Decorators in London.

A typical single bedroom repaint (walls and ceiling, two coats, prep included, paint supplied by you) costs £350 to £600 in London. A larger living room runs £450 to £800. Hallways and stairwells often cost more per square metre because of access. Pricing usually includes minor filling and sanding but excludes major plaster repairs.

Either works. If you supply, you control the brand, colour, and finish and the decorator’s quote drops accordingly. If the decorator supplies, you pay trade-priced paint plus a small markup and avoid the trip to the merchants. Most Loacally decorators will recommend specific products (Dulux Trade, Crown Trade, Farrow & Ball) for the surface and finish you want.

Two coats of emulsion is standard on previously painted walls in good condition. New plaster needs a mist coat (watered-down emulsion) plus two finishing coats. Bold colour changes (white over a dark blue, for example) may need three coats to prevent shadowing. The decorator will confirm during the site visit.

A single bedroom with walls and ceiling is usually a one-day visit including prep, two coats, and clean-up. A large living room or two adjoining rooms typically take 2 days. Hallways and stairwells often take 2 to 3 days because of scaffolding and access constraints. The decorator confirms the day count in the visit quote.

Most will help shift furniture to the middle of the room and cover with dust sheets, but they expect the room to be reasonably cleared in advance. Heavy items, fragile items, and full-house clearance are not in scope unless agreed when booking. Mention any oversized furniture (large wardrobes, pianos) when you book so the decorator can plan.

24 hours for emulsion before light contact, 48 hours before heavier impact, 7 days before fully washable. Modern trade emulsions cure faster than the old oil-based finishes. Your decorator will confirm the specific paint’s cure time on the day they finish.