How Much Does a Painter Cost? Prices per m² and Hourly Rates
How much does a painter cost per hour or per m²? Compare current painter prices for interior and exterior work and get free quotes.
Current price ranges
Across the Netherlands
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Average painter prices and costs
| Item | Price range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Interior wall painting | €8 – €16 per m² | Depends on number of coats and substrate condition |
| Ceiling painting | €10 – €20 per m² | Higher for plaster surfaces or difficult access |
| Frames and doors | €30 – €60 each | Depends on size and number of coats |
| Exterior painting | €20 – €45 per m² | Includes prep work, excludes scaffold costs |
| Painter hourly rate (interior) | €35 – €45 per hour | Excluding VAT and materials |
| Painter hourly rate (exterior) | €40 – €55 per hour | Excluding VAT and materials |
| Full-house interior painting | €2,000 – €5,000 | Average terraced home |
| Full-house exterior painting | €3,000 – €8,000 | Average terraced home |
How much does a painter cost per hour? Average hourly rates
A painter typically charges €35 to €45 per hour for interior painting and €40 to €55 per hour for exterior painting. The hourly cost depends on experience, region, and the amount of prep work required. Some painters also charge call-out fees, especially for smaller jobs. Always ask whether rates include VAT: homes older than 2 years can often qualify for the reduced VAT rate on labor. A self-employed painter may be cheaper, while a larger painting company often offers team capacity and clearer warranties.
What does painting cost per m²? Prices for walls, ceilings, and frames
If you compare prices per m², you will notice clear differences by surface type. Interior walls usually cost €8 to €16 per m², ceilings €10 to €20 per m², and frames or doors often €30 to €60 each. Exterior painting generally ranges from €20 to €45 per m². The price per m² increases when extra coats are needed, when the substrate is in poor condition, or when a premium paint system is required. Always request a detailed quote that separates labor, paint, and prep work.
Interior vs exterior painting costs
Interior painting is usually cheaper and easier to plan because access is simpler and weather is not a limiting factor. Exterior painting is often more expensive due to scaffold access, weather windows, and heavier prep requirements. Outdoor paint systems can also cost more because they must resist UV and moisture. In both cases, the condition of woodwork or plaster has a major impact on final pricing. Reduced VAT can apply for homes older than 2 years (labor component only), which can noticeably reduce total project cost.
How much does it cost to paint an entire house?
For an average terraced home, complete interior painting often costs about €2,000 to €5,000, while full exterior painting is typically around €3,000 to €8,000. Total price depends on floor area, number of frames, repair needs, and access complexity. A written quote helps avoid surprises and makes comparison easier. Ideally, ask the painter to inspect the property before quoting so the proposal reflects the real condition and scope of work.
How to save on painting costs: tips for a fair price
Want to reduce costs without sacrificing quality? Start by comparing multiple quotes from different professionals. You can also lower costs by handling simple prep tasks yourself, such as moving furniture and protecting floors. Bundling several rooms into one project often improves planning efficiency and unit pricing. For exterior work, choosing the right season can also help. Always verify Chamber of Commerce registration, insurance, and reviews before you hire. On SkilledContractors, you can post your job and compare trusted painters in one place.
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Frequently asked questions
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How much does a painter cost per hour?
Typical rates are €35 to €45 per hour for interior jobs and €40 to €55 per hour for exterior jobs. Check whether travel costs, materials, and VAT are included. For homes older than 2 years, reduced VAT can often apply to labor.
What does painting 100 m² cost?
For 100 m², a typical price range is about €2,000 to €3,500, depending on surface type and condition. Ceilings and exterior work are usually more expensive than straightforward interior walls.
How much do painters charge per m²?
Interior rates often range from €8 to €25 per m² depending on whether it is walls, ceilings, or woodwork. Exterior painting commonly falls between €20 and €45 per m².
Why can painters be expensive?
Painting costs are not just about applying paint: preparation, sanding, repairs, and masking take significant time. Material quality, craftsmanship, travel, and VAT also have a major impact on total cost.
What VAT rate applies to painting work?
The standard VAT rate is 21%. For homes older than 2 years, painting labor can often qualify for the reduced 9% VAT rate. Materials are usually charged at 21%.
How do I find an affordable but reliable painter?
Compare multiple quotes, check reviews, and ask about warranty and insurance. Do not choose only the lowest price—compare total value. SkilledContractors helps you quickly compare reliable painters.
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