Updated on 25 June 2026 · by Pepe, painter in Elche
When you ask for a painting quote, nearly everyone talks in 'euros per square metre'. But that number on its own is misleading: two painters can give you the same €/m² and the work (and the final bill) turn out completely different. I'm Pepe, a painter in Elche, and I'll explain how it's really worked out so you know how to compare.
Wall metres, not floor metres
The most common mistake is to think about the floor area of the flat. What gets painted is the surface of the walls and ceilings, which is much larger. An 80 m² flat can easily have between 200 and 260 m² of wall and ceiling to paint.
So when you see 'from 6 €/m²', always ask whether it means per metre of wall (the normal way) or per metre of floor. It's not the same: mixing them up can triple your idea of the price.
Price per m² reference points on the Costa Blanca
So you turn up with a figure in your head (rough prices per m² of surface to paint, materials and labour included):
| Job | Rough price (€/m²) |
|---|---|
| Painting walls and ceilings (normal condition) | 6 – 10 €/m² |
| Removing woodchip / skimming smooth before painting | 10 – 15 €/m² |
| Painting an exterior façade | from 12 €/m² |
| Special jobs (plasterboard, damp…) | bespoke |
The price per m² depends on what's included
A low €/m² can work out dear if underneath it's a single coat and zero prep. The price changes according to:
- The number of coats (one quick coat doesn't cover like two properly applied ones).
- The prep: filling cracks and holes, sanding and priming all takes time.
- Whether or not the ceilings are painted, which pushes the price per metre up because they're more awkward.
- Separate jobs such as skimming woodchip smooth or painting plasterboard.
- The quality of the paint: the good stuff goes further and stands up better to everyday knocks.
How to compare quotes without slipping up
To really compare, don't just look at the total: make sure they're comparing like for like. Always ask that the quote states the number of coats, whether ceilings are included, what prep it covers and the brand and type of paint. That way two quotes are actually comparable.
A fixed, written quote with everything included is worth more than a 'it'll be dirt cheap' by word of mouth that then grows halfway through the job. That's how I give it to you: fixed, itemised and no surprises.
Want the exact price for your project?
I will come and see it with no obligation and give you a fixed quote, free and the same day. You deal directly with me, no middlemen.
FAQ
- Do you charge per metre of wall or per metre of floor?
- Per metre of wall and ceiling actually painted, which is the correct way. I measure the real work and give you a fixed price, not a rough guess based on the flat's floor area.
- Why is one quote cheaper than another for the same m²?
- Almost always because of what you DON'T see: the number of coats, the prep, whether the ceilings are in, or the quality of the materials. Ask for the detail in writing and compare apples with apples.
- Is the quote free?
- Yes. I come to see the job at no cost and no obligation, measure up and hand you a fixed price in writing. You only pay if you decide to hire me.