enovating a laundry room involves more than just cabinetry and appliances. Painting and finishing are crucial to achieving a clean, durable, and aesthetically pleasing space. For Sydney homeowners—from compact terraces in Newtown, Marrickville, or Balmain to larger family homes in Ryde, Castle Hill, and North Shore—understanding the cost of paint and finishing is vital for budgeting and planning a successful laundry makeover.

This guide explores cost factors, material options, suburb-specific considerations, and tips to maximise both value and longevity for your laundry renovation.

1. Why Paint and Finishing Matter in Laundry Renovations

A well-painted and finished laundry is not just about looks. It also provides:

• Durability: High-quality paint protects walls from moisture, detergent spills, and scuffs.

• Ease of cleaning: Smooth, washable finishes make cleaning splashes and stains easier.

• Visual cohesion: Complements cabinetry, benchtops, tiles, and fixtures for a polished, integrated look.

• Protection: Proper finishing prevents mould, mildew, and peeling, particularly in humid Sydney suburbs like Glebe, Redfern, or Marrickville.

• Resale value: A professionally finished laundry enhances home appeal for potential buyers.

Even a compact laundry in Newtown or Balmain benefits from moisture-resistant finishes, while a spacious laundry in Ryde or Castle Hill can incorporate more elaborate textures and feature walls.

2. Key Factors Affecting Laundry Room Paint and Finishing Costs

Several variables influence the total cost of painting and finishing a Sydney laundry:

2.1. Surface Preparation

Preparation is often overlooked but is essential for durability:

• Wall repairs and patching: $50–$150 depending on damage.

• Sanding and priming: $40–$80 per m².

• Moisture treatment: $30–$60 per m², especially in older homes with humidity issues in Inner West suburbs.

A Sydney terrace with older walls in Ashfield or Petersham may need extensive preparation, slightly increasing costs.

2.2. Paint Type and Quality

• Standard interior paint: $35–$60 per litre, suitable for low-moisture areas.

• Moisture-resistant or semi-gloss paint: $60–$120 per litre, ideal for laundries.

• Luxury or designer finishes: $120–$250 per litre, including textures or feature walls.

Suburb insight:

• In Mosman, Vaucluse, and Double Bay, homeowners often opt for designer or luxury finishes to complement high-end cabinetry.

• In Newtown or Marrickville, mid-range moisture-resistant paints are more common due to compact spaces and rental-style budgets.

2.3. Labour and Professional Application

Hiring a professional ensures an even, durable finish:

• Basic painting: $30–$50 per m²

• Premium painting with multiple coats: $50–$80 per m²

• Feature walls, textured finishes, or decorative painting: $80–$150 per m²

In Sydney, family homes in Ryde or Castle Hill often use multiple coats for durability, while small inner-city laundries may require fewer coats but high-precision application.

2.4. Additional Finishing Costs

• Trims and skirting boards: $15–$40 per linear metre

• Ceiling painting: $20–$50 per m²

• Doors and cabinetry touch-ups: $50–$150 per door

• Protective coatings: $20–$40 per m² for high-traffic areas

A larger laundry in North Shore suburbs might include all these finishing touches for a seamless, cohesive look.

3. Typical Laundry Paint and Finishing Costs in Sydney

Component Scope Estimated Cost Wall preparation & priming Sanding, patching, moisture treatment $100 – $400 Standard moisture-resistant paint 2 coats, walls only $250 – $600 Luxury or designer finishes 2–3 coats, feature walls $600 – $1,500 Trims, doors, and cabinetry touch-ups Skirtings, doors, trims $150 – $500 Full professional finish Walls, ceiling, trims, doors $500 – $2,000+

Suburb-specific insights:

• Compact terraces (Newtown, Redfern, Balmain): $500–$1,000 for walls and trims.

• Family homes (Ryde, Castle Hill, North Shore): $800–$2,000 for full professional finishing including ceilings and cabinetry.

• Luxury homes (Mosman, Vaucluse, Double Bay): $1,500–$3,000+ for premium finishes and designer paints.

4. Choosing the Right Paint and Finish for Your Laundry

1. Moisture-resistant paint: Semi-gloss or satin finishes are ideal for laundries, protecting walls from steam and detergent.

2. Colour selection: Light colours like whites, creams, or soft greys make compact laundries feel larger; bold colours can add character to spacious rooms.

3. Feature walls: Consider a small backsplash behind the sink or an accent wall behind cabinetry for visual interest.

4. Durable trims and cabinetry finish: Ensure doors, skirting, and shelving are painted with a high-quality enamel for long-lasting results.

5. Eco-friendly options: Low-VOC paints reduce chemical fumes, ideal for families in inner-city apartments.

5. Benefits of Hiring a Professional Painter

• Even application: Avoids streaks, drips, or uneven coverage.

• Surface preparation: Ensures longevity and reduces peeling or bubbling.

• Expert finishing: Trims, doors, and cabinetry receive consistent treatment.

• Time-saving: Professional painters complete projects efficiently.

• Warranty: Many painters provide guarantees for labour and materials.

6. Planning and Budgeting Tips

• Decide your paint type early: Standard, moisture-resistant, or designer finishes.

• Measure accurately: Walls, trims, doors, and ceilings for precise quotes.

• Include extra for waste: Extra paint for touch-ups and future repairs.

• Hire local Sydney painters: Tradespeople understand building standards and weather considerations.

• Bundle with renovation works: Combine painting with cabinetry or backsplash installation to reduce disruption.

7. Summary

Laundry paint and finishing costs in Sydney depend on preparation, paint type, labour, and additional finishing touches. Approximate ranges:

• Wall preparation & priming: $100 – $400

• Standard moisture-resistant paint: $250 – $600

• Luxury/designer finishes: $600 – $1,500

• Trims, doors, and cabinetry touch-ups: $150 – $500

• Full professional finish: $500 – $2,000+

Suburb-specific insights:

• Inner-city terraces (Newtown, Redfern, Balmain): $500–$1,000

• Family homes (Ryde, Castle Hill, North Shore): $800–$2,000

• Luxury homes (Mosman, Vaucluse, Double Bay): $1,500–$3,000+

Professional painting and finishing transform your laundry into a functional, visually appealing space that withstands daily use and increases home value.

Visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom and house renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.