Painting & Decorating — London
Painting & decorating in London
Interior and exterior decoration for London homes, landlords and property managers. Surface preparation done properly, trade paints, all 33 boroughs covered.
Services
Painting and decorating services in London
Interior painting London
Full interior decoration for London homes — preparation, priming, undercoat and two finish coats on all walls, ceilings and woodwork. We work to a schedule that minimises disruption and leaves rooms ready to use the same day wherever possible.
Exterior painting London
Masonry painting, render painting, exterior woodwork (sashes, fascias, soffits, gates) and metal railings. Full preparation including pressure washing, stabilising primer on friable surfaces, and crack filling before any paint is applied.
Wallpaper hanging London
Hanging all types of wallpaper — standard, lining, paste-the-wall, heavyweight, hand-printed, embossed and textured. Includes full lining paper preparation where required, pattern matching and precise trimming at cornices and skirtings.
Feature walls
Design-led feature wall decoration using statement wallpapers, bold paint colours, specialist finishes (limewash, colour wash, venetian plaster effect) and geometric paint techniques. Popular in London living rooms and master bedrooms.
Communal area decoration
Decoration of hallways, stairwells and communal areas in London mansion blocks, purpose-built flats and converted period houses. We work with managing agents and residents' management companies to minimise disruption to all occupants.
End of tenancy redecoration
Full redecoration for landlords and letting agents between tenancies — scuff repair, touch-up or full repaint in letting-friendly neutrals, ready for inventory and re-marketing. Combined packages available with minor repairs and cleaning.
New build decoration
Decoration of new build properties including mist coating of new plaster, two-coat emulsion finish, and full woodwork decoration. We advise developers and first-time buyers on appropriate finishes, timelines, and paint specifications.
Lining paper
Horizontal lining paper as a base for painting over uneven or textured walls, or as a substrate for hanging wallpaper. We use 1200-grade lining paper as standard. Essential preparation for plaster in poor condition common in London Victorian stock.
Foundation first
Surface preparation — the foundation of a quality finish
In London's housing stock — Victorian terraces, Edwardian semis, post-war council blocks, Georgian mansion flats — the condition of the substrate varies enormously. Paint applied over poorly prepared surfaces will fail, regardless of the paint quality. Every job we take on starts with an honest assessment of what the surface needs before a brush touches a wall.
Filling is the first step: hairline cracks in plaster, nail holes, gaps between skirting boards and walls, and any deeper cracks are filled, allowed to dry, and then sanded flush. Deep cracks or areas of blown plaster are cut back to sound material before being properly made good — not just skimmed over with a thin layer of filler.
Sugar soaping removes grease, nicotine, cooking residue and general grime from surfaces. It is essential on walls and woodwork in kitchens and on any surface that was previously painted in a gloss or oil-based paint, as new paint adhesion over contaminated surfaces is poor. We then sand woodwork to a key before priming bare timber.
New plaster requires a mist coat — a diluted first coat of emulsion (typically 70% paint to 30% clean water) that penetrates the porous plaster surface rather than forming a film on top. Applying undiluted paint over new plaster is one of the most common causes of peeling and flaking seen in newly decorated London properties. We always mist coat new plaster and allow the surface to fully dry before applying the finish coats.
Stain blocking is often needed in London period properties where water ingress, old leaks, smoke staining or marker pen has penetrated previous decoration. A shellac-based stain block applied to these areas prevents bleed-through that would show through multiple coats of standard emulsion. We identify stains at survey stage and price accordingly.
Where walls are heavily textured, uneven or in poor condition, horizontal lining paper (1200-grade) provides a smooth, stable base for both painting and wallpaper hanging. This is particularly effective in older London properties where the plaster has years of minor movement and patching that creates an inconsistent surface.
London specifics
Decorating challenges unique to London properties
Victorian coving and plasterwork
Decorative plaster cornices, ceiling roses and coving are a defining feature of Victorian and Edwardian London homes. Painting these correctly requires patience and the right tools — small brushes for running into the detail, a steady hand at the ceiling line, and the ability to identify sections that are loose or cracked and need re-fixing before decoration. We never paint over loose plasterwork, which would simply glue it in place until it fails taking the new paint with it.
High ceilings in period London homes
Many London period properties — particularly ground and first floor flats in converted terraces or mansion blocks — have ceiling heights of 10 to 14 feet or more. This requires tower scaffold or combination ladders to work safely and to achieve a consistent finish without lap marks from roller extensions. We carry the appropriate access equipment for high ceiling work and price it into our quotes as standard — there are no unexpected extras on arrival.
