Cost of Painting a House Per Square Foot in India and Its Additional Rates 2025

The cost of painting a house in India varies depending on location and factors like surface type, paint quality, and the scope of the project. Painting your walls not only adds aesthetic appeal but also protects them from dampness and stains. 

Exterior painting requires additional layers and sanding due to weather exposure, making it slightly more time-consuming. Different types of paint, such as enamel, distemper, lustre, emulsion, and textured paint, come with varying costs per square foot. Consider the desired atmosphere and coordinate paint colours with your furnishings. 

Water-based paints are preferable, and investing in high-quality products is recommended for long-lasting results. Proper surface preparation, including priming and putty, is crucial and impacts the final cost. Whether you're repainting or starting fresh, understanding these factors will help you estimate the cost of painting your house effectively.

What Are the Places Where Painting Needs to Be Done?

When evaluating the painting cost per square foot, the main distinction between places that require painting is whether they are outdoors (exterior walls) or inside (interior walls). The qualities of both exterior and interior paints are greatly impacted by their environment. The house painting cost is influenced by many factors, including the size of the interior and exterior walls.

Difference between Interior and Exterior Paints

The primary difference between exterior and interior paints is the type of resin used. Exterior paint resins are designed to withstand moisture and temperature extremes, while interior paint resins are formulated for stability and reduced smearing. Both types influence the overall cost of painting a house in India.

Exterior Paint

• This paint has been exposed to a wide range of weather conditions. As a result, it must protect itself against moisture such as rain and snow, as well as UV rays from the sun. It also defends against the growth of fungi.
• These coatings are meant to keep your furniture from fading and mildew. When exposed to the UV radiation mentioned above, as well as excessively high temperatures, they must not fade.
• Soft resins are used to make exterior paints, as previously stated. Because of this, they are extremely adaptive. As a result, they don't easily crack as they contract or expand. Therefore, they can survive the detrimental effects of moisture and temperature variations.
• By adjusting the shine, this type of paint can be applied to a number of substrates. During rain, a house's front collects only a small amount of water. Painting labour cost per square foot is therefore validated as the work brings out the best results.
• Exterior paint is risky to apply indoors because it produces more volatile organic chemicals. 
• Flat paint does not bubble, allowing water to escape. Sunlight is also required for curing and settling.

Interior Paint

• The painting interior cost per sq. ft. is high in price because it is meant for decoration and aesthetics. Interior paint also provides moisture resistance, washability, and ease of maintenance.
• Interior paint that is abrasion-resistant is formulated to withstand abrasion. Because it shares space with people, it is also designed to be more delicate than outside paint.
• This type of paint is stain-resistant and scrubbable. As it isn't exposed to sunlight, it doesn't have any fade-resistant properties. It also doesn't need to be exposed to sunlight to cure. 
• Now interior paints are washable, and therefore wall painting cost is considerable in amount.
• Interior paint must contain few or no volatile organic compounds. This reduces health risks and is necessary for maintaining good indoor air quality.

Different Types of Paint and How Much They Cost Per Sq. Ft. In India

Here are the various kinds of paints that are available in the market. Wall painting colours price determines the whole budget of your renovations.

Enamel Paint

Used in high-traffic areas because it lasts a long time, Enamel paints for walls are very easy to clean and come in a variety of glossy finishes. They’re also waterproof and stainable, and they’re widely used on metal and wood. Enamel paint is a good choice if you’re worried about the paint cost per litre. The cost of emulsion paint is calculated per square foot and begins at Rs 80.

Distemper

Low-priced water-based paint called distemper can cut the painting labour cost per square foot in India. The practice of applying this paint is referred to as "whitewashing." It's inexpensive and simple to use, but it doesn't last very long. It is an annual supplementary labour charge for painting because it is not washable and fades and flakes off when wet. The cost of distemper paint is Rs 10 per square foot.

