Commercial Painting Prices Guide
If you're planning to give your commercial space a fresh coat of paint, you're probably wondering about the costs involved. Well, as commercial painting projects can range from a straightforward office refresh to a full-blown exterior overhaul for a large building, there's no set pricing. In fact, there are a lot of factors that can affect the price, from the type of paint used to the accessibility of the space and more.
No wonder commercial painting costs can feel a bit confusing! But don't worry, we're here to help. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about commercial painting costs in Australia so you can budget confidently and know what to expect every step of the way.
What Impacts the Cost of Commercial Painting?
Before we start looking at the numbers, it's important that you understand the main elements that influence the price of commercial painting projects. After all, a lot more goes into it than simply painting the walls! Whether it's for office buildings, apartment buildings, large industrial facilities or small shops, all of the following play a major role in determining the final cost of commercial painting jobs:
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The size of your project is one of the biggest factors when it comes to the total cost of a commercial painting job, and it is usually calculated based on square footage or square metres to be painted. Larger projects, such as multi-storey office buildings or warehouses, will require more paint, more labour, and more time, all of which will add to the cost.
As a rough idea, interior painting can range between $15 and $45+ per square metre, while exterior painting can sit higher at around $20 to $80+ per square metre.
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Labour is another big piece of the cost equation. Experienced painters, especially those who specialise in commercial projects, tend to charge more as they bring a higher level of skill and efficiency. Likewise, commercial spaces often demand durability and quality to handle daily wear in high traffic areas, and experienced painters know how to achieve this.
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In a commercial setting, choosing the right paints and materials is very important, and high-quality, durable paints are often preferred because they can handle high traffic and daily wear better. This is especially true in areas like lobbies, hallways, or retail spaces. Generally speaking, the cost of paint in Australia can range from $20 to $60+ per litre, but this depends on the quality and the brand.
There may be other requirements for the paint aside from durability, though. For example, anti-microbial paints are a popular (and often essential) choice in healthcare settings because they can help reduce the spread of germs. Fire-retardant paints may also be necessary in spaces like industrial buildings, while high-gloss, easy-to-clean paints are often needed in restaurants and kitchens.
Each type of paint has its own properties and, as a result, its own cost. So, think about your needs and discuss with your painter what the best materials would be for your project. That way, you'll have a clearer idea of the cost.
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One thing that many people don't realise is that whether you're painting the interior or exterior of your building will influence the total cost. Interior painting tends to be less expensive because it's done in a controlled environment without exposure to the elements. The interior painting cost per square metre usually ranges from $15 to $45+, although prices can vary based on the surface type and other elements, like trim or ceilings, that may require extra attention.
Exterior painting is sometimes more costly because it requires extra surface preparation work and more materials. This includes cleaning, repairs, and priming to handle exposure to weather, pollution, UV rays height access equipment and scaffold. Also, if there is need for specialised paints, the cost can increase. For these reasons, exterior painting prices generally range from $20 to $80+ per square metre, depending on the complexity and accessibility of the building.
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Why does accessibility add to the cost, though? Simply put, commercial buildings often have high walls, multiple storeys, complex architectural features, and hard to reach areas that may require special equipment to reach and paint safely. This could be scaffolding, scissor lifts, cherry pickers, or even abseiling equipment. And, while these tools make it possible for a professional painter to reach every surface without compromising safety or the quality of the finish, they do add to the paint cost too.
Spray painting is a popular specialised technique used for commercial projects, that can cost more. We're not talking about graffiti, but a paint job using specialist spraying equipment that allows painters to cover a vast area quickly with a fine, even coat often harder to achieve with traditional brushes or rollers. This is especially true on textured walls or uneven surfaces.
But, because of the equipment and the level of skill involved with operating it, spray painting tends to add to the overall cost. However, it is often a worthwhile investment for large commercial building or complex project where efficiency and quality are needed.
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Painting isn't just about applying colour to the walls. Surface preparation is a hugely important part of the process, and as such, it's a big part of what you're paying for when you hire an experienced commercial painter. Prep work can include tasks like power washing, scraping off old paint, filling in cracks, sanding rough spots, and applying primers. Each of these steps will ensure that the paint adheres properly and lasts for years to come.
