What Does Painting Work Include When Finishing a Shell Property?

Painting a shell house or shell flat is not just about applying paint to the walls. It is a complex process that requires a professional assessment of surface conditions, careful preparation and precise execution of each step. Every stage plays an important role – neglecting preparation can later result in peeling paint, uneven surfaces or poor coverage. Let’s take a closer look at what painting work in a shell property actually involves.

Priming Walls and Ceilings

The first and essential step when painting a shell property is priming the walls and ceilings. New walls are usually highly absorbent. If priming is skipped, subsequent coats of paint will soak into the surface unevenly, leading to patchy results, colour variations and reduced durability. Primer evens out surface absorbency and strengthens the substrate, improving paint adhesion. Various types of primers are used, including universal primers, deep-penetrating primers and specialist products with anti-mould properties. The choice depends on the wall material and its condition. The typical cost of priming ranges from £0.80 to £1.70 per m² and is an investment that definitely pays off.

Skim Coating (Plaster Skimming)

If the walls are uneven or contain fine cracks, skim coating is the next step. This process creates a perfectly smooth and even surface ready for painting. Skim coating may be applied in one or multiple layers, and in some cases reinforcing mesh is used to increase surface strength and prevent micro-cracks. High-quality skimming guarantees an aesthetically pleasing result with no dents, bumps or visible tool marks. Each layer must be allowed to dry properly and then sanded to achieve a flawless finish. The cost of skim coating typically ranges from £5.50 to £13.00 per m², depending on complexity and materials used.

Base Coat (White Paint)

After skimming, a base coat is applied. This layer serves several important purposes: it acts as a foundation for the final colour, evens out the surface tone and reduces the amount of topcoat paint required. Skipping this step can result in uneven colour coverage and the need for additional coats, increasing both time and cost. Base coats are usually paints with good opacity and breathability to maintain a healthy indoor environment. The price for a base coat typically ranges from £1.90 to £5.50 per m².

Final Colour Coat

The final stage is the colour coat, which gives your interior its desired look and atmosphere. This is where personal style comes into play – from neutral and pastel tones to bold colours or current design trends. Some paints also offer special properties, such as washable finishes ideal for kitchens and children’s rooms, or antibacterial coatings suitable for allergy-sensitive households. The colour coat requires careful application in multiple layers to achieve a rich, even finish without streaks. The cost of this stage ranges from £1.20 to £8.50 per m², depending on paint type, number of coats and the desired result.

Each step in the painting process plays a vital role, and together they form the foundation of a visually appealing and long-lasting finish. With proper preparation and the right materials, the lifespan of the paintwork is extended, maintenance needs are reduced and a healthy, comfortable living environment is created.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Painting Work?

The total cost of painting a shell house or flat depends on several factors:

• Size and layout of the space – larger and simpler areas are generally cheaper to paint
  
• Condition of the surfaces – well-prepared walls require fewer corrective works
  
• Number of paint layers – more coats increase material and labour costs
  
• Type of paint used – premium and specialist paints cost more than standard paints
  
• Location and availability of tradespeople – prices may vary by region
  

How to Calculate Approximate Painting Costs

To estimate the cost of painting a shell property, start by measuring the total area of walls and ceilings. For example, a home with a floor area of 100 m² and a ceiling height of 2.5 m has approximately 250 m² of wall area. Adding the ceiling area (100 m²) gives a total paintable area of around 350 m².

You can then multiply this area by the prices for each stage of work and add them together. This provides a realistic cost estimate excluding materials, which may vary depending on the chosen paints and skim materials.

Tips for Saving Money When Painting a Shell Property

• Compare multiple quotes from professional painters
  
• Carry out some preparatory tasks yourself if you have the time and skills
  
• Schedule painting work outside peak seasons
  
• Invest in high-quality materials with longer durability
  

Quality Painting Is an Investment in Comfortable Living

Painting a shell house or shell flat may seem straightforward at first, but in reality it involves a sequence of carefully planned and precisely executed steps. From priming and skimming to the final colour coat, each stage contributes to an interior that not only looks good but is also durable, functional and pleasant to live in.

When planning your project, it’s important to focus not only on price but also on workmanship quality and material selection. Professionally executed painting work improves indoor air quality, increases resistance to moisture and wear, and extends the life of your interiors. To avoid early repairs and additional costs, it pays to rely on experienced professionals who can deliver a finish that meets your expectations and allows you to enjoy your new home for years to come.