 Lustre Paints (oil or water-based)

These paints generate a pearl-like velvety surface. It’s easy to keep shiny paints clean. Many variables should be considered with the help of a house painting cost calculator (easily available online). If you’re moving into your home right away, you shouldn’t use this paint because it takes a long time to cure and has a strong odour. The price of lustre paint per square foot ranges between Rs 26 and Rs 30.

Emulsion Paint

Emulsion paints are water or oil-based paints which come in a wide range of colours. The best thing about it is how quickly it dries and leaves a lustrous finish. Emulsion paint is long-lasting and may be wiped with a damp cloth dipped in soapy water to some extent. Antifungal qualities are also present in a number of these paints. Plastic emulsion paint and acrylic emulsion paint are the two types. The price of emulsion paint and painting price per square foot is determined by the desired finish, such as matte or glossy. The cost of painting a house per square foot in India depends on the factors mentioned above.

Texture Paint

These paints are used to accent and emphasise walls. To achieve the 3D effect, special tools such as knives, rollers, brushes, and trowels, as well as materials such as putty, are necessary. This increases the painting labour cost per sq. ft. Texture paints are thick and have a tactile feel to them. Because of the wide price range, the painting labour cost varies significantly. The most expensive choice is texture paint, which costs between Rs 80 and Rs 200 per square foot.

Type of Paint	Cost to paint a 2 BHK flat (per sq. ft.)
Enamel Paint	Rs. 80
Distemper	Rs. 10
Lustre Paint	Rs. 26-30
Emulsion Paint	Rs. 12-60
Textured Paint	Rs. 80-200

1000 sq ft House Painting Cost

Thinking of giving your 1000 sq ft house in India a fresh coat of paint? Budgeting is key. The cost can range from INR 30,000 to INR 60,000, influenced by paint type, quality, and even your location. Material costs can be broken down as follows: paint (INR 10-20/sq ft), primer and putty (INR 2-3/sq ft each), and other supplies (INR 1-2/sq ft). Labour can add another INR 10-20 per sq ft. To save, consider less expensive paint options like distemper, do some prep work yourself, and always compare quotes from multiple painters. Remember, costs can vary, especially in major cities or for special finishes.

How to Select the Right Paint and Colour for Your Home?

The cost of painting a house per square foot in India is decided by the owner, the size of the space to be painted, and the quality of the materials used. The colours on the walls can completely change the look of a room, making it more inviting and modern. Bold colour combos such as cobalt blue and turquoise, olive and aubergine, and brilliant yellow and fresh green are presently popular. The walls are now adorned with pastel colours like lilac, textures, and traditional Indian art like kalamkari and Madhubani.

Before starting a new painting project in your home, there are a few things to think about. To begin, homeowners must select if they want warm, cold, neutral, bold, or dark colours, as this will have an impact on the labour cost for painting walls in India. Consider the subject of the décor, furnishings, and carpet when seeking to achieve colour harmony. After that, choose a few paint colours for the walls and experiment with the samples. Before selecting a colour, paint the wall with these samples and see how they look at different times of the day.

Tricks to Select the Perfect Colour Palette for Your Home

Painter cost per day in India depends on the choice of the material and the area it covers. If you already are spending a considerable amount of money on labour, then it is important to choose the right colours. Below are a few tips and tricks to help you - 

• Select the colour of your choice
• Choose a colour that shares a pattern with your furniture
• Vertically, start decorating from dark to light
• Address the formal setting areas of the house, then the private rooms
• Use a colour wheel
• If unable to decide on a colour, take the help with your clothes and choose the colour that you have the most
• Black accents work well with all colours
• Choose grey accents when in doubt
• Use the 60-30-10 rule
• Use small patterns and accents to make your corner pop
• Balance the contrast between warm and cool
• Have centrepieces to go with the textured walls
• Opt for a monochromatic look for your bathroom and kitchen

Below is a detailed chart to give you information to choose the right paint for yourself

