Cost of Painting a House Per Square Foot in India: Paint Type, Material Cost and Labour Cost

The cost of painting a house per square foot in India varies by location but generally ranges from ₹10 to ₹35, depending on the type of paint, surface, and labour used. Exterior painting typically costs more due to the need for weather-resistant materials and scaffolding. For interiors, most landowners select water-based emulsion paints because they dry quickly, have minimal odor, and are durable. For a 1,000-square-foot house, the total painting budget generally ranges from ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakh, depending on paint quality and the number of coats required.

List of Cost of Painting a House Per Square Feet and Labour Charges in India 2025

Here’s a list for the Cost of Painting a House Per Square foot and Labour Charges in India (2025):

Type of Paint	Material Cost (₹/sq. ft.)	Labour Charges (₹/sq. ft.)	Total Cost (₹/sq. ft.)
Enamel Paint	₹80	₹20–₹25	₹100–₹105
Distemper	₹10	₹8–₹10	₹18–₹20
Lustre Paint	₹26–₹30	₹12–₹15	₹38–₹45
Emulsion Paint	₹12–₹60	₹10–₹25	₹22–₹85
Textured Paint	₹80–₹200	₹40–₹60	₹120–₹260
Cement Paint	₹8 – ₹12	₹6 – ₹10	₹6 – ₹10
Bituminous Paint	₹30 – ₹45	₹12 – ₹18	₹42 – ₹63
Aluminium Paint	₹25 – ₹40	₹10 – ₹15	₹35 – ₹55

Note: Prices may vary depending on the city, wall condition, paint brand, and contractor. Always confirm with local service providers.

What Are the Places Where Painting Needs to Be Done?

When evaluating painting costs per square foot, the main distinction is whether the work is exterior (outdoors) or interior (indoors). The qualities of both exterior and interior paints are greatly impacted by their environment. Many factors, including the size of interior and exterior walls, influence the cost of house painting. To make informed decisions for your home improvement project, understanding the difference in painting rates for interior and exterior walls is essential. While the final cost depends on paint quality (basic, mid-range, or premium), labor, and wall condition, distinct factors influence the per-square-foot rate for each area.

Difference Between Interior and Exterior Paints

The primary difference between exterior and interior paints is the type of resin used. Exterior paint resins are designed to withstand moisture and temperature extremes, while interior paint resins are formulated for stability and reduced smearing. Both types influence the overall cost of painting a house in India.

Feature	Exterior Paint	Interior Paint
Purpose	Protects walls from weather, moisture, and UV exposure.	Enhances aesthetics, provides a smooth finish, and makes maintenance easy.
Resin Type	Soft, flexible resins that expand and contract with temperature changes.	Stable resins that reduce smearing and improve finish.
Weather Resistance	Highly resistant to rain, heat, UV rays, snow, and humidity.	Not designed for harsh weather or direct sunlight.
Protection Benefits	Prevents fading, cracking, fungal, and mildew growth	Offers stain resistance, washability, and abrasion resistance
Durability Needs	Must withstand extreme temperatures and moisture without damage	Designed for everyday indoor wear and gentle cleaning
Application Behavior	Adapts to substrates, allows moisture escape, and requires sunlight to cure	Does not require sunlight for curing and is suitable only for indoor use
Safety Considerations	Contains higher VOCs, unsafe for indoor application	Low or zero VOC formulation to support better indoor air quality
Finish Requirements	Mostly matte or low shine to avoid bubbling and withstand rainwater	Smooth, decorative finishes available in matte, satin, or gloss
Cost Impact	Justifies exterior labour cost due to heavy-duty performance	Higher cost per sq. ft. for premium washable and stain-resistant finishes

Different Types of Paint and How Much They Cost Per Sq. Ft. In India

Here are the various kinds of paints available in the market. The price of wall painting colours determines the whole budget of your renovations.