Prep work is especially important in a commercial building. Why? Well, walls and other surfaces in high traffic areas tend to accumulate more dirt, grease, and wear, which means they need extra attention before painting can even begin.
To put it in the simplest terms, if a surface isn't properly prepared, the paint may not stick well or could start to peel within a few months. So, although prep work adds to the overall cost, it's a necessary investment for getting a high quality finish that won't need constant touch ups or repairs.
How Much Does Commercial Painting Cost?
As you can see, there are a lot of factors that go into calculating the total commercial painting cost, and this will vary between commercial painting contractors. However, to give you a clearer idea of what you might expect to pay for commercial painting work (taking all of the above into account), here's a rough breakdown:
Interior Painting
For standard interior painting, you can expect to pay between $15 and $45+ per square metre. This cost covers walls and basic trim, but intricate paintwork is likely to come with additional costs.
Exterior Painting
Given the need for the extra prep work on exterior surfaces, special equipment, and weather-resistant paint, exterior painting costs usually range from $20 to $80+ per square metre.
Specialised Paints and Finishes
For specialised paints and techniques like spray painting, you can expect to pay more. For instance, antimicrobial paint can cost as much as $40 - $90+ per litre, while fire-retardant paint can cost as much as $100+ per litre.
It's important to note that these numbers are broad estimates, and actual costs will depend on your specific needs. The best way of getting an accurate idea of pricing is by reaching out to professional painters, who will carry out an assessment and give you a quote for the project cost.
What is Included in DC Decorators' Commercial Painting Service?
When you choose DC Decorators for your commercial painting project, you'll be working with a team dedicated to delivering the best results and a stress-free experience. Here's a step-by-step look at how we work:
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After you reach out to us, we'll arrange a time to visit your commercial property, evaluate the scope of the work, and discuss your requirements. With this information in hand, we'll provide you with a clear quote that breaks down the cost in as much detail as possible, keeping everything transparent so you can plan your budget without any surprises or hidden fees.
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As part of our service, we also offer colour and finish consultations. This is designed to help you choose shades that reflect your brand, complement your decor, and make sure they last for a long time! Whether you're looking for bold colours, neutrals, or something totally unique, we'll help you find it.
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Once you've decided to move forward, we'll work with you to establish a project timeline that fits around your business needs and keeps the disruption to your usual operations to a minimum.
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Before any paint touches your surfaces, we'll make sure everything is properly prepared. This includes cleaning, sanding, and filling any cracks or holes to ensure the best possible result and help the high quality paints last longer and resist wear.
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With everything prepared, our expert team of commercial painters will begin applying the paint. We work to the highest standards and use only the best materials, equipment, and techniques to ensure you get the professional finish you want.
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Once the painting is complete, we'll take the extra time to check everything over and add those all-important finishing touches. Any final touch ups are handled at this stage, and the work area is thoroughly cleaned, leaving your space looking refreshed and better than ever!
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At the end of the project, we'll take you on a walk-through to review the finished work and ensure you're completely satisfied with the results. Assuming you're happy with the outcome, we'll provide you with a detailed invoice before leaving you to enjoy your beautifully painted commercial building.
Why You Should Hire Professional Commercial Painters
Hiring commercial painters is an investment that ensures you get a polished look and a durable finish for your space. This is because a professional commercial painter brings extensive knowledge of paint types, finishes, and techniques that are especially beneficial for commercial settings to the job, which in turn, means you'll be recommended the very best products for your needs.
At DC Decorators, our professional painting services ensure you aren't just getting paint on the walls - you're getting expertise, efficiency, and quality, all of which will reflect positively on your business for years to come. We also provide you with a warranty, which doesn't only act as a testament to our workmanship but gives you peace of mind that, in the unlikely event of anything going wrong, you're covered for repairs.
Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote from DC Decorators
Are you ready to start your journey toward a beautifully painted commercial space? Reach out to DC Decorators to discuss your project, and we'll provide you with a quote tailored to your needs. There are no hidden fees or obligations, and we promise a smooth, hassle-free experience from start to finish. Call 0406 634 769 or fill in our Enquiry Form to get started.
