“How long will it take?” is one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in London. Whether you’re planning around a busy schedule or need the decorating done before a special occasion, understanding realistic timescales is important. In this guide, we break down how long painting and decorating jobs typically take in London.
How Long Does It Take to Paint a Single Room? (2026)
For a typical double bedroom or living room, a professional painter and decorator can usually complete a full repaint in 1–2 days. This includes walls, ceiling and woodwork. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
| Job | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Single room — walls only (2 coats) | 1 day |
| Single room — walls, ceiling & woodwork | 1–2 days |
| Large open-plan living area | 2–3 days |
| Full 2-bed flat (interior) | 4–6 days |
| Full 3-bed house (interior) | 7–12 days |
| Exterior of semi-detached house | 4–6 days |
| Exterior of detached house | 6–10 days |
Times above assume good surface condition. Prep-heavy jobs (filling, sanding, wallpaper removal) will add additional days.
What Affects How Long the Job Takes?
1. Surface Preparation
Preparation is often the most time-consuming part of any decorating job. Stripping old wallpaper, filling cracks, sanding rough surfaces and applying primer all take significant time — but they’re essential for a high-quality, long-lasting finish. Cutting corners here leads to paintwork that peels or looks patchy within months.
2. Number of Coats
Most walls require at least two coats of emulsion, with drying time in between. Bold colour changes — particularly going from a dark colour to white or cream — often require a mist coat plus two full coats of emulsion. This can add an extra half-day to a full day’s work.
3. Size and Layout of the Space
Open-plan spaces with high ceilings, large rooms with many windows, or properties with ornate coving and architraves all take longer than standard rooms. Every corner, edge and surface needs careful cutting-in, which requires time and skill.
4. Access and Scaffolding
For exterior work on multi-storey properties, scaffolding or tower scaffolding needs to be erected and moved around the building. This adds setup time and means the job may take a day or two longer than a single-storey property.
5. Drying and Curing Times
Paint needs adequate drying time between coats. In winter or in poorly ventilated rooms, drying times can be longer — especially for oil-based gloss paints, which can take 12–24 hours between coats. Rushing this step results in a poor finish and reduced durability.
Can You Stay in the Property While Decorating Is Being Done?
In most cases, yes. Professional decorators will protect your furniture and flooring with dust sheets and work methodically room by room. However, if strong-smelling oil-based paints are being used, or if you have young children or respiratory sensitivities, it may be worth staying elsewhere for a night or two during the most intensive work.
How to Plan Your Decorating Project
We recommend getting a quote and booking your decorator at least 2–4 weeks in advance, particularly in spring and early autumn when demand in London is highest. Good tradespeople get booked up fast.
At Michael Rolicz Painting & Decorating, we’ll give you a clear timeline as part of your free quote, so you know exactly when work will start and finish. No vague estimates — just honest, professional scheduling.
Get a Free Quote Today
Ready to plan your next painting or decorating project in London? Call 0754 2019 007 or send us a message for a free no-obligation quote. We cover all areas of London including West, North, South and East London.