Question 1

How much does painting cost in South Africa in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Interior painting costs roughly R35–R75/m² and exterior R45–R95/m², including paint and labour (more for high walls, heavy prep, or premium paint). A full 3-bedroom house repaint typically runs R18,000–R45,000. Damp-proofing costs R120–R280/m² and roof painting R55–R110/m². Always get the surface area measured for an accurate quote.

Question 2

Should I paint the interior or exterior first?

Accepted Answer

If you're doing both, exterior usually comes first — it's weather-dependent and needs a dry window, while interior can be done any time. For exterior, proper prep (cleaning, scraping, filling cracks, priming bare patches) matters more than the paint itself; skipping prep is the main reason paint peels within a year or two.

Question 3

How long does a house repaint take?

Accepted Answer

A standard 3-bedroom interior repaint takes 3–5 days; a full interior-plus-exterior repaint 1–2 weeks depending on prep, wall height, and weather. A good painter will protect floors and furniture, do proper surface prep, and apply the correct number of coats — usually a primer/undercoat plus two topcoats.

Question 4

What causes damp on interior walls and can paint fix it?

Accepted Answer

Interior damp usually comes from rising damp, penetrating damp (cracks, failed waterproofing), or condensation. Damp-proof paint helps as part of a solution, but you must fix the source first — painting over active damp just traps moisture and the problem returns. A good painter or damp specialist will diagnose the cause before quoting.

Question 5

How long should a quality paint job last?

Accepted Answer

A properly prepped and painted interior lasts 5–10 years; exterior 5–8 years depending on sun and weather exposure and paint quality. The biggest factors are surface preparation and using the right paint system for the substrate. A reputable painter provides a workmanship guarantee on top of the paint manufacturer's warranty.

Question 6

Do painters supply the paint or do I?

Accepted Answer

Most painters quote for paint supplied and applied, which is simpler and means they take responsibility for the finish. You can supply your own paint to control colour and brand, but then the painter usually won't guarantee coverage or longevity. Agree this upfront and confirm the brand, sheen, and number of coats in writing.

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