1 BHK Painting Cost : The Ultimate Guide

When it comes to home improvement, painting your 1 BHK (one bedroom, hall, kitchen) apartment can transform your living space dramatically. However, when it comes to the question ‘how much does it cost to paint 1 BHK,’ it isn’t a number to know; it’s a decision to be made considering quality and budget constraints.

The cost to paint 1 BHK will depend on where you are, paint quality, and labor charges, but your budget will vary based on whether you’re moving into a new home or simply sprucing up an old one. With industry-leading developers like Piramal Realty, you get a quality paint finish for your 1 BHK, but won’t you want to know more about these factors that influence the difference in paint cost?

So, let’s delve deep into this article to understand how much does it cost to paint 1 BHK, what factors come into consideration, and more. Let’s start.

Cost of Paint Per Square Foot

• Paint Quality Levels: Basic emulsion paints range from ₹30-40 per square foot, and premium emulsion paints from ₹60-80 per square foot.
• Surface Preparation Requirements: Walls requiring extensive repairs or primer work can add ₹10-15 per square foot
• Coverage Area Characteristics: Textured surfaces may require 20-30% more paint than smooth surfaces
• Number of Coats Required: Most professionals recommend two coats, which effectively doubles the paint quantity needed

Different types of paints come with varying price points:

Economy Range	₹30-45 per square foot
Mid-Range	₹45-60 per square foot
Premium Range	₹60-90 per square foot
Luxury Designer Paints	₹90-150 per square foot

What Are The Places Where Painting Needs To Be Done?

Let’s first take a look at the most common areas that need to be painted. Usually, the living room, bedroom and kitchen are included in the ‘common’ areas.

Common Areas in a 1 BHK Requiring Painting:

• Living Room: The largest area typically requires 150-200 square feet of wall space, including feature walls and entertainment unit surroundings that demand special attention to detail and possibly accent colors.
• Bedroom: Usually necessitating 120-150 square feet of coverage, including wardrobe walls and areas behind furniture that require careful preparation and execution.
• Kitchen: It is approximately 80-100 square feet and requires special moisture-resistant and easy-to-clean paint formulations to withstand cooking-related wear and tear.
• Bathroom Walls: Though smaller in area (40-60 square feet), these require specialized paint types to combat moisture and prevent mold growth.

Additional Areas:

• Ceilings: These are often overlooked but crucial, requiring 400-500 square feet of specialized ceiling paint formulated for overhead application.
• Door Frames and Windows: These include 3-4 doors and 4-6 windows, which require oil-based paints for durability and weather resistance.
• Balcony Walls: External walls need weather-resistant paints and special preparation techniques.
• Utility Areas: Small spaces requiring practical, durable paint finishes.

How Much Does It Cost To Paint 1 BHK In Various Cities

To understand ‘how much does it cost to paint a 1 BHK’ in India, you must first realize that different cities have different price quotes. That’s because the market dynamics, material costs, and labor costs vary from one city to another. So, let’s check the cost of painting 1 BHK in some of the major Indian cities for a brief idea:

Mumbai

This finance capital is popular among Indians for its high living standards and expensive yet premium real estate market. Let’s take a glance at the cost of painting 1 BHK here.

Service Type	Cost Range (₹)
Basic Paint Job	25,000-35,000
Premium Paint Job	40,000-55,000
Labor Cost/Day	800-1,200
Material Cost/Sq.ft	5-65

Delhi

The capital city's extreme weather conditions require durable paint solutions. Delhi's competitive market offers various price points, with costs typically lower than Mumbai but higher than tier-2 cities.

Service Type	Cost Range (₹)
Basic Paint Job	20,000-30,000
Premium Paint Job	35,000-50,000
Labor Cost/Day	40-60

Bangalore

Known for its moderate climate, Bangalore's painting costs are influenced by its tech-driven economy and quality-conscious consumer base. The city's painting services often include modern techniques and premium finishes.

Service Type	Cost Range (₹)
Basic Paint Job	22,000-32,000
Premium Paint Job	38,000-52,000
Labor Cost/Day	700-1,100
Material Cost/Sq.ft	42-62

Chennai

Chennai's humid climate demands specific paint types with enhanced durability. The city offers competitive rates due to the good availability of skilled labor and materials.

