Updated 27 September 2026
Paint walls or ceilings (per m²) cost UK 2026
The going rate for paint walls or ceilings (per m²) in 2026 is £10–£20/m² (total, ex VAT). Below: a calculator, what the job involves, materials at three price levels, and the prep that changes the price.
Market band£10–£20/m²
Worked example, 60 m²£600
Time on site2 days
Paint walls or ceilings (per m²) calculator
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Market band source: Checkatrade.
What the job involves
| Stage | Task | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| prep | Move furniture, sheet and mask | 0.5 h |
| prep | Fill, sand and spot-prime | 0.05 h per m² |
| paint | Cut in and roll, two coats | 0.2 h per m² |
| paint | Clean up, touch in, rehang | 0.25 h |
Materials at three price levels
| Material | Budget | Trade | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall emulsion (5L) 5L | £17 Leyland Trade Vinyl Matt 5L — Budget trade matt | £30 Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt 5L — Dulux: 8–10 m²/L a coat; about 27 m² for two coats | £45 Dulux Trade Diamond Matt 5L — Scrubbable: kitchens, halls, rentals |
| Ceiling white emulsion (5L) 5L | £15 Trade brilliant white matt 5L — MyJobQuote: matt £5–£8 a litre | £22 Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt PBW 5L — Flat, hides roller marks | £32 Dulux Trade Diamond Matt white 5L — Bathrooms and kitchens |
| Filler, caulk, abrasives and tape job | £10 Filler, caulk, sandpaper — T2B: £60–£120 room materials incl. paint | £15 Toupret filler, decorator caulk, abrasives, tape — Crisp edges, no cracks | £22 Premium fillers, low-tack tape, dust-free sanding — Lived-in homes |
Trade prices ex VAT, estimates checked 2026-09-27. Log your receipts in Grafto and your own prices replace these.
What changes the price
- Walls or ceilings? walls · ceilings big effect
- Wall condition? good · fair - some filling · poor - cracks and stains
- Colour change? similar colour · dark to light
- New plaster? no · yes - mist coat first
- Room empty? empty · furnished
Good practice
- Ceilings: slower, overhead, more cutting in
Prep to look for
| Condition | Check | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Water or damp stains | brown rings, tide marks or mould on walls or ceiling | Seal stains with stain block; paint won't hide them. Fix any live damp first |
| Nicotine or smoke staining | yellow-brown film on walls and ceiling, especially above radiators | Sugar-soap wash and stain-block primer before emulsion |
| Artex or textured ceiling | swirl, stipple or popcorn texture on the ceiling | Textured coating: paint over it, never sand or scrape (pre-2000 may contain asbestos) |
| Mould on walls or ceiling | black spotting in corners, around windows or on bathroom ceilings | Treat mould and let it dry. Kill the mould and improve ventilation, or it comes back through the paint |
Questions
How much does paint walls or ceilings (per m²) cost in the UK in 2026?
The researched market band is £10–£20/m² (total, ex VAT), from Checkatrade. A worked example of 60 m² comes to about £542–£668 across budget, trade and premium materials.
How long does paint walls or ceilings (per m²) take?
The worked example of 60 m² takes about 2 working days.
What changes the price of paint walls or ceilings (per m²)?
Mainly walls or ceilings, plus any prep found on site: water or damp stains, nicotine or smoke staining, artex or textured ceiling, mould on walls or ceiling.
More decorating prices
Paint a roomHall, stairs and landingDecorate a whole house (interior)Paint internal doorsPaint skirting and architraveHang wallpaperStrip wallpaperPaint house exterior (masonry)Paint fascias and soffitsPaint or stain a fenceKitchen cabinet resprayPaint radiatorsPaint an exterior doorPaint timber windows (exterior)Stain or oil deckingPaint a garage door