What to Budget for Painting Interior and Exterior Doors

Painting doors is one of the more frequent decorating jobs in a UK home — whether you are refreshing tired woodwork before a sale, repainting after building work, or simply updating the colour scheme. The cost can vary more than most homeowners expect, depending on the number of doors, the condition of existing paintwork, and whether you hire a decorator or do the work yourself.

Key points

• A professional decorator in the UK typically charges £30–£80 per interior door (both sides, including frame and architrave), with heavily panelled or moulded doors at the higher end. Indicative UK costs, last reviewed 2026-05-06.
• Exterior doors cost more to paint professionally — typically £80–£250 per door — due to greater preparation requirements, primer use, and the need for more durable, weather-resistant paint.
• Preparation is the largest cost driver for any door painting job: stripping old paint, filling, sanding, and priming can account for half the time and cost on a poorly maintained door.
• Always check whether a decorator's quote covers both sides, the frame, the architrave, and glass masking — these items are commonly excluded from headline per-door prices.
• Composite, UPVC, or leaded doors require specialist paint products; confirm the decorator has experience with the specific material before instructing them.

What affects the cost of painting doors?

The final price depends on several variables:

Number of doors: Most decorators offer a lower per-door rate for larger volumes. A whole-house job of 10–15 internal doors will usually cost less per door than a single one.

Condition of existing paintwork: If the existing paint is sound, preparation is quicker. Heavily flaking, chipped, or previously gloss-painted doors often require sanding back to bare wood, filling, and two coats of primer before any topcoat — adding significant time and cost.

Door type and complexity: A simple flat flush door takes far less time than a six-panel Victorian door with intricate mouldings, or a glazed door that requires glass panes to be masked.

Paint quality: Trade-grade satinwood or eggshell paints from brands such as Little Greene, Farrow & Ball, or Dulux Trade cost more than standard retail alternatives, but typically provide better coverage and durability.

Location: Decorator day rates are higher in London and the South East. Expect to pay more in urban areas than in rural regions.

Typical costs for painting interior doors

The following ranges are indicative estimates for hiring a professional decorator in the UK, assuming the door is in reasonable condition with no stripping required.

Indicative UK costs, last reviewed 2026-05-06. Quotes will vary based on location, condition, and specification.

A typical three-bedroom house with 8–12 interior doors might cost £400–£1,000 in decorator labour, depending on condition, paint specification, and location.

Typical costs for painting exterior doors

Exterior doors require more durable paint, thorough preparation, and often two or three topcoats to ensure weather resistance.

Indicative UK costs, last reviewed 2026-05-06. Quotes will vary.

For period properties with decorative external joinery or larger double front doors, costs may exceed £300 per unit.

DIY vs hiring a professional decorator

What to check before accepting a quote

Use this checklist when comparing decorator quotes for door painting:

• Does the quote specify which sides of the door are included (one side or both)?
  
• Are frames, architraves, and door furniture included or charged separately?
  
• Is preparation (sanding, filling, priming) included, and what is the assumed starting condition of the paintwork?
  
• What paint brand and finish is specified?
  
• How many coats are quoted?
  
• Is VAT included in the price?
  
• How long will drying and curing take, and will rooms be accessible during the job?
  
• Will glass panes, floors, and hardware be adequately protected during the work?
  

A worked UK scenario

Scenario: 1930s semi-detached in the East Midlands >A homeowner preparing to sell wants all internal doors repainted in an off-white satinwood, plus the original timber front door refinished in a dark navy exterior gloss. There are 9 internal doors (six-panel, in reasonable condition) and one front door (both sides, frame, and letterbox area). >A local decorator quoted:- 9 internal doors (both sides, frames, architraves): £540- Front door (both sides, frame, specialist exterior paint): £190- Materials (trade satinwood and exterior primer): £85- Total: £815 including VAT >This is an illustrative example only. Actual costs vary by location, condition, and specification. Obtain at least three quotes.

When to get professional help

Most door painting is low-risk, but consider hiring a professional decorator if:

• The exterior door is heavily weathered, rotting at the base, or has cracked glazing — a decorator can advise whether painting is sufficient or whether repair or replacement is needed first.
• The existing paint may be lead-based (possible in pre-1970s homes) — professional assessment is advisable before sanding, as disturbing lead paint carries health risks.
• You are working on a listed building — there may be restrictions on paint colours or finishes; check with your local planning authority or consult Historic England guidance before proceeding.
• Previous paint is peeling badly across large areas — correct preparation is critical to a durable finish, and inadequate prep is the most common cause of early failure.

How Housey can help

Housey helps UK homeowners find and compare quotes from vetted local decorators. Describe your door painting project and receive quotes from experienced painters who can assess the condition of your doors before pricing the work.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to paint a door?

A professional decorator typically spends 1–3 hours on an interior door (both sides, frame, and architrave), depending on door type and preparation needed. Exterior doors often take 2–4 hours. Drying time between coats adds to the overall duration — oil-based paints may require 8–24 hours between coats; water-based satinwood typically 2–4 hours.

Can UPVC or composite doors be painted?

Yes, but specialist paints designed for non-porous surfaces are required. Standard gloss or satinwood will not adhere reliably to UPVC. Products such as a Zinsser Bulls Eye primer followed by a specialist topcoat are commonly used. Always check the door manufacturer's guidance — painting a composite door may affect any remaining warranty.

Is it worth painting a front door before selling?

A freshly painted front door can improve kerb appeal at relatively low cost. Estate agents generally consider it one of the higher-return cosmetic improvements before a sale. A neutral or period-appropriate colour is usually advisable for the broadest buyer appeal.

How often should exterior doors be repainted?

A well-prepared and properly painted timber exterior door should need repainting every 3–5 years, depending on weather exposure, direct sunlight, and paint quality used. Doors facing south or west typically need more frequent attention due to greater UV and rain exposure.

Should I sand between coats when painting a door?

Yes. A light sand with fine-grit paper (180–240 grit) between coats improves adhesion and helps achieve a smoother finish. This applies to both oil-based and water-based paints and is especially important when applying a topcoat over a primer or undercoat.

Sources and further reading

• Dulux Trade: Wood and joinery coating guidance — Dulux Trade
• Working safely at height — Health and Safety Executive
• Practical Building Conservation — Decorative Surfaces — Historic England
• How to find and hire a decorator — Which?