Service Type	Cost Range (₹)
Basic Paint Job	18,000-28,000
Premium Paint Job	32,000-45,000
Labor Cost/Day	500-900
Material Cost/Sq.ft	38-55

Pune

It is an emerging metropolitan city in India with a balance of affordability and quality. Here is an overview of the painting cost for 1 BHK in Pune:

Service Type	Cost Range (₹)
Basic Paint Job	19,000-29,000
Premium Paint Job	33,000-47,000
Labor Cost/Day	550-950
Material Cost/Sq.ft	39-58

Hyderabad

It is one of the most competitive cities in terms of rates, with its moderate climate contributing to lower maintenance. Here is an overview of the cost of paintwork for 1 BHK in Hyderabad:

Service Type	Cost Range (₹)
Basic Paint Job	17,000-27,000
Premium Paint Job	30,000-43,000
Labor Cost/Day	500-850
Material Cost/Sq.ft	35-52

Repaint vs. Fresh Paint Cost Per Square Foot

Type	Cost/Sq.Ft (₹)	Preparation Needed	Duration
Repainting	20-35	Minimal scraping, cleaning	2-3 days
Fresh Paint	35-50	Extensive preparation, primer	4-5 days

Factors Affecting Cost Difference:

• Surface Preparation Requirements: Fresh painting demands more extensive wall preparation, including putty application and primer coating
• Material Quantity Needed: New walls typically require more paint and primer compared to repainting projects
• Labor Intensity: Fresh painting projects need more skilled labor hours for proper preparation and execution
• Additional Materials: New painting projects often require more tools and preparation materials

Different Types of Paint and Their Costs

Here’s a detailed overview of the various paint types and their costs.

Emulsion Paint

Emulsion paints have revolutionized interior wall finishes with their water-based formulations that offer excellent durability and aesthetic appeal.

Regular Distemper:

Cost	₹20-30 per square foot
Durability	2-3 years
Key Features	Best suited for budget projects and temporary accommodations Limited washability but good for areas with minimal contact Requires more frequent touch-ups but offers cost-effective coverage Available in a basic color range with matte finish options

Plastic Emulsion:

Cost	₹35-50 per square foot
Durability	3-4 years with proper maintenance
Key Features	Excellent coverage on most interior surfaces Enhanced washability suitable for families with children Resistant to common household stains and marks Wide range of colors with various finish options

Premium Emulsion:

Cost	₹60-80 per square foot
Durability	5-7 years with minimal maintenance required
Key Features	Superior coverage with fewer coats needed Advanced protection against fungi and bacteria Exceptional color retention, even in bright sunlight Luxury finish options, including pearl and metallic effects

Oil-Based Paint

Enamel Paint

Cost	₹45-65 per square foot
Durability	NA
Key Features	Exceptional hardness and durability for high-traffic areas Perfect for woodwork, metal surfaces, and trim details Great moisture resistance for kitchen and bathroom Requires proper ventilation during application

Alkyd Paint

Cost	₹55-75 per square foot
Durability	NA
Key Features	Professional-grade durability for commercial spaces Ideal for areas requiring frequent cleaning Enhanced weather resistance for exterior applications Deep, rich color options with excellent coverage Self-leveling properties for a smooth finish

Texture Paint

Modern texture paints offer unique aesthetic appeal with practical benefits:

Designer Textures: ₹100-150 per square foot

• Custom patterns and designs
• Enhanced depth perception
• Mask wall imperfections effectively

Metallic Finishes: ₹120-180 per square foot

• Contemporary luxury appeal
• Light-reflecting properties
• Durability of premium paints

Stone Finishes: ₹90-130 per square foot

• Natural stone appearance
• Weather-resistant properties
• Lower maintenance requirements

How to Select the Right Paint and Color for Your Home?

Not sure which paint to choose while selecting one for your home? Let’s start with the factors to keep in mind.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint:

Durability	Assess daily wear and tear patterns in each room Consider exposure to direct sunlight and its impact on color fading Evaluate moisture levels, especially in bathrooms and kitchens Factor in the presence of children and pets Calculate long-term maintenance requirements Balance initial cost with expected lifespan
Washability	Kitchen areas need highly washable paints resistant to oil and food stains Bathroom walls require anti-fungal properties and moisture resistance Living areas benefit from medium washability for occasional cleaning Bedroom walls can use standard washability unless specific needs exist Consider the frequency of cleaning required in each space Factor in local climate conditions affecting maintenance
Finish	Matte: Perfect for hiding wall imperfections and creating a sophisticated ambiance Eggshell: Ideal for living spaces with moderate traffic Satin: Excellent for high-moisture areas requiring frequent cleaning Semi-gloss: Perfect for trim and architectural details Gloss: Best for highlighting specific features and maximum durability

