Painting Costs in South Africa (2026 Prices)

To calculate paint needed: measure the total wall area (height x width for each wall, minus windows and doors). One litre of paint covers approximately 8–10 sqm per coat. A standard 3m x 4m bedroom with 2.7m ceilings has roughly 30 sqm of wall area, requiring about 6–8 litres for two coats. Ceilings require a separate calculation. Most paint shops will calculate quantities for free if you provide room dimensions.

Yes, many homeowners leave while painters work, but take precautions: lock away valuables, ensure painters have access to water and electricity, provide clear instructions on colours and areas to paint, and cover or move furniture and electronics. Agree on working hours upfront. With Completo, all contractors are verified and your payment is held in escrow — giving you peace of mind even when you cannot be present.

Move furniture to the centre of rooms and cover with drop cloths. Remove pictures, curtain rails, and light switch covers. Clean walls with sugar soap to remove grease and dust. Fill small cracks and holes with filler and allow to dry. Mask off areas that should not be painted (light fittings, floor edges). Clear access to all walls including moving pot plants outdoors. The better you prepare, the faster and cheaper the job will be.