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23 DECEMBER 2025
The Cost To Paint A House In Dublin: 2026 Expert Guide
By Max Panych
Introduction
The average cost for professional painting services in Dublin ranges from €300 to €800 per room for interiors and €2,500 to €5,000 for full exteriors. If you're pricing by square metre, expect €8–€20 for interiors and €15–€35 for exterior walls, depending on complexity and condition.
Average Painting Costs (Interior & Exterior)
Interior Costs
Interior painting in Dublin generally costs:
New builds or freshly plastered walls may come in lower due to less prep. Repaints with stains, peeling, or patch repairs drive prices higher.
- €300–€800 per room (walls, ceiling, trim)
- €2,200–€3,500 for a 3-bed semi-detached
New builds or freshly plastered walls may come in lower due to less prep. Repaints with stains, peeling, or patch repairs drive prices higher.
Exterior Costs
Exterior projects require more labour, materials, and often scaffolding:
Homes with pebble-dash, roughcast, or access issues push costs higher. Paints must withstand Ireland’s damp climate, so high-grade exterior coatings are essential.
- €2,500–€5,000 for full house exterior
- €1,200–€2,000 for façade only
Homes with pebble-dash, roughcast, or access issues push costs higher. Paints must withstand Ireland’s damp climate, so high-grade exterior coatings are essential.
Estimated Painting Services Cost Table – Dublin (2026)
What Affects the Price of Painting Services?
Surface Prep & Condition
More than half the cost can come down to prep. Flaky paint, cracks, or damp patches require sanding, filling, and sometimes priming before a single coat goes on. We've painted over 500 Dublin homes, and prep is never the same twice.
Paint Type & Finish
Durable paints like Colourtrend and Fleetwood washable matt cost more but last longer. A satin finish costs more than standard matt, and oil-based paints (for trim) take more time to apply and cure.
Extras & Accessibility
Painting over stairs or high gables? You’ll need scaffolding. Large furniture that needs to be moved? That’s labour time. Always ask what’s included upfront—especially if exterior access is tricky or paint stripping is involved.
How Dublin Prices Compare to the Rest of Ireland
Dublin painters charge 10–20% more on average compared to rural areas due to higher wages, insurance costs, and demand. VAT (23%) is usually included for registered contractors, but some one-man bands quote excluding it.
We’ve seen similar jobs in Meath or Kildare come in at €500–€1,000 cheaper than Dublin, especially for exterior work. However, quality, reliability, and proper insurance tend to level the playing field.
We’ve seen similar jobs in Meath or Kildare come in at €500–€1,000 cheaper than Dublin, especially for exterior work. However, quality, reliability, and proper insurance tend to level the playing field.
Hidden Costs and How to Avoid Them
Unexpected charges can quickly, common causes include:
In our experience, homeowners have had quotes double on day one because these details were missed. To avoid this, always request a fixed quote with a fully detailed scope of works.
Clarify exactly what is included, especially paint, materials, and any specialised labour. Establishing clear expectations upfront ensures the project stays on budget, prevents disputes, and gives peace of mind from start to finish.
- Prep work not accounted for in the initial quote, such as sanding, filling cracks, or priming
- Paint, materials, or tools not included, which some contractors assume the homeowner will supply
- Last-minute changes to colour, finish, or scope that weren’t agreed upon
In our experience, homeowners have had quotes double on day one because these details were missed. To avoid this, always request a fixed quote with a fully detailed scope of works.
Clarify exactly what is included, especially paint, materials, and any specialised labour. Establishing clear expectations upfront ensures the project stays on budget, prevents disputes, and gives peace of mind from start to finish.
What To Ask to Get a Fair Quote
- Is paint included in the price?
- Who does the prep and furniture moving?
- Is the quote itemised or just a lump sum?
- Do they clean up after or charge extra for it?
Cost-Saving Tips Without Cutting Corners
Saving money on painting projects doesn’t mean compromising quality. Consider these practical strategies:
- Prioritise high-traffic areas and skip rooms that see little use, such as spare bedrooms or storage spaces, to focus your budget where it matters most
- Invest in durable, high-quality paint upfront. Using a longer-lasting product may cost more initially but prevents costly repainting within a few years
- Schedule work during the off-season (October–February) when painters are more available, and some may offer discounts
- Avoid DIY if you lack experience. Amateur jobs often require expensive corrections. We’ve been called in numerous times after “quick” DIY projects left patchy walls, uneven coverage, or paint on carpets
Conclusion
In Dublin, painting services typically cost €300–€800 per room, with full interiors starting at €2,000+ and exterior jobs from €2,500 upwards.
Prep work, surface condition, and material choices all impact pricing, but with the right team, it’s money well spent.
Looking for a reliable quote? Contact us today, we’ll walk your space, explain your options, and give you a no-surprises quote that sticks.
Prep work, surface condition, and material choices all impact pricing, but with the right team, it’s money well spent.
Looking for a reliable quote? Contact us today, we’ll walk your space, explain your options, and give you a no-surprises quote that sticks.
Max Panych
Manager