A fresh coat of paint in your bathroom is one of the most cost-effective ways to dramatically improve its look, feel, and durability. Bathroom painting is more than just aesthetics—it protects walls and ceilings from moisture damage, mould, and mildew. Whether you’re updating a family bathroom in Parramatta or Ryde, modernising an ensuite in Mosman or Lane Cove, or refreshing a powder room in an apartment in Zetland or Mascot, understanding the cost of bathroom painting in Sydney will help you plan your renovation budget effectively.

This guide explains average costs, factors that influence pricing, location-specific considerations, and practical advice for homeowners planning bathroom painting as part of a renovation or standalone refresh.

1. What Does Bathroom Painting Include?

Bathroom painting is more than slapping paint on the walls. A professional bathroom painting job usually involves:

• Preparation of surfaces: Cleaning, sanding, and filling cracks or holes

• Priming: Applying a moisture-resistant primer to walls and ceilings

• Painting: Using specialist bathroom paints that resist moisture, mould, and mildew

• Trim and door painting: Painting window frames, doors, or skirting boards if needed

• Optional features: Painting cabinetry, vanities, or feature walls

Professional painters use mould-resistant, water-resistant paints designed specifically for wet areas, such as Dulux’s Wash & Wear Bathroom & Kitchen range or Taubmans Endure Kitchen & Bathroom.

2. Average Cost of Bathroom Painting in Sydney

Costs vary depending on bathroom size, type of paint, preparation required, and location. On average:

• Small powder rooms or compact bathrooms (1–3 m²): $400 – $900

• Medium-sized bathrooms (4–6 m²): $900 – $1,800

• Large family bathrooms or ensuites (6–10 m²): $1,800 – $3,500+

Apartment bathrooms may cost slightly more due to restricted access, strata approvals, and lift logistics, especially in inner-city suburbs like Zetland, Mascot, Wolli Creek, or Surry Hills.

3. Factors Influencing Bathroom Painting Costs

A. Bathroom Size and Complexity

• Compact powder rooms or small ensuites: Lower paint and labour costs

• Large bathrooms with high ceilings, multiple walls, or vaulted ceilings: Higher costs due to extra materials and labour

Example: Painting a 2 m² powder room in Newtown may cost around $500–$700, while a 7 m² master ensuite in Mosman can cost $2,500–$3,200.

B. Paint Quality and Type

Choosing the right paint is critical for bathrooms:

Paint Type Features Typical Cost for a Bathroom Standard interior paint Limited moisture resistance $50 – $80 per litre Bathroom-specific paint Mould & mildew resistant, washable $80 – $120 per litre Premium waterproofing paints Ideal for high-moisture areas; long-lasting $120 – $180 per litre

Professional painters often include high-quality bathroom paint in their service quotes, which ensures durability in wet conditions.

C. Surface Preparation

Bathrooms are exposed to moisture, so preparation is crucial:

• Cleaning and sanding walls and ceilings

• Filling cracks, holes, or damaged tiles edges

• Priming with moisture-resistant primer

Preparation costs can add $200–$600 depending on surface condition, especially in older homes in suburbs like Balmain, Ashfield, or Leichhardt.

D. Labour Costs

Labour costs vary depending on the painter’s experience, complexity of work, and suburb:

• Low-range painters: $30–$50 per hour

• Experienced professional painters: $50–$80 per hour

For a full bathroom painting job, labour alone can range from $400–$1,500 depending on size and preparation needs. Labour in high-demand suburbs such as Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee, Paddington) or North Shore (Mosman, Lane Cove) may cost slightly more due to availability of skilled trades.

E. Apartment or Strata Considerations

• Restricted access or work hours in apartment buildings can add $100–$300 to your painting cost

• Lift usage and debris disposal in high-rise apartments like Zetland or Mascot can also slightly increase total cost

4. Cost Breakdown by Sydney Suburb

Suburb Type Average Bathroom Painting Cost Notes Inner West (Newtown, Marrickville, Balmain) $900 – $1,800 Older homes may need extra preparation Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee, Paddington) $1,200 – $2,500 Coastal humidity can require moisture-resistant finishes North Shore (Mosman, Lane Cove, Chatswood) $1,800 – $3,500 Larger bathrooms and premium finishes common Western Sydney (Parramatta, Blacktown, Castle Hill) $900 – $1,800 More standard layouts, lower labour rates CBD & Inner City Apartments (Zetland, Mascot, Wolli Creek) $1,000 – $2,000+ Strata approvals and access logistics may add cost

5. Cost-Saving Tips

1. Prepare surfaces in advance: Cleaning, sanding, and minor repairs yourself reduces labour costs.

2. Choose mid-range paints: High-end premium paints are not always necessary for small powder rooms.

3. Bundle with other renovations: Combining painting with tiling or waterproofing services often saves time and cost.

4. Plan strata approvals early: Especially in apartments, to avoid delays and additional fees.

5. Retain existing layout: Avoid moving fixtures, which could cause extra patching or repainting.

6. Examples

Example 1: Powder Room in Surry Hills (2 m²)

Cost Component Range Surface preparation $150 – $250 Paint (bathroom-specific) $100 – $150 Labour $250 – $400 Total $500 – $800

Example 2: Master Ensuite in Mosman (7 m²)

Cost Component Range Surface preparation $400 – $600 Paint (premium moisture-resistant) $250 – $400 Labour $1,200 – $2,000 Total $1,800 – $3,000+

7. Key Takeaways

• Average bathroom painting costs in Sydney range from $500 for small powder rooms to $3,500 for large or high-end bathrooms.

• Costs are influenced by bathroom size, paint type, surface preparation, labour, and suburb.

• Apartment bathrooms may require additional fees due to strata approvals and restricted access.

• Professional painting ensures long-lasting, moisture-resistant results, preventing mould and peeling.

• Bundling painting with other bathroom renovation services like tiling, waterproofing, or cabinetry installation can reduce total costs.

A fresh, professionally applied coat of paint can transform the look of your bathroom while protecting your walls and ceilings for years to come, whether your home is in Sydney’s Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Western Sydney, or CBD apartments.

For professional bathroom painting, full bathroom renovations, or complete kitchen and home renovation services in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more about MB9 Australia Pty Ltd and their expert design, installation, and project management services.