What types of properties does Urban Paint Service handle?

Urban Paint Service provides professional painting for HDB flats, condominiums, landed houses, and commercial spaces such as offices and shops across Singapore. Whether you need a full home repaint, a feature wall, or an office refresh, the crew can manage both interior and exterior painting projects.

How does Urban Paint Service price its painting jobs?

Painting jobs are usually quoted based on property type, unit size, paintable area, paint system, and any required surface preparation. Urban Paint Service reviews photos, floor plans, and job details before providing a clear quotation.

What additional charges or add-on services should I be aware of?

Possible add-on items may include wall preparation, sealant application, chalky wall treatment, repair work, special access requirements, and door or trim enamel painting. These items should be discussed before the job starts and reflected in the final quotation.

What kind of paints and materials does Urban Paint Service use?

Urban Paint Service uses branded, quality paints suitable for Singapore homes and commercial spaces. Different paint systems may be available, including standard, premium washable, and ultra low-odour options, depending on the project requirements.

How do I get a quote or book a painting slot?

You can contact Urban Paint Service through their website or WhatsApp to request a quote or booking. Most customers begin by sharing their property type, photos of the space, and preferred dates so the team can advise on pricing and availability.

Is Urban Paint Service reliable and insured?

Urban Paint Service presents itself as a professional Singapore painting service focused on residential and commercial painting. For the latest details on company credentials, insurance coverage, and service terms, customers should confirm directly with the company before booking.

What can I expect during the painting process?

The painting process typically includes reviewing wall conditions, recommending any needed surface preparation, protecting floors and furniture, completing the paint application neatly, and carrying out a final clean-up after the work is done.

How much does it cost to paint an HDB in Singapore?

HDB painting in Singapore usually costs between SGD $600 and $1,650, depending on flat size and paint quality. At Urban Paint Service Pte Ltd, a 2-room HDB starts from $600, a 4-room from $800, and a 5-room from $900 under the Basic Refresh package. Premium washable and ultra low-odour options are available at higher tiers. All prices include walls and ceilings up to about 2.8m, with a free site visit and written quotation before any work begins.

How often do HDBs get repainted in Singapore?

Most HDB flats in Singapore are repainted every 5 to 8 years. HDB recommends repainting roughly every 5 years to maintain wall condition. In practice, homeowners in Woodlands typically repaint when moving into a resale flat, after major renovation, or when walls show visible peeling, mould or yellowing, especially on external-facing walls and bathroom ceilings in Singapore's humid climate.

Why is limewash painting so expensive?

Limewash is more expensive than standard emulsion paint because it requires premium natural lime-based materials, careful surface preparation and hand-brushing in multiple thin coats. Each coat must dry and cure properly before the next, making the process slower and more labour-intensive. In return, limewash typically lasts longer than regular paint in Singapore's humidity, so its cost per year of coverage can be competitive.

Is limewashing cheaper than regular painting in Singapore in the long run?

Limewash usually has a higher upfront cost than standard interior emulsion, often about 30% to 50% more per square foot. Over the long term it can be cheaper because limewash finishes often last 10 to 15 years on interior walls in Singapore, compared to around 5 to 7 years for regular paint, especially in humid areas such as Woodlands and older HDB estates.

How to Choose the Best Painting Contractor in Singapore

May 02, 2026

Urban Team

How to Choose the Best Painting Contractor in Singapore (2026 Guide)

If you have ever hired a painting contractor in Singapore and ended up with patchy walls, missed
deadlines, or a bill full of surprises, you are not alone. Choosing the right painter is not just about the
lowest quote. It is about finding someone who understands Singapore's humid climate, knows HDB
regulations inside out, and delivers a finish that actually lasts.
This guide walks you through seven things every Singapore homeowner should check before signing
anything.

Why Choosing the Right Painting Contractor Matters

A poor paint job does not just look bad. Incorrect surface preparation leads to peeling within months.
Skipping mould treatment in Singapore's climate means regrowth is almost guaranteed. And hiring an
unlicensed contractor for HDB work can create complications with building management that cost far
more to fix than the painting itself.

The right contractor saves you time, money, and stress. The wrong one costs you all three.

7 Things to Check Before Hiring a Painting Contractor in Singapore

1. Verify HDB license and Certifications

This is the single most important check for HDB flat owners. Not every painting contractor in
Singapore is authorised to work on HDB properties. HDB requires contractors to be registered under
their approved contractor scheme before carrying out any renovation works.
Before booking anyone, ask for their HDB registration number and verify it directly on the HDB
website. For condo residents, check whether the contractor is familiar with MCST regulations and
building management requirements in your development.
A licensed contractor is not just a formality. It is protection for you as a homeowner if anything goes
wrong.

2. Read Google Reviews and Check Past Projects

Online reviews tell you things a sales pitch never will. Look specifically for reviews that mention the
following:
The quality of finish after drying, not just during the job. Whether the team arrived on time and
completed within the agreed timeline. How the contractor handled problems or complaints when they
arose. Whether there were hidden charges added after the quote was accepted.
Google reviews, Facebook recommendations, and platforms like Homees are good starting points. Pay
attention to how the company responds to negative reviews. A contractor who dismisses complaints
publicly is telling you exactly how they will treat you if something goes wrong on your job.

