Thinking about painting your home in Brisbane? Whether you’re freshening up the interiors, enhancing curb appeal with a new exterior coat, or revamping a few key walls, understanding the cost of painting a house in Brisbane is a crucial first step. But let’s be upfront — there’s no one-size-fits-all figure. Prices can vary significantly based on your home’s layout, condition, and the level of preparation needed.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the average cost ranges, what factors influence pricing, and how to get a personalised painting quote that reflects your exact needs — not a vague industry estimate. These cost insights are beneficial if you’re already planning a project with a residential painting team in Brisbane, whether for interiors, exteriors, or both.
What Is the Average Cost of Painting a House in Brisbane?
In Brisbane, most professional painters will charge:
- Hourly rates: $35–$50 per hour
- Per square metre: $20–$40 per m²
For a complete house — including both interior and exterior painting — you can expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000+, depending on your property’s size, the surface condition, accessibility, and the level of detail required.
If you’re working with a trusted, licensed local painter, these prices should include:
- Quality, weather-resistant paint
- Proper preparation (cleaning, patching, sanding)
- Labour and cleanup
- Two coats of paint (minimum)
- Tools, brushes, rollers, and drop sheets
Keep in mind, the cost of painting your house in Brisbane is an investment in your property. Going cheap often results in faded finishes, peeling paint, and the need to repaint much sooner than expected.
How Do I Estimate the Cost of Painting My Home?
Not all painting projects are created equal. Some homes are straightforward; others require extensive preparation and custom finishes. Here are the most significant cost factors to consider when estimating your house painting budget:
1. Wall and Surface Condition
If your walls have cracks, mould, flaking paint, or water damage, these will need to be repaired and sealed first. Surface preparation is one of the most labour-intensive parts of any paint job — and one of the most important for durability.
2. Ceiling Height and Stairwells
Higher ceilings or multi-storey homes require special ladders or scaffolding, which adds to labour time and costs. Stairwells also require more intricate work to ensure clean lines and complete coverage.
3. Paint Type and Brand
Choosing premium paints — especially ones designed for humid climates like Brisbane — costs more upfront but lasts significantly longer. Brands like Dulux and Taubmans offer UV protection and mould resistance, making them popular choices.
4. Number of Coats and Colours
Going from dark to light? You’ll likely need extra coats. Using multiple colours throughout your home also increases the labour time for cutting in and taping edges.
5. Furniture and Room Prep
Some painters include moving furniture and masking floors in their quote; others don’t. Be sure to ask what’s included during your walkthrough.
If you’re unsure, it’s worth booking a painting quote in Brisbane, where professionals can assess your home and provide an itemised scope of work tailored to your space.
Interior House Painting Costs in Brisbane
If you’re painting the inside of a 3-bedroom house, you can expect prices ranging from $3,000 to $ 7,000 or more. This typically includes:
- Walls and ceilings
- Skirting boards and cornices
- Interior doors and frames
- Minor patching and sanding
- Two coats of paint per surface
If you’re only updating the walls, the cost could be lower. However, including ceiling and trim painting gives your home a more complete, cohesive refresh — and it’s usually more cost-effective than hiring painters again later. For a full breakdown of what’s included and what affects pricing, visit Stretch Paints’ guide on the cost to paint a 3-bedroom house.
What About a 1000-square-foot Foot House?
If you’re working with a 1000 square foot house (approximately 93 m²), expect a price between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on:
- The number of rooms
- Ceiling height
- Paint finish (flat, satin, gloss)
- Surface repairs needed
Even small homes can vary widely in cost. For example, painting a small house with vaulted ceilings or ornate trims may be more expensive than a larger, more modern open-plan home.
Wall Painting Costs in Brisbane
Sometimes, all you need is a few key feature walls painted to revitalise your space. Here’s a breakdown:
- Standard wall painting: $150–$300
- Feature wall (bold colours or patterns): $250–$400+
- Textured finishes or wallpaper removal: additional costs apply
Painting multiple rooms or walls at once? Most painters offer bundled pricing for entire rooms or complete interiors, which significantly reduces the cost per wall. If you’re planning a broader home refresh or want to combine interior and exterior upgrades, consider reviewing local exterior painting contractor options to streamline your budget and project timeline.
