Paint Cost Calculator Australia — Materials & Labour
Room details
Standard Australian ceiling height is 2.4 m. New builds often use 2.7 m or 3.0 m.
Each standard door deducts 1.62 m²
Each window deducts 1.44 m²
Professional rates are typically $35–$45/m² in Australian capital cities, including preparation, undercoat, and 2 coats of finish.
Cost estimate
Area breakdown
Paint
Cost
Wall area = perimeter (2 × length + 2 × width) × height. Standard deductions: door = 1.62 m² (900 × 1,800 mm), window = 1.44 m² (1,200 × 1,200 mm). A coverage rate of 12 m²/L is used — conservative, consistent with AS/NZS 2311 guidance and typical for two-coat application on plasterboard. A 10% waste factor is applied. Paint is rounded up to the nearest 4 L tin. Labour rates are indicative for Australian capital city markets in 2026 and include preparation, masking, and cleanup. Regional areas may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a room in Australia in 2026?
A typical bedroom (3.5 m × 3 m × 2.4 m ceiling) costs approximately $600–$1,200 for professional painting including preparation, two coats of mid-range paint, and cleanup. A larger lounge room (5 m × 4 m) costs $900–$1,800. DIY material costs for the same rooms are roughly $80–$200 depending on paint tier. Prices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are at the higher end; Adelaide, Perth, and regional areas are typically lower.
What is the difference between budget, mid-range, and premium paint in Australia?
Budget paints ($25–$35/L, e.g. Taubmans Endure, Wattyl I.D.) offer acceptable coverage and washability for low-traffic areas like bedrooms. Mid-range paints ($45–$55/L, e.g. Dulux Wash & Wear, Haymes Surface Prep Plus) have better opacity, durability and washability — suitable for living areas and hallways. Premium paints ($65–$80/L, e.g. Dulux Aquanamel, Haymes Ultra Premium) offer superior stain resistance, gloss retention, and longevity — recommended for kitchens, bathrooms, high-traffic areas, and trim. Spending more on premium paint typically reduces repainting frequency, which is usually the better long-term value.
How many coats of paint do I need?
For new plasterboard: 1 coat of sealer/undercoat plus 2 coats of topcoat. For repainting a similar colour: 2 coats. For changing from a dark colour to a lighter one: 2–3 coats, or 1 coat of stain-blocking primer plus 2 topcoats. For going from white to a very dark colour: 2 coats is typically sufficient with modern high-hide paints. Always allow full dry time between coats — typically 2–4 hours in normal conditions.
Should I DIY or hire a professional painter in Australia?
DIY painting saves 60–75% of the total cost but requires time, preparation skill, and the right tools (roller, cut-in brush, drop sheets, masking tape, extension pole). For a straightforward repaint in the same colour, DIY is very accessible. For fresh plaster, complex colour changes, high ceilings, trim painting, or preparation of damaged surfaces, a professional painter will achieve a significantly better result. In Australia, professional painters typically quote per square metre (walls) or per room. Always get at least 2–3 quotes and check for QBCC, VBA, or equivalent licensing in your state.
How many litres of paint do I need per room?
A standard bedroom (3.5 m × 3 m × 2.4 m ceiling, 1 door, 1 window) needs approximately 5–8 litres for two coats of walls. Adding the ceiling adds another 3–4 litres. Most Australian paint retailers stock 1 L, 2 L, 4 L and 10 L tins. For best economy, use this calculator to get your estimate, then round up to the nearest 4 L tin — having a little extra ensures you can do touch-ups with the same batch number later.