How Much Does Painting & Decorating Cost in Ireland in 2025?
Whether you're freshening up a room or repainting your entire house, knowing the going rates helps you budget properly and avoid being overcharged.
Quick Answer: Painting Costs
| Full house interior (3-bed) | €2,000 - €4,000 |
| Full house exterior (3-bed) | €2,500 - €5,000 |
Labour is typically 70-80% of the cost. Paint is relatively cheap.
Interior Painting Costs
Per Room (Walls + Ceiling)
| Single bedroom | €200 - €350 |
| Double bedroom | €250 - €400 |
| Master bedroom | €300 - €450 |
| Landing/stairs | €300 - €600 |
What's Included
Standard painting quote includes:
- Preparation (filling holes, sanding)
- Two coats emulsion on walls
Extras That Cost More
| Extra Work | Additional Cost |
| Woodwork (doors, skirting) | €50 - €100 per door |
| Radiator painting | €30 - €50 each |
| Wallpaper removal | €50 - €100 per wall |
| Damaged walls (heavy filling) | €100 - €300 per room |
| High ceilings (scaffold needed) | +30-50% |
Full House Interior
| 2-bed apartment | €1,200 - €2,000 |
| 3-bed semi-detached | €2,000 - €4,000 |
| 4-bed detached | €3,500 - €6,000 |
| 5-bed detached | €5,000 - €8,000 |
Exterior Painting Costs
| 2-bed terraced | €1,500 - €2,500 |
| 3-bed semi-detached | €2,500 - €4,000 |
| 4-bed detached | €4,000 - €6,000 |
What Affects Exterior Costs
- Scaffolding: €500-1,500 (essential for two-storey)
- Condition: Old flaky paint needs more prep
- Material: Render vs pebbledash vs brick
- Features: Fascias, soffits, windows add time
Daily Rates vs Quoted Prices
Some painters charge day rates:
| Day rate (painter) | €200 - €300 |
| Day rate (with labourer) | €350 - €450 |
Tip: Day rates suit small/unclear jobs. For full rooms or houses, get a fixed quote.
Paint Costs
| Paint Type | Cost per 5L | Coverage |
| Budget emulsion | €25 - €40 | 50-60m² |
| Mid-range (Dulux) | €50 - €70 | 60-70m² |
| Premium (Farrow & Ball) | €90 - €120 | 50-60m² |
| Exterior masonry | €40 - €60 | 30-40m² |
Average room needs 5-10 litres for 2 coats.
Should You Supply Paint?
Pros:
- Control over colour/quality
Cons:
- Painter may blame paint for issues
- Need to calculate quantities correctly
- Extra trips if you run short
Most common: Painter supplies paint and charges cost + 10-20%.
Wallpapering Costs
| Standard wallpaper hanging | €15 - €25 |
| Full room | €200 - €400 (+ paper cost) |
Paper itself: €20-100+ per roll depending on quality.
How to Save Money
1. Do Your Own Prep
2. Clear Rooms Completely
Painters charge more if they have to work around furniture.
3. Paint All Rooms the Same Colour
Less cutting in, less colour changes = faster = cheaper.
4. Book in Quiet Season
January-March painters are slower. Negotiate.
5. Get 3+ Quotes
Prices vary by 30-50% for the same job.
6. DIY Ceilings
Ceilings are the easiest bit. Just slow.
Questions to Ask a Painter
1. What's included in the quote?
2. How many coats?
3. Do you supply paint or do I?
4. What paint brands do you use?
5. Do you move furniture or should I?
6. How long will the job take?
7. Do you have insurance?
8. Can I see photos of recent work?
Red Flags
🚩 Very low quote — they'll cut corners (one coat, no prep)
🚩 No written quote — price will creep up
🚩 Cash only — no guarantee, no receipt
🚩 Starts immediately — why aren't they busy?
🚩 No preparation mentioned — prep is 50% of a good paint job
Good Paint Job vs Bad Paint Job
Good Job
- Clean lines where colours meet
- Full coverage (no patchy bits)
- Paint doesn't flake after 6 months
Bad Job
- Visible brush/roller marks
- One coat only (you can see through it)
- Runs and drips in gloss work
Finding a Good Painter
Look for:
- Photos of finished work (not just "before")
- Reviews mentioning attention to detail
- Willingness to do a small test area
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Looking for painters? Find rated painters & decorators near you on TradesmenIreland.ie.