Interior painting is one of the most common decorating jobs in the home. Painting walls and ceilings usually involves preparing surfaces, protecting floors and furniture, applying multiple coats of paint, and ensuring an even finish throughout the room. The time required typically depends on the size of the room, the condition of the walls and ceilings, and how much preparation is needed before painting begins.
Below is a general guide to labour costs for interior painting work.
Room Wall Painting
Painting the walls of a standard room normally involves preparation, cutting in around edges, and applying two coats of paint.
Typical labour cost: £200 — £350
Time: around 4–6 hours
Ceiling Painting
Painting a ceiling usually requires careful preparation and multiple coats to achieve a consistent finish.
Typical labour cost: £120 — £220
Time: around 2–4 hours
Full Room Painting (Walls & Ceiling)
Painting both the walls and ceiling of a room typically takes most of a day depending on the room size and preparation required.
Typical labour cost: £300 — £500
Time: around 1 day
When costs can vary
Interior painting work can take longer depending on surface condition and preparation required. Additional time may be required if:
walls or ceilings need filling or sanding
multiple coats are needed
dark colours need covering
furniture needs moving or protecting
access is limited
All prices shown are labour-only estimates intended as a general guide. The final cost is confirmed after seeing the job and checking the existing surfaces.
