Painting & Decorating Costs in Hastings: Interior & Exterior Work Prices 2026

Comprehensive 2026 price guide for painting and decorating services in Hastings, East Sussex, covering interior room painting, exterior work, wallpapering, and damp-related preparation for Victorian properties, seaside homes, and modern developments. This detailed analysis includes verified local decorator rates, coastal climate considerations, and essential advice for finding skilled, insured professionals for painting and decorating projects in Hastings, St Leonards, and surrounding coastal areas.

Room Painting (Medium, walls & ceiling)

Typical price: £300–£600

Includes: Preparation, 2 coats, basic materials

Exterior Window/Door Painting (Per item)

Typical price: £80–£180

Examples: Sash window, front door, includes preparation

Wallpapering (Feature wall)

Typical price: £150–£300

Note: Includes hanging, excludes paper cost

Damp Treatment & Re-decoration

Typical price: £200–£500+

Common in Hastings: Coastal damp issues, mould treatment before painting

Hastings Painting & Decorating Prices 2026: Complete Service Breakdown

Painting & Decorating Service in Hastings	Average Cost	Hastings-Specific Notes
ServiceSmall Room Paint (Bedroom 3x3m, walls & ceiling)	Typical cost£250–£450	NotesIncludes preparation, 2 coats emulsion on walls/ceiling, woodwork extra. Common for Hastings rental property refreshes.
ServiceMedium Lounge Paint (4x5m, walls & ceiling)	Typical cost£400–£700	NotesStandard lounge size in Hastings homes. Includes moving/replacing furniture, basic filling.
ServiceKitchen Painting (Walls, ceiling, units)	Typical cost£500–£900	NotesComplex due to units, tiles, appliances. Special kitchen paint needed for grease/moisture resistance.
ServiceBathroom Painting (Moisture-resistant)	Typical cost£350–£650	NotesSpecialised mould-resistant paints essential in Hastings' damp climate. Extra preparation often needed.
ServiceStaircase/Hallway Painting	Typical cost£300–£600	NotesComplex area with multiple surfaces, heights. Common in multi-storey Hastings properties.
ServiceCeiling Painting Only (Per room)	Typical cost£100–£250	NotesLabour-intensive overhead work. Water stains common in Hastings ceilings may need special treatment.
ServiceWoodwork Painting (Doors, skirting, windows internal)	Typical cost£40–£80 per door/frame	NotesPer item, both sides. Victorian properties in Hastings often have extensive woodwork.
ServiceWallpaper Hanging (Feature wall, 4x2.5m)	Typical cost£150–£300	NotesLabour only, paper extra. Pattern matching and difficult walls (Hastings' uneven plaster) increase cost.
ServiceFull Room Wallpaper (Medium room)	Typical cost£400–£800	NotesWalls only, ceiling/woodwork extra. Complex patterns or expensive paper may have higher labour charge.
ServiceExterior Window Painting (Sash, per window)	Typical cost£100–£200	NotesHistoric sash windows common in Hastings. Requires proper preparation for coastal weather exposure.
ServiceExterior Door Painting (Front door)	Typical cost£80–£180	NotesIncludes preparation, undercoat, top coat. Marine-grade paints recommended for seafront properties.
ServiceExterior Wall Painting (Per m²)	Typical cost£15–£30 per m²	NotesRender or brick. Scaffolding extra if above ground floor. Weather-dependent work in Hastings.
ServiceDamp/Mould Treatment before Painting	Typical cost£200–£500+	NotesSpecialist treatment, sealing, special primers. Common requirement in Hastings, especially ground floors and bathrooms.
ServiceFilling & Preparation Work (Per room)	Typical cost£100–£300	NotesFor cracks, holes, uneven surfaces. Victorian properties in Hastings often need significant preparation.
ServiceCornice/Coving Painting (Per metre)	Typical cost£8–£15 per metre	NotesDetailed work on period features. Common in Hastings Victorian/Edwardian properties.
ServiceRadiator Painting (Per radiator)	Typical cost£25–£60	NotesSpecial heat-resistant paint, careful preparation. Often done during room redecorations.
ServiceDaily Rate (Skilled Decorator)	Typical cost£180–£300 per day	NotesFor larger projects or multiple rooms. Materials extra. 8-hour day typically.

