HDB Painting

Paint your HDB flat and watch your home go from tired to transformed without knocking down a single wall. In Singapore, where space is precious and every corner counts, a fresh coat of paint isn’t just decoration. It’s a smart design. Whether you’re sprucing up your living room for the New Year, adding personality to your child’s bedroom, or prepping your flat for rent, painting is a budget-friendly way to refresh your home.

This guide isn’t just for the pros. Even if you’ve never held a paint roller, we’ll walk you through exactly how to paint your HDB flat step by step with practical advice, specific product tips, and smart techniques that actually work in Singapore’s climate. Also, LS Painter Singapore offers the best residential painting, house painting, and commercial painting services in Singapore.

Why Should You Paint Your HDB Flat?

• Improves home aesthetics: A fresh coat of paint brings color, light, and style into your rooms.
• Increases property value: Well-maintained interiors make a great impression on buyers or tenants.
• Personalizes your space: You get to choose colors that reflect your taste and lifestyle.
• Refreshes worn-out walls: Singapore’s humidity can cause mold and peeling. Paint helps restore your walls.

You may be renovating a resale flat or just trying to give your family home a facelift, learning how to paint your HDB flat is an enriching experience that brings with it convenience as well as appreciation.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Paint Your HDB Flat

1. Plan Your Project Ahead of Time

Before heading to the store or grabbing a brush, start with a proper plan.

• Choose your rooms and color palette: Light tones create openness, while darker shades offer warmth and intimacy.
• Think functionally: Lighter colors suit smaller bedrooms; bold accents work well in living rooms.
• Use visualizer apps: Try the Nippon Paint or Dulux color visualizers to test how colors will look in your space.

Make a checklist of supplies:

• Paint (type and color)
• Rollers and brushes
• Paint tray and extension pole
• Primer (optional but recommended)
• Painter’s tape
• Drop clothes or plastic sheets.
• Ladder, gloves, rags

2. Choose the Right Paint for Singapore’s Climate

The right paint is key to a smooth and long-lasting finish.

• Water-based emulsion paint is ideal for HDB flats. It dries quickly, is low in odor, and is easy to clean.
• Look for features like low-VOC, anti-mold, and washable finishes perfect for Singapore’s humid conditions.
• Choose finishes like matte for a smooth, non-reflective look or eggshell/satin for a more durable, slightly glossy surface.

Always test a color on a small patch of a wall first. Lighting changes how colors appear throughout the day.

3. Prepare the Walls and Room Properly

Never skip this step. Good preparation = great results.

• Wash the walls using light detergent and water to get rid of grease and dust.
• Repair holes and cracks with spackling paste. Sand the area smooth after it dries.
• Remove loose or peeling paint.
• Use painter’s tape to protect switches, skirting boards, and trims.
• Wrap floors and furniture with plastic sheeting or drop cloths.

This process prevents imperfections and keeps your workspace clean.

4. Don’t Skip the Primer

If your walls are dark, stained, or newly patched, primer is essential.

• It seals the surface, allowing the paint to adhere better.
• Primer evens out the wall color so your topcoat appears smooth and vibrant.
• For convenience, 2-in-1 paint and primer options are available, though they tend to cost more.

Apply primer with a roller in long, consistent strokes. Leave it to dry prior to applying the paint.

5. Paint in the Correct Sequence

Order matters when painting. Follow this sequence for professional results:

1. Start with the ceiling to avoid drips on your walls.
2. Paint the walls using a roller in a W-pattern for even coverage.
3. Finish with trim, doors, and windows using a small brush.

To seek better coverage and durability, apply two coats of paint. Allow the initial coat to dry, and then apply the second one.

6. Estimate the Amount of Paint Needed

Here’s a guide to help you plan your paint purchases based on a standard 2-coat application:

You may need more paint for textured walls or feature walls in different colors.

7. Allow Proper Drying Time

Be patient. A hastily done job may result in rough finishes or peeling.

• Most water-based paints are touch-dry in 1–2 hours, but wait at least 4 hours before recoating.
• The paint must dry completely, and this may take 24-48 hours in humid conditions.
• If possible, vacate the flat for a day or two after painting, especially if you’re sensitive to smells.

Should You DIY or Hire a Professional for HDB Flat Paint?

If you’re tight on time or have large surfaces to paint, hiring professionals might be the better choice. Singapore has many reputable painting companies that offer affordable HDB flat painting packages. 

• Painters in Singapore usually charge $600–$900 for a 3-room flat.
• A 5-room flat may cost up to $1,300, depending on the paint and condition of the walls.

For DIYers on a budget, painting yourself can save money and give you a satisfying sense of achievement. Just be ready to commit a few days and do some prep work.

Final Thoughts

Your walls tell your home’s story, and it’s up to you to write the next chapter in color. Whether you go for clean whites, soothing pastels, or show-stopping feature walls, taking the time to paint your HDB flat is more than just a home project. This is your opportunity to call your space your own, give your nooks and crannies some personality, and make a place that is uniquely yours.

So grab your roller, mask up your switches, and start small. The satisfaction of Painting an HDB Flat in Singapore is unmatched, and when the job is done, you’ll stand back, look around, and say, “I did that.”

Frequently Asked Questions