Painting the walls of your house or building is not just a matter of choosing the right color. There are several costs that you should be aware of, especially if you plan to use a painting service.
By understanding these cost estimations, you can predict your budget from the start to avoid overspending.
This article will help you understand how to calculate the cost of painting walls and the factors that affect the price. Let's take a look at the full explanation below!
Factors That Affect Contract Costs
Before understanding the calculation formula, it is essential to recognize several factors that affect wall painting contract costs. This is crucial in determining the total price, making it easier for you to prepare a budget tailored to your needs.
Here are some factors to consider:
1. Wall Surface Area
Wall area is the main reference in determining the cost. The larger the area to be painted, the more materials and labor are needed.
You can measure the wall area by calculating the length and height of each wall, then multiplying these two values to obtain the total square meters (m²). Do not forget to subtract the area of windows or doors for a more accurate calculation.
2. Wall Condition
The condition of the wall surface significantly affects the amount of work and materials required for the project. New walls that are still smooth generally require little preparation before painting.
On the other hand, old walls that are peeling, damp, or cracked will require additional work such as plastering, filling, or repairing cracks. These additional processes will undoubtedly increase the project's cost.
3. Type and Quality of the Paint
Each type of paint has a different price. Interior paint is generally more affordable than exterior paint, which has better weather resistance.
Additionally, special anti-fungal paint, textured paint, or premium paint with high coverage is typically more expensive.
4. Number of Paint Coats
Most walls require at least two coats of paint for a more even color and durability.
If the base color of the wall is very different from the new paint color, for example, from dark to light, an additional coat may be needed.
Each additional coat will increase the amount of paint and work time required, thereby affecting the total cost.
5. Location and Work Access
The location of the building and ease of access to the painting area are also determining factors. Painting on the upper floors of apartments or multi-story houses requires additional equipment such as scaffolding or long ladders.
Difficult access, such as narrow rooms or high corners, will require more time and increase the project's cost.
6. Painting Time and Season
The rainy season or humid weather can slow down the paint drying process, causing a longer work period
Some contractors may charge higher fees during busy seasons or when demand increases, such as before holidays or the turn of the year.
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How to Calculate Wall Painting Costs
After understanding the factors that affect the cost, you need to learn how to calculate the cost of painting walls per meter. This process can be divided into several important steps to make the calculation more systematic.
Here is an explanation of each step.
1. Measuring the Area to be Painted
The first step is calculating the total wall area in square meters (m²). The method is simple: measure the length and height of each wall, and then multiply them together. If there are windows or doors, subtract their area from the total.
For example, a wall is 10 meters long and 3 meters high. The area of the wall is 30 m². If there is a window with an area of 2 m², the effective area to be painted becomes 28 m². Apply to each wall and add them all up.
2. Determining the Amount of Paint Needed
Each paint product has a coverage rate listed on the packaging, typically in liters per square meter. For example, standard interior paint has a coverage rate of 10 m² per liter for one coat. If you need two coats, you will need 5.6 liters of paint for an area of 28 m².
However, always add a 10–15% reserve to account for higher wall absorption or technical errors.
3. Calculating Paint and Additional Material Costs
Once you know how much paint you need, multiply it by the price per liter. For example, if the price of paint is IDR 80,000 per liter and you need 3 liters, the total cost of paint is IDR 240,000. Do not forget to calculate the cost of additional materials such as putty, brushes, rollers, sandpaper, and filler if needed.
4. Calculating Labor Costs
Painting labor rates are usually calculated per square meter. In 2025, the range of wall painting labor rates is generally between IDR 20,000 and IDR 35,000 per square meter, depending on the city and the condition of the wall. You can multiply the total wall area by the contract rate to determine the total cost. If the area is 28 m² and the rate is IDR 25,000 per m², then the labor cost is IDR 700,000.
5. Add Up All Costs
The total cost of wall painting is the sum of the paint cost, additional materials, and labor costs. This will provide you with a realistic budget estimate before you start the construction.
Example of Calculating the Wall Painting Contract Cost
For more details, here is an example calculation for a simple house in 2025. For example, you want to paint a living room with four walls, each measuring 5 meters in length and 3 meters in height. Each wall has one window measuring 1 m².
Step 1: Calculating the Wall Area
Each wall is 5 m x 3 m, totaling 15 m². Four walls total 60 m². Total window area: 4 x 1 m² = 4 m². Effective area to be painted = 60 m² – 4 m² = 56 m².
Step 2: Determining Paint Requirements
Paint coverage: 10 m² per liter per coat. Then, you plan to apply two coats. Total paint requirement = (56 m² ÷ 10 m²) x 2 = 11.2 liters.
Add a 10% reserve: 11.2 + 1.1 = 12.3 liters. Round up to 13 liters.
Step 3: Calculate Paint Costs
The price of premium interior paint in 2025 is around IDR 85,000 per liter. Paint cost = 13 x IDR 85,000 = IDR 1,105,000.
Step 4: Additional Material Costs
Materials such as putty, sandpaper, brushes, and rollers are estimated at IDR 300,000.
Step 5: Labor Costs
The 2025 labor rate in major cities is IDR 25,000 per square meter. Labor costs = 56 m² x IDR 25,000 = IDR 1,400,000.
Step 6: Total Cost
Total = paint cost IDR 1,105,000 + additional materials IDR 300,000 + labor IDR 1,400,000 = IDR 2,805,000.
With this calculation, you can prepare a budget of around IDR 2.8 million for painting your living room with two coats of premium paint.
That is an explanation of how to calculate the cost of painting walls. Choosing a professional painter is crucial, but it is not enough to ensure optimal painting results.
Another equally important factor is the quality of the paint and surface preparation. High-quality walls will provide longer-lasting paint durability and minimize the costs.
To achieve sturdy and durable walls, you can use Semen Merah Putih, which offers various high-quality cements, such as Semen Merah Putih Watershield.
The formula is specially designed to protect against water seepage and moisture, prevent corrosion in building structures, and create a smoother wall surface.
Semen Merah Putih Watershield's water repellent technology provides triple protection, preventing water seepage into buildings from outside, inside, groundwater, or capillary water. That is why Semen Merah Putih Watershield is also suitable for use in foundations, concrete slabs, plastering, and casting.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact us now for more information and consult with Semen Merah Putih about your construction project needs.
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