A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room: making it brighter, calmer, more modern—or simply more well-maintained. At the same time, "a quick paint job" is often more time-consuming in practice than you might think: checking the surface, covering, filling, sanding, priming, choosing the right materials – and in the end, everything should be evenly covered, without any marks or stains. This is precisely why painter prices vary so much in Switzerland.

In this guide, you will find clear guidelines for typical painting jobs, learn which factors really drive up the price, find out how much windows, doors, and radiators cost—and discover when it makes sense to do it yourself and when hiring a professional will actually save you money in the end.

The following values refer to typical living spaces with a ceiling height of approx. 2.5–3 m, including standard materials, covering, masking, and a classic white (e.g., RAL 9010). In the case of highly opaque color changes or special coatings, the cost can increase significantly because additional layers or a barrier primer may be necessary.

Guideline values for interior spaces (walls and ceilings)

These timeframes are realistic as long as there is no major damage, no heavy nicotine buildup, and no complicated geometries (e.g., stairwells).

Exterior surfaces are exposed to the elements, which means additional work is required for cleaning, substrate preparation, and often scaffolding. When it comes to facades in particular, it is not only the number of square meters to be painted that is important, but also the condition of the plaster, wood, and connections.

Typical price ranges for outdoor areas:

Covering work is one of the biggest hidden cost drivers. The fuller a room is, the more time is spent moving things, applying protective film, masking, and cleaning up afterwards. Narrow spaces and hard-to-reach corners also increase the amount of work involved.

Guideline values:

Not every wall can be finished with just one coat of paint. Highly absorbent surfaces, color changes, or the desire for perfection (a completely even surface) often require two coats—and in rare cases, three.

Guideline values:

There are clear regional differences in Switzerland. Wages and operating costs are higher in cities, while they are generally lower in rural areas. In addition, the distance to the property (travel, logistics) also plays a role.

Typical hourly rates:

In homes where people smoke or where there is nicotine contamination, normal white paint is often not enough. A barrier coat is needed, otherwise stains will reappear after a short time. When it comes to mold, the rule is: first identify and treat the cause—simply painting over it is not a solution.

Guideline values:

In addition to walls and ceilings, it is often the details that make a home look "fresh." Window frames, doors, and radiators are subject to heavy wear and tear—and require different paints or varnishes than wall paints.

Window frames are exposed to UV radiation, temperature changes, and moisture. The amount of work involved depends greatly on how many sashes there are and whether old layers need to be sanded down or removed.

Guideline values:

Many homeowners want to save money on painting work. This can work—but not in every situation. The decisive factors are whether the substrate is in good condition and whether you have the time and patience for preparatory work.

DIY is a good option for small, uncomplicated areas if the surface is stable and you are not changing the color drastically. If you mask off the area carefully and don't work under time pressure, you can achieve clean results.

Typical DIY projects:

Potential savings: approx. $200–300, depending on scope and room size.

A painter is useful—and often essential—for difficult surfaces, large areas, high rooms, or when moisture/mold is involved. Even when painting "dark on light," a professional is usually faster and delivers a more even result.

Recommended by professionals for:

Typical costs: often CHF 700–1,400 per room/subproject, depending on the project.

Painting yourself saves money if everything goes smoothly. But mistakes can easily happen: poor coverage, incorrect primer, uneven roller application, visible brush marks or stains. Repairs by a professional are often more expensive than a clean first attempt.

Common DIY problems:

Conclusion: DIY is particularly worthwhile for small, simple areas. For medium-sized and large projects, it is usually better to hire a professional—both in terms of quality and often financially as well.

Whether you want to freshen up your apartment, modernize your stairwell, or protect your facade, a good coat of paint has an immediate effect—and protects the building fabric at the same time. Preparation is key: check the substrate, cover it cleanly, choose the right paint, and plan for the right number of coats. Especially in the case of difficult walls, moisture, nicotine, or high rooms, it is almost always worth hiring a specialist company to prevent mistakes and expensive rework.