Planning to get your HDB flat painted but unsure how much it should cost?
Professional HDB painting services in Singapore generally cost between S$600 and S$2,200 or more, depending on your flat size, the paint grade selected, and the scope of work. At Colour Creative, we offer packages starting from S$600 for a 2-room flat and S$700 for a 3-room flat.
To help you compare your options and budget, this guide covers pricing by HDB flat type, package inclusions, common add-ons and their costs, the right Paint, and how to choose a reliable painting contractor.
HDB Painting Cost in Singapore at a Glance
Our painting costs vary by flat size and paint grade. Here’s a quick overview to help you estimate your budget.
| Normal Package (Nippon Matex) | Enhanced Package (Nippon Vinilex 5000) | Supreme Package (Nippon Odour-Less All-in-1) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Room | S$600 | S$700 | S$900 |
| 3-Room | S$700 | S$900 | S$1,100 |
| 4-Room | S$900 | S$1,100 | S$1,400 |
| 5-Room | S$1,000 | S$1,300 | S$1,600 |
| HDB EA | S$1,200 | S$1,500 | S$1,800 |
| Maisonette | S$1,600 | S$1,900 | S$2,200 |
All prices include labour, genuine Nippon Paint in new cans, delivery, and clean-up. Add-ons are quoted separately and itemised clearly before any work begins. Request a free on-site quote tailored to your flat’s condition.
Why HDB Painting Prices Vary So Much
HDB painting costs can differ significantly depending on the labour and scope of work involved.
Paint Grade
Entry-level emulsions like Nippon Matex provide reliable coverage at a lower cost, while mid-range and premium products such as Nippon Vinilex 5000 and the Odour-Less All-in-1 carry higher material costs in exchange for greater durability and lower VOC content.
Wall Condition
HDB walls with minor issues such as hairline cracks need only light sanding and basic patching before painting. Older walls with deep cracks or extensive peeling require more surface preparation and repairs, which adds to the cost.
Number of Colours
A flat painted uniformly throughout is quicker to complete than one with multiple accent colours or feature walls. Each additional colour requires a separate paint batch, masking along colour-break lines, and additional drying time between sections.
Scope of Surfaces
Standard packages cover walls and ceilings only. Doors, door frames, main gates, toilet pipes, and skirting boards each attract an additional charge.
Flat Occupancy
Working around furniture, flooring, and household routines in an occupied flat takes considerably more time than painting an empty space. The additional labour required to move and protect belongings often results in a 15% to 25% surcharge.
Timing and Demand
Demand peaks around year-end and the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, when homeowners want fresh walls before family gatherings. Booking outside these periods typically yields a more competitive rate.
HDB Painting Cost by Flat Type
HDB painting costs increase with flat size, but the final price also depends on your chosen paint package and project requirements.
2-Room HDB
Flat Size: Approximately 36 to 45 sqm
Our Price Range: S$600 for the Normal Package to S$900 for the Supreme Package
Note: Its smaller wall area keeps HDB painting labour and material costs lower than larger flat types.
3-Room HDB
Flat Size: Approximately 60 to 65 sqm
Our Price Range: S$700 for the Normal tier to S$1,100 for the Supreme Package
Note: Painting a 3-room flat typically takes one to two days for a basic paint job.
4-Room HDB
Flat Size: Approximately 90 to 100 sqm
Our Price Range: S$900 for the Normal tier to S$1,400 for the Supreme Package
Note: Painting a 4-room flat usually takes two to three days to complete.
5-Room HDB
Flat Size: Approximately 110 to 120 sqm
Our Price Range: S$1,000 for the Normal Package to S$1,600 for the Supreme Package
Note: Painting a 5-room flat with larger wall areas typically takes two to three days.
HDB Executive Apartment (EA)
Flat Size: Approximately 130 to 145 sqm
Our Price Range: S$1,200 for the Normal Package to S$1,800 for the Supreme Package
Note: Executive Apartments usually include additional rooms or larger living areas, which increase the amount of preparation and painting required.
Maisonette
Flat Size: Approximately 140 to 160 sqm
Our Price Range: S$1,600 for the Normal Package to S$2,200 for the Supreme Package
Note: Maisonette flats often require a free on-site inspection to assess split-level layouts, stairwells, and high walls before the painting quotation is confirmed.
What is Included in an HDB Painting Package?
Every HDB painting service package from Colour Creative includes the following as standard, with no hidden costs.