Color Psychology and Home Decor

Different colors create various psychological effects and spatial illusions:

Blue	Creates a calm, serene atmosphere perfect for bedrooms Lighter shades make spaces appear larger Dark blues add sophistication to study areas Cool tones are ideal for hot climates
Yellow	Brightens spaces and enhances mood Perfect for kitchens and dining areas Creates a welcoming atmosphere in entryways Best used as an accent in small spaces
Green	Brings natural harmony to living spaces Reduces eye strain in work areas Pairs well with wooden furniture Creates a balanced environment
Neutral Tones	Provide flexibility in decor choices Maintain good resale value Create sophisticated backgrounds Easy to update with seasonal accents

Consider room dimensions when selecting colors:

• Light colors expand space visually
• Dark colors create coziness in large rooms
• Vertical stripes increase height perception
• Horizontal stripes widen narrow rooms

Additional Painting Costs for a 1 BHK House

Professional painters typically charge based on the following:

• Experience Level: ₹500-1,000 per day for skilled painters, with master painters commanding up to ₹1,500 per day.
• Project Complexity: Additional 20-30% charges for intricate designs, textured finishes, or multi-color combinations.
• Location: Metropolitan areas command higher rates, with premium areas charging 40-50% more than suburban locations.
• Season: Peak season (festivals, summer) rates are higher by 25-35%.
• Team Size: A typical 1 BHK requires 2-3 painters for 3-4 days.
• Expertise: Specialty finishes like Venetian plaster or stencil work incur premium charges.

Additional labor considerations include:

• Overtime charges for urgent completion
• Transportation costs for remote locations
• Supervisor charges for large projects
• Special equipment handling fees

Material Costs

Here is a brief of the basic material costs that, in turn, influence the 1 BHK painting cost:

Primer	₹1,500-2,500 for standard quality, ₹3,000-4,000 for premium brands
Putty	₹800-1,200 for basic walls, additional costs for heavily damaged surfaces
Brushes-Rollers	₹500-1,000, with professional-grade equipment costing up to ₹2,000
Sandpaper	₹200-400 for different grits needed
Paint Trays	₹150-300 for standard sizes
Extension Poles	₹300-600 for reaching high areas

Quality considerations for materials:

• Premium primers offer better adhesion
• High-quality putty reduces surface imperfections
• Professional-grade tools provide a better finish
• Specialized primers for moisture-prone areas

Other Costs

Masking Tape	₹150-300 for basic, ₹400-600 for premium quality
Drop Cloths	₹300-500 for standard coverage, ₹700-1,000 for heavy-duty protection
Cleaning Supplies	₹200-400, including specialized paint cleaning solutions
Safety Equipment	₹300-500 for basic gear, ₹800-1,200 for comprehensive protection
Wall Repairs	₹500-2000 depending on damage extent
Crack Filling	₹200-500 per running meter
Corner Beading	₹100-200 per running meter
Moisture Treatment	₹1000-2000 for affected areas

Hidden costs to consider:

• Furniture Moving: ₹500-1,500 depending on items
• Post-painting Cleanup: ₹500-1,000
• Disposal of Old Paint and Materials: ₹200-400
• Touch-up Kit: ₹300-500 for future maintenance

Professional Service Add-ons:

• Color Consultation: ₹1,000-2,000 (Varies; NA in some cases)
• Quality Inspection: ₹500-1,000 for third-party verification
• Sample Testing: ₹500-1,000 for multiple color trials
• Warranty Registration: ₹200-500 for extended protection

The Bottom Line

Now that you have a good idea of ‘how much does it cost to paint 1 BHK,’ you can create a budget and start looking for paint options. The price range varies considerably from one city to another and from material and labor. However, a typical range to expect to pay for a standard paint job is between ₹15,000 and ₹1,00,000.

While budget-friendly options might seem tempting, they use professional-grade materials to save you money in the long run. Their superior quality paint ensures lasting protection and aesthetic appeal, reducing frequent touch-ups and potential damage. Don't compromise; choose excellence that transforms your space efficiently and economically.