Interior painting: price per m², preparation and choosing the paint

Repainting is the quickest way to transform an interior, and also the job where the difference between average and beautiful work shows most. That difference rarely comes from the paint brand: it comes from the preparation.

How much does interior painting cost?

In Brussels and the surrounding area, for professional work (preparation, two coats, paint included), expect generally €20 to €40 per m² of painted surface (walls and ceilings), including 6% VAT for a home over 10 years old.

What pushes the price up:

• The state of the walls: cracks, old wallpaper to strip, plaster to redo.
• Ceilings: slower to paint, especially with mouldings.
• Joinery: doors, skirting boards and window frames are priced separately and take time.
• Big colour changes: going from a dark wall to white often needs an extra coat.

For an 80 m² apartment, walls and ceilings often add up to 250 to 300 m² to paint: the budget is then usually between €5,000 and €10,000, depending on the surfaces.

Preparation: where it all happens

Paint is never better than the wall underneath. Good preparation always follows the same order:

1. Protect floors, furniture and joinery.
2. Clean and degrease (kitchen, bathroom, smokers' rooms).
3. Fill holes and cracks, then sand.
4. Skim if the wall is uneven: that's what gives a smooth result under raking light.
5. Prime new surfaces (plaster, plasterboard) or very absorbent walls.
6. Two finishing coats, respecting the drying time between them.

Which finish for which room?

Room	Recommended finish	Why
Living room, bedrooms	Matt or soft sheen	Hides small flaws, soft look
Ceilings	Matt	Doesn't reflect light
Hallways, children's rooms	Soft sheen or washable satin	Resists rubbing, can be cleaned
Kitchen, bathroom	Satin, paint for damp rooms	Resists moisture and stains
Doors, skirting	Satin or gloss	Resists knocks and cleaning

Water-based (acrylic) paints are now the norm for walls: little smell, quick drying, low solvent content.

How long does it take?

For an 80 m² apartment in good condition, count 5 to 8 working days for one team, preparation included. If the walls need a full skim, add a few days of drying.

The most common mistakes

• Painting a damp wall: the paint blisters or stains. Find the cause of the damp first.
• Skipping the primer on new plaster: the finish doesn't bond and looks patchy.
• One coat to save time: the colour stays uneven.
• Repainting a bathroom without ventilation: the mould comes back.

Painting with CULA

CULA carries out interior painting in Brussels, Dilbeek and the surrounding area, with wall preparation included in the quote. Estimate your budget with the quote calculator or request a free visit.