A painter and decorator day rate is not the same as profit. If you price only the hours with a brush in your hand, you can miss the unpaid work that eats your margin.
Painter and Decorator Day Rates UK 2026
| Level | Typical Day Rate | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| New / apprentice | £90-£140 | Training or supervised work |
| Qualified decorator | £180-£250 | Most domestic repaint work outside London |
| Experienced decorator | £250-£350 | High quality finish, reliable portfolio, strong demand |
| London / specialist | £300-£450+ | Premium work, heritage, wallpaper, tight deadlines |
The Hidden Costs That Reduce Your Real Rate
- Driving to view the job before winning it.
- Writing the quote after work.
- Collecting paint and materials.
- Answering customer messages and changes.
- Covering floors, moving furniture, and extra prep.
- Chasing invoices after the job is finished.
Example: A £220 day rate can quickly become closer to £160 if you lose two unpaid hours to admin, travel, and customer follow-up. That is why clear quote scope matters.
What Your Painting Quote Should Include
- Rooms or areas included.
- Preparation level: filling, sanding, caulking, stain blocking.
- Number of coats and paint type.
- Who supplies paint and materials.
- Furniture moving, protection, and clean-up.
- Exclusions: damp treatment, plaster repairs, rotten wood, major surface defects.
- Deposit, payment terms, and quote expiry date.
Sample Fixed Price Quote Structure
| Item | Example Price |
|---|---|
| Bedroom walls and ceiling, two coats | £280 |
| Woodwork sanding, undercoat, gloss | £160 |
| Materials allowance | £95 |
| Protection, clean-up, waste | £35 |
| Total | £570 |
Related Guides
Read the broader painter and decorator day rate guide, the painter quote template, and signs you are undercharging.
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