Category	Sub-category	Water-based paint (Distemper, emulsion, lustre, texture)	Oil-based paint (Enamel, emulsion, lustre)
Characteristics	Sheen levels	Provides a satisfactory sheen finish for an extended period	High sheen level, but fades over time
	Probability of cracking	Less susceptible to cracking	More susceptible to cracking
	Durability	High resistance to wear-and-tear	High resistance to wear-and-tear
	Emissions	Low level of VOC emissions	High level of VOC emissions
Usage	Interior or exterior use	More suited for exterior use	More suited for interior use
Application	Surface condition needed for application	Can tolerate small amounts of moisture on a surface before application	The surface must be completely dry before application
	Time needed for application	Lesser application time as compared to oil paints	Requires more application time than water paints
	After-application odour levels	Less odour after painting	More odour after painting (gives off the ‘newly painted’ smell)
Time taken to dry and harden	Touch dry	30-60 minutes	6-8 hours
	Time taken to fully harden	1-4 weeks	2-3 days

Tips For Painting a House Exterior or Interior

• There has been a shift away from solvent-based paints to water-based paints. It is preferable to use odourless, chemical-free, and low-volatile organic compound (VOC) products (volatile organic compounds). People who are allergic to chemicals should use non-toxic paints that do not contain VOCs. (Before investing in any paint, keep in mind the labour cost of painting a house per square foot in India. As adding both together is a considerable amount.)
• Paint a house on a warm, dry day, such as a summer day. The amount of time it takes for paint to dry is proportional to the temperature and conditions present at the time of application. 
• The pricing and quality of the paint are important factors to consider when choosing a colour. Always purchase branded, high-quality paints.
• To avoid seepage or dampness, treat the wall with a water-resistant solution before painting it, both inside and out.
• Choosing the correct exterior paint is also critical for preventing long-term water damage. In addition to costs and other factors, it's critical to ask these questions before hiring home painters.
• To avoid rust, paint the balcony and window grills.
• Don't forget about the ceilings when calculating the price for interior painting.
• Determine how much natural light your rooms receive before choosing the right colour and tone. Warmer tones are required in darker areas, whereas cooler tones can be used in brighter areas. The cost of painting a house per square foot in India is once in a few years, so make the most of it. 

Additional Factors Affecting the Cost of Painting a House Per Square Foot in India

Primer

This ingredient serves as a foundation for the paint, enhancing its appearance. Primer prices vary depending on the many types of primers available. A litre of primer can cover between 210 and 270 square feet. Primer costs somewhere between Rs 140 and Rs 200 per litre. To ensure better paint application, contractors frequently apply a coat of primer before applying putty.

Putty

water-resistant white cement-based material that is used on a surface to smooth out defects and undulations. 1 kg of putty covers 15 to 35 square feet on average and costs around Rs 50 per kg. 

Painting vs. Repainting

The final cost is affected by whether your home has recently been painted or requires repainting. Painting requires a fresh coat of putty, a coat of primer, and at least 2-3 coats of paint. Repainting, on the other hand, requires touch-ups, a priming coat, and one or two coats of paint. Repainting is more costly than starting from scratch.

Cost of Labour

Labour charges for painting accounts for roughly three-quarters of the total cost of materials. If the material cost is Rs 5,000, the personnel cost is ((3/2) *5,000) - Rs 7,500. Prices, on the other hand, may differ between cities. For example, metro cities have higher labour costs than non-metro cities. Painting your walls can save you money on labour as well, but only if you have the time, energy, and basic know-how.

To get the accurate painting cost per square foot for the cities mentioned above is a hard task. But there is a summary of the ballpark that is applicable for all urban cities, the chart below explains it.  You will also learn about different kinds of paint such as texture paint and its cost per sq ft

Cost of exterior painting	From Rs. 13 per sq. ft. + labour
Cost of interior painting	Rs 12 – 35 per sq. ft.
Cost of repaint	Rs 12 – 28 per sq. ft.
Cost of fresh paint	Rs 20 – 38 per sq. ft.
Cost of emulsion	Rs. 12 per sq. ft.
Cost of distemper	From Rs. 8 per sq. ft.
Cost of texture paint	From Rs. 80 per sq. ft.

How to Save More Money when Painting Your Home?

