Nothing quite beats the feeling of walking into a room that’s just been freshly painted. That clean, smooth look? It’s as if your walls are waking up with a brand-new energy, ready to brighten the entire room. A new paint job doesn’t just beautify your space; it quietly works behind the scenes, boosting your home’s value, protecting your walls from wear and tear, and even setting the mood. But before you dive in, you might be wondering how much it costs to paint a room—and that’s exactly what we’re here to unpack today.
At Quest Paintings, we’ve seen firsthand how a quality paint coat can breathe life into a tired-looking room. But before you grab a brush or call in the pros, there’s one big question you’re probably asking: What does it costs to give a room a fresh coat of paint? We’ll take the mystery out of it and show you exactly what goes into the cost.
Well, let’s break it down for you in plain English—no fluff, no jargon, just the facts and a bit of friendly advice.
What Affects the Costs of Painting a Room?
Now, painting might seem simple—dip, roll, repeat—but the actual cost depends on a handful of factors that can add up if you’re not paying attention. It’s not just about buying a can of paint and hoping for the best. Here’s what contributes to the pricing:
- Size of the paintable surface: Larger walls mean more paint. Simple, right? But don’t forget ceilings and those tricky corners.
- Type of paint finish: Matte, satin, gloss—each comes with its price tag and purpose. Gloss works well for high-traffic areas, but it’s a bit pricier.
- Cheaper paint might save you money today, but it’ll likely have you repainting tomorrow. Good quality paint lasts—and saves in the long run. Cheap paint often requires more coats, which ultimately costs more over time.
- Wall condition: Do you have cracks, stains, or old flaky paint? Addressing these issues before painting can increase the final quote.
- Number of doors and windows: More cut-ins around doors, windows, and trims mean additional time—and time is money.
If you’re thinking bigger than just one room, you might also want to explore the cost of painting an entire house to plan your budget wisely.
Painting isn’t just about applying color to walls—it’s about getting it right, so it lasts and looks great.
A lot of thought goes into making it appear as though it was done right. When you sit down with professional house painters (like us!), these are exactly the aspects we consider before giving you a fair quote.
Let’s Talk Numbers – Costs Of Room Paint
Before you start pulling out the calculator or Googling “cheap paint deals near me,” let’s give you a ballpark figure. If you’re hiring house painters in Melbourne:
- For simple painting jobs, expect hourly rates starting around $35.
- If the job requires more care or detail, prices can rise to about $45 an hour.
- Cost per square meter: Usually between $10 and $60, depending on the tasks being performed.
- Average room cost: You’re typically looking at $250 to $400 per room.
Of course, these are general estimates. The final cost depends on how much prep work is needed, the type of paint you choose, and whether you’re painting just the walls or going all out—ceiling, trims, and everything.
Think of it like ordering coffee. You could go with a simple long black (basic walls), or you might want a double-shot almond milk caramel latte with foam art (walls, ceilings, trims, and touch-ups). Both are coffees, but one requires significantly more effort.
Here’s why bringing in a pro pays off in the long run
You might be thinking, “I could do this myself and save a few bucks.” And sure, if you love DIY, go for it! But if you want that smooth, streak-free, magazine-cover finish—and to avoid a backache from stretching to reach the ceiling—there are some good reasons to hand it over to the pros.
1. They Know Their Stuff
Professional painters don’t merely arrive with brushes. They enter, assess your space, and know exactly what your walls need. Flaky paint? They will strip it. Uneven surface? They will sand it. Stubborn old water stain? Gone like yesterday’s news.
They also assist you in choosing colors that won’t make you regret your life choices in six months. Here’s the thing—white isn’t just white. One has a warm glow, another appears icy, and some end up looking plain dull.
2. You’ll Receive a Transparent, Cost-Effective Quote
Ever tried budgeting for a painting project only to find yourself spending twice as much as planned? That’s where professionals excel. We assess the room size, the surface condition, and the amount of paint needed, then provide you with a clear, detailed quote.
And guess what? That quote includes everything: paint, tools, and time. No sneaky add-ons later. It’s all upfront, so you’re not left wondering why your “cheap weekend project” now feels like a renovation.
3. Timely Work That Doesn’t Drag On
Let’s face it—time is precious. No one wants to live in a half-painted room for two weeks because “you’ll finish it next Sunday.” Professional painters adhere to a schedule. We’re not here to rush through; we ensure the job’s done well and finished when we say it will be.
One of our past clients said it best: “I thought I could do the living room in a weekend. Two weekends later, I still hadn’t finished one wall. Then Quest Paintings came in and did the whole thing in two days—perfectly.” We’ll take that as a compliment.
4. We Bring the Right Tools for the Job
It’s not just about brushes and rollers. Sometimes, painting a room requires drop cloths, ladders, sanding machines, and spray guns. We come equipped with everything. No last-minute trips to Bunnings. No guesswork.
And yes, we clean up after ourselves—because nobody wants to find a footprint in their fresh white paint.
A Real-World Example: The Master Bedroom Makeover
Picture this—you’re ready to refresh the main bedroom with a new color. How much are we talking about? Let’s crunch the numbers. It’s about 4×4 meters, has one large window, and an ensuite door. The walls look decent but show signs of wear, like small holes and light scratches. You want a soft, neutral tone with a satin finish.
Here’s how that might break down:
- Paint and supplies: $100–$150
- Labour (around 6–8 hours): $250–$350
- Minor wall prep: $50
Total? Somewhere around $400–$500, give or take.
Now compare that to doing it yourself: buying brushes, rollers, drop sheets, filler, tape, paint trays… not to mention your time. And if you mess it up? You might end up calling in the pros anyway, to fix it and repaint.
What’s Included in a Professional Quote?
At Quest Paintings, we believe clarity is key. That’s why every quote we provide includes:
- Surface preparation (sanding, filling, cleaning)
- Two coats of premium quality paint
- Tools, equipment, and materials
- Labor and time to complete the job
- Post-job clean-up and inspection
We’re not here to upsell you. Our goal is simple: deliver quality work that meets your expectations, nothing extra, nothing less.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
Painting a room isn’t just about color. It’s about atmosphere, personality, and care. Whether you’re updating a tired guest bedroom, prepping the nursery, or just need a change of scenery, it starts with a single coat of paint—and the right team behind it.
At Quest Paintings, we’ve helped hundreds of Melbourne homeowners fall in love with their spaces again. We understand the little things—like how natural light changes the way a colour looks, or how a satin finish might be a better fit for your busy hallway than matte.
We’re not just painters. We’re listeners. We’re planners. And we treat every room like it’s the heart of your home.
Now, the big question—what’s the costs of paint a room?
Not just dollars and cents, but care, precision, and that feeling of stepping into a space that finally feels right.