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Exterior and interior painting · Quotations

Painting costs per m²: interiors and exteriors

Portuguese market references list interior painting at €4.50–9/m² including labour and paint, and exterior painting at €10–30/m² with scope to be confirmed. These figures are published by Habitissimo and are not Pintura Certa’s rates. Preparation, access and VAT must be confirmed in your quotation.

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Market references, in context.

These third-party ranges help start the conversation. They are neither Pintura Certa’s rates nor a quotation for your home.

References verified on 2 October 2026.
Work Reference Scope
Interior painting 4.5 – 9 €/m² Labour and paint according to the source. Preparation and VAT to be confirmed. [1]
Exterior painting 10 – 30 €/m² Exterior reference; materials, preparation, access and VAT to be confirmed. [2]
Building painting 10 – 30 €/m² Building reference; repairs, scaffolding, materials and VAT to be confirmed. [3]
Exterior painting — labour only from 5 €/m² Labour only; this is not a complete painting service price. [1]

Sources and methodology

Each row covers a different scope: do not add these figures together or compare labour alone with complete work. The sources do not specify whether VAT is included. The total depends on measurements and a written scope.

From area to cost

Three worked painting cost examples.

Illustrative calculations using hypothetical areas and market references. These explain the arithmetic; they are neither invoiced projects nor Pintura Certa quotations.

01 · 200 m²

Apartment: walls and ceilings

Indicative amount · VAT to be confirmed 900 – 1,800 €

200 m² × 4.5–9 €/m²

Assumed area
Assumption: 150 m² of walls + 50 m² of ceilings = 200 m² to paint, with openings already deducted. This is not 200 m² of floor space.
Preparation to define
Confirm filling, sanding, protection and any primer. Damp or loose render requires a separate assessment.
Materials
The interior reference includes labour and paint. The product, finish and number of coats must be specified in the quotation.
Access and exclusions
Assumes accessible rooms of ordinary height. Doors, cupboards, moving furniture and extensive repairs have not been costed.

Reference used: Habitissimo — Pintar casa.

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02 · 180 m²

House: exterior painting

Indicative amount · VAT to be confirmed 1,800 – 5,400 €

180 m² × 10–30 €/m²

Assumed area
Assumption: four elevations with 180 m² of net painting area. Boundary walls, outbuildings, shutters and railings are outside this area.
Preparation to define
Confirm cleaning, removal of loose paint, cracks and render repairs after examining each elevation.
Materials
The exterior range specifies no products, coat count or materials allowance. Ask for an itemised paint system.
Access and exclusions
Height, scaffold installation and hire duration need assessment. This calculation adds no allowance for access or public highway occupation.

Reference used: Habitissimo — Pintura de exterior.

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03 · 600 m²

Apartment building: facades

Indicative amount · VAT to be confirmed 6,000 – 18,000 €

600 m² × 10–30 €/m²

Assumed area
Assumption: elevations totalling 600 m² of net painting area. The number of storeys alone cannot establish this area.
Preparation to define
Identify repairs by elevation and agree protection of communal areas, work sequence and final cleaning.
Materials
The calculation uses the building painting reference. The quotation should specify primer, paints, coats and quantities.
Access and exclusions
Scaffolding, protection, any permits and duration need costing. Communal interiors, railings and structural repairs have not been quantified.

Reference used: Habitissimo — Pintar edifício.

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VAT: the sources do not specify whether it is included. These calculations are not final VAT-inclusive totals. Ask for the taxable amount, applicable rate, VAT amount and total in your quotation. Confirm any unspecified repairs, materials and access before comparing proposals.

What goes into the price

Quality starts before the first coat.

Proper preparation and a clear scope help you decide with confidence. These are the details to check in your quotation.

Wall condition

Cracks, flaking paint and loose render need different preparation. The assessment establishes what is required before painting.

Surfaces to be painted

Facade areas, boundary walls, outbuildings and metalwork should be measured and listed separately.

Access and scaffolding

Height, duration and installation conditions affect the equipment. Check what is included and for how long.

Paints and finishes

The product, primer and number of coats should be specified for the substrate and the chosen system’s instructions.

Protecting your home

Windows, floors and gardens need protection. Site arrangements and final cleaning also belong in the agreed scope.

Quotation terms

Compare inclusions, exclusions, VAT and payment terms. Clarify the schedule and how additional work will be handled.

Choose with confidence

Five points. A clearer comparison.

Two totals are comparable when they cover the same work. Keep this checklist beside you when reviewing quotations.

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  1. Compare the same areas.

    Check the measured square metres and which facades, boundary walls and outbuildings are covered.

  2. Read the preparation details.

    Cleaning, crack treatment, render repairs and primer should be itemised where required.

  3. Identify the products.

    Ask for the paint system and planned coats in writing.

  4. Check the access arrangements.

    Confirm scaffolding, installation, duration, protection and cleaning.

  5. Look at the complete price.

    Compare VAT, exclusions and payment terms before making a decision.

Practical example

Connect the measurements with the work to be priced

The photograph at the top of the page shows a measuring device against the wall and a clipboard. The survey then needs to specify surfaces, defects and access: this information allows the work included in each quotation to be compared.

View the assessment photo
Read the approach and checks

How to approach this situation

  1. Align the elevations and areas included, using the same measurement rules and treatment of openings.
  2. Compare preparation, products, access, protection of nearby areas, exclusions and stated taxes line by line.
  3. Request written clarification of necessary operations that are missing, and check how discoveries after preparation will be handled.

What determines the decision

The total becomes a useful criterion after this comparison. A vague line may conceal a different scope without demonstrating anything about the contractor’s quality.

What to check at the end

Keep the comparison table and the final approved proposal. No price published online replaces a quotation for the assessed building.

Explore this topic : How to compare facade painting quotes in Portugal
A scope for every need

What would you like to renew?

Your facade

Preparation, repairs and exterior finishing.

Your interiors

Walls and ceilings, room by room.

A cleaner facade

Cleaning suited to the existing coating.

Your insulation

Capoto and painting address different needs.

Your questions

What is the painting labour cost per square metre?

Labour references are listed separately from complete work in the market table. Preparation, area and access must be assessed for your property. A labour rate does not automatically include materials or scaffolding.

How much does it cost to paint a three-storey building?

The number of storeys alone does not establish a price. The area of each elevation, coating condition, access, junction details and planned duration are needed.

Do I need exact measurements to request a quote?

No. Tell us the location, property type and work required. Photos help prepare the first conversation. Measurements and visit arrangements are clarified at initial contact.

Before you decide

Compare the scope before comparing the price.

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Related questions

Also explore articles on assessment, interior painting, cleaning and capoto

Documents to consult

Sources in Portuguese

Your next step

A quotation that fits your home.

Tell us what you would like to renew. The first conversation helps prepare the assessment and establish what is needed for a clear proposal.

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Location and contact details. Photos optional.

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