What to Know About Painting Before Engaging Painting Contractor in Singapore?
Are you thinking of whether to hire professional painters or paint your home yourself in Singapore?
This can be a challenging and nuanced decision, especially when balancing cost, time, and finish quality. Understanding key factors such as cost, time, and quality can make this decision easier. DIY painting attracts hands-on homeowners seeking cost savings and creative engagement in the transformation process.
Hiring professional painters offers the advantages of expertise and efficiency.They manage complex projects with technical accuracy, efficiency, and minimal disruption to your daily life.For those with busy schedules or lacking confidence, outsourcing to professionals can provide peace of mind and reliable results.
While personally fulfilling, DIY painting demands substantial time investment, manual labor, and attention to fine details. On the other hand, professional services might cost more but ensure a flawless finishing. By weighing these considerations, homeowners can make an informed choice that fits their needs and preferences.
Whether DIY or engaging a professional, this article looks at the essential factors to consider when you’re getting ready to paint your Singapore home, office, commercial, or industrial. We’ll be focusing on the following:
Understanding the Singapore Housing, Climate, and Its Impact on Paint Before Painting
What Are The Housing Types in Singapore?
Despite Singapore’s land scarcity issues, “Yet some way and somehow, we’ve managed to house 5.7 million people in our tiny red dot.” referenced from PropertyGuru.com.sg Website “Types of Housing in Singapore: Public, Hybrid and Private Properties”. This is possible with the types of housing that Singapore offers. There are currently three types of housing types in Singapore. These are listed below:
3 Housing Types in Singapore
What is the Percentage of People Living in Different Housing Types in Singapore?
Below is the breakdown taken from the singstat.gov.sg, showing the percentage of people living in different housing types in Singapore as of 2024.
| Type of Housing | Percentage |
|---|---|
| HDB | 77.4% |
| Condo | 17.7% |
| Landed Property | 4.7% |
What is the Climate like in Singapore?
Singapore’s tropical climate can play havoc with the duration of exterior paints. High temperatures, abundant rainfall and high humidity can result in inferior paint types peeling and cracking quite quickly. Singapore HDBs are piloting ‘cool coating paint’ technologies to combat heat absorption.
Cool coating paints can reduce surface temperature by up to 2°C, improving indoor comfort.
A pilot testing of the effectiveness of a ‘cool coating paint’ painting on the exteriors of 130 blocks of HDB buildings is being done in Tampines till the end of 2024. The “cool coating paint” reflects the heat from the sun, so the building absorbs less heat during the day and emits less heat at night. On a sunny day, blocks with these paints could be up to 2° cooler compared to those painted with regular coats,” according to Alex Yeo, a senior engineer with Singapore’s Housing and Development Board.”
What is the Average Humidity in Singapore?
The mean annual relative humidity is around 82% in Singapore, according to the Meteorological Service of Singapore (MSS).
What are the Effects of Humidity on Paint?
The effects of humidity on paint often leads to the paint peeling and becoming discoloured. Due to condensation and water damage occurring on windows and walls, which happens when warm humid air comes into contact with the cooler home surfaces.
What is the Recommended Paint for Exterior Walls in Singapore?
The recommended paint for exterior walls in Singapore are those with anti-fungal, anti-algae, weatherproof, and long-lasting functions. Because Singapore has an annual mean humidity of 82% and rain is consistent throughout the year, it is very important to use these exterior paints for your home’s exterior.
What is the Best Colour to Use for Exterior Wall?
The best colour to use for exterior walls in Singapore is white. As white can reflect the sunlight, thus reflecting the heat. As you know, darker colours tend to capture heat better, so its best to optimise your house to lower the cost of cooling down using AC.
What is The Frequency to Repaint your Exterior Wall?
Exterior walls in Singapore should be repainted every 5–10 years.
