheaper painting rates, often reflected in a lower paint quotation. This is due to the lower demand for painters during these months, leading to a fall in prices and sometimes even enticing discounts. In contrast, spring and summer are considered peak seasons, thus escalating their costs.

Are there any hidden costs in painting?

There may be some hidden costs while undertaking a painting project. These costs may be for surface preparation, like sanding, removing old paint, or making small repairs, which might not be included in the initial paint quotation. Additional labour costs to paint hard-to-access areas, clean up after the job, etc., should also be considered. It is essential to account for these small costs when budgeting.

How often should I repaint my house?

Generally, paint should last 5-10 years, depending on the quality of the paint used, the climate in which you live, and how frequently you do maintenance such as wall washing. Interior paint would hold up longer than exterior paint. However, If your current paint job is more than ten years old, it’s time for a new coat.

Does the type of paint influence the cost per square foot?

The type of paint impacts the price per square foot. Most of the time one is advised to use good quality paint as they easily spread on walls and may not need multiple coats. However, low-grade paints are cheaper but need multiple coats, hence increasing labour costs.

Which is better- professional painters or DIYs?

This depends on your expertise and priorities. Professional painters have experience, they are quick, and their work has good quality; but, they charge a lot for their services, often reflected in their paint quotation. If one is looking for something cheap, DIY painting can provide a sense of pride but will consume your time, energy, and skills.

*The featured image used in this article is from Homedepot.com