Listed building colour restrictions
Properties in London's conservation areas — and all Grade II and Grade I listed buildings — may have restrictions on exterior paint colours, particularly for front elevations and any features visible from the street. Before agreeing a colour scheme for exterior work on a London period property, we advise clients to check with their local authority's planning or conservation officer. Many London boroughs publish approved palettes. We are experienced in working within these constraints and can advise on compliant colour choices.
Communal areas in London mansion blocks
Shared hallways, stairwells and landings in purpose-built Edwardian mansion blocks and converted Victorian houses present specific challenges: limited ventilation meaning slower drying times, the need to maintain access at all times, restricted working hours in many managed buildings, and the presence of multiple residents with varying tolerances for disruption. We are experienced in phased redecoration of communal areas, coordinating with managing agents and providing COSHH-compliant low-odour paint systems where required.
Paint types
Which paint finish for which surface?
Choosing the wrong finish is one of the most common decorating mistakes in London properties. Flat matt on a bathroom wall, gloss on a Georgian plaster ceiling — these are errors that cost money to undo. Below is a straightforward guide to the finishes we use and why.
Flat matt emulsion
Ceiling decoration and low-traffic bedroom walls. Excellent light diffusion. Not washable — avoid in hallways, kitchens or children's rooms.
Vinyl matt emulsion
The London decorator's default for most walls. Slight sheen makes it more washable than flat matt. Good coverage, fast drying, widely available in trade ranges.
Eggshell
Woodwork, joinery, radiators and feature walls where a refined, wipeable finish is needed. The standard choice for Victorian skirting boards and architraves in period London homes.
Satinwood
Doors, sash window frames, bathroom and kitchen woodwork. More durable than eggshell with a stronger sheen. Water-based satinwood is preferred over oil-based as it doesn't yellow.
Gloss
External ironwork, metal railings, garage doors and areas needing maximum hardness. High sheen highlights surface imperfections — thorough preparation is essential.
Masonry paint
Exterior brickwork, render and stone. A breathable, flexible masonry paint is critical on solid-wall Victorian London stock to allow moisture to escape from the wall.
Colour advice
Colour consultation for London properties
London property interiors have benefited enormously from the revival of traditional paint palettes. Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Paint & Paper Library and Fired Earth all produce colours that sit well with period architectural details — the warm off-whites (Elephant's Breath, Pavilion Gray, Cornforth White) that have become ubiquitous in London Victorian and Edwardian conversions complement the proportions and natural light levels of those spaces in ways that stark brilliant white does not.
For new build flats and contemporary London apartments, the palette tends toward cooler, crisper tones — blue-greys, warm stones, and bolder feature wall colours that work with the higher ceilings and larger windows typical of new construction. Dulux and Crown trade ranges have expanded significantly and now offer good equivalents to premium paint colours at a more accessible price point.
We can advise on colour choices at the quote stage. We recommend ordering sample pots and viewing colours at different times of day in your specific property — north-facing London rooms receive very different light from south-facing ones, and a colour that looks perfect in a showroom can read entirely differently on your walls.
For rental properties, the calculus is different. The goal is a neutral, well-finished interior that photographs well, appeals to the broadest range of prospective tenants, and is easy to touch up between lets without a full repaint. Our standard landlord palette uses warm whites and pale warm greys on walls, brilliant white on ceilings, and a durable white satinwood on all woodwork. This combination reads as fresh and clean in letting photographs, covers evenly, and can be touched up accurately.
We advise against very pale colours with a pink, blue or yellow cast for rental properties — they are difficult to match accurately for touch-ups, and tenants and prospective buyers will notice inconsistencies. A true neutral is easier to maintain over multiple occupancies.
For owner-occupied London homes, there is increasingly a preference for a richer palette in dining rooms and home offices — deeper greens, warm terracottas, and deep navy blues — contrasted with lighter, airier treatments in bedrooms and bathrooms. We are happy to work from your chosen colour scheme or to suggest options based on the property type, light levels and existing features.
For landlords & property managers
End of tenancy redecoration in London
Between tenancies is the most cost-effective time to freshen up a London rental property. A full repaint — walls, ceilings and woodwork — in a two-bedroom flat typically takes two to three days. Done properly, it transforms the letting photographs and reduces the time the property sits empty. Done cheaply, it shows within months and costs more to undo.
We offer a combined end of tenancy package that includes decoration, minor plaster repairs, and coordination with cleaning contractors. Managing agents can hand us a key and we manage the process. We provide a written schedule and daily updates so you know exactly when the property will be ready to list.
