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Decorate kitchen & bathroom.
Moisture-tolerant paint, sealed surfaces and proper prep — for the two wettest rooms in the house.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any decorator starts on kitchen & Bathroom Decoration.
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Top tips
Hiring a decorator, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Standard emulsion in bathroom
Fails within 6–12 months from steam. Use kitchen-grade or specifically bathroom paint.
Mould returning
Cheap paint over untreated mould. Always biocide-treat first.
Grease behind cooker
Standard paint doesn't wipe clean. Use eggshell or specialist wipeable coating.
Condensation
Inadequate ventilation. Painting more doesn't fix the underlying ventilation issue.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Small bathroom decorationWalls and ceiling
£250–£500
Standard bathroom decoration4–6 m²
£350–£700
Kitchen walls and ceiling (small)Behind hob extra
£300–£600
Kitchen-diner open planLarge area
£500–£1.5k
Kitchen-grade emulsion (Easycare)Per 5L
£40–£80
Specialist behind-cooker paintAnti-grease, scrubbable
£30–£100
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Decorator briefing.
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Video guide
Decorator explained
Kitchens and bathrooms have specific decoration challenges — steam, grease, water splash, condensation. The wrong paint fails within 12 months. Expect to pay £300–£1,200 per room for UK kitchen or bathroom decoration depending on size and condition.
What Does the Work Involve?
Walls must be clean and grease-free — sugar-soap wash before any paint. Mould treated with biocide if visible. Anti-mould or kitchen-grade emulsion specified for top coats (Dulux Easycare, Crown Clean Extreme). Areas behind hob and sink may need wipeable eggshell or specialist paint (Polycell Damp-Seal, Zinsser Watertite). Tile or splashback covers the wettest zones.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bathroom decoration | 250 | 500 | Walls and ceiling |
| Standard bathroom decoration | 350 | 700 | 4–6 m² |
| Kitchen walls and ceiling (small) | 300 | 600 | Behind hob extra |
| Kitchen-diner open plan | 500 | 1,500 | Large area |
| Anti-mould paint upgrade | +£40 | +£150 | vs standard |
| Kitchen-grade emulsion (Easycare) | 40 | 80 | Per 5L |
| Specialist behind-cooker paint | 30 | 100 | Anti-grease, scrubbable |
How Long Does It Take?
Bathroom: 1–2 days. Kitchen: 1–2 days. Kitchen-diner: 2–3 days. Drying time critical between coats in humid bathrooms.
DIY or Professional?
DIY-able. The trick is choosing the right paint and treating mould before painting. Quality kitchen-grade emulsion is forgiving — even DIY application looks decent.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Any decorator. Confirm they specify kitchen-grade or anti-mould paint. Insist on biocide treatment if mould visible. Get the paint brand in writing.
UK Regulations
Landlord-specific Awaab's Law (from 2026): landlords must address mould within strict timeframes. Painting over without treatment is not compliant.
Common Problems
- Standard emulsion in bathroom: Fails within 6–12 months from steam. Use kitchen-grade or specifically bathroom paint.
- Mould returning: Cheap paint over untreated mould. Always biocide-treat first.
- Grease behind cooker: Standard paint doesn't wipe clean. Use eggshell or specialist wipeable coating.
- Condensation: Inadequate ventilation. Painting more doesn't fix the underlying ventilation issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What paint for a bathroom ceiling?
Anti-mould kitchen-grade emulsion. Dulux Easycare Kitchen, Crown Clean Extreme, Polycell Damp-Seal. Avoid pure matt — too porous for steam.
Best kitchen wall paint?
Kitchen-grade scrubbable matt (Dulux Easycare Kitchen, Crown Clean Extreme). For ultra-durable: eggshell finish — slight sheen wipes clean.
Mould on bathroom ceiling — repaint?
Treat with biocide first. Apply anti-mould primer (Zinsser Perma-White, Polycell Damp-Seal). Then standard ceiling finish or anti-mould top coat.
Is anti-mould paint worth the extra?
For bathrooms and damp-prone walls: yes. The £40–£150 upgrade vs standard emulsion is a fraction of the cost of repainting in 12 months.
Can I paint over tile?
Yes with the right primer (Bedec MSP, Otex). Tile paint exists but doesn't last forever — 5–10 years before chips and wear show.
How do I deal with peeling paint in a steamy room?
Strip the failed paint, treat any mould, apply oil-based primer-sealer (Zinsser BIN), then kitchen-grade top coats. Fix the underlying ventilation issue too.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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