Condo painting is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to refresh your home in Singapore. Whether you’re preparing your property for sale, settling into a new unit, or simply craving a change of scenery, a professional condo painting service can transform your living space.
As someone who’s worked with property owners, tenants, and even real estate agents across Singapore, I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference quality paintwork makes. Singaporean condos come in all shapes and sizes, from cozy one-bedroom units in Toa Payoh to spacious penthouses in Sentosa Cove.
Yet, something important is evident: painting a condo requires attention, the proper products, and an awareness of Singapore’s weather and local rules. Here, you will find each step needed to complete the entire process. Also, LS Painter Singapore offers the best residential painting, house painting, and commercial painting services in Singapore.
Step 1: Understand Your Condo’s Rules
The first thing to do is go over the condo’s rules for renovations. In Singapore, all condominiums are managed by MCST (Management Corporation Strata Title). Most of them have specific rules about when and how painting work can be done.
- Work hours are usually limited to weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm.
- Noisy work may be restricted during exam periods or certain months.
- Lift padding may be required if painters need to transport equipment or paint up and down the building.
Some MCSTs even require you to fill out a renovation notice form, even if it’s just painting. Always check before you book a service.
Step 2: Select the Right Type of Paint
Singapore’s weather is hot and humid. This means your paint needs to resist moisture, mold, and peeling. Regular paint used in dry climates won’t last long here.
For condo interior painting, consider these types:
- Living rooms and bedrooms: Use low-VOC or odorless emulsion paint. Nippon Paint Odourless and Dulux Wash & Wear are common choices.
- Bathrooms and kitchens: Go for mold-resistant paint like Nippon Anti-Mould Ceiling White or Jotun Majestic Clean.
- Ceilings: Use matte or flat white paint to reduce light reflection.
Avoid cheap paint brands. They often don’t stick well and may fade in less than a year. In Singapore, higher humidity means poor-quality paint will peel quickly.
Step 3: Select the Right Colours
Singapore condo units are often compact, especially newer ones. Choosing the right color can make a space look bigger and more welcoming.
- Light grey or off-white works well in living areas.
- Beige or sand tones add warmth to bedrooms.
- Soft blue or mint makes small bathrooms feel fresh and clean.
- Dark feature walls work best in bigger spaces with good natural light.
Use a color visualizer from a paint brand to see how each shade will look. Nippon Paint’s Singapore website has a tool that allows you to upload a photo of your room and apply colors virtually.
Step 4: Prepare Your Condo for Painting
Proper preparation prevents messy results. This is one area where DIY painters often make mistakes. If your furniture or floor isn’t covered properly, paint spills can be permanent.
Here’s what needs to be done before the painting starts:
- Move small furniture out of the room. Cover large items with plastic sheets.
- Use painter’s tape on skirting boards, sockets, and switches.
- Clean the walls with a damp cloth. If there’s grease or stains, use a mild detergent.
- Fill any holes or cracks with wall putty. Sand down rough patches after it dries.
When you hire a professional condo painting service in Singapore, they take care of this for you. However, it’s worth checking the scope of their prep work.
Step 5: The Painting Process
A quality painting job follows a step-by-step process. Being in a hurry may leave patches and marks from the roller on your walls.
Here’s a room-by-room approach:
- Start with the ceiling. Use a roller and extendable pole for smooth coverage.
- Paint the walls next. First, use a brush to paint around the edges and corners. Then, roll from top to bottom in straight lines.
- Doors and frames come last. You should use gloss or semi-gloss paint since it is the easiest to clean.
Apply at least two coats for an even finish. The first coat should be completely dry before you apply the next one. In Singapore’s climate, paint usually dries within 3 to 5 hours, but full curing takes at least 24 hours.
For a 3-bedroom condo (around 1,000–1,200 sq ft), professional painters in Singapore usually take two to three days to finish, depending on the condition of the walls and the number of coats needed.
Step 6: Post-Painting Clean-Up
The process of cleaning up starts after the paint has dried. Many people miss this part, but it’s just as important.
What should be done:
- Remove the painter’s tape gently so you don’t pull the paint off.
- Clean up any spills or marks right away by wiping them with a damp cloth.
- Leave the rooms open to get any left-over paint smell out.
- Avoid washing or scrubbing walls for at least 2 weeks. Let the paint cure fully.
Some condo painting in Singapore packages include a full clean-up. Always ask what’s included before hiring.
Why Hire a Condo Painting Service in Singapore?
While DIY sounds appealing, many Singaporeans choose to hire professionals for peace of mind. Condo painters are familiar with local building rules and materials suited for humid weather and can complete the job with minimal disruption.
What to look for in a painting service:
- Experience with painting condo units, specifically
- Good reviews and portfolio
- Transparent quotation and timeline
- Warranty for workmanship and materials
Conclusion
A well-done condo painting project can make a small space feel more open, a dark room feel brighter, and an old unit feels refreshed. It helps give your home a new look and protects your walls from the high humidity found in Singapore. By understanding your condo’s guidelines, choosing the right paint, and preparing your space properly, you can achieve a professional result whether you do it yourself or hire a service.
In Singapore, where quality living spaces are in demand, a good paint job doesn’t just improve your home; it adds real value. Now that you know how to paint a condo, take the time to do it right, and your condo will feel like new again.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost depends on your unit size, number of rooms, and paint brand. A basic 3-room condo typically ranges from SGD 700 to SGD 1,800 for professional services.
If the walls are clean and the new color is similar or darker, priming may not be necessary. But if you’re covering a dark color with a light one or dealing with patchy surfaces, a primer will give a smooth finish and help the paint stick better.
No, professional painting contractors do not need a special permit to work inside your unit. However, you will need to inform your condo’s management office and possibly fill in a renovation notice form. Some condos also require a refundable deposit in case of lift or corridor damage during work.