Paint Type	Description	Key Characteristics	Estimated Cost Per Sq. Ft. (Material Only)	Best For
Distemper	A traditional, low-priced, water-based solution often referred to as "whitewash."	Inexpensive, straightforward application, but poor durability. Fades, flakes when wet, and is not washable.	₹10	Rental properties, temporary fixes, or utility areas.
Emulsion Paint	Water- or oil-based paints offering a wide range of colors and a smooth, lustrous finish.	Quick-drying, long-lasting, and washable (clean with a damp cloth). Many formulations include antifungal properties.	Varies widely based on finish (Matte, Satin, Glossy).	Living areas, bedrooms, kitchens, and high-quality interior spaces.
Lustre Paints	(Oil or Water-Based) These paints deliver a velvety, pearl-like surface texture.	Easy to keep clean, provides a subtle sheen. Has a strong odor and requires a long curing time.	₹26 to ₹30	Areas where a soft, washable sheen is desired; avoid immediate occupation after application.
Enamel Paint	Used effectively in high-traffic and functional areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and utility spaces.	Exceptionally durable, waterproof, highly washable, stain-resistant, and available in high-gloss finishes. Also widely used for metal and wood.	Starts at ₹80	Doors, window frames, skirting boards, metal fixtures, and high-moisture zones.
Texture Paint	Heavy-bodied, thick paints designed to create tactile, 3D patterns on an accent wall.	Creates dramatic emphasis and tactile feel. Requires specialized tools (knives, trowels) and materials (putty).	₹80 to ₹200	Accent walls, feature walls, or spaces requiring a unique architectural focal point.

1000 Sq Ft House Painting Cost in India 2025

Thinking of giving your 1000 sq ft house in India a fresh coat of paint? Budgeting is key. The cost can range from INR 30,000 to INR 60,000, influenced by paint type, quality, and even your location. Material costs can be broken down as follows: paint (INR 10-20/sq ft), primer and putty (INR 2-3/sq ft each), and other supplies (INR 1-2/sq ft). Labour can add another INR 10-20 per sq ft. To save, consider less expensive paint options like distemper, do some prep work yourself, and always compare quotes from multiple painters. Remember, costs can vary, especially in major cities or for special finishes.

How to Select the Right Paint and Colour for Your Home?

• The painting cost per square foot depends on the homeowner’s choice of paint quality, wall size, and total labour involved.
• Wall colours influence the entire mood of a room, making it look modern, warm, or stylish based on the chosen palette.
• Bold colour combinations like cobalt blue with turquoise, olive with aubergine and bright yellow with fresh green are trending in many Indian homes.
• Pastel shades, textured finishes and traditional Indian art-inspired themes such as Kalamkari and Madhubani are widely used for feature walls.
• Decide whether you prefer warm, cool, neutral, bold, or dark tones, as this directly affects labour costs for painting walls in India.
• Match the wall colours with your furniture, décor elements and flooring to maintain visual harmony in the room.
• Shortlist a few paint shades and test small swatches on the wall before finalising.
• Observe the sample colours at different times of day to understand the impact of natural light and select the most suitable shade.

Expert Tips for Interior and Exterior Painting:  

• Prioritize Health and Safety: Always choose low-VOC (volatile organic compound), odorless, and chemical-free, water-based paints. People with allergies must specifically use non-toxic, VOC-free products.
• Optimal Timing: Plan painting for a warm, dry day (like a summer day). Temperature and conditions directly impact paint drying time and final finish quality.
• Invest in Quality: Always purchase branded, high-quality paints. While initial cost increases, higher quality often yields better durability and features like self-priming or lifetime warranties.
• Treat the Walls First: Treat the wall surface with a water-resistant solution before applying paint, both indoors and out. This crucial step prevents future dampness and seepage.
• Don't Forget Details: Determine the room's natural light exposure before selecting colors (warmer tones suit darker rooms; cooler tones suit brighter areas). Also, include ceilings and paint metal balcony/window grills to prevent rust.

What are the Differences Between Water-based Paint and Oil-based Paint?

Choosing the right paint impacts the final look, maintenance and overall painting cost per square foot in India. Water-based and oil-based paints vary in durability, drying time, finish, and safety. Below is a simple guide to the differences.

