If you’ve ever found yourself Googling the cost of paint to paint a house, you’re not alone, we get asked this almost daily. As trusted house painters in Melbourne, we know how overwhelming it can be to figure out what a paint job will actually cost.
That’s why we created this guide, to give you a clear, honest breakdown of what painting a house truly costs in Melbourne, whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring professionals like us at Norm Painting.
Let’s jump into it.
What You Pay for Paint: Real Prices for Real Homes
When you ask about the cost of paint to paint a house, the first thing to consider is whether you’re pricing just the paint or the full job including labor.
Let’s start with just the paint.
Exterior Paint Cost (No Labor Included)
| House Size | Paint Needed | Estimated Paint Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (1,000 sq ft) | 8–12 gallons | $300–$600 |
| Medium (2,000 sq ft) | 15–25 gallons | $500–$1,000 |
| Large (3,000+ sq ft) | 25–35 gallons | $900–$1,400 |
For Melbourne homes, we recommend Dulux Weathershield or Taubmans Endure Exterior, which are durable enough to handle sun, rain, and everything in between. These usually cost between $25 to $50 per gallon for mid-grade quality, while premium brands can go up to $90+ per gallon.
Interior Paint Cost (No Labor Included)
| Home Size | Paint Needed | Estimated Paint Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 10–15 gallons | $250–$600 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 15–25 gallons | $400–$900 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 25–35 gallons | $700–$1,200 |
We use washable, low-VOC paints from brands like Dulux Wash&Wear that are safe, durable, and easy to maintain. You’ll often need 2 coats, and possibly a primer — especially if you’re painting over a dark color or old surface.
Factors That Change the Cost Quickly
It’s not just about square footage. Several key factors can shift your total paint costs up or down:
- Number of Coats – Two coats are the minimum for most jobs. Some walls need three.
- Wall Condition – Peeling, cracked, or water-damaged walls require extra prep and patching.
- Color Choice – Switching from dark to light often needs more paint or a special primer.
- Surface Type – Weatherboard, brick, render, and plasterboard all absorb paint differently.
- Paint Finish – Matte, satin, and gloss finishes affect both price and quantity needed.
At Norm Painting, we do a free site inspection of wallpaper removal service or any other service to properly assess all these factors before quoting. That way, you get an accurate price, not a surprise invoice.
DIY vs Professional Painters: What’s Cheaper in the Long Run?
Some clients ask us, “Should I just do it myself?”
If you’re handy, maybe! But let’s be real — house painting takes time, skill, and a lot of patience. Here’s what the costs look like side-by-side.
DIY Paint Job Estimate (for a 3BR House)
- Paint + Supplies: $600–$1,200
- Time Required: 3–7 full days (not including prep or cleanup)
- Equipment Needed: Brushes, rollers, drop sheets, ladders, possibly scaffolding
- Quality Risk: Inconsistent finish, drips, patches
Professional Paint Job (with Norm Painting)
cost to paint a 3 bedroom house interior, or cost to paint a 4 bedroom house interior
- Interior Paint Job: $2–$6 per sq. ft.
- Exterior Painting Job: $1.50–$4.50 per sq. ft.
- Our Pricing Example:
- 3-room job: $6,000–$7,000
- 4-room job: $8,000–$10,000
- 3-room job: $6,000–$7,000
We bring premium tools, years of expertise, and a fully insured team. Most importantly, we get it done right the first time — with a perfect finish and no mess left behind.
Why Melbourne Homeowners Trust Norm Painting
We’re not just another local painting company. At Norm Painting, we bring years of hands-on experience and the kind of attention to detail you just don’t get from a cheap paint-and-go team.
Here’s why more homeowners in Melbourne, Tarneit, Werribee, Point Cook, Caroline Springs, and surrounding suburbs choose us:
- ✅ Expert colour consultation and surface prep
- ✅ High-quality paints from Dulux, Taubmans, and Haymes
- ✅ Neat, respectful, and friendly team
- ✅ We protect your furniture, clean up daily, and finish on time
When we paint your home, it’s not just a job. It’s a project we’re proud of — because your home deserves that kind of care.
How to Estimate Paint Quantity Like a Pro
Here’s a quick calculator for figuring out paint needs:
- 1 gallon of paint covers around 350–400 sq ft with one coat.
- Multiply your wall area by 2 (for two coats).
- Don’t forget ceilings and trims — they need special types of paint!
Not sure how to calculate your home’s square footage? Call us — we’ll come measure everything for you.
FAQs About the Cost of Paint to Paint a House
Q1: How much does it cost to paint a house in Melbourne?
It depends on the size, type of paint, and condition of the surfaces. Most full house painters jobs (interior or exterior) range from $3,000 to $10,000.
Q2: Is it cheaper to paint a house yourself?
In terms of dollars, yes — but quality, safety, and time can make hiring professionals the smarter investment.
Q3: Which is better — Dulux or Taubmans?
Both are top-tier. Dulux often leads for exterior durability, while Taubmans performs well indoors with fewer coats.
Q4: How long does paint last?
Interior paint jobs last 7–10 years, and exteriors typically last 5–7 years in Melbourne’s weather.
Q5: Can you just paint over old paint?
Only if the old paint is in good condition — otherwise, we sand, clean, or prime to ensure adhesion and durability.
Painting Costs Shouldn’t Be a Guessing Game
We understand that when you’re searching for the cost of paint to paint a house, you’re not just looking for numbers. You’re trying to plan a real project, with a real budget, in the real world.
That’s why we offer free quotes, transparent pricing, and friendly advice to homeowners all across Melbourne.
📞 Ready to refresh your home? Get in touch with Norm Painting today — your trusted local experts in house painting, from Tarneit to Caroline Springs, and everywhere in Melbourne Victoria Australia.