The Singapore government authority uses a 7-year cycle to repaint the exterior of the HDB building. “Currently, Town Councils (TCs) manage the general Repair & Re-decoration (R&R) works, including repainting, for the residential blocks in their respective towns. HDB manages the R&R works for all HDB Multi-Storey Car Parks (MSCPs), and generally adopts a 7-year cycle for such works.” Minister of National Development (2016), Lawrence Wong, who is currently the Prime Minister of Singapore.
Selecting the Right Paint for Your Interior Home
Which to Apply, Oil-Based or Water-Based Paints?
Whether a paint is oil-based or water-based refers to the solvent that has been used in the paint, indicating the liquid component that evaporates as the paint dries. Oil-based paints typically use an organic solvent while water-based uses water.
It’s important to point out that oil-based paints are more susceptible to cracking since the paint dries harder. Water-based paints have better flexibility and can expand and contract with the Singapore weather conditions.
Oil-based coatings typically offer a lifespan of 5–8 years, delivering a hard-wearing finish but with limited flexibility.
Read “Oil Sealer Vs Water Sealer: Which to Apply for Painting Your Home Interior?”
What You Need to Know About Volatile Organic Compounds and Your Health
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs as they’re more commonly known, are gases that are emitted from paints. These gases can have both long and short-term adverse effects on your health. This can include respiratory illnesses, nausea, and eye and skin irritability. Also, opt for low to zero VOC paint types.
What You Should Be Looking for in Paint Finishes and Their Durabilities
High-gloss coatings are favored for their superior durability, stain resistance, and effortless maintenance. This is because it’s easy to wipe down, and it outperforms standard matte finishes in resilience, moisture resistance, and ease of cleaning.
Five Top Paint Brands in Singapore
There’s no shortage of quality paint in Singapore. This makes it exceptionally easy to find the best paint for your home’s exterior and interior. The five most common paint brands used all over Singapore are listed below:
- Nippon Paint: This popular paint brand has been around since 1955 and features an extensive colour choice. As a leader in the paint industry, Nippon Paint strives to provide quality paint types that not only enhance your interior painting but also minimises the environmental impact. This quality paint brand is also the number one paint choice at our company PaintingGuy.sg.
- Dulux Paint: With a history in Singapore that has expanded more than 70 years, Dulux Paint is well known for its exterior paint range. With this paint type, you can expect lasting durability, and a low sheen finish that resists dirt absorption.
- Gush Paint: This paint brand boasts a reputation for providing environmentally friendly paints that have been manufactured using processes that reduce carbon emissions. These paints are odourless and have anti-bacterial and anti-moulding properties that are also easy to maintain.
- Raffles Paint: More commonly known for its vast online store, Raffles Paint boasts an R.Baby range that features air purifying technology, making it an excellent choice for baby nurseries and rooms where children sleep. As Singapore’s First Anti-Viral Paint and Primer 2-in-1, this paint has been specially designed to protect walls against bacteria and airborne viruses.
- Jotun Paint: As a popular paint brand that can be found in more than 100 countries around the globe, Jotun Paint is ideal for both interior and exterior wall painting. Their paints are manufactured using sustainable practices without compromising on quality and durability.
Colour Selection and Psychological Impact
Creating Mood with Colour
Colour choices directly influence the psychological perception of interior spaces. Consider these colour options and how they affect the mood in your home.
Creating Mood with Colour (Table)
Colour Trends in Singapore Homes
Every season has its own specific colours that are trendier than others. It may be a good idea to review these options if you don’t want your home to stand out too much. According to Alex Choong, warm neutrals are the current most popular colour schemes for Singapore homes in 2024. This is mostly made up of off-whites, beiges, greys, and browns.
These colours are popular because they resonate with versatility and create a serene and inviting atmosphere. Painting the interior of your home a neutral colour also allows you the flexibility to change the colour and style of your curtains and other interior décor without having to repaint.
The Importance of Colour Testing
Colour testing refers to the process of painting a small section of your wall with the colour you’re considering. The purpose of this is to see how the colour you’re considering will look on your actual wall.