Features	Water-Based Paints	Oil-Based Paints
Drying Time	It dries quickly within 1-2 hours, reducing labour costs	It dries slowly and takes 8+ hours, increasing labour time and the total painting process
Odor & Fumes	Low odour, eco-friendly	Strong smell, high VOCs
Painting cost per square foot with material in India	It is ₹18 to ₹25 per square foot	It is ₹25 to ₹35 per square foot
Tool cleaning and maintenance	Easy to clean with water	It needs thinner or turpentine and has a higher cleaning cost
Finish & Durability	Less glossy and fades sooner	Glossy, more durable

Additional Factors Affecting the Cost of Painting a House Per Square Foot in India

• Primer acts as the base coat that improves paint adhesion and finish. One litre covers 210 to 270 square feet and costs Rs 140 to Rs 200. Contractors apply primer before putty for better results.
• Putty is a water-resistant cement-based material used to smooth dents and uneven patches. One kg covers 15 to 35 square feet and costs about Rs 50.
• Painting a fresh wall requires putty, primer, and 2 to 3 paint coats. Repainting needs minor repairs, primer and one or two coats. Repainting usually costs more because of surface preparation.
• Labour accounts for nearly three-quarters of the total painting cost. For material worth Rs 5000, labour may cost around Rs 7500. Labour rates vary between metro and non-metro cities.
• DIY painting reduces labour cost but requires time, basic tools and some skill.

Disclaimer: Exact per square foot rates differ by city, but common ranges are available for interior, exterior, emulsion, distemper and texture paints.

Cost of exterior painting	From Rs. 13 per sq. ft. + labour
Cost of interior painting	Rs 12 – 35 per sq. ft.
Cost of repaint	Rs 12 – 28 per sq. ft.
Cost of fresh paint	Rs 20 – 38 per sq. ft.
Cost of emulsion	Rs. 12 per sq. ft.
Cost of distemper	From Rs. 8 per sq. ft.
Cost of texture paint	From Rs. 80 per sq. ft.

How to Save More Money when Painting Your Home?

By deciding to do a serious estimate of your painting costs, you are one step closer to saving money spent on painting your home. Here are a few tips that you may use to save money.

• Reuse supplies: for example, you might have painting tape, brushes and rollers that were used during a previous painting session.
• Pay attention to paint quality: the lower paint quality might be good to go, but finding the right price, even if it is a little higher, would mean that you might get features like life-time warranty, self-prime etc.
• Use primer Judiciously: Self-priming paints are available in the market, which can cut the additional cost of buying a primer.
• Reuse colours: If you are determined to save on painting costs, the most effective way is to reuse colours.

Cost to Paint the Inside of the House by Bedrooms

The best way to find the cost of painting any room of the house is to rely on a professional painting contractor who can accurately estimate the cost. The painting contractor could measure the area to be counted and can give you an accurate estimate of the same. Cost of painting 2 coats on an average sized bedroom can range anywhere from ₹2500 to ₹4500.

Cost to Repaint a Whole House Interior

In India, repairing a whole house costs around ₹18 to ₹40 per square foot, depending on the labour and materials used. For a 1 BHK, the painting costs around ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, depending on the condition of the wall and the type of paint. Labour charges for painting work are usually ₹8 to ₹15 per square foot. The cost varies by city, paint brand, and the level of surface preparation required.

How to Estimate Paint Quantity and Cost for a 2 BHK Flat Like a Pro?

Calculating the paint quantity and cost for a 2 BHK flat can be tricky if you are unfamiliar with the process. Here are some tips that can help you estimate the amount of paint required and the total cost involved in painting your 2 BHK flat:

• Measure the area of the walls and ceiling in your 2 BHK flat. This will give you an idea of the total surface area that needs to be painted and make it easier to calculate the painting rates per square foot.
• Decide on the type of paint you want to use. The cost of the paint will depend on the quality and brand you choose.
• Check the coverage area of the paint you have chosen. Most paint brands mention the coverage area on the packaging or websites.
• Calculate the paint quantity required by dividing the total surface area of the walls and ceiling by the coverage area of the paint you have chosen.
• Multiply the paint quantity required by the cost per litre of the paint to get the total cost of the paint required.
• Don't forget to factor in the painting labour cost per sq ft, including the painters' labour charges and any other additional costs.

