How Much Do Commercial Painters Cost? [2025]

Your business premises are more than just walls and ceilings, they're the first impression customers get when they walk through your doors and help your workers feel like they're working in clean, bright surroundings. No matter the type of business you’re running, the state of your paintwork speaks volumes about your brand. Commercial painting isn't just about slapping on a coat of paint and calling it a day; it's about creating an environment that reflects professionalism, cleanliness, and attention to detail.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about commercial painting costs. This includes:

• How much do commercial painters cost?

• What are the different types of commercial painting?

• What factors determine commercial painting costs?

• How to choose and hire the right commercial painter

• How to get quotes from commercial painters

How much do commercial painters cost?

The amount you pay for commercial painting is going to change based on many factors, like the size of your room, where you’re located, and whether surface preparation is needed. On average, you can expect to pay the following prices for painters: 

• Painting costs by the hour: Around $65 per hour per painter, though this can climb up to $140 per hour for specialised work or after-hours rates

• Interior painting costs by square metre: Commercial painters typically charge $60-100 per square metre for standard interior work. However, don't be surprised if quotes for complex projects or high-end finishes reach $120-165 per hour

• Exterior painting costs by square metre: Expect to pay $70-100 per square metre for exterior painting, with prices going up depending on the finish you want 

You might also want to get your surface pressure cleaned before the painting work begins. This will cost an additional $120-165 per hour. 

Painting isn’t a cheap job, and while you might get shocked at your initial costs, it’s important to understand what actually goes into that price. A typical retail store repaint might cost $6,000-12,000, but this investment often includes premium commercial-grade paint, thorough surface preparation, and after-hour painting rates so your customers or employees aren’t disrupted. Many business owners find that professional painting not only refreshes their space but can also contribute to improved customer perception and foot traffic.

Professional commercial painting contractors carry comprehensive insurance and follow strict safety protocols for working at heights and in occupied buildings. [Source: Getty Images]

What are the different types of commercial painting?

Commercial painting includes a wide range of services, and understanding the difference between these can help you describe your job better, and get accurate quotes.

Interior commercial painting

Interior commercial painting involves transforming office spaces, retail stores, restaurants, and other indoor commercial environments. This work requires painters who understand how to minimise business disruption while delivering professional results.

Common interior commercial painting services include:

• Office walls and ceilings

• Retail store interiors

• Restaurant and hospitality spaces

• Healthcare facilities

• Educational institutions

• Warehouse and industrial spaces

Exterior commercial painting

The process for exterior commercial painting is different to interior painting, since painters need to take weather into account - making exterior painting a pricier service. 

Exterior services typically include:

• Building facades and walls

• Roofing and guttering

• Windows and trim

• Signage and branding elements

• Protective coatings for harsh weather

Special paint finishes 

Some commercial painting jobs might want special paint finishes, whether it’s for functional or aesthetic reasons. Special finishes might come at a premium price points but can be well worth it if your needs align. 

Specialised paint finishes can include: 

• Electrostatic painting (something that ensures 99% of paint goes on walls)

• Anti-graffiti coatings

• Fire-resistant paints

• Food-grade coatings for kitchens

• Epoxy floor coatings

• Textured and decorative finishes

What factors determine commercial painting costs?

There are several things that influence how much you'll pay for your commercial painting job. Understanding these will help you budget well and avoid surprises when quotes start rolling in.

• Size of the job: It's no surprise that larger painting jobs cost more, but sometimes painters offer better per-square-metre rates for larger jobs. For example, a painter might charge $65 per square metre to paint a 1,000 square metre warehouse, while they might charge $90 per square metre for a 100 square metre office since it’s a smaller job

• When the painting takes place: When you need the work done affects pricing. Getting the painting done during standard business hours (7am-5pm, Monday-Friday) is cheaper than getting painters who come in during the evenings, weekends or peak business periods (like Christmas)

• Surface preparation required: Surfaces that need extensive preparation, such as removing old paint, filling holes, or addressing moisture damage, will increase costs significantly. It’s always best to ask your painter about these extra costs and if they’re needed 

• Paint quality and type: Paint costs vary enormously, from budget options at $30-50 per litre to premium commercial-grade paints at $80-120 per litre. While it might be tempting to choose cheaper paint, remember that quality paint lasts longer and often provides better coverage, potentially saving money in the long run

• Access: Painting a ground-floor office is straightforward, but what about the exterior of a 3 storey building? Working at height requires more than a standard ladder, and it might also call for more experienced painters, all of which increase costs

Professional commercial painting teams use advanced equipment and techniques to complete large-scale projects efficiently with minimal business disruption. [Source: Getty Images]

How to choose and hire the right commercial painter

How to choose the right commercial painting company depends on the scale of the job. Some commercial painters specialise in small jobs, like restaurants and boutiques. Larger companies can be better suited to a larger project, but they can also do small jobs. The best way to find the right painter for your commercial space is to ask them questions: 

• What's included in your quote? A good quote should detail labour, materials, surface preparation, cleanup, and any additional services. Quotes that seem too brief or vague might include hidden costs that you don’t want to get surprised with down the line

• Are you licensed and insured? Commercial painters should hold appropriate licenses and carry public liability insurance. Each state has different requirements for painter licensing, so be sure to check that your painter is legally qualified to complete your job 

• What paint brands and systems do you recommend? Experienced painters can advise on the best paint systems for your specific environment and budget

• How will you minimise disruption to my business? This is crucial for operating businesses. Look for painters who offer flexible scheduling and have experience working around business operations

• What's your warranty policy? We highly recommend going for painters that offer warranties, as this usually means they’re confident in their quality of work

• How do you handle unexpected issues? Commercial projects sometimes reveal hidden problems. Knowing how your painter will communicate and handle additional work is important 

Look for painters with commercial experience and positive reviews, don’t just focus on their price. Check their hipages profile or website for recent reviews and customer testimonials. Different painters specialise in different jobs - for example, if you have a large project, such as multiple offices or a large exterior painting project, a larger commercial painting company may be a good choice. They have the necessary equipment on hand and have painters who are experienced at working from heights safely. They also know how to avoid disrupting workers during normal working hours. They may need to cordon off an area, but will be sure to avoid going into areas where office or factory workers are working. 

Commercial painting takes many forms and you may need to interview several companies before you find the right fit for your project. It will be worth the effort though, because you will know the painting company you choose has the expertise to do the job you need done, whether it's a large job in an office or factory or a small job in a restaurant or café. 

Quality commercial painting preparation involves thorough surface cleaning, repair work and priming to ensure long-lasting finish durability. [Source: Getty Images]

How to get quotes from commercial painters

Every job a commercial painter does is different. The best way to find out how much commercial painters cost to do what you need is to get quotes from local companies. Here are some key things to remember when getting quotes from painters: 

• Describe your job in as much detail as possible: Include information on any other jobs you may need, such as repairs, ceiling paint, pressure washing, etc. It’ll also be good to include your room dimensions, current surface conditions and desired paint colours. If you need them to work outside of normal working hours, mention that too. Your initial quotes may not be entirely accurate, but if you provide as many details as possible, you won't be disappointed when someone comes to inspect the job and gives a firm quote

• Get at least 3 quotes from different painters: This gives you a good range of pricing and approaches while not overwhelming yourself with too many options. Once you get these back, compare what’s included in each quote - the cheapest quote isn't always the best value

Ready to transform your commercial space? Post your project on hipages today and connect with qualified commercial painters in your area. Our platform makes it easy to compare quotes, read reviews, and find the perfect painter for your business needs. With thousands of trusted tradies across Australia, you'll find the right professional to bring your vision to life.