Getting your home painted but not sure how much it should cost? You're not alone — painting is one of the most opaque home services in India, with wildly varying quotes. This guide breaks down exact painting rates per square foot, by paint brand, and by city so you can budget accurately and avoid being overcharged.
House Painting Cost Per Sq Ft in India (2026)
| Paint Type | Cost Per Sq Ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Distemper (basic) | ₹8 – ₹14 | Budget repaints, rental properties |
| Emulsion (standard) | ₹16 – ₹25 | Interior walls, mid-range homes |
| Premium Emulsion | ₹25 – ₹40 | Living rooms, bedrooms, high quality finish |
| Texture Paint | ₹45 – ₹90 | Feature walls, modern interiors |
| Exterior Paint | ₹20 – ₹40 | Outside walls, weather resistance |
| Waterproof Coating | ₹35 – ₹65 | Terraces, bathroom walls, seepage areas |
💡 These rates include both paint material and labour. Ask your painter to quote separately for material and labour so you can verify paint brand and quantity used.
Total Painting Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | Standard Emulsion | Premium Emulsion |
|---|---|---|
| 1BHK (approx. 600 sq ft paintable area) | ₹9,600 – ₹15,000 | ₹15,000 – ₹24,000 |
| 2BHK (approx. 1,000 sq ft) | ₹16,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 |
| 3BHK (approx. 1,400 sq ft) | ₹22,000 – ₹35,000 | ₹35,000 – ₹56,000 |
| 4BHK (approx. 1,800 sq ft) | ₹29,000 – ₹45,000 | ₹45,000 – ₹72,000 |
Popular Paint Brands in India – Price Comparison
- Asian Paints Royale: Premium emulsion — ₹380–₹550 per litre
- Berger Silk: Premium emulsion — ₹350–₹500 per litre
- Nerolac Excel: Exterior — ₹300–₹450 per litre
- Dulux Weathershield: Exterior — ₹350–₹500 per litre
- Asian Paints Tractor Emulsion: Standard — ₹180–₹280 per litre
One litre of emulsion covers approximately 120–140 sq ft with two coats. Use this to verify the quantity your painter quotes.
What Affects House Painting Cost?
- Surface condition: New walls need primer + 2 coats. Old walls with cracks need putty filling, which adds ₹5–₹12 per sq ft.
- Number of coats: Quality work needs minimum 2 coats. Some painters quote low using one coat — always specify 2 coats in writing.
- Ceiling vs walls: Ceiling painting is harder (overhead work) — typically costs 20–30% more per sq ft.
- Paint brand: The biggest variable. Premium paints last 5–7 years; budget paints last 2–3 years.
- City: Labour costs vary — Mumbai and Bangalore tend to be 15–20% higher than smaller cities.
Red Flags When Hiring a Painter
- Quote suspiciously low upfront — they cut corners on coats or use diluted paint
- No written quote with paint brand, quantity, and number of coats specified
- Demands full payment upfront
- No previous work portfolio or references
How Long Does House Painting Take?
- 1BHK: 3–4 days
- 2BHK: 5–7 days
- 3BHK: 7–10 days
- Each coat needs 4–6 hours drying time before the next coat
Get Your Home Painted at Transparent Rates
HUNAR's professional painters serve Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and more. Written quote with brand, quantity and coats specified. No surprises.
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