Exterior House Painting Costs in Brisbane
Because of the preparation, supplies, and accessibility issues involved, exterior painting typically costs more than interior painting. Generally speaking, you can anticipate:
- Single-storey homes: $4,000–$8,000
- Two-storey homes: $6,000–$12,000+
A few important factors can influence the final cost:
- Material type: Painting over brick or rendered surfaces usually requires specialty primers, which can add to your total cost compared to timber or weatherboard.
- Access requirements: Homes on sloped blocks or with multiple storeys may require scaffolding or special equipment, increasing labour expenses.
- Brisbane’s climate: The city’s intense sun exposure can wear down poor-quality paints quickly. Choosing UV-resistant exterior paint is crucial for long-lasting results.
If you’re planning an exterior paint job and want to understand what influences pricing and what’s included, take a look at our full breakdown in this guide on the cost to paint the outside of a house in Brisbane.
Why Opt for a Professional Painter Rather Than Do It Yourself?
We get it — painting looks easy on TV. But the reality is very different. Here’s why homeowners across Brisbane continue to choose professional painters:
Save Time and Hassle
From prepping and sanding to masking and cleanup, painting is more time-consuming than most people expect. Professionals can complete jobs in half the time — and without the mess.
Warranty Coverage and Insurance
The majority of respectable painters are licenced, insured, and provide artistry supported by warranties. This covers you in the event of an accident or a problem that arises after work.
Quality Results that Last
DIY jobs often suffer from visible brush strokes, patchy coats, and peeling paint within a year or two. Professionals use the right tools and techniques for a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Before you grab that roller, please read our guide on risks of DIY painting vs hiring professionals in Brisbane to learn why it’s often more cost-effective to let the experts handle it.
Get a Personalised Quote for House Painting in Brisbane
The best way to get an accurate idea of your project’s cost is to request a custom painting quote. Here’s what you can expect from our process:
- On-site walkthrough to inspect your surfaces and discuss goals
- Consultation on paint types and finishes based on your home and budget
- Itemised quote outlining prep work, paint, labour, and estimated duration
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Flexible scheduling — we work around you
Whether you’re updating a rental property, preparing your home for sale, or just ready for a refresh, we’ll help you get it done right.
When Is the Best Time to Paint a House in Brisbane?
Brisbane’s subtropical climate makes it relatively painting-friendly for most of the year — but that doesn’t mean all months are created equal.
Dry Season is Best
Both exterior and interior painting are best done in the drier, colder months of April through September. Lower humidity means faster drying times and better paint adhesion. Because exterior paint projects are exposed to the elements directly, this results in a smoother, more lasting finish.
Painting in summer isn’t impossible, but with frequent rain, high humidity, and intense UV exposure, it’s more likely to result in issues like:
- Blistering and bubbling paint
- Extended drying times
- Uneven texture or colour
Many homeowners wait until spring to book, which makes early planning essential. To guarantee your desired start date, we advise getting in touch a few weeks beforehand.
Schedule Around Renovations or Moves
Painting is also often done during:
- Pre-sale home makeovers to increase property value
- End-of-lease cleanups for rental properties
- New home purchases, where it’s easier to paint before moving in furniture
If your timeline is tight, we can often suggest staged painting — doing one section or room at a time, minimising disruption to your household.
Why Quality Matters More Than Just Price
Choosing a painter based on the lowest quote might seem tempting — but cutting corners can lead to costly do-overs. Investing in licensed Brisbane painters with proven experience ensures:
- Clean, consistent coverage — no missed spots, drips, or streaks
- Proper sealing and priming to protect your surfaces
- Colour consistency across walls, trims, and ceilings
- Compliance with safety regulations, especially when scaffolding is involved
Think of professional painting as part of your property’s upkeep — like roofing, plumbing, or electrical work. When done right, it adds value, enhances liveability, and holds up for years without needing touch-ups. Working with a licensed and experienced house painter in Brisbane can significantly impact achieving a durable finish.
Get Started with a Quote You Can Trust
Still unsure about your house painting costs? The easiest way to move forward is with a customised, no-obligation quote based on your property’s actual requirements. We’ll explain each cost component clearly, help you choose finishes that suit Brisbane’s climate, and deliver a result you’ll love. You can also browse our painting FAQ page for quick answers about prep steps, scheduling, and post-painting care.
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