Keep in mind that a colour in a catalogue or on a store shelf may look different in your home based on the lighting in the space. Doing a colour test will prevent the disappointment of seeing the paint on your wall and not liking it. It will also prevent you from spending on paint that fails to harmonise with your space’s lighting, layout, or design tone can lead to aesthetic mismatches and regret.
Cost Considerations for Home Painting in Singapore
Budgeting for Your Painting Project
If you’ve painted, or had your home painted before, you will have an idea of how much the project will cost. This makes it relatively easier to budget for a painting job in advance.
If, however, you need to paint for the first time, it’s a good idea to get a few quotations in advance. This will ensure that you have time to budget to ensure that you get a quality job done. Our experts recommend getting a few quotes to ensure that you get value for money. Find out more about the cost of painting 2 room HDB, 3 room HDB, 4 room HDB, 5 room HDB.
Understanding Painting Service Quotations
Various factors will affect your painting service quotation. Understanding what contributes to the overall pricing will help you make accurate comparisons between different painting service providers.
The top factors that make up a painting service quote include the following:
- Size of the space:The core of any paint estimate is largely dictated by total coverage area, influencing labor, material volume, and completion time. Larger spaces, such as 5-bedroom houses, will require more materials, time, and effort.
- Surface condition: The next consideration is based on the current condition of the surfaces that need to be painted. Walls that are damaged and cracked will require more prep work. Since this type of prep work includes scraping old paint off and repairing damages the cost of these materials and labour must be added to the quote.
- Type of paint: The type of paint that you choose, or your contractor recommends, will have a considerable impact on the overall quote. Basic paints are cheaper but may not be as durable. If your budget allows, it’s a good idea to opt for premium paints that are low to zero VOCs and offer better coverage. These types of paints are also more durable.
- Number of paint coats: Another factor that can affect your quote is the number of coats required. This will of course depend on the current colour and condition of your wall. Some surfaces may be fine with one coat, but others may require two or more.
- Scope of the work: The overall work required will also contribute to your quote. A straightforward painting job will be considerably cheaper than a job that requires additional services such as ceiling painting, trim painting, or specific finishes. It’s essential to discuss this with your potential painting service. You may be requesting work that isn’t necessary or you may not be aware that some services are done at an extra charge.
- Access to the space: The last aspect that may influence your quote is determined by how easy the space is to reach. For instance, high ceilings may require longer ladders and paint extenders. In some instances, the painting service may require additional manpower to get the job done.
What are The Usual Steps for Painting Preparation?
Protecting Furniture and Flooring
Where possible, remove as much furniture as possible from the room that’s being painted. This will prevent paint splatters from damaging expensive furniture. The items that can’t be taken out of the room should be moved to the middle of the room and covered with plastic sheeting. Be sure to vacuum your carpets before the plastic is laid down to avoid dust blowing up against a freshly painted wall.
Surface Repair and Cleaning
The walls and ceiling must be prepared before the painting starts. This involves filling holes and cracks with wall filler, allowing them to dry, and then sanding the wall. Allow the wall to dry for an hour or two before painting. Washing the wall will ensure that there isn’t any oil, dirt, or dust that prevents the paint from adhering to the wall.
Priming for a Smooth Finish
Once the wall has dried, it’s important to add a coat of primer. Essentially, this will serve as the undercoat before the first layer of paint is applied. Primer ensures that paint adheres to the wall, ensuring a durable and lasting finish. Speak to an expert to ensure that you select the right type of primer that works well with the paint type you’ve selected.
Do note that this step is not a must; rather, it’s good to apply. And we will prefer to use sealer.
DIY Painting vs Professional Services
Pros and Cons of DIY Painting
It’s not uncommon for people to consider DIY painting. There are usually two reasons for this. The first is that they want to save money on labour costs and the second reason is that they may enjoy the challenge of painting their own home. Before you attempt a DIY paint job, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons.
