HDB repainting guide: timing, colours and preparing your flat
An HDB repainting guide: when to repaint, choosing paint and colours for Singapore's humidity, preparing an occupied flat, and what to ask your painter.
Updