Let’s be honest: painting your home in Singapore is usually driven by one of three things. Either you’ve just collected your BTO keys and your bank account is weeping, you’re trying to spruce up a resale flat before the CNY festivities, or you’re a tenant trying to get your security deposit back from a particularly eagle-eyed landlord.
Whatever the reason, booking a professional Painting Services Singapore is a big step up from the “DIY weekend” that usually ends in spilled paint on your parquet flooring and a sore back. But if you’ve never hired a crew before, the process can feel like a bit of a mystery.
Here is the unfiltered, step-by-step reality of what happens from the moment you click “Book” to the moment you’re peeling off the masking tape.
1.The “WhatsApp” Pre-Game
In Singapore, business runs on WhatsApp. You won’t just get a sterile email invoice. You’ll likely be asked to send over your floor plan or a quick video walk-through of your living room.
What they’re looking for:
- The “Condition” of the Walls: They aren’t just looking at the colour. They’re looking for “chalking” (that white powder that comes off when you touch old paint) or the dreaded bubbles caused by our 90% humidity.
- The Furniture Situation: A 5-room flat that is empty is a very different job than a 3-room flat packed with collectibles and heavy teak furniture.
2.The Site Inspection (Don’t Skip This!)
A reputable contractor won’t give you a final price without seeing the place. During the inspection, a project manager will check for water seepage near your air-con ledges or windows. In Singapore’s tropical climate, if you paint over a damp patch without fixing the source, your expensive new coat will bubble and peel within three months.
3.Choosing Your “Armor”
We don’t just pick colours here; we pick functional coatings. Because of our heat and humidity, your choice of paint is essentially your home’s first line of defence.
- For the “Living Room”: If you have kids or pets, ask for “Easy Wash” or “Clean” ranges. These have a slight sheen that lets you wipe off coffee spills or crayon marks with a damp cloth.
4.Day 1: The Great Covering
When the crew arrives, they won’t touch a brush for at least the first two hours. This is the “protection phase,” and it’s the mark of a true professional.
They will use industrial plastic (usually 3M or similar) to wrap your sofas, TVs, and dining tables. They’ll also lay down thick corrugated paper or drop cloths on your flooring. Pro Tip: Make sure they tape down the edges of the floor protection. You don’t want paint dust getting trapped under the plastic and scratching your marble or vinyl floors.
5.The “Ugly” Middle Phase: Scraping and Sealing
Before the colour goes on, the walls need to be “prepped.” This is the loudest and messiest part.
- Scraping: They’ll remove loose, flaking paint.
- Patching: Every nail hole from your old family photos will be filled with putty and sanded flat.
- The Sealer (The Secret Sauce): Most homeowners try to save money by skipping the sealer (primer). Don’t do it. In Singapore, a sealer is mandatory to neutralize the alkalinity of the concrete and ensure the topcoat actually sticks.
6.The Transformation: Two Coats, One Goal
Professional painters usually work in a “cut and roll” system. One person handles the “cutting in” (using a small brush for the edges near the ceiling and power sockets) while another follows with a roller for the large surfaces.
Standard practice is one coat of sealer and two coats of topcoat. If you’re trying to cover a dark wall with a light colour, be prepared for them to suggest a third coat—it’s the only way to get that deep, “solid” look.
7.The Handover: The “Eye for Detail” Walkthrough
Once the plastic is pulled off and the floor is swept, the Project Manager will do a final walkthrough with you.
Look for:
- Brush marks near the corners.
- Drips on the skirting boards.
- Patchy spots where the old colour might be “ghosting” through.
8.Life After the Painters Leave
A good crew will leave you with “touch-up jars”—small containers of your specific paint colours. Keep these! If you accidentally scuff a wall while moving a chair back into place, you can fix it in seconds.
Quick Comparison: DIY vs. Professional
Feature | DIY Painting | Professional Service |
Time (4-Room HDB) | 2-3 Weekends | 2-4 Days |
Quality | Depends on your patience | Consistent, sharp edges |
Equipment | You buy everything | They bring industrial tools |
Stress Level | High (and messy) | Low (turnkey) |
Booking Painting Services Singapore isn’t just about the aesthetics; it’s about reclaiming your time. In a city where we work hard and play hard, spending your rare days off up a ladder isn’t always the best move. By hiring pros, you’re ensuring that the finish is durable enough to withstand the humidity and beautiful enough to make coming home the best part of your day.
FAQ
1.How long does painting a house in Singapore take?
The duration depends on the size of the property and wall condition. On average, a 3-room HDB flat takes 2–3 days, including preparation and drying time.
2.Is it necessary to vacate the house during painting?
Not always. Many painting services in Singapore use low-odor, low-VOC paints that allow occupants to stay, especially for partial or room-by-room painting.
3.How often should I repaint my home?
Interior walls typically need repainting every 4–6 years, while exterior walls may require repainting every 3–5 years due to weather exposure.
4.What type of paint is best for Singapore’s climate?
Moisture-resistant, anti-mold, and washable paints are ideal due to humidity. Professional painters recommend specific brands suited for local conditions.
5.Are professional painting services worth the cost?
Yes. Professional services ensure proper preparation, quality materials, skilled application, and long-term durability, saving money on frequent repaints.
