How Long Does It Take to Paint a House in Singapore?
With a team of two to three painters, a 3-room HDB flat takes 1 to 2 days, a 4- or 5-room flat 2 to 3 days, a condo 2 to 5 days and a landed house 4 to 14 days including exterior. Paint is usually touch-dry in 1 to 2 hours, and most rooms can be used again the same evening.
Painting timelines by property type
| Property | Interior | Exterior | Typical team |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDB 2 to 3-room | 1 – 2 days | n/a | 2 painters |
| HDB 4 to 5-room | 2 – 3 days | n/a | 2 – 3 painters |
| HDB executive / maisonette | 3 – 4 days | n/a | 3 painters |
| Condo 1 to 2 bedroom | 1 – 2 days | Balcony + half day | 2 painters |
| Condo 3 to 4 bedroom | 2 – 4 days | Balcony + half day | 2 – 3 painters |
| Terrace house | 4 – 7 days | 4 – 7 days | 3 – 4 painters |
| Semi-D / bungalow | 5 – 10 days | 5 – 14 days | 4+ painters |
What happens on each day (4-room HDB example)
Day 1
- Move and cover furniture, protect floors
- Mask switches, frames and fittings
- Fill cracks and holes, sand, spot-prime stains
- Paint all ceilings
- First coat on walls in two or three rooms
Day 2
- First coat on remaining walls
- Second coat throughout
- Feature wall, if any
Day 3 (if needed)
- Doors, gate and grilles
- Touch-ups, remove masking, clean up, put furniture back
- Final walkthrough with you
What makes painting take longer
- Wall repairs: cracks, peeling paint and water stains need extra drying time
- Bold colours: an extra coat adds half a day or more
- A furnished home: moving and covering furniture room by room takes time
- Condo working hours: shorter Saturdays and set hours stretch the schedule
- Rain: exterior painting stops when it rains and walls need to dry
- Multiple colours: each colour change means more cutting-in
- Add-ons: gates, grilles and spray painting each add time
How long does paint take to dry?
| Stage | Water-based emulsion | Enamel (gates, doors) |
|---|---|---|
| Touch-dry | About 30 min – 2 hrs | About 4 – 8 hrs |
| Ready for second coat | About 2 – 4 hrs | About 16 – 24 hrs |
| Fully cured | Around 2 – 4 weeks | Around 1 – 2 weeks |
Times vary by product, humidity and ventilation, so follow the manufacturer’s data sheet. Until paint is fully cured, avoid scrubbing walls, sticking tape on them or pushing furniture tight against them.
Can you stay at home during painting?
Yes, most people do. Painters usually work room by room. With low-odour paint and windows open, most rooms can be slept in the same night. For babies, elderly family members or anyone with asthma, consider sleeping in another room or staying elsewhere for a night.
How to keep your painting job on schedule
- Clear small items, valuables and fragile decor before day 1
- Decide on colours before the painters arrive
- Make sure they have access, including the lift, MCST forms and parking
- Agree on start date, number of days and team size in the quote
Need it done by a specific date? Tell us when you request quotes and we’ll only match painters who can meet it.
FAQ
How long does it take to paint a 4-room HDB flat?
Usually 2 to 3 days with a team of two or three painters.
Can painting be done in one day?
Smaller flats, a few rooms or simple refreshes can often be done in one day with a bigger team.
When can I move furniture back after painting?
Usually the same day once the paint is touch-dry, but leave a small gap between furniture and walls for a few days.
How long should I wait between painting and cleaning?
Book post-painting or post-renovation cleaning for the day after painting finishes, so the paint is dry enough to work around.
