Getting your home or office repainted sounds simple — until you start researching painting cost per sqft in Repainting your home or office sounds simple — until you start researching painting cost per sqft in Singapore, comparing paint brands, and reading conflicting painters reviews online. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before hiring a painting company in Singapore, from budgeting to choosing the right contractor.
How Much Does Painting Cost in Singapore?
Painting cost in Singapore usually depends on three things: the size of the space, the type of paint used, and the condition of your existing walls.
Rough price ranges for HDB flats:
- One room (bedroom/study): $450 – $550
- 3-room HDB flat (whole unit): $790 – $1,000
- 4-room HDB flat (whole unit): $1,090 – $1,200
- 5-room / Executive flat: $1,490 – $2,390
Painting cost per sqft typically ranges from $1.70 to $2.90, depending on whether you’re using standard emulsion or premium washable paint, and whether your quote includes ceilings, skirting, and doors.
Condos and landed properties usually cost more per sqft because of higher ceilings, more intricate trim work, and larger surface areas — but the per-sqft rate can actually drop slightly since painters quote in bulk.
What Affects Your Final Quote
- Wall condition — Cracks, mould, or old flaking paint need surface prep (skim coating, sanding, priming) before repainting, which adds to labour cost.
- Number of coats — Dark-to-light colour changes often need 2–3 coats instead of the standard 2.
- Paint brand and finish — Premium paints and specialty finishes (like anti-mould or low-VOC) cost more per litre but often reduce future maintenance.
- Accessibility — Void decks, high ceilings, and multi-storey landed homes need scaffolding or extended ladders, which affects labour pricing.
- GST — Always check whether your painting service quote is inclusive or exclusive of GST before comparing prices between contractors.
Nippon Paint vs Dulux: Which Should You Choose?
Homeowners across Singapore commonly choose these two paint brands for HDB and condo painting.
- Nippon Paint dominates the local market thanks to strong weather resistance (useful for Singapore’s humidity) and a large range of anti-fungus and anti-bacterial formulations, which suit bathrooms and kitchens.
- Dulux stands out for its colour consistency and smoother matte finishes, and many homeowners prefer it for feature walls and living rooms where a premium look matters more than heavy-duty durability.
Neither brand is objectively “better” — it comes down to the room’s function, humidity exposure, and your budget. A good painting contractor should be able to recommend the right brand and finish per room rather than using one paint for the whole flat.
Water-Based vs Oil-Based Paint
- Water-based (latex/emulsion) paint dries faster, has far less odour, and remains the standard choice for walls and ceilings in Singapore homes today.
- Oil-based paint offers a harder, more durable finish, and some painters still use it for doors, window grilles, and metal railings, but it takes longer to dry and has a much stronger smell during application.
For most HDB and condo interior painting jobs, water-based paint remains the practical choice — it’s also easier to clean up and suits Singapore’s warm, humid climate better.
How Long Does Painting Take in Singapore?
- One room: Half a day to 1 day
- 3-room flat: 2 – 3 days
- 4- to 5-room flat: 3 – 5 days
- Condo unit: 4 – 7 days, depending on size and detailing
- Void deck / common corridor painting: Contractors usually schedule this over several days in sections, to avoid disrupting residents
Drying time between coats, wall prep work, and furniture you still need to move or cover all affect the timeline. If you’re renovating, ask your painter for a realistic schedule that fits around other contractors.
Painting Before or After Renovation?
This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask, and the general rule is:
Paint after major renovation works (hacking, plastering, electrical, plumbing) but before flooring and furniture move-in.
Painting before hacking or electrical work risks damage from dust, debris, and wall openings. Painting after your contractor installs the flooring risks paint drips and splatter on your new floors. Most contractors recommend painting once you finish all “wet works” and wiring, once you lay down floor protection, and before curtains, furniture, or built-in carpentry arrive.
If you’re only repainting an existing home without renovation, this isn’t a concern — just move or cover your furniture properly first.
How to Choose a Paint Colour for Your HDB Flat
- Test before committing. Get sample pots and paint a small patch on your wall — lighting changes colour perception throughout the day.
- Consider natural light. North- and east-facing units often suit warmer tones; units with strong afternoon sun can handle cooler, muted shades better.
- Keep flow in mind. Adjoining rooms visible from each other (like open-concept living/dining) look best with complementary, not clashing, tones.
- Think long-term. Neutral base tones with an accent wall are easier to update later than an entire flat in a bold colour.
HDB Painting Checklist
Before your painter arrives:
- Remove or cover furniture, electronics, and fixtures
- Take down wall-mounted items (frames, shelves, curtains)
- Note down any cracks, dampness, or mould patches to flag to your contractor
- Confirm number of coats, paint brand, and finish in writing
- Confirm whether the quote includes GST
- Check whether the price includes ceiling, skirting, and door frames, or whether your contractor bills these separately
- Ask about warranty coverage for peeling, cracking, or colour fading
- Agree on a start and completion date in writing
How to Get Rid of Paint Smell After Painting
- Ventilate aggressively — open all windows and doors, and use fans to push air through the unit for at least 24–48 hours.
- Use an air purifier with an activated carbon filter to help absorb lingering VOC odours.
- Ask for low-VOC or low-odour paint upfront — manufacturers formulate many modern water-based paints in Singapore to minimise smell.
- Avoid staying overnight in a freshly-painted room for the first day if the smell is strong, especially for households with young children, pregnant women, or respiratory sensitivities.
- Place bowls of activated charcoal or baking soda in the room to help absorb residual odour over a few days, though ventilation remains the most effective method.
Choosing a Painting Company in Singapore: What to Check
With so many painting service providers advertising online, here’s what actually separates a reliable contractor from a risky one:
- Reviews across multiple platforms — Don’t rely on a single review site. Cross-check Google reviews, Facebook, and even community forum threads (many Singaporeans compare painter recommendations informally online) before booking.
- Written warranty — A reputable painting company should offer a workmanship warranty (commonly 1–2 years) covering peeling, bubbling, or uneven finishing.
- Transparent, itemised quotes — Look for a breakdown of labour, materials, and GST rather than a single vague lump sum.
- Portfolio of past HDB/condo/commercial work — Ask to see photos of similar jobs, including void deck or corridor painting if that’s what you need.
- Clear scope of work — Confirm exactly which surfaces the quote covers: walls only, or walls, ceiling, doors, and skirting.
- Promotions vs. value — Seasonal promotions can bring real savings, but always compare against the itemised scope of work, not just the headline discount.
Why Homeowners Choose Premium Painting Singapore
At Premium Painting Singapore, we handle everything from single-room touch-ups to full HDB, condo, and commercial repainting — including void decks and common corridors. We keep every quote transparent and GST-clear, work exclusively with trusted brands like Nippon Paint, and back our workmanship with a service warranty so you never have to chase touch-ups after the job ends.
Whether you need us to repaint a full flat before renovation handover, refresh a single feature wall, or run a scheduled painting contract for your building’s common areas, our team plans around your timeline and budget from the first quote to final coat.
Get a free, no-obligation quote from Premium Painting Singapore today and see exactly what your painting project will cost — with no hidden charges.