- A trained team of professional and skilled painters
- Genuine Nippon Paint in 100% new cans, never diluted, purchased to your specific colour code
- Delivery of all materials to site
- Light surface preparation such as sanding and minor crack and nail hole filling
- Full masking of fixtures, skirting boards, and floors
- Protective drop sheets placed over all furniture and flooring
- Two coats applied to all walls and ceilings
- Minor patching of small holes and surface imperfections
- Thorough post-job cleanup
- Final walk-through inspection with the homeowner
- Signed handover form confirming satisfaction
- One-year warranty against natural peeling or mould
We also provide a digital colour preview service before work begins, allowing you to visualise your chosen palette against your actual walls. A day-before reminder is sent to confirm arrival time and any last-minute preparation so nothing is left to chance on the day.
What is Not Included: Common Add-Ons and Their Costs
The following services are typically optional and may increase the overall cost of your HDB painting project.
| Add Ons | Indicative Cost |
|---|---|
| Door and Frame | S$60 |
| Main Gate | S$80 |
| Toilet Pipe | S$50 |
| Primer/Oil Sealer | View to Quote |
| Mould Treatment | View to Quote |
| Extra Colours | S$50–S$100 Per Colour |
| Extensive wall repair | Quoted Per Room |
| Occupied flat surcharge | Applied As a Percentage |
Request an itemised quotation from Colour Creative before confirming your booking. We’ll outline what’s included, any recommended add-ons, and their individual costs, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Nippon Paint Options: Which One is Right for Your HDB?
The paint you choose affects both the performance and cost of your HDB painting project, so it’s important to select the right option for your home.
Nippon Matex Emulsion
Key Properties: High-quality acrylic copolymer emulsion with a matt finish and built-in anti-algae protection for interior walls and ceilings.
Best Suited For: BTO flats with newer, smooth plaster walls requiring minimal preparation, and rental properties where a durable, cost-effective finish is preferred.
Price Category: Entry-level paint option included in our Normal painting package.
Nippon Vinilex 5000
Key Properties: Premium-grade interior emulsion with enhanced washability, stain resistance, low VOC content, minimal odour during application, and a wide range of colours.
Best Suited For: Homeowners seeking a balance of durability, easy maintenance, and value for everyday living spaces.
Price Category: Mid-range paint offered under our Enhanced painting package.
Nippon Odour-Less All-in-1
Key Properties: Very low odour during and after application, with strong resistance to mould and colour fading for a long-lasting finish.
Best Suited For: Homes with young children, elderly residents, or anyone sensitive to paint odours and airborne chemicals.
Price Category: Premium paint option available under our Supreme painting package.
Not sure which paint to choose? Colour Creative’s free on-site inspection provides a personalised paint recommendation based on your wall condition and household needs.
BTO vs Resale HDB: Why the Painting Cost Differs
The cost of painting a BTO flat and a resale HDB can vary due to differences in wall condition and the amount of preparation work required.
BTO HDB Flats
BTO HDB flats typically have newer, well-sealed plaster walls that require minimal surface preparation before painting. In most cases, light sanding and minor patching are sufficient, allowing a standard two-coat paint application to achieve a smooth, even finish. This generally keeps labour requirements and painting costs lower than those for older flats.
Resale HDB Flats
Resale HDB flats often require more extensive preparation due to older, more porous, or uneven plaster. Sanding, filling, and priming may be needed before painting begins, and an oil sealer is commonly recommended to improve paint adhesion and create a more uniform finish. This can add approximately$250 to the total painting cost, depending on the flat size. Bathrooms and kitchens in older resale flats are also more likely to require mould or algae treatment because of prolonged moisture exposure, with pricing based on the extent of the affected areas.
Our complimentary on-site inspection accounts for all of these variables, ensuring the quote reflects what your specific walls actually need.
How Long Does HDB Painting Take?
Most HDB jobs are completed within 1-4 days, with the timeline determined by flat size, paint tier, and the extent of surface preparation required.
| HDB Flat Type | Basic Paint Package | Mid-Range/Premium Paint Package |
|---|---|---|
| 2-room | 1-2 days | 1-2 days |
| 3-room | 1-2 days | 2-3 days |
| 4-room | 2-3 days | 2-3 days |
| 5-room | 2-3 days | 3-4 days |
| Maisonette | 2-4 days | 2-4 days |
The above timelines are approximate and may vary if extensive wall patching is required, multiple accent colours need careful masking, or the layout presents additional complexity. Colour Creative sends a day-before reminder, arrives on schedule, and completes a final handover inspection before the job is closed.
H2 DIY vs Professional HDB Painting: Is It Worth Doing Yourself?
DIY painting your HDB flat may seem more affordable at first, but it’s worth comparing the overall cost and quality to that of a professional service.
DIY HDB Painting
- Estimated Material Cost: Approximately S$200 to S$400 for a 3-room HDB repaint.
- Additional Requirements: Specialist tools for ceiling cutting and detailed framework, along with the time and effort needed for wall preparation and multiple coats.
- Best Suited For: A single accent wall or minor touch-ups in a recently painted flat.