Our standard approach for end of tenancy decoration: sugar soap all surfaces, fill and sand all scuffs and holes, mist coat any bare plaster, two coats of a durable mid-sheen emulsion in a bright neutral (Dulux Trade Timeless or equivalent), two coats brilliant white on ceilings, and two coats of durable white satinwood on all woodwork. This is the specification that re-lets well in the London market.
We work with landlords managing single properties and with property management companies with large portfolios across multiple London boroughs. Volume pricing is available for managing agents placing regular work. Contact us to discuss a framework agreement.
Costs & timescales
Painting and decorating costs in London
Prices below are typical ranges for London in 2024 and include labour, surface preparation, trade paints (unless a specific premium brand is requested) and dust sheet protection. They exclude VAT.
Single bedroom
1 day
£200–£400
Living room
1–2 days
£300–£600
2-bedroom flat (full)
3–5 days
£1,200–£2,500
3-bedroom house (full)
5–7 days
£2,000–£4,000
Exterior terraced house
2–4 days
£1,500–£3,500
Communal stairwell (per floor)
1–2 days
£400–£900
Feature wall (paint)
Half day
£150–£300
Wallpaper hanging (per room)
1 day
£300–£600
Prices vary with property condition, access requirements, ceiling height, and whether premium paint brands (Farrow & Ball, Little Greene) are specified. Properties with extensive plaster repairs, high ceilings or complex coving will be priced accordingly. We provide fixed-price written quotes following a site visit.
Common questions
Painting & decorating London: frequently asked questions
How long after new plaster can I paint in a London property?
New plaster must be allowed to dry fully before decoration. In a London property the drying time depends heavily on the time of year, ventilation and the thickness of the plaster coat. As a general rule, allow at least four weeks for a full skim coat before applying a mist coat. A mist coat is a diluted emulsion (roughly 70% paint to 30% water) that soaks into the porous plaster surface rather than sitting on top and peeling. Rush this stage and you risk the finish lifting. In winter, in poorly ventilated Victorian terraces or mansion block flats, allow six weeks or more. Moisture meters are a reliable way to confirm the plaster is ready before we start.
What is the best paint for a London rental property?
For rental properties we recommend a durable mid-sheen emulsion in a neutral tone — popular choices are Dulux Perfectly Neutral, Farrow & Ball Elephant's Breath (or its trade equivalent), or a warm off-white from Little Greene. Avoid flat matt emulsions in high-traffic areas: they mark and scuff easily and can't be wiped clean. In kitchens and bathrooms a moisture-resistant emulsion is essential. For woodwork — skirting, architraves and doors — a water-based satinwood gives a durable, wipeable finish and doesn't yellow the way oil-based gloss does over time. Trade paints with higher pigment loads cover better in fewer coats, reducing the overall cost per re-let.
Do I need to move furniture before the decorators arrive?
We ask that small valuables, electronics and anything fragile are removed from the room before we start. Large furniture — sofas, beds, wardrobes — can be moved into the centre of the room by our decorators and covered with dust sheets. We carry professional-grade dust sheets and masking materials as standard. For exterior work on London terraced houses or period properties, we handle all access equipment and ask only that garden furniture or bikes stored near the front or rear elevation are moved clear. If you're having a full flat or house decorated, a phased room-by-room approach means you're never without a useable living space.
What is the difference between trade and retail paint?
Trade paints — such as Dulux Trade, Johnstone's Trade, or Crown Trade — are formulated with a higher proportion of titanium dioxide pigment and binding agents than their retail equivalents. The practical differences: better opacity (often true two-coat coverage over a properly prepared surface), better flow and levelling, faster drying, and greater durability once cured. Retail paints sold in DIY sheds are diluted to a price point. A 5-litre tin of trade emulsion typically covers 20–25% more area than a retail equivalent at the same film thickness. For premium finishes we also use Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, and Paint & Paper Library — which are retail-specification paints but with exceptional depth of colour and carefully curated palettes suited to period London interiors.
How long does exterior paint last on a London property?
A quality exterior masonry paint applied over correctly prepared brickwork or render should last 10-15 years before it needs recoating in normal conditions. London's climate is mild but wet, and properties in exposed positions — corner plots, north-facing elevations, or properties near the Thames — will see faster weathering. The biggest factors affecting longevity are surface preparation (all loose, flaking, or friable material must be removed and the surface sealed), the choice of paint system (a breathable masonry paint over a stabilising primer outperforms a non-breathable coating on older London stock brick), and the number of coats applied. Exterior woodwork — sashes, fascias, soffits — typically needs attention every 5-7 years in a London environment due to moisture cycling through the timber.
Get a quote
Ready to get your London property decorated?
We visit, assess the preparation required, and provide a fixed written quote. No hidden extras. All 33 London boroughs.
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