Every few years, the painting conversation happens. The walls start looking dull, there are scuff marks near the light switches, maybe some yellowing near the kitchen. And then begins the process of finding a painter, getting wildly varying quotes, trying to understand what’s included, and hoping for the best.
I’ve been through this twice once badly and once much better. The difference was knowing a few things ahead of time that nobody had told me. Here they are.
Understand the Quote Before You Agree to Anything
Painting quotes in India are notoriously inconsistent. One contractor quotes Rs. 8 per square foot, another quotes Rs. 22, and you’re sitting there wondering what on earth the difference is.
The variables are: number of coats, whether putty work is included, whether labour is separate from material, and what brand and grade of paint is being used. A quote that includes ‘two coats of Asian Paints Royale with putty and primer’ is a completely different thing from ‘two coats with locally sourced paint, no putty.’ Ask specifically what’s included.
Also understand how they’re measuring. Painters typically measure by carpet area of the walls, not floor area. Get them to show you the measurement and calculation. This is where a lot of confusion and dispute happens.
Putty vs No Putty Why It Matters
Wall putty is applied before paint to create a smooth base. On a wall with any texture, patchwork, or previous paint imperfections, skipping putty means the new paint will look uneven it’ll highlight every bump and patch rather than covering it.
Putty adds to the cost, but on most Indian walls that have had multiple rounds of painting over the years, it’s not optional if you want a clean finish. Ask for a sample section to be done with and without putty so you can see the difference yourself before committing.
Paint Grades: Where to Spend and Where to Save
Not every room needs the same paint grade. Bedrooms and living rooms where aesthetics matter and the surface is relatively protected are good candidates for a premium paint like Royale or Impressions. These give better coverage, sheen, and colour depth.
Bathrooms and kitchens need moisture-resistant or washable paint. Don’t use standard emulsion here it won’t last. Ceilings can typically use a cheaper flat white. Nobody is scrutinising ceiling texture closely. Exterior walls need exterior-grade paint this is non-negotiable.
Colour Selection: Don’t Rush This
Everyone I know who has been unhappy with a paint colour made the decision quickly. Paint looks very different on a small chip than it does on a full wall. Light plays with it differently at different times of day.
Most good paint brands Asian Paints, Berger, Dulux offer sampling services or small tester pots. Use them. Paint a section of the actual wall, at least 1 foot by 1 foot, and live with it for a day or two before committing.
Also consider how the colour looks both in daylight and under artificial light in the evening. A warm grey that looks beautiful in sunlight can look slightly purple under certain LED lights particularly relevant in India where most homes use warm or neutral LED lighting.
Be Present During the Work
Be home during the painting work, or have someone reliable there. Not because painters can’t be trusted, but because decisions come up a crack discovered, a colour that looks off, an area that wasn’t in the quote and these are much easier to handle in real time than after the paint has dried.
Also check the walls for cracks, dampness, or seepage before work begins. If there’s dampness, it needs to be fixed before painting. Painting over dampness is just expensive camouflage that will peel within months.
Final Word
A good paint job can transform a home. A bad one is expensive, looks poor, and you’ll be annoyed about it every day for the next three to five years. Spend the time to understand the quote, choose the paint thoughtfully, and be involved in the process. It’s worth it.
