Paint and Wallpaper FAQs

# Paint and Wallpaper: 10 Frequently Asked Questions ## 1. How much does it cost to paint a room in the UK? For a standard living room (4m x 5m, 2.4m ceiling height), paint alone costs £50-£100 for budget emulsion, £100-£200 for mid-range, or £200-£400 for premium paint (walls, ceiling, and woodwork). If hiring a professional painter, add £300-£500 for labour for a single room (2-3 days work including preparation). Total cost: £350-£900 depending on paint quality and whether you DIY or hire a professional. A full house repaint (3-bedroom semi) typically costs £800-£2,000 DIY or £2,500-£5,000 with professional labour. Professional painters are worth the investment for high-quality finishes, especially on woodwork, stairwells, and feature walls where imperfections are more visible. ## 2. What are VOCs, and should I choose low-VOC paint? VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals released as paint dries — they cause the characteristic "new paint smell" and can irritate eyes, airways, and skin. Prolonged exposure has been linked to headaches and respiratory issues. Low-VOC paints contain minimal levels of these chemicals (under 50g/litre for matt emulsion), while zero-VOC paints contain virtually none. Most premium UK paint brands (Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Earthborn, Dulux Easycare) now offer very low VOC formulations. Low-VOC paints are particularly important for bedrooms, children's rooms, and nurseries where occupants spend extended periods. Under the Future Home