Updated 27 September 2026
Paint skirting and architrave cost UK 2026
The going rate for paint skirting and architrave in 2026 is decent: £8–£12/m · needs restoring: £15–£20/m (total, ex VAT). Below: a calculator, what the job involves, materials at three price levels, and the prep that changes the price.
Market band, decent£8–£12/m
Worked example, 40 m£408
Time on site1.5 days
Paint skirting and architrave calculator
Price a real job freeUses your rates, your speed and your receipts.
Market bands
| Option | Band | Source |
|---|---|---|
| decent | £8–£12/m | MyJobQuote |
| needs restoring | £15–£20/m | MyJobQuote |
What the job involves
| Stage | Task | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| prep | Move furniture, sheet and mask | 0.5 h |
| prep | Sand, fill and caulk skirting | 0.05 h per m |
| paint | Two coats on skirting | 0.15 h per m |
| paint | Clean up, touch in, rehang | 0.25 h |
Materials at three price levels
| Material | Budget | Trade | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skirting satinwood (2.5L) 2.5L | £22 Trade satinwood 2.5L — MyJobQuote: £18–£25 a litre retail | £32 Dulux Trade Satinwood 2.5L — One litre does a small room, two coats | £45 Water-based Diamond Satinwood 2.5L — Stays white |
| 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
- Skirting condition? decent · needs restoring big effect
- Room empty? empty · furnished
Prep to look for
| Condition | Check | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Old lead-based paint | Pre-1970 paintwork (many layers, alligator cracking)? | Treat as lead: no dry sanding or burning off; wet-abrade or chemical strip, bag waste |
Questions
How much does paint skirting and architrave cost in the UK in 2026?
The researched market band is decent: £8–£12/m · needs restoring: £15–£20/m (total, ex VAT), from MyJobQuote. A worked example of 40 m comes to about £389–£434 across budget, trade and premium materials.
How long does paint skirting and architrave take?
The worked example of 40 m takes about 1.5 working days.
What changes the price of paint skirting and architrave?
Mainly skirting condition, plus any prep found on site: old lead-based paint.
More decorating prices
Paint a roomPaint walls or ceilings (per m²)Hall, stairs and landingDecorate a whole house (interior)Paint internal doorsHang 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