By deciding to do a serious estimate of your painting costs, you are one step closer to saving money spent on painting your home. Here are a few tips that you may use to save money.

1. Reuse supplies  - for example, you might have painting tape, brushes and rollers that were used during a previous painting session.
2. Pay attention to paint quality - the lower paint quality might be good to go, but finding the right price, even if it is a little higher, would mean that you might get features like life-time warranty, self-prime etc.
3. Use primer Judiciously -Self-priming paints are available in the market, which can cut the additional cost of buying a primer.
4. Reuse colours–  If you are thoroughly bent on saving money in painting cost, the most effective way to do that would be using.

Cost to Paint Inside of House by Bedrooms

The best way to find the cost of painting any room of the house is to rely on a professional painting contractor who can accurately estimate the cost. The painting contractor could measure the area to be counted and can give you an accurate estimate of the same. Cost of painting 2 coats on an average sized bedroom can range anywhere from ₹2500 to ₹4500.

Cost to Repaint a Whole House Interior

Based on the above mentioned cost of painting and labour,you may easily estimate the cost of painting your whole house interior. But it is recommended that you hire a professional painting contractor for the same. The cost of painting the Interiors of a 1BHK can vary between ₹2500 to ₹7000.

How to Estimate Paint Quantity and Cost for a 2 BHK Flat Like a Pro?

Calculating the paint quantity and cost for a 2 BHK flat can be tricky if you are not familiar with the process. Here are some tips that can help you estimate the quantity of paint required and the total cost involved in painting your 2 BHK flat:

• Measure the area of the walls and ceiling in your 2 BHK flat. This will give you an idea of the total surface area that needs to be painted and make it easier to calculate the painting rates per square foot.

• Decide on the type of paint you want to use. The cost of the paint will depend on the quality and brand you choose.

• Check the coverage area of the paint you have chosen. Most paint brands mention the coverage area on the packaging or website.

• Calculate the paint quantity required by dividing the total surface area of the walls and ceiling by the coverage area of the paint you have chosen.

• Multiply the paint quantity required by the cost per litre of the paint to get the total cost of the paint required.

• Don't forget to factor in the painting labour cost per sq ft, which includes the cost of the painters, their labour charge, and any other additional costs.

To save time and money, consider using NoBroker's interior décor services. We provide professional painting services along with some of the lowest painting charge per square foot . Our team of experts will take care of everything, from estimating the paint quantity to completing the painting job efficiently.

Things to Consider Before Calculating the Overall Painting Price per Square Foot

Estimating the overall painting price per square foot can be challenging, especially when you are unfamiliar with the factors that can affect the cost to paint walls. Here are some key factors that you need to consider before calculating the overall painting price per square foot:

• Surface preparation: The cost of painting per square foot will depend on the condition of the walls and ceiling. If there are cracks, holes, or uneven surfaces, additional surface preparation work will be required, which can add to the cost.

• Type of paint: The cost of paint will vary depending on the quality and brand you choose. High-quality paints may cost more, but they are worth the investment in the long run as they last longer.

• Painting labour rates: The painting labour cost per sq ft can vary depending on the experience and skill of the painters. Some painters may charge more than others, but it is important to choose painters who are reliable and experienced.

• Additional costs: There may be additional costs involved, such as the cost of primer, putty, and other materials. It is important to factor in these costs while estimating the overall painting price per square foot.

• Time required: The time required to complete the painting job can also affect the overall painting price per square foot. If the job requires more time, the cost will be higher.

At NoBroker, we offer affordable painting services that take care of all these factors. Our team of professionals will ensure that your 2 BHK flat looks great without breaking the bank.

To summarise, the cost of painting a house per square foot in India is determined by a variety of criteria, including the size of the property, whether it is exterior or interior painting, whether it is new painting or repainting, and the type of paint used. You must consult professionals to get an estimate of the total cost of painting a house. Are you looking for someone to assist you with the renovation of your home? NoBroker is the answer for you. We guarantee 5-star service at an affordable price. Please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you shortly.

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