Painting Cost Per Sq Ft in Sri Lanka (2025 Interior & Exterior Guide)
Painting Cost Per Sq Ft in Sri Lanka (2025 Interior & Exterior Guide)
Painting is the final transformation. A bare cement house becomes a home the moment paint touches the walls.
But painting costs more than most people expect. It's not just buying a few buckets of emulsion—there's sealer, putty, primer, and multiple coats. And labor costs have surged in 2025.
This guide breaks down every painting cost, from wall preparation to the final coat.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Wall Area Calculation
- The Painting Process
- Material Costs (2025 Prices)
- Labor Rates
- Interior vs Exterior Costs
- Color Trends and Impact
- Total Budget Calculation
- Common Painting Mistakes
- FAQs
1. Understanding Wall Area Calculation
Painting cost is calculated per square foot of wall area, not floor area.
Rule of Thumb:
Wall Area ≈ Floor Area × 3.5
For a 2,000 sq ft house:
- Wall Area: 2,000 × 3.5 = 7,000 sq ft
- Ceiling Area: 2,000 sq ft (if painting)
- Total Paintable Surface: 9,000 sq ft
This calculation accounts for:
- Multiple walls per room
- Both sides of internal walls
- Window/door deductions averaged out
2. The Painting Process (Layers Matter)
The difference between Rs. 60/sq ft and Rs. 150/sq ft comes down to how many layers are applied.
Interior Walls (New Construction)
| Layer | Purpose | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sealer/Primer | Seals porous cement, prevents flaking | Essential |
| 2. Wall Putty (Coat 1) | Fills minor cracks and holes | For smooth finish |
| 3. Sanding | Removes bumps | Essential after putty |
| 4. Wall Putty (Coat 2) | Creates glass-smooth surface | For premium finish |
| 5. Primer (Tinted) | Base for paint color | Essential |
| 6. Emulsion (Coat 1) | First color layer | Essential |
| 7. Emulsion (Coat 2) | Full color, hide imperfections | Essential |
Minimum Layers (Budget): Sealer → Primer → 2 Emulsion Coats Full Finish (Standard): Sealer → 2 Putty Coats → Sanding → Primer → 2 Emulsion Coats
Exterior Walls
| Layer | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1. Sealer (Exterior Grade) | Waterproofing base |
| 2. Weather Shield/Exterior Paint (Coat 1) | Protection + Color |
| 3. Weather Shield (Coat 2) | Full coverage |
Putty is generally NOT used exterior—it traps moisture and causes bubbling.
3. Material Costs (2025 Prices)
Primers and Sealers
| Product | Coverage | Price (20L) | Cost Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cement Sealer (Basic) | 120 sq ft/L | Rs. 8,000 - 12,000 | Rs. 4 - 5 |
| Alkali Resistant Primer | 100 sq ft/L | Rs. 12,000 - 16,000 | Rs. 6 - 8 |
Wall Putty
| Brand | Price (40kg Bag) | Coverage | Cost Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birla/JK White | Rs. 5,500 - 7,000 | 35-40 sq ft | Rs. 15 - 20 |
| Local Brands | Rs. 4,000 - 5,000 | 30-35 sq ft | Rs. 12 - 15 |
Note: Putty is applied in 2 coats for smooth finish.
Interior Emulsion Paints
| Brand/Range | Price (20L) | Coverage | Cost Per Sq Ft (2 Coats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causeway/Robbialac (Budget) | Rs. 18,000 - 25,000 | 100 sq ft/L | Rs. 18 - 25 |
| Nippon Matex | Rs. 25,000 - 32,000 | 110 sq ft/L | Rs. 23 - 30 |
| Dulux Promise | Rs. 28,000 - 35,000 | 100 sq ft/L | Rs. 28 - 35 |
| Dulux Ambiance | Rs. 38,000 - 48,000 | 90 sq ft/L | Rs. 42 - 55 |
Exterior Paints
| Brand/Range | Price (20L) | Coverage | Cost Per Sq Ft (2 Coats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causeway Exterior | Rs. 28,000 - 35,000 | 80 sq ft/L | Rs. 35 - 45 |
| Nippon Weatherbond | Rs. 38,000 - 48,000 | 90 sq ft/L | Rs. 42 - 55 |
| Dulux Weather Shield | Rs. 42,000 - 55,000 | 85 sq ft/L | Rs. 50 - 65 |
4. Labor Rates
Daily Rates (2025)
| Worker Type | Daily Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Master Painter | Rs. 4,500 - 6,000 | Skilled finishing work |
| Helper | Rs. 2,500 - 3,500 | Sanding, mixing, cleanup |
Per Sq Ft Rates (Contract Basis)
| Work Type | Labor Rate Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Interior (Repaint - No Putty) | Rs. 25 - 35 | Just 2 coats paint |
| Interior (New - With Putty) | Rs. 45 - 60 | Full treatment |
| Exterior (Standard) | Rs. 30 - 45 | Scaffold needed |
| Exterior (High Walls) | Rs. 50 - 70 | Above 2 floors |
Coverage: A team of 1 master + 1 helper can paint 300-400 sq ft per day (with putty work) or 600-800 sq ft per day (repaint only).
5. Interior vs Exterior Costs
Interior Painting (Total Cost)
| Finish Level | Material | Labor | Total Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (No Putty) | Rs. 35 | Rs. 30 | Rs. 65 |
| Standard (1 Coat Putty) | Rs. 55 | Rs. 45 | Rs. 100 |
| Premium (2 Coat Putty) | Rs. 75 | Rs. 55 | Rs. 130 |
| Luxury (Texture/Designer) | Rs. 100+ | Rs. 70+ | Rs. 170+ |
Exterior Painting (Total Cost)
| Finish Level | Material | Labor | Total Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Weather Paint) | Rs. 45 | Rs. 35 | Rs. 80 |
| Premium (Top Brand) | Rs. 60 | Rs. 45 | Rs. 105 |
| Textured/Stone Finish | Rs. 120+ | Rs. 80+ | Rs. 200+ |
6. Color Trends and Impact
What's In for 2025?
| Trend | Colors | Where to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Neutrals | Beige, Cream, Greige | Everywhere - timeless choice |
| Off-White | Cotton, Ivory, Linen | Creates perception of space |
| Feature Walls | Navy Blue, Charcoal, Forest Green | Single accent wall |
| Earthy Tones | Terracotta, Sage | Exterior, bathrooms |
| Bold Exteriors | Deep Grey, Charcoal | Modern minimalist houses |
Color Cost Impact
- White/Off-White: Best coverage, lowest cost per coat
- Pastels: Good coverage, slight premium
- Deep Colors: Need more coats (sometimes 3-4), 20-30% more expensive
- Specialty (Metallic/Texture): 2-3× normal cost
💡 Pro Tip: If you want a deep-colored feature wall, have the painter apply a tinted primer first. This reduces the number of expensive top coats needed.
7. Total Budget Calculation
2,000 Sq Ft House (Standard Finish)
| Area | Sq Ft | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Walls (Putty) | 7,000 | Rs. 100 | Rs. 700,000 |
| Interior Ceilings | 2,000 | Rs. 85 | Rs. 170,000 |
| Exterior Walls | 3,500 | Rs. 95 | Rs. 332,500 |
| TOTAL | Rs. 1,202,500 |
Budget Scenario (No Interior Putty)
| Area | Sq Ft | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Walls | 7,000 | Rs. 65 | Rs. 455,000 |
| Interior Ceilings | 2,000 | Rs. 60 | Rs. 120,000 |
| Exterior Walls | 3,500 | Rs. 80 | Rs. 280,000 |
| TOTAL | Rs. 855,000 |
Premium Scenario (Top Brands, Full Putty)
| Area | Sq Ft | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Walls | 7,000 | Rs. 140 | Rs. 980,000 |
| Interior Ceilings | 2,000 | Rs. 120 | Rs. 240,000 |
| Exterior Walls | 3,500 | Rs. 110 | Rs. 385,000 |
| TOTAL | Rs. 1,605,000 |
8. Common Painting Mistakes to Avoid
Painting Before Plaster Cures Fresh plaster needs 4-6 weeks to dry. Painting too early causes bubbling and peeling.
Skipping Primer Primer is not optional. Without it, paint absorbs unevenly and fades faster.
Using Interior Paint Outside Interior emulsion has no weather resistance. It will chalk, fade, and peel in months.
Painting in Direct Sunlight Paint dries too fast, causing brush marks and uneven coverage. Paint in shade or early morning.
Ignoring Surface Preparation Dust, oil, and loose plaster cause adhesion failure. Always clean and sand surfaces first.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does house paint last?
- Interior (Quality Emulsion): 5-7 years before touch-up needed
- Exterior (Standard): 3-5 years
- Exterior (Premium Weather Shield): 7-10 years
Q2: Is putty finish worth the extra cost?
Yes, for living areas and bedrooms where wall quality is visible. Skip it for storerooms, garages, and utility areas.
Q3: Can I paint my house myself?
Primer and base coats are manageable for DIY. Finishing coats, especially with putty, require skill for a smooth result. I recommend professional painters for visible areas.
Q4: How do I calculate paint quantity?
Formula: (Wall Area ÷ Coverage per Liter) × Number of Coats + 15% wastage
Most paint covers 80-100 sq ft per liter. A 2,000 sq ft house needs approximately 150-180 liters of interior emulsion.
Q5: When should I repaint the exterior?
When you notice:
- Chalking (white powder when you touch the wall)
- Fading color
- Peeling or bubbling
- Visible stains or mold
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