How much does it cost to paint an apartment in Iceland?
Floor area alone cannot price a painting job. See a real paint-cost example, learn how to measure the surfaces and check what a complete quote should include.
What determines the cost of painting an apartment?
Interior painting cost depends on wall and ceiling area, preparation, materials and finishing details. Apartments with the same floor area can need very different amounts of work. The size on a property listing is not the area that will be painted.
Expert Parket og Mál quotes for the scope of each project. Send photographs, your location and a description of the surfaces you want painted. This guide explains the cost components so you can prepare a useful enquiry and compare quotations for equivalent work.
Total cost = preparation + painting labour + materials + cleanup + other agreed costs. Ask for the total including VAT and a clear description of what is included.
A paint-price example in Icelandic krónur
On 7 October 2026, Flügger PRO 5 white paint was listed at ISK 22,490 for 9.1 litres and ISK 9,490 for 2.8 litres. Together: ISK 31,980 for 11.9 litres. Stated coverage is 8 m² per litre per coat.
This dated retail example covers paint only. It is not an Expert Parket og Mál quotation or a guide to the total job price. Labour, primer, filler, protection and other equipment are separate as needed. Colour, pack size, delivery and retailer offers can change the cost. Check the current price before purchasing.
How to measure the surfaces to be painted
Work through the apartment one room at a time. Multiply each wall's length by its height and add the areas. Measure the ceiling separately. Note doors, windows, trim and other surfaces so the contractor can identify the exact scope.
Worked example: A room measures 4 × 5 metres with a 2.5-metre ceiling height.
- Floor and flat ceiling: 4 × 5 = 20 m².
- Walls before deductions: (4 + 5 + 4 + 5) × 2.5 = 45 m².
- Doors and windows: subtracting 5 m² of openings leaves 40 m² of wall surface.
- Walls and ceiling together: 40 + 20 = 60 m² for one coat.
A 20 m² room can therefore contain 60 m² of paintable surfaces. Two coats mean covering those surfaces twice. Cutting in around doors and windows still takes time even when openings are deducted. Ask how measurements and detailed work are priced in the quotation.
To estimate paint quantity, multiply surface area by the number of coats and divide by the product's stated coverage. Calculate wall and ceiling paint separately if different products are used. Rough or absorbent surfaces, colour changes and paint left in tools can increase consumption.
Five things that affect the labour cost
Wall and ceiling condition
A few screw holes in otherwise sound walls require different preparation from cracks, loose paint or uneven surfaces. Check whether the quote covers local repairs or full-surface filling. Persistent stains or moisture need their cause investigated before repainting.
Colour changes and coats
Refreshing a light wall in a similar shade differs from changing a dark wall to a pale colour. The number of coats depends on the surface, colour and product. Agree the colour and finish before confirming the price, including how any additional coats will be handled.
Ceilings, skirting and small surfaces
Ask specifically about ceilings, skirting, door frames and window frames. These are not automatically included in a wall-painting price. High ceilings or difficult access may also change the work and equipment required.
Furniture and protecting parquet
An empty room is easier to prepare than a furnished one. Agree who moves furniture and which coverings will be used. Flügger's preparation guide emphasises protecting the room before painting. Floor coverings and masking tape must suit the surface underneath.
Location and scheduling
State whether the apartment is in Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður or elsewhere in Iceland. Parking, stairs, access and any travel costs should be clear. If you will remain at home, plan access to the rooms while work takes place.
What should an interior painting quote include?
Compare the scope before comparing the totals. A useful quote explains:
- Surfaces: the rooms, walls, ceilings and trim included.
- Preparation: cleaning, repairs, filling, sanding and priming as required.
- Materials: the paint, colour, sheen and who supplies it.
- Coats: the planned work and how any additions will be approved.
- Protection and completion: floor coverings, furniture moving, cleanup and waste.
- Price: the total including VAT and the basis for any additional costs.
- Timing: the start, expected completion and access during the work.
A lower price may exclude ceilings or repairs. Ask for clarification if you cannot tell whether both quotes cover the same surfaces and preparation.
Combining painting with parquet work
If you are also arranging parquet installation or floor sanding, plan the work together. Sequencing must account for dust, drying, skirting and protection of new surfaces. Agree when final painting and touch-ups will take place.
Coverings and tape must not be applied prematurely to a newly finished wooden floor. Follow the instructions for its finish. Our floor sanding guide to cost and timing explains the floor-work schedule in more detail.
Frequently asked questions about apartment painting
How much does painting an 80 m² apartment cost?
Floor area alone cannot establish a reliable total. Ceiling height, room layout, wall condition and the inclusion of ceilings and trim all matter. Send a plan or measurements, photographs and a description of the work for a quote.
Is paint included in the labour price?
It depends on the quotation. Confirm whether paint, primer, filler and protective materials are included. If you buy materials yourself, agree the product and quantity with the contractor before ordering.
How long does painting an apartment take?
Preparation, coats, drying and access determine the schedule. An empty apartment with sound walls differs from one needing extensive surface repairs. Ask for the expected completion date and instructions on when the new surfaces can be used and cleaned.
Can I book painting without floor work?
Yes. Interior painting is available on its own or alongside flooring work. Tell us whether you need one room, the whole apartment or selected surfaces painted.
Request a free painting quote
Expert Parket og Mál provides interior painting in Reykjavík, the capital area and elsewhere in Iceland. We paint walls, ceilings and trim, and assess the preparation with you.
Send your location, approximate dimensions, surface photographs and preferred timing. Mention whether the apartment is empty, whether ceilings and trim are included and whether you also plan to renew the parquet.
Contact us for a free quote, or read more about our interior painting service.