3. Ask About Workmanship Warranty

A confident contractor stands behind their work. Before hiring anyone, ask directly what warranty
they offer on workmanship. In Singapore, reputable painting contractors typically offer one to two
years on repairs and finishing work, depending on the scope.
A warranty is not just about getting free touch-ups. It tells you that the contractor uses proper
materials, prepares surfaces correctly, and applies the right number of coats. Contractors who cut
corners cannot afford to offer warranties because they know the job will not hold.
Always ask for the warranty terms in writing before work begins.

4. Request a Detailed Written Quotation

A verbal quote means nothing. A professional painting contractor in Singapore will provide a written
quotation that clearly lists every item included in the price.
Your quotation should specify surface preparation, number of paint coats, brand and grade of paint,
furniture protection, minor crack filling, mould treatment, and clean-up. If any of these are missing
from the quote, ask why before proceeding.
Be cautious of quotes that are significantly lower than others you have received. Extremely low
pricing almost always means corners are being cut somewhere, whether on surface preparation, paint
quality, or the number of coats applied.

5. Check Which Paint Brands They Use

The paint brand and grade directly affects how long your finish lasts. Singapore's humidity, heat, and
rainfall create conditions that cheap paints simply cannot handle long term.
Ask your contractor which brands they use and why. Reputable contractors in Singapore typically
work with Nippon Paint, Dulux, or Jotun depending on the project scope and budget. For HDB
bedrooms and children's rooms, low-VOC and anti-mould options like Nippon Paint Odour-less All-in-1
are widely recommended. For exterior walls and areas exposed to direct rain, UV-resistant and
weatherproof formulations are essential.
A contractor who cannot explain their paint selection is a contractor who has not thought carefully
about your job.

6. Verify Public Liability Insurance

Accidents happen on job sites. Paint spills, equipment damage, and worker injuries are real risks on
any painting project. A professional painting contractor should carry public liability insurance that
covers damage to your property and any third-party claims that arise during the work.
Ask for a copy of their insurance certificate before work begins. This is a standard request and any
reputable contractor will provide it without hesitation. If a contractor is reluctant to share this, that
reluctance is itself a warning sign.

7. Assess Communication Before You Commit

How a contractor communicates before you hire them is exactly how they will communicate once
your money is on the table. Responsiveness, clarity, and professionalism in the quoting stage are
reliable indicators of how the job itself will be managed.
A good painting contractor will visit your home for a proper site assessment before providing a quote.
They will ask about your wall condition, ceiling height, paint preferences, and any access restrictions.
They will provide a clear timeline and a single point of contact for the duration of the project.
If a contractor is slow to respond, vague about details, or pressures you to commit quickly, trust that
instinct and walk away.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

There are a few specific warning signs that should stop any homeowner from proceeding with a
contractor regardless of how competitive their price appears.
Requests for more than 30 percent upfront payment before work begins are a common warning sign
in Singapore's renovation industry. Legitimate contractors typically request a deposit of around 10 to
20 percent with the balance due on completion. Contractors who refuse to provide a written
quotation or who give vague scope descriptions are similarly concerning. Any contractor who cannot
confirm their HDB registration or insurance status when asked directly should not be considered
further.

How Much Does a Professional Painting Contractor Charge in Singapore?

Urban Paint Service offers four painting packages to suit different budgets and needs, from a basic
anti-mould refresh to an ultra low-odour finish ideal for bedrooms and children's rooms. Prices start
from SGD $600 for a 2-room HDB and go up to SGD $2,000 for a Maisonette, depending on unit size
and paint grade selected.
All packages include surface preparation, two coats of paint, furniture protection, and clean-up as
standard. Premium paint upgrades and feature walls are available at additional cost. View the full
pricing breakdown to find the right package for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify if a painting contractor is HDB licensed in Singapore?

You can verify HDB contractor registration directly through the HDB website using the contractor's
name or registration number. Always check this before allowing any renovation work to begin on your
HDB flat.

How many quotes should I get before hiring a painter in Singapore?

Getting three quotes from different contractors is the widely recommended approach. This gives you
a fair sense of market pricing and allows you to compare not just cost but also what each contractor
includes in their scope.

What should a painting contractor include as standard in Singapore?

A reputable painting contractor should include surface preparation, minor crack filling, two coats of
paint, furniture protection, anti-mould treatment, and clean-up as standard. Any of these missing
from a quote should be questioned.

Is a cheaper painting contractor always a bad choice?

Not necessarily, but significantly lower quotes typically indicate reduced paint quality, fewer coats, or
inadequate surface preparation. Always ask what is included before comparing prices.

How long should a professional paint job last in Singapore?

With proper surface preparation and quality paint, a professional interior paint job in Singapore
should last five to seven years. Exterior surfaces in direct sun and rain typically require repainting
every three to five years.

Can I stay home while my HDB is being painted?

Yes, most homeowners remain at home during painting. Choosing low-VOC or odour-less paint options
makes this more comfortable, particularly in enclosed spaces like bedrooms and children's rooms.