Cost Breakdown: Preparation vs Painting in Hastings Properties

In Hastings' varied property types, preparation often represents a significant portion of decorating costs:

Modern Flat/New Build

Preparation: 20-30% of total cost

Painting: 70-80% of total cost

Typical Issues: Minimal filling, good surfaces

Hastings Note: Standard rates apply

1930s-1960s Semi

Preparation: 30-40% of total cost

Painting: 60-70% of total cost

Typical Issues: Some cracks, uneven surfaces

Hastings Note: May have previous damp issues

Victorian Terrace

Preparation: 40-60% of total cost

Painting: 40-60% of total cost

Typical Issues: Uneven walls, many cracks, damp patches

Hastings Note: Common in Old Town, significant prep needed

Seafront Property

Preparation: 50-70% of total cost

Painting: 30-50% of total cost

Typical Issues: Salt damage, damp, exterior corrosion

Hastings Note: Specialised treatments essential

8 Factors Affecting Painting & Decorating Costs in Hastings

Property Age & Condition: Modern smooth walls vs Victorian uneven plaster with cracks.
Room Size & Complexity: Simple box room vs staircase with multiple surfaces/angles.
Preparation Requirements: Basic cleaning vs extensive filling, damp treatment, mould removal.
Materials Quality: Standard trade paint vs premium brands, specialist damp-proof products.
Coastal Considerations: Salt air affecting exterior paints, damp-resistant interiors needed.
Access & Safety: Standard rooms vs high ceilings needing scaffolding, awkward spaces.
Time of Year: Exterior work weather-dependent, summer premium for holiday let turnovers.
Decorator Experience: General painter vs specialist period property or damp treatment expert.

Hastings Painting & Decorating: Area Coverage & Special Considerations

Different areas of Hastings require distinct decorating approaches:

Central Hastings & Old Town
(TN34 postcode)

Common Projects: Period property restoration, rental property refreshes, conservation work
Special Challenges: Uneven walls, high ceilings, conservation area restrictions on colours/materials
Typical Premium: +20-40% for extensive preparation on period properties
Material Advice: Traditional breathable paints often recommended for old plaster

St Leonards & Seafront
(TN37, TN38)

Common Projects: Exterior repainting, damp-proof interiors, holiday let maintenance
Special Challenges: Salt corrosion on exteriors, persistent damp issues, quick turnaround needs
Typical Premium: +15-30% for marine-grade exterior paints and damp specialists
Material Advice: Mould-resistant paints essential, external paints with corrosion inhibitors

Residential Suburbs & Hills
(TN35, West Hill, Ore)

Common Projects: Whole house redecorations, exterior work on larger properties
Special Challenges: Larger areas, access for exterior work, varied architectural styles
Typical Premium: Standard rates, but larger properties cost more overall
Material Advice: Quality exterior paints for exposed locations, breathable options for older homes

Getting an Accurate Decorating Quote in Hastings: 9 Essential Details

Room Dimensions: Length, width, height; number of doors/windows.
Current Condition Photos: Walls, ceilings, woodwork, any damage/damp.
Surface Types: Plaster, plasterboard, wood, previously wallpapered, etc.
Preparation Expectations: How much filling, stripping, cleaning needed.
Materials Preference: Who supplies paint/wallpaper; quality/brand preferences.
Access Information: Parking, stairs, high ceilings needing special equipment.
Damp/Mould Issues: Any existing or previous problems needing treatment.
Timeline Requirements: Urgent holiday let turnover vs flexible timing.
Special Requirements: Period features needing careful treatment, conservation restrictions.

Hastings Painting & Decorating Services: Essential Questions Answered

Why is preparation so important for painting in Hastings properties?

Hastings' damp coastal climate and older building stock mean surfaces often need extensive preparation: treating mould, filling cracks from settlement, addressing damp patches, and dealing with salty residue on exteriors. Proper preparation (40-60% of job cost in period properties) ensures paint adheres properly and lasts longer in challenging conditions.

Are there special paint requirements for coastal properties in Hastings?

Yes: Exteriors need marine-grade paints with corrosion inhibitors and UV protection. Interiors need mould-resistant paints in bathrooms/kitchens. Breathable mineral paints are often recommended for older properties to prevent trapped moisture. Always mention your proximity to sea when discussing materials.

How long does a typical room take to paint in Hastings?

