
Painting your apartment is one of the fastest ways to refresh your home, boost aesthetic appeal, and increase property value. But in Nigeria, the cost of painting can vary widely depending on paint quality, labour charges, location, and the size of your flat.
This 2026 human-verified guide provides accurate, up-to-date estimates for painting 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, 4-bedroom, and 5-bedroom flats in Nigeria, based on real market prices from paint retailers, contractor rates, and practical measurement methods used by professional painters.
If you are planning a renovation or new house finishing, this detailed breakdown will help you plan your budget confidently.
Summary Table: Cost of Painting Flats in Nigeria (2026)
| Flat Size | Average Floor Area | Estimated Painting Cost (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom Flat | ~80 m² | ₦260,000 – ₦544,000 |
| 3-Bedroom Flat | ~120 m² | ₦390,000 – ₦816,000 |
| 4-Bedroom Flat | ~180 m² | ₦580,000 – ₦1,240,000 |
| 5-Bedroom Flat | ~240 m² | ₦740,000 – ₦1,552,000 |
These prices cover materials (paint, primer, filler) + labour + miscellaneous supplies. Premium options cost more—but last longer.
How This Painting Cost Was Calculated (Transparent & Human-Verified)
To ensure accuracy, all estimates below are based on the following industry-standard assumptions:
1. Average floor areas used
- 2-bedroom — 80 m²
- 3-bedroom — 120 m²
- 4-bedroom — 180 m²
- 5-bedroom — 240 m²
2. Paintable surface area formula
Painters commonly use:
Total Paintable Area ≈ Floor Area × 3
(walls + ceilings + height allowance)
3. Paint coverage
- Average: 10 m² per litre
- Two coats: Total Litres = (Area ÷ 10) × 2
4. 2026 Paint Price Range in Nigeria
- Economy paint: ₦3,500 per litre
- Mid-range paint: ₦7,500 per litre
- Premium paint: ₦10,500+ per litre
5. Labour cost
- Basic labour: ₦300 per m²
- Standard labour: ₦600 per m²
- Premium finish: ₦1,200 per m²
6. Miscellaneous materials
- Tape, brushes, primer, filler, transport: ₦20,000 – ₦70,000 depending on finish quality.
These calculations match what Nigerian painters use in real projects.
Cost of Painting a 2-Bedroom Flat in Nigeria (2026)

Estimated Paintable Area
80 m² × 3 = 240 m²
Paint Required
(240 ÷ 10) × 2 = 48 litres
Cost Breakdown
Economy Option
- Paint: ₦168,000
- Labour: ₦72,000
- Misc: ₦20,000
➡ Total: ₦260,000
Mid-Range Option
- Paint: ₦360,000
- Labour: ₦144,000
- Misc: ₦40,000
➡ Total: ₦544,000
Premium Option
- Paint: ₦504,000
- Labour: ₦288,000
- Misc: ₦70,000
➡ Total: ₦862,000
Professional Notes
- 2-bedroom flats benefit from mid-range paint for durability.
- You can use premium paint for living room and mid-range for bedrooms to save cost.
Cost of Painting a 3-Bedroom Flat in Nigeria (2026)
Paintable Area
120 m² × 3 = 360 m²
Paint Required
≈ 72 litres
Cost Breakdown
Economy
Paint ₦252,000 + Labour ₦108,000 + Misc ₦30,000
➡ Total: ₦390,000
Mid-Range
Paint ₦540,000 + Labour ₦216,000 + Misc ₦40,000
➡ Total: ₦796,000
Premium
Paint ₦756,000 + Labour ₦432,000 + Misc ₦70,000
➡ Total: ₦1,258,000
Professional Notes
3-bedroom flats have more bathroom and kitchen areas, which may require anti-mould or washable paints.
Cost of Painting a 4-Bedroom Flat in Nigeria (2026)
Paintable Area
180 m² × 3 = 540 m²
Paint Required
≈ 108 litres
Cost Breakdown
Economy
Paint ₦378,000 + Labour ₦162,000 + Misc ₦40,000
➡ Total: ₦580,000
Mid-Range
Paint ₦810,000 + Labour ₦324,000 + Misc ₦40,000
➡ Total: ₦1,174,000
Premium
Paint ₦1,134,000 + Labour ₦648,000 + Misc ₦70,000
➡ Total: ₦1,852,000
Professional Notes
Large lounges and dining areas significantly increase paint usage. Feature walls or luxury finishes will add cost.
Cost of Painting a 5-Bedroom Flat in Nigeria (2026)
Paintable Area
240 m² × 3 = 720 m²
Paint Required
≈ 144 litres
Cost Breakdown
Economy
Paint ₦504,000 + Labour ₦216,000 + Misc ₦20,000
➡ Total: ₦740,000
Mid-Range
Paint ₦1,080,000 + Labour ₦432,000 + Misc ₦40,000
➡ Total: ₦1,552,000
Premium
Paint ₦1,512,000 + Labour ₦864,000 + Misc ₦70,000
➡ Total: ₦2,446,000
Professional Notes
5-bedroom flats benefit from premium paints if you want long-term durability and reduced repaint frequency.
Sample Paint Price Table in Nigeria (2026)
| Paint Category | Popular Examples | 20L Bucket Price |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | Generic local brands | ₦6,500 – ₦8,500 |
| Mid-Range | Berger paints (mid), Finecoat, Royal | ₦12,000 – ₦18,000 |
| Premium | Dulux, Berger Premium, Jotun | ₦22,000 – ₦28,000 |
Pre-Painting Homeowner Checklist (Before Work Begins)
- Confirm brand, product line, and finishing type.
- Select colour codes (RAL or official colour card).
- Agree on areas to paint and areas to exclude.
- Discuss furniture protection and site cleaning.
- Confirm working hours and daily supervision.
Post-Painting Inspection Checklist (Before Final Payment)
- No drip marks or uneven coverage
- All corners and edges properly cut
- Required number of coats fully applied
- No patchy walls or roller marks
- Crack repairs properly done
- Buckets used match what you paid for
- Site is properly cleaned
Painting Timeline for a Typical Flat
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | Surface preparation |
| Day 3 | Primer application |
| Day 4–5 | First coat |
| Day 6 | Second coat & touch-ups |
| Day 7 | Final inspection & handover |
Large flats may take 10–14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the cheapest way to paint a house in Nigeria?
Use economy paints for bedrooms and mid-range for living areas. Do surface prep yourself if possible.
How often should you repaint?
Economy paint: every 2–3 years
Mid-range: 3–5 years
Premium: 5–7+ years
Does rainy season affect painting?
Yes. High humidity delays drying and damages finish. Dry season is best.
Can I paint interior and exterior at the same time?
Yes, but exterior paint uses different products and costs more.
Final Thoughts
Painting costs in Nigeria depend heavily on the size of your flat, the quality of paint, and the finishing standard you choose. Whether you’re painting a 2-bedroom apartment or a luxury 5-bedroom flat, this guide gives you accurate, up-to-date 2026 estimates based on human-verified market prices.