Pros
- Satisfaction of a hands-on project
- Allows you to express your creativity
- Potential cost saving, especially in the labour aspect
- Flexibility reduces time constraints
Cons
- Lack of expertise
- Time Consuming
- Challenges with colour selection and testing
- Equipment costs
- Safety concerns
How to Choose a Professional Contractor?
If you’ve made up your mind to use a professional painting service, it’s important to choose the right one. Opting to use the cheapest or first quote that you get can result in an inexperienced team making a mess of your space.
Consider these pro tips to choose the right professional contractor.
- Ask family, friends, and people in your social circle for recommendations.
- Obtain at least three quotes to compare prices, services, time frames, and potential promotional packages.
- Insist on itemized quotations that comprehensively outline scope, materials, surface prep, labor, and post-job cleanup: be very clear about what you need down to your interior and exterior walls and ceilings.
- Ask if cleaning up afterward is part of the package; don’t assume that all painting services do cleaning.
- Ask about the type of paint they’re using and do a quick online check to see if the paint is reputable and durable.
- Check if the painting service is licensed and insured for the work you need them to do.
- Do a reference check by looking at online reviews as well as comments left on their official website or social media pages.
Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Paint
Maintaining your home’s paint job can seem almost as daunting as doing the actual painting. Fortunately, our maintenance tips will help you simplify the process. The good news is that you don’t have to do them all at once:
- Clean regularly: Dust and dirt can easily make your paint look dull. To avoid this, clean your walls with a soft brush or feather duster. Wash with a mild, chemical-free soap and a damp cloth. Be sure to air out the room after you’ve washed the walls.
- Perform regular inspections: It’s essential to conduct regular inspections of all your painted surfaces. Keep an eye out for mildew, mould, and any signs of water damage. All of these factors will adversely affect your paint job.
- Address damages promptly: Routine inspections can identify early signs of surface degradation such as blistering, hairline fractures, or peeling layers. It’s essential to repair these issues as ignoring them will cause them to worsen, which can be costly down the line.
- Do touch-ups where necessary: Even if you didn’t personally do the painting, it’s still recommended that you do any touch-ups where the paint has been scuffed. Ensure that you’re using the same colour and finish to maintain the same results.
- Minimise the exposure to direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause new paint to fade. To avoid this, use blinds, awnings, shades or light curtains to protect the interior walls. Always apply UV-resistant paint for areas prone to extreme sunlight.
FAQs
What factors should I consider before selecting paint for my HDB home?
When you’re painting your HDB home you’ll want to consider the overall lighting in the space as this impacts your colour choice. Next, you’ll want to consider your style and personal preference. Quality of paint is also essential as this will ensure durability.
How can I determine the amount of paint required for a 5-room HDB flat?
According to us at The Painting Guy, the average requirement of a 5-room HBD flat is between 45 to 50 litres. Since 5-room HBD flats are similar in size, you can expect the following breakdown:
- Room wall: 5 L
- Living room wall: 10 to 12 L
- All ceilings: 15 to 18 L
What are the necessary preparations for painting the interior of a house?
Preparing your home for a paint job involves removing loose paint as well as patching holes and cracks. You’ll also want to wash the walls and tape trimmings and window frames. Place drop cloths on the floor and prime and caulk if necessary.
How often are HDB blocks scheduled for repainting, and where can I find this information?
For the most part, HDB blocks are scheduled for repairs and redecoration to ensure that the estates always look well-maintained. The information for this can usually be found on the Housing & Development Board’s official website.
What is the average cost of painting a residential property in Singapore?
Since every home is unique, and has different requirements, there isn’t a one size fits all cost for painting services. However, on average interior painting can cost anywhere between $450 to $3000 plus, from one room to whole of HDB maisonette, depending on the size and condition of your home.
Which are the recommended painting services for homes in Singapore?
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