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The cost to repaint ceilings in the UK generally ranges from £150 to £650, with the average being between £150 and £350.
The cost to repaint ceilings in the UK generally ranges from £150 to £650, with variations depending on the ceiling's size, condition, and the quality of materials used. On a per-square-meter basis, you can expect to pay between £15 and £25.
Repainting ceilings may not be an easy home improvement project. If it is time to revitalise a worn-out living room, hide those unsightly water spots, or simply give your whole house a brand new look, repainting your ceiling is one of the lowest-cost, highest-impact means of making a space look better.
But what is the right amount to budget towards it though? Check here all the costs of repainting a ceiling. The cost depends on painting materials, labour costs, ceiling heights, condition of surfaces, type of paint, etc. However, for a more accurate estimate, consider getting quotes from local painters and decorators.
It costs differently based on the area of the room, the state of the surface, access services, and whether you employ experts or proceed with a DIY.
| Type of Ceiling | Professional Painting Cost | DIY Painting Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small Bathroom | £80-£150 | £30-£50 |
| Medium Bedroom | £150-£250 | £40-£70 |
| Large Lounge / Open plan | £250-£400 | £60-£100 |
| Whole House | £800-£1800 | £200-£350 |
In the event that you are thinking of doing it yourself in order to save on labour, you will primarily need to plan the materials cost. It is entirely possible to do your ceiling painting, especially when you want the room to be done up and prepared to have some physical activity. This is what you may put out:
Despite being less expensive in the short run, DIY can be quite demanding practically: painting ceilings is one of the physically most demanding jobs to do, especially when you are trying to not have drips, rolls, or uneven layers. It is also more time-consuming than many would wish to believe.
Important: These prices are on the cost of the paint, labour, and simple preparation (not on significant repair and re-plastering).
Repainting of the ceiling has costs that cannot be pegged on size alone, there are other issues involved.
In the UK nominal ceiling height is about 2.4 metres (8 feet). Older Homes or new extensions may however have taller ceilings, vaulted spaces or skylights.
Better paints can be justified on the bathrooms or kitchens, or old houses with condensation problems or dampness problems.
On average, a ceiling of medium size can take half-time to a day to clean and paint depending on its state.
The majority of the decorators charge per room, considering the size, access and preparations.
If painting walls and ceilings together, most tradespeople will bundle the quote, often saving £50–£100 per room versus painting ceilings separately.
The labour costs can go higher if your work includes the following:
It might appear that painting a ceiling is an easy task, but it has its problems to deal with; painting overhead, roller marks, coping with drips and uneven finishes.
Total (per room): £55–£170
With the right tools and confidence, a DIY approach to painting the ceiling is a possibility; however, go slow and take your time, do not rush into it.
New-build ceilings are usually flat and require little preparation. Most of the painters and decorators will charge less for these properties.
Older homes have ceilings that are not perfect and sometimes require plaster, which requires attention.
These will be subject to dampness and condensation, and specialist paint is needed.
When repainting, stains are required to be primed using stain-block paint.
Ceilings of artex are some old artex ceilings which may contain asbestos. It is important to test before disturbing.
It should be safe unless you disturb the artex, and you are simply applying paint above it, and in this case, you will need a professional to advise you.
In most jobs, two coats of paint are necessary particularly when covering the stains or where there is a change of shades, i.e. dark to light.
The majority of UK households use white ceilings, but there is a rising trend to feature ceilings- pale peach, bold statement colours, or even trompe-l'oeil.
Is it worth it? You better get a coloured ceiling, which may take the interior to a new level, but make sure that you are ready to work with it more actively.
Using the wrong paint, especially in cases where your ceiling is fitted with acoustic tiles or even soundproof panels, is essential. A standard emulsion can impede the acoustic performance. These surfaces have to be painted lightly and in an equal manner to maintain functionality.
A loft conversion generally has sloping ceilings and does not have much space around the corners. Painting of these ceilings is more detail-oriented.
Note: Make low areas airy and open by using lighter paint.
Decorator and labour rates are different in different regions of the UK. The following is to be expected:
Quotes can be given with travel and access surcharges where it is difficult to access or the owner of a listed building.
These are the things to look at upon hiring an expert:
In most cases, repainting a ceiling in the UK costs between £150 and £250 per room, with smaller rooms coming in cheaper and complex or damaged ceilings pushing up the price. If you're doing a full home refresh, expect to spend anywhere from £800 to £1,800 for ceilings alone.
When you hire a decorator, as when you work at it yourself, be sure to put in:
Ceilings may not attract attention as the wall or floor, but a new paint job on the ceiling can cheer up a room, leave it feeling more hygienic, as well as aid acoustical performance or the management of humidity. It seems, then, that whether you want to sell a property or you simply want to brighten up your forever house, it is a task well worth undertaking, and now you have all the ammunition you need to get it right.
Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.