Painters & Decorators: What They Do and Realistic Prices
Prep, priming and topcoats — with per-room and per-m² rates.
3 min read · Updated 2026
Key takeaways
- ›Preparation is 70% of a good paint job — fill, sand and prime first.
- ›Interior rooms £200–£450; exterior painting £1,200–£2,500.
- ›Use masonry paint for exterior and a breathable system on old walls.
What a painter does
Painters and decorators prepare surfaces (fill, sand, prime), line, undercoat and apply topcoats to walls, ceilings, woodwork and external render. They also hang wallpaper, spray kitchens and treat exterior masonry. Good prep is what makes a finish last — most failures come from painting over flaking or greasy surfaces.
Typical prices (UK 2026)
- •Paint a room (walls + ceiling + woodwork): £200–£450.
- •Exterior 3-bed semi (masonry): £1,200–£2,500.
- •Interior per m²: £8–£15.
- •Wallpaper hanging: £150–£300 per room + paper.
- •Painter day rate: £150–£220.
Questions to ask and common mistakes
Ask how many coats are included and whether prep, fillers and primer are in the price. Common mistakes: painting over damp (it will blister), using gloss undercoat as a primer on bare plaster, and rushing drying time between coats.
- ☐How many coats are included?
- ☐Does the price include prep, filler and primer?
- ☐What paint system will you use (and why)?
- ☐How long between coats for proper drying?
Frequently asked
Matt, silk or eggshell?
Matt hides imperfections but marks easily; silk is wipeable but shows every bump; eggshell is the modern durable compromise for walls and woodwork.
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