If you are planning a repaint, the first question is almost always the same: how much will it cost? The honest answer is that it depends on the size of the job, the surfaces, the amount of preparation and the paint you choose. This guide explains typical 2026 Melbourne price ranges and what moves a quote up or down.
Typical Painting Prices in Melbourne (2026)
Independent pricing data published in July 2026 by the Australian cost guide What’s The Damage gives these Melbourne ranges (GST included):
- Hourly rate: roughly $52 to $105 per hour for a licensed painter
- Single room (walls and ceiling): roughly $315 to $840
- Three-bedroom interior: roughly $3,150 to $8,400
- Exterior repaint: roughly $4,200 to $10,500 for a typical home, higher for large or two-storey houses
- Interior per square metre: around $25 to $45
Commercial work is usually priced per square metre. The same source puts typical Melbourne commercial painting at around $15 to $45 per square metre, depending on the surface, access and whether the work is done after hours.
What Affects the Price of a Paint Job?
1. Size and number of surfaces
A quote that includes walls, ceilings, doors, skirting and architraves will cost more than walls only. Ceiling height and the number of rooms also matter.
2. Preparation
Preparation often takes more time than painting. Filling cracks, sanding, treating mould, scraping flaking paint and priming bare timber all add labour, but they are what make the finish last.
3. Surface type
Brick veneer homes with only trims to paint are usually cheaper outside than weatherboard homes, which need more scraping, sanding and priming. Render may need crack repairs and flexible coatings.
4. Access and storeys
Two-storey homes, high stairwells and steep roofs need ladders, platforms or scaffolding, which adds cost and time.
5. Colour changes and paint quality
Going from a dark colour to a light one usually needs an extra coat. Premium paints cost more upfront but generally last longer and clean better.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
- Ask for a written, itemised quote that lists each area, the preparation, the products and the number of coats
- Check that the quote includes protection of floors, furniture and gardens, and clean-up
- Compare quotes on the same scope rather than the headline price alone
- Ask about timing, payment terms and any workmanship guarantee
Melbourne Painters Pty Ltd provides free, itemised written quotes across Melbourne’s west and Greater Melbourne. Explore our house painting, exterior painting and commercial painting services, or request a free quote.