A medium bedroom (4x4m) with average preparation: 2-3 days (1 day preparation, 1-2 days painting). A Victorian property with extensive preparation: 3-5 days. Drying times are longer in Hastings' damp climate, especially for oil-based paints on woodwork.

Can I paint during winter in Hastings?

Interiors: yes, with ventilation and heating to aid drying. Exteriors: avoid October-March generally due to rain, cold temperatures (below 5°C), and high humidity affecting paint adhesion and drying. Some exterior work possible in mild winter spells, but spring/summer is ideal.

Do decorators in Hastings handle damp treatment?

Many offer basic damp preparation (mould wash, stain block, specialised primers) as part of decorating. For serious damp issues, they may recommend a specialist damp proofing company first. Always address damp causes before decorating, especially in ground floor flats and seafront properties.

How to Choose a Reliable Painter & Decorator in Hastings, East Sussex

Verify Insurance & Trade Association Membership

Ensure they have public liability insurance (£2-5 million) and ideally belong to a trade association like the Painting & Decorating Association (PDA). For exterior work at height, check they have appropriate insurance and safety equipment. Never use uninsured decorators.

Check Coastal & Period Property Experience

The best decorators have specific experience with Hastings' damp climate challenges and period property requirements. They should understand which paints work on historic plaster, how to prepare salty exterior surfaces, and damp-proofing techniques for coastal homes.

Assess Preparation Approach & Attention to Detail

Professional decorators should emphasise preparation as the foundation of quality work. They should inspect for damp, check plaster condition, and discuss filling/repair needs. For period properties, they should show awareness of preserving original features while working.

Review Material Knowledge & Recommendations

They should recommend appropriate paints for Hastings' conditions (mould-resistant for bathrooms, marine-grade for exteriors) and explain why. They should be knowledgeable about breathable paints for older properties and eco-friendly options if requested.

Request Detailed Quotes & Site Preparation Advice

Reputable decorators provide written quotes separating labour, materials, and preparation costs. They should advise on room clearing, ventilation needs during painting, and realistic drying times for Hastings' climate. Avoid vague estimates or cash-only deals.

📍 Local Hastings Decorating Insight

Hastings' decorating needs are shaped by its historic building stock and coastal environment. For Old Town properties, look for decorators experienced with traditional lime plaster and breathable paints. In seafront areas, they should insist on proper damp treatment before painting. Many holiday let owners schedule redecorating in early spring or late autumn between peak seasons. During summer, exterior work is ideal but book well ahead. If you have a period property, consider whether modern vinyl paints are appropriate or if traditional breathable options would be better for the building's health. For rental properties, eggshell or wipeable paints in hallways and kitchens are worth the extra cost. Always get multiple detailed quotes - preparation estimates vary widely based on the decorator's experience with Hastings' typical property challenges.

Painting & Decorating in Hastings: 2026 Cost & Quality Guide

Painting and decorating costs in Hastings reflect both the town's architectural diversity and challenging coastal climate. For standard interior work, expect to pay £300–£600 for a medium room, with exterior window painting costing £80–£180 per item. Wallpapering ranges from £150–£300 for a feature wall. Damp treatment before decorating adds £200–£500+ depending on severity. Always choose decorators with appropriate insurance and experience relevant to your property type - whether that's period property expertise for the Old Town, damp-treatment knowledge for seafront homes, or efficient turnover skills for holiday lets. Given Hastings' moisture levels, salt air, and mix of historic and modern buildings, proper preparation and material selection are even more critical than in inland locations. Quality work with appropriate materials protects your property investment and ensures finishes withstand Hastings' unique environmental challenges.

Local Decorating Insight:

Many Hastings residents schedule exterior painting for late spring/early summer when weather is most reliable. For period properties, invest in proper preparation - it's more important than expensive paint. In coastal areas, use mould-resistant paints even in living areas, not just bathrooms. If you're a holiday let owner, consider slightly higher-quality paints that withstand frequent cleaning between guests. For Old Town conservation areas, check if there are colour restrictions before choosing exterior paints. When getting quotes, ask specific questions about how they'll handle typical Hastings issues (damp patches, salty exteriors, uneven plaster). Finally, keep leftover paint for touch-ups - colours can fade differently in coastal sunlight, making exact matches difficult later.