Hiring Painters and Decorators in Spain - Costs, Quality and What to Avoid

Painting in Spain - cheaper than the UK but only if you choose the right materials

Labour costs for painters on the Costa del Sol are noticeably lower than equivalent rates in the UK. A good Spanish painter works quickly, covers large areas efficiently, and will typically complete jobs faster than you might expect. The cost saving on labour is real.

Where expats lose that saving, and often more, is on materials. The Mediterranean climate is unforgiving on exterior paintwork. Intense UV radiation, temperature extremes, and seasonal humidity mean that cheap exterior paint applied to a Costa del Sol property will begin to fade, crack, and peel within two to three years. The right material applied correctly will last eight to ten years. The difference in material cost is modest. The difference in longevity is significant.

Interior painting costs in Spain

• One-bedroom apartment, full interior repaint: €800 to €1,800 including materials
• Two-bedroom apartment, full interior repaint: €1,500 to €3,000 including materials
• Three to four bedroom villa, full interior repaint: €3,000 to €6,000 including materials
• Single room repaint: €300 to €700 depending on size and preparation required
• Feature wall or specialist finish: €200 to €600 depending on technique and materials

Exterior painting costs in Spain

• Exterior repaint of a standard villa: €2,500 to €6,000 depending on size and access
• Apartment exterior facade, per square metre: €8 to €20 depending on preparation and access equipment required
• Garden wall or boundary wall repaint: €500 to €2,000 depending on length and height

What materials to insist on for exterior painting in Spain

• Pintura plástica exterior - standard exterior plastic paint suitable for most rendered surfaces. Insist on a product with a minimum elasticity rating suitable for the Mediterranean climate.
• Pintura al silicato - silicate mineral paint. Breathable, highly durable, and appropriate for older rendered properties. More expensive than standard exterior paint but significantly longer lasting in Mediterranean conditions.
• Pintura antihumedad - anti-damp paint for walls with persistent moisture issues. Not a solution to underlying damp problems but provides a degree of moisture resistance.

A good painter will advise on the appropriate material for your specific wall type and situation. A painter who quotes whatever is cheapest without discussing materials is saving money now at your expense later.

Red flags when hiring a painter in Spain

• Skipping surface preparation - filling cracks, sanding, and priming are as important as the top coat and should be itemised in any quote
• Not applying a primer before the top coat on new or previously unpainted surfaces
• Using interior paint on exterior surfaces to save money on materials
• One coat on surfaces that need two, always confirm the number of coats in the quote
• No protection for floors, furniture, and fittings, a professional painter will always mask and cover before starting

Finding a painter on the Costa del Sol

SpainTrades lists vetted painters and decorators across Málaga and the Costa del Sol, reviewed by expat clients after real jobs. Search by location and check the reviews before making contact.

Find a painter in your area at www.spaintrades.es