Planning to paint or apply putty in your home? This guide covers everything you need to know to achieve a flawless finish on your walls while keeping costs manageable. We’ll go over the materials, costs, and best brands to use for durability and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re aiming for a fresh look or preparing a rental property, read on to learn essential tips for painting and putty application.
Understanding Wall Area for Paint and Putty
Before you start, measure your space. Calculate the slab area (e.g., if it’s 1500 square feet, you’ll multiply it by 4.5 to include interior, exterior, and ceiling surfaces). For 1500 square feet, that’s 6750 square feet. This calculation helps you estimate how much putty, primer, and paint you’ll need for two coats each.
Choosing the Right Putty: Types and Costs
- Best Brands: Top choices include Birla, JK, Berger, Asian, and Nerolac. These brands offer high-quality putty that resists cracking and dampness.
- Quantity: For 6750 square feet, divide by 24 (the coverage area per kg), yielding about 281 kg of putty. Opt for 40 kg bags, as they’re more cost-effective.
- Cost Calculation: Assuming you choose JK Wall Putty, priced at around ₹400 per 40 kg bag, expect a total of approximately ₹3000 for two coats.
Primer Application: Types and Cost Breakdown
- Brand Selection: Brands like Asian Paints, Berger, and Nerolac provide excellent primers. A good quality primer covers about 210 square feet per liter.
- Quantity Required: For our example, 32 liters of primer is needed, with a cost of around ₹125 per liter. Total primer cost: ₹4000.
Painting Your Walls: Product Options and Tips
- Budget-Friendly Paints:
- Tractor Emulsion by Asian Paints: Lasts 3-4 years, ideal for budget-conscious projects or rentals.
- Cost: ₹18 per square foot, with a single coat covering up to 270 square feet per liter.
- Mid-Range Paints:
- Apcolite Premium Emulsion: Provides longer durability (4-5 years) and semi-washable quality, costing around ₹30 per square foot.
- High-End Paints:
- Royal Luxury Emulsion by Asian Paints: Durable, washable up to 4 times, with a lifespan of 5-6 years. This costs about ₹50 per square foot.
Estimating Labor Costs
Labor charges vary widely:
- Putty and Primer Application: Around ₹10 per square foot.
- Paint Application: Between ₹15 and ₹18 per square foot for two coats.
For our 6750 square feet example, labor would total approximately ₹1,00,750.
Quick Cost Calculation Method
Multiply your total square footage by 4.5, then by an average rate of ₹13 to ₹15 per square foot. For example:
- 1000 square feet x 4.5 x ₹13 = ₹58,500 for materials and labor combined.
Key Takeaways for a Smooth Painting Project
- Avoid Old Putty: Ensure the putty bag is fresh, as older putty might not adhere well and can cause peeling.
- Pick the Right Paint: Select paint based on your needs—washable options for high-traffic areas or budget-friendly emulsion for rentals.
- Plan for Touch-Ups: If durability is important, invest in premium or luxury emulsions that withstand cleaning and last longer.