To save time and money, consider using NoBroker's interior décor services. We provide professional painting services along with some of the lowest painting charge per square foot . Our team of experts will take care of everything, from estimating the paint quantity to completing the painting job efficiently.

Things to Consider Before Calculating the Overall Painting Price per Square Foot

Estimating the overall painting price per square foot can be challenging, especially when you are unfamiliar with the factors that can affect the cost to paint walls. Here are some key factors that you need to consider before calculating the overall painting price per square foot:

• Surface preparation: The cost of painting per square foot will depend on the condition of the walls and ceiling. If there are cracks, holes, or uneven surfaces, additional surface preparation work will be required, which can add to the cost.
• Type of paint: The cost of paint will vary depending on the quality and brand you choose. High-quality paints may cost more, but they are worth the investment in the long run as they last longer.
• Painting labour rates: The painting labour cost per sq ft can vary depending on the experience and skill of the painters. Some painters may charge more than others, but it is important to choose painters who are reliable and experienced.
• Additional costs: There may be additional costs involved, such as the cost of primer, putty, and other materials. It is important to factor in these costs while estimating the overall painting price per square foot.
• Time required: The time required to complete the painting job can also affect the overall painting price per square foot. If the job requires more time, the cost will be higher.

Painting Cost Per Square Feet in Indian Cities

Painting costs in India vary significantly across metro and Tier 2 cities, primarily due to differences in labor costs, contractor expertise, and material availability. Mumbai and Delhi NCR generally have higher costs than Southern cities like Hyderabad and Pune. The table below provides a comparative estimate of the combined material and labor cost per square foot for standard Emulsion Paint (the most common type used for interiors).

City	Interior Repainting (₹/Sq. Ft.)	Interior Fresh Painting (₹/Sq. Ft.)	Exterior Painting (₹/Sq. Ft.)
Mumbai	₹16 – ₹32	₹27 – ₹41	₹20 – ₹35
Delhi / NCR	₹12 – ₹26	₹25 – ₹40	₹25 – ₹37
Bangalore	₹14 – ₹34	₹24 – ₹40	₹14 – ₹35
Chennai	₹12 – ₹32	₹20 – ₹40	₹13 – ₹30
Pune	₹15 – ₹30	₹22 – ₹38	₹18 – ₹32
Hyderabad	₹12 – ₹28	₹20 – ₹35	₹15 – ₹30
Gurgaon	₹12 – ₹26	₹25 – ₹40	₹20 – ₹37
Noida / Greater Noida	₹12 – ₹26	₹25 – ₹40	₹20 – ₹35
Ghaziabad / Faridabad	₹10 – ₹25	₹20 – ₹35	₹18 – ₹32
Ahmedabad	₹10 – ₹22	₹18 – ₹30	₹15 – ₹28

Note: The painting price per square foot for emulsion paints is determined by the desired finish (matte, glossy, or plastic emulsion). Texture paint, while the most expensive material, also significantly increases the overall painting labor cost per sq. ft. due to the specialized skill and time required for application.

How NoBroker Can Help?

Are you looking for someone to assist you with your home renovation? At NoBroker, we offer affordable painting services that address all these factors. Our team of professionals will ensure that your 2 BHK flat looks great without breaking the bank.To summarise, the cost of painting a house per square foot in India is determined by a variety of criteria, including the size of the property, whether it is exterior or interior painting, whether it is new painting or repainting, and the type of paint used. consult professionals at NoBroker to get an estimate of the total cost of painting a house. We guarantee 5-star service at an affordable price. Leave a comment below to get our response.

Frequently Asked Questions?

NoBroker Painting Tips & Color Ideas Testimonials

Before this festive season
get your house painted

Estimate Cost Now