Find the latest wall painting cost per sq ft in India for interiors and exteriors.
A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your home, making it look new, clean, and welcoming. But before getting started, you’re probably wondering the same thing every homeowner does: “What’s the wall painting cost per sq ft in India?”
From paint types and labour charges to brand preferences and surface condition, several factors can influence the final price. Whether you’re painting interiors, exteriors, or both, knowing the estimated house painting cost helps you plan better and avoid overspending.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about wall painting cost in India, with real examples, per square foot rates, and expert tips to help you make smart choices for your home.
So, ready to bring those walls to life? Let’s dive in.
Wall Painting Cost per Sq Ft in India (Quick Overview)
Before you dive into paint brands and colour palettes, it’s important to understand the average wall painting cost per sq ft in India, for both interior and exterior work. Whether you’re repainting a 2BHK flat or doing a fresh coat on a new duplex, this quick cost overview gives you a solid starting point for budgeting your painting project in 2025.
Type of Work
Cost per Sq Ft (₹)
Scope
Interior Painting (Basic)
₹12 – ₹20
Putty + Primer + Emulsion
Interior Painting (Premium)
₹22 – ₹35
Putty + Primer + Premium Emulsion
Exterior Painting (Basic)
₹15 – ₹25
Cement-based Paints
Exterior Painting (Premium)
₹25 – ₹40
Weatherproof, Anti-fungal Paint
Only Labour (Interior/Exterior)
₹6 – ₹10
Without material cost
Repainting (No Putty)
₹8 – ₹16
Primer + Single/Double Coat
Please note that these are standard market rates for 2025 and may vary slightly based on brand, location, labour availability, and wall condition.
Interior Wall Painting Cost in India
Interior painting is not just about colouring the walls; it’s about protection, finish, and long-term value. The interior wall painting cost per sq ft in India depends on factors like wall condition, paint quality, and the number of coats of putty, primer and paint that may be required. Whether you’re painting fresh walls or doing a repainting, this section breaks down the typical expenses for Indian homes in 2025
Major Cost Factors
Putty + Primer: ₹4-₹8 per sq ft
Emulsion Paint: ₹5-₹20 per sq ft (depending on brand & finish)
Labour Charges: ₹6-₹10 per sq ft
Total Interior Painting Cost: ₹12 – ₹35 per sq ft
Paint Options
Paint Type
Cost (₹ per litre)
Finish
Coverage (sq ft/litre)
Distemper (cheapest)
₹25 – ₹50
Matte, powdery finish
150 – 180 sq ft
Emulsion (standard)
₹120 – ₹250
Smooth, matte/satin
180 – 200 sq ft
Premium Emulsion (e.g., Royale, Apcolite)
₹350 – ₹600
Luxury finish, washable
220 – 280 sq ft
Expert Tips: Go for emulsion over distemper for longer-lasting and washable walls, especially in living rooms and bedrooms.
Exterior Painting Cost per Sq Ft in India
Exterior surfaces face constant exposure to sun, rain, and pollution, which makes exterior painting a more demanding (and slightly costlier) job. The exterior wall painting cost in India varies based on wall height, surface repairs, and weatherproof paint selection.
Let’s explore how much you’ll need to budget for a durable and attractive exterior finish.
Average Exterior Painting Cost
Basic Exterior Paint: ₹15 – ₹25 per sq ft
Premium Weatherproof Paint: ₹25 – ₹40 per sq ft
Labour Charges Only: ₹6 – ₹10 per sq ft
Popular Paint Types
Exterior Paint Type
Cost (₹ per litre)
Features
Cement Paint
₹40 – ₹80
Budget, needs curing
Acrylic Emulsion
₹180 – ₹250
Durable, water-resistant
Weatherproof Paint (e.g., Apex, Ultima)
₹350 – ₹600
UV resistant, anti-fungal
It is important to note that scaffolding, surface repairs, and wall height also impact the final paint cost.
Example: Total Painting Cost for a 2BHK Home
Still unsure how the per sq ft rates translate into total cost? Here’s a practical cost estimate for painting a typical 2BHK house in India, covering both interiors and (optionally) exteriors. This will help you visualise what to expect based on real-life space and paint selections.
Area
Rate (₹/sq ft)
Estimated Cost (₹)
Interior Walls
₹20
₹50,000 – ₹56,000
Ceiling (optional)
₹12
₹12,000 – ₹14,000
Exterior Walls (if applicable)
₹25
₹20,000 – ₹30,000
Total
—
₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000
Remember that the costs may be reduced if repainting or increased if using luxury paints and texture coatings.
How to Estimate the Paintable Area of Your Home
To calculate wall painting cost for your home, you need to first estimate the paintable surface area, not just the built-up size. This includes walls and ceilings, and depends on room height, layout, and number of walls.
As a rule of thumb, here’s a quick way to estimate the pritable area:
Home Type
Built-up Area (Sq Ft)
Approx. Paintable Area (Sq Ft)
1BHK
600 – 700
1,800 – 2,000
2BHK
900 – 1,200
2,400 – 2,800
3BHK
1,300 – 1,600
3,200 – 3,800
4BHK+
1,800 – 2,500
4,000 – 5,500+
Formula (approx): Paintable Area = Built-up Area × 2.2 to 2.5 (multiplier varies by layout & ceiling height)
How to Use This:
If your built-up area is 1,600 sq ft (say, for a 3BHK), then:
Estimated paintable area = 1,600 × 2.4 = 3,840 sq ft
If painting at ₹22/sq ft, total cost ≈ ₹84,480
You can now multiply your paintable area with the applicable cost per sq ft (based on paint quality) to get an estimated budget, whether it’s fresh painting or repainting.
Important note: The paintable area in this table refers to interior walls and ceilings only. If you’re planning to paint the exterior as well, you’ll need to add the surface area of the outer walls separately, based on elevation drawings or site measurements.
How to Estimate Exterior Wall Painting Area
If you’re painting a standalone house or duplex, you’ll also need to estimate the exterior paintable surface area. Unlike interiors, the exterior area depends on the building’s perimeter, height, and the number of exposed walls.
Here’s a simple formula most contractors use:
Exterior Paintable Area = Perimeter × Wall Height × Number of Floors
Example:
House size: 40 ft × 30 ft → Perimeter = (40+30)×2 = 140 ft
Wall height: 10 ft
Single floor → 1 storey
Exterior area = 140 × 10 × 1 = 1,400 sq ft
If the painting rate is ₹25 per sq ft (weatherproof paint), then:
Estimated exterior painting cost = (Printable area X Rate i.e. 1400×25) ₹35,000
Expert tip: Don’t forget to account for additional surfaces like boundary walls, parapets, and balconies if you plan to paint them too.
What Affects Wall Painting Cost?
Understanding the factors that influence wall painting cost in India can help you avoid budget surprises. From the type of paint you choose to the painter’s location and method of application, each element impacts the overall paint cost.
Let’s break down what drives up or down the price per square foot.
1. Type of Paint Chosen
Premium emulsion or weatherproof paints cost more upfront but last 2x longer than distemper.
2. Surface Condition
New walls may need 2 coats of putty and primer, increasing labour and material usage.
3. Number of Coats
Most paints require 2 coats for an ideal finish, some even 3 for dark colours.
4. Labour Availability
Rates vary by city:
Metro cities: ₹8 – ₹12 per sq ft
Small towns: ₹5 – ₹8 per sq ft
5. Painting Method
Brush & Roller: Standard
Spray Painting: Faster, needs skilled labour and more masking
Spray methods may cost 10-20% more but save time on large projects.
Repainting vs. Fresh Painting: What’s Cheaper?
Should you repaint or go for a fresh coat? The answer depends on the condition of your walls and the type of finish you want. In general, repainting costs less per sq ft because it involves minimal surface preparation, while fresh painting requires full treatment, including putty, primer, and multiple coats of paint.
Here’s how the two options compare.
Fresh Painting (on new plaster): Requires full prep — putty + primer + 2 coats → ₹18-₹35/sq ft
Repainting: Needs less putty, often skips priming → ₹8-₹16/sq ft Ideal for budget-friendly updates every 5-6 years.
Brands That Influence Painting Cost
The paint brand you choose significantly affects both your budget and the quality of the finish. Premium brands may cost more upfront, but they offer better coverage, durability, and fewer recoats. Let’s look at the most popular paint brands in India and how they impact the overall wall painting cost.
Popular Indian brands:
Asian Paints
Berger Paints
Nerolac
Indigo
Dulux
Premium finishes from brands like Royale (Asian Paints) or WeatherCoat Long Life (Berger) are costlier but worth it for high-end homes.
You may like to check our detailed guide on the best paint brands in India
Real-World Scenario: Budget vs Premium Painting
Not sure whether to go for basic or premium paints? Here’s a side-by-side comparison of budget vs premium wall painting cost in India, based on a standard 2BHK (approx 1200 sq ft) home. This will help you understand how paint selection affects your total expense — so you can balance aesthetics, durability, and cost-effectiveness before making a decision.
Scenario
Paint Type
Rate (₹/sq ft)
Total Cost (1,200 sq ft area)
Budget Interior Only
Basic Emulsion
₹15
₹37,500 – ₹40,000
Mid-range Full House
Emulsion + Acrylic
₹22
₹55,000 – ₹65,000
Premium Look & Finish
Royale + Ultima
₹30 – ₹35
₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000
Final Thoughts: Wall Painting Cost in India Made Simple
To sum it up, wall painting cost per sq ft in India typically ranges between ₹12 – ₹40, depending on the paint type, surface condition, and labour rates in your area. Labour alone can account for up to 50% of the total cost, so getting a fair, transparent estimate is very crucial.
While premium paints cost more, they also last longer, offer a better finish, and reduce the need for frequent touch-ups. Repainting is generally more affordable than fresh painting, but it’s important to assess the wall condition first.
Pro Tip: Always ask for a detailed quotation from a verified painting contractor, including materials, brand, paint range, and number of coats to avoid pricing surprises later.
If you’re unsure where to begin or need a second opinion, we’re here to help. Feel free to get in touch with Houseyog for a free, no-obligation painting estimate for your home.
And if you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with friends or neighbours planning a home makeover!