- What to Consider: Achieving consistent results on ceilings, cornices, textured walls, and door frames can be challenging without the right experience and equipment.
Professional HDB Painting
- What’s Included: Labour, materials, wall preparation, furniture protection, painting, cleanup, and a one-year guarantee.
- Advantages: Commercial-grade tools, experience in identifying hidden wall issues, and a more consistent finish.
- Best Suited For: Full HDB repaints, particularly older resale flats that require additional preparation.
- What to Consider: Once the cost of DIY materials, specialist tools, and time is factored in, the price difference narrows, while the quality difference is often most noticeable in areas that are difficult to repaint.
How to Choose an HDB Painting Contractor in Singapore
Before comparing quotations, consider the factors that distinguish a reliable HDB painting contractor from the rest.
- Ask for an Itemised Quote: A professional contractor provides a written breakdown separating labour, materials, and add-ons, allowing like-for-like comparison.
- Confirm Genuine Paint Cans on Arrival: Ask to see the original, unopened paint cans before work begins. This helps ensure the correct paint brand and product specified in your quotation are being used.
- Check for a Written Warranty: A written workmanship warranty provides added assurance that any issues related to the painting work will be addressed within the stated warranty period.
- Read Recent Reviews for Punctuality, Cleanliness, and Finish Quality: Look for recent reviews that mention punctuality, cleanliness, communication, and the quality of the finished work. Consistent positive feedback is a good indicator of a reliable contractor.
- Confirm the Company is Singapore-Registered: Hiring a registered business provides greater accountability and makes it easier to verify the company’s details before engaging its services.
- Verify that Surface Preparation is Included: Confirm whether sanding, patching, and minor crack repairs are included in the quoted price.
- Know the Red Flags: Be cautious of HDB painting quotations that are significantly below market rates, lack a written scope of work, or omit a workmanship warranty. These may indicate hidden costs or compromises in quality.
Colour Creative is a registered Singapore company with over 20 years of experience, more than 400 completed HDB painting projects, a team of 10+ skilled painters, and a direct-contact, no-middleman service model.
Frequently Asked Questions About HDB Painting Cost in Singapore
The cost of painting an HDB flat in Singapore depends on the flat type, paint package selected and any additional preparation work required. At Colour Creative, prices start from $600 for a 2-room HDB under the Normal package and go up to $2,200 for a Maisonette under the Supreme package.
Our 3-room HDB painting prices range from $700 for the Normal Matex package to $1,100 for the Supreme Odour-Less All-in-1 package, with the Enhanced Vinilex 5000 package priced at $900.
Our 4-room HDB painting package starts at $900 for the Normal tier, rises to $1,400 for the Supreme tier, and is $1,100 for the Enhanced option.
Our 5-room HDB painting packages range from $1,000 on the Normal tier to $1,600 on the Supreme tier, with the Enhanced tier at $1,300.
Standard packages by Colour Creative include labour, genuine Nippon Paint in new cans, delivery, light surface preparation, masking, drop sheets, two coats on all walls and ceilings, cleanup, a final inspection, a signed handover form, and a one-year warranty against peeling or mould.
Doors and toilet pipes are not included in the standard HDB painting package. Doors and frames cost $60 each, main gates $80 each, and toilet pipes $50 each.
Basic 3-room jobs take 1-2 days, 4-room and 5-room jobs typically take 2-3 days, and Maisonettes can take up to 4 days for premium packages.
An oil sealer is recommended for resale flats where plaster is older, more porous, or was previously coated with oil-based products. It stabilises the surface and improves adhesion.
Generally, it is recommended to repaint an HDB flat every 5 to 7 years depending on paint grade, ventilation, flat occupancy, and the quality of the original application.
Nippon Matex suits BTO flats and investment properties. Nippon Vinilex 5000 is the most popular all-round choice for washability and low VOC content. The Nippon Odour-Less All-in-1 is best for families with young children, elderly residents, or occupied homes during the painting process.
Your HDB Painting Questions, Answered
For the most accurate quotation, a free on-site inspection takes into account your HDB flat’s wall condition and any preparation work needed before confirming the final painting cost.
Our team handles all furniture shifting and covers belongings with protective plastic sheets before painting begins. Everything is returned to its original position once the job is done and the flat is cleaned up.
No. Colour Creative uses 100% new cans of genuine Nippon Paint, purchased to your specific colour code. Paint is never diluted or transferred from another job, ensuring consistent coverage and accurate colour every time.
If you’re not satisfied with the finish, you’ll have the opportunity to raise any concerns during the final inspection. A signed handover form is completed only after you’ve inspected the work and are satisfied with the finished result, ensuring everything is addressed before the painters leave your property.
Yes, we can paint occupied HDB flats, though a surcharge typically applies due to the additional time required to work around furniture and other occupied areas.
