House Painting Cost Per Sq Ft in India: Your 2025 Pricing Guide

Painting your home gives it a fresh coat of color. This is one of the most transformative and cost-effective ways to upgrade your space. But before you pick up a brush, the big question is: how much will it cost? Understanding the rates per square foot is the key to setting a realistic budget and avoiding unexpected expenses.

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This practical guide breaks down the current house painting rates across India. It helps you navigate material costs and labour charges. The guide also explains the factors that influence your final quote.

Quick Summary: Average Painting Rates Per Sq Ft

Painting Type Average Cost Range (Per Sq Ft) Includes Interior Painting ₹15 – ₹40. This cost includes Labour, Primer, Putty, and Paint (Economy to Mid-Range). Exterior Painting ₹20 – ₹80 Labour, Weatherproof Primer, Putty, Exterior Paint. Labour-Only Charges ₹8 – ₹25 Only skilled labour for application. You supply materials.

Note: These are average estimates. Your final cost vary based on city, paint quality, and surface condition.

How is the Cost of Painting Calculated?

Professional painters typically quote a project in one of two ways:

1. Per Square Foot Rate: This is the most common and transparent method. The contractor calculates the total paintable area of your walls and charges a fixed rate per sq ft. This rate often includes both labour and materials (primer, putty, paint).
2. Lump-Sum Quote: For the entire project. This is common for larger jobs but can be less transparent. Always ask for a per sq ft breakdown to understand what you’re paying for.

Pro Tip: To roughly calculate the paintable area yourself, use this formula:
(Length of wall x Height of wall) - area of windows/doors

Detailed Breakdown of Interior Painting Costs

Interior painting costs depend heavily on the quality of paint you choose.

• Economy Paints (₹15 – ₹22/sq ft): Includes local or economy-brand paints. Suitable for rental properties or low-traffic areas where durability is not the primary concern.
• Mid-Range Paints (₹22 – ₹35/sq ft): Includes popular brands like Asian Paints Ace, Berger Bison, or Nerolac. This is the most common choice for homeowners, offering a good balance of quality, durability, and colour options.
• Premium/Luxury Paints (₹35 – ₹60+/sq ft): Includes premium brands like Asian Paints Royale, Berger Luxury, or Dulux Velvet Touch. These paints offer superior washability, stain resistance, textured finishes, and richer colours.

Detailed Breakdown of Exterior Painting Costs

Exterior paint has to withstand sun, rain, and pollution, making it more expensive. The process also involves more surface preparation.

• Standard Exterior Paints (₹20 – ₹45/sq ft): Includes weatherproof paints from brands like Asian Paints Apex or Berger Weathercoat.
• Premium Exterior Paints (₹45 – ₹80+/sq ft): Advanced elastomeric paints are included. They expand and contract with the wall, preventing cracks and offering superior protection.

What’s Included in the Per Sq Ft Rate?

A good contractor’s quote should include:

• Surface Preparation: Cleaning, scraping off old flaking paint.
• Repairs: Filling cracks and holes with putty.
• Priming: Applying 1-2 coats of primer to guarantee paint adhesion.
• Painting: Applying 2-3 coats of the final paint.
• Materials: Cost of primer, putty, and paint.
• Labour: Cost of the skilled painters.

7 Key Factors That Affect Your Final Painting Quote

1. Surface Condition: Cracked, damp, or uneven walls need extensive repair work (extra putty, labour), increasing the cost.
2. Type of Paint: As shown above, the brand and quality of paint cause the biggest price variation.
3. Number of Coats: More coats mean more paint and more labour, increasing the overall cost.
4. Design Complexity: High ceilings, intricate mouldings, or multiple colour patterns need more time and skill, raising labour costs.
5. Labour Charges: Rates vary by city and the painter’s skill. Always hire skilled professionals for a quality finish.
6. Accessibility: Painting a high-rise building exterior requires scaffolding, which adds to the cost.
7. Season: Rates can be higher during the peak festive season.

How to Save Money on Your Painting Project

• Do the Prep Work Yourself: You can save on labour costs. Move the furniture yourself. Clean the walls and sand them down on your own.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Use platforms like OLX to connect with multiple trusted painters in your area. Compare their per sq ft rates and what’s included.
• Buy Paint During Discounts: Buy paint during seasonal sales or ask the contractor for a distributor discount.
• Choose Your Paint Wisely: Discuss your needs with the painter. A mid-range paint is perfectly enough for your bedroom, saving you the cost of premium brands.

Ready to Paint Your Home?

Understanding the rates per square foot empowers you to budget effectively and negotiate with contractors. The key is to get detailed, written quotes that break down material and labour costs.

Find trusted painting professionals on OLX! Browse profiles, compare quotes, and hire experienced painters for a flawless finish that transforms your home.

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