Painting & Decorating Cost in Farnham 2026 | Interior & Exterior Paint Job Prices
2026 price guide for professional painting and decorating services in Farnham, East Sussex. Covering interior room painting, exterior work on period properties, wallpapering, and specialist finishes for cottages and modern homes. Includes local decorator day rates, cost per room, and how to find skilled, reliable tradespeople in Farnham.
Price Summary
Day Rate (Skilled Decorator)
£190–£300
Labour only, 8-hour day
Medium Bedroom (Walls & Ceiling)
£320–£650
Prep, 2 coats, materials extra
Exterior Window/Door Refresh
£85–£180 per item
Proper prep, undercoat, gloss
Wallpapering (Feature Wall)
£160–£320
Supply & hang standard paper
2026 Painting & Decorating Price Breakdown
| Service in Farnham | Cost | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Decorator Day Rate (Experienced) | £190–£300 | Labour only. Specialists in period properties command higher rates. Minimum 2-3 day bookings common. |
| Small Room (e.g., Box Room, 3x3m, walls & ceiling) | £270–£500 | Emulsion, empty room, basic prep. Coving, picture rails, or intricate cornicing add complexity. |
| Medium/Large Lounge (5x5m+, walls, ceiling, woodwork) | £500–£1,000+ | Moving furniture, extensive prep (filling, sanding), skirting, architrave, door. |
| Kitchen (Walls, ceiling, & possibly units) | £450–£900+ | Complex due to units, tiles, degreasing. Cabinet spraying is a specialist service with higher cost. |
| Staircase & Hallway (Including Spindles, Newel Posts) | £550–£1,200+ | Labour-intensive, awkward access. Sanding & painting many spindles adds significant time. |
| Exterior Window Frame (Timber Sash, per window) | £120–£250 | Proper sanding, filling, undercoat & topcoat. Requires skill for period windows. |
| Exterior Front Door (Timber, single, including prep) | £180–£350 | Stripping old paint, filling, multiple coats for durability. Key to curb appeal on period homes. |
| Exterior Render/Weatherboarding (per sqm) | £15–£30 | Includes washing, repairing cracks, and masonry paint. Large areas priced per project. |
| Wallpaper Hanging (per roll, labour only) | £25–£45 | |
| Ceiling Artex Overboarding/Skimming (per room) | £350–£700 | Common in Farnham's 1970s-1990s homes to remove textured ceilings before painting. |
| Line & Wash (Traditional lime plaster walls, per room) | £400–£800 | Specialist prep and breathable paint for period cottages with solid walls. Essential to prevent damp. |
| Full Exterior Repaint (3-bed semi, walls & woodwork) | £2,500 – £5,000+ | Scaffolding, extensive prep, multiple coats. Highly variable based on property size and condition. |
Popular Decorating Packages
Period Property Refresh (3 Rooms)
£1,200 – £2,500
Emulsion walls & ceilings in lounge, bedroom, hallway using breathable paints. Light prep, client supplies materials.
Exterior Curb Appeal & Protection
£900 – £2,000
Paint front door, all ground-floor window frames, fascia & soffit (if accessible), front gate. Full sanding and prep.
Rental Property Make-Ready Package
£1,700 – £3,500
Full redecoration of 2-bed cottage: walls, ceilings, all woodwork in durable neutral colours, deep clean included.
What Affects Painting & Decorating Costs in Farnham?
- Preparation Required: Pristine walls vs. stripping wallpaper, washing off mould/grime, repairing lime plaster.
- Property Age & Features: High ceilings, cornicing, sash windows, uneven walls in period homes.
- Quality & Type of Materials: Standard trade vs. premium/eco paints; breathable paints for old walls; heritage colours.
- Access & Furniture: Need for scaffolding for exteriors; moving/protecting antique furniture.
- Number of Coats & Finishes: Dark to light colour change, complex finishes (gloss, eggshell on woodwork).
- Time of Year: Exterior work is weather-dependent and may be cheaper in winter (if possible).
Property-Specific Considerations in Farnham
Period Cottages & Listed Buildings
- Use of breathable paints (limewash, clay, mineral)
- Restoration of original features (cornices, panelling)
- Working with lime plaster and uneven surfaces
- Potential need for listed building consent
20th Century Family Homes
- Artex ceiling overboarding or smoothing
- Refreshing woodchip wallpaper (common removal job)
- Repainting 1980s/90s stained woodwork
Rural & Larger Properties
- Exterior work on outbuildings, barns, and fences
- Large wall areas requiring spray equipment
- Managing dust and access in occupied family homes
How to Choose a Painter & Decorator in Farnham
Review Past Work & Specialism (Period vs. Modern)
Look for a portfolio of completed projects similar to yours. For period properties, it's crucial they have experience with breathable paint systems and traditional methods. Ask for references from local period home owners.
Get a Detailed, Written Specification & Quote
The quote should be a specification, not just a price. It must detail: prep work, number of coats, brand/type of paint, areas included/excluded, and a clear schedule. For exteriors, it should specify scaffolding requirements.
Assess Professionalism & Site Management
Professional decorators will protect your floors, furniture, and delicate features meticulously, keep the site tidy, and dispose of waste properly. They should be punctual, communicate clearly, and be willing to discuss material choices.
Local Farnham, East Sussex Insight
Farnham's historic building stock demands specific knowledge. For older, solid-wall properties, using modern vinyl emulsions can trap moisture and cause damp; breathable paints (like clay or mineral-based) are essential. Many homes have original timber sash windows that require careful preparation and specialist paints for longevity. The town's conservation areas may restrict colour choices for exteriors. The prevalence of holiday lets means demand for quick, durable turnarounds is high. For exterior work, consider the local weather – south-facing walls fade faster. Using quality, durable paint is wise given the variable climate and represents a better long-term investment.
FAQs
Should I supply the paint or let the decorator buy it?
For period properties or specific finishes, discuss and agree on the exact product first. A good decorator can source trade discounts and knows which products perform best on local surfaces. They often guarantee the finish if they supply.
How long does it take to paint an average room?
A professional can typically complete a medium bedroom (walls, ceiling, woodwork) in 2-3 days, including drying time between coats. Rushing leads to poor results. Prep (filling, sanding, cleaning) is 50% of a quality job.
What's the difference between a cheap and an expensive paint job?
Preparation, materials, and skill. A cheap job may skip proper washing, filling, sanding, and use fewer coats of inferior paint. An expensive job invests time in prep, uses superior breathable or durable materials, and delivers crisp lines and a flawless finish that lasts years longer.
Do I need special paint for my old cottage?
Very likely, yes. Modern non-breathable paints can cause damp issues in solid wall buildings. For lime plaster walls, use mineral, clay, or lime-based paints. A decorator experienced with period properties will advise correctly.
Conclusion
Painting and decorating in Farnham costs £190–£300 per day for labour, with a medium bedroom costing £320–£650. The key to a quality, lasting job – especially in period properties – is correct preparation and materials. Choose a decorator with local experience in your property type, a detailed specification, and excellent references. This investment protects your property's fabric and enhances its value and character.
Tip:
For period properties, always test a small area with breathable paint to ensure compatibility with the substrate. For exterior work, start at the north side of the house where the sun is less intense, allowing you to match technique and drying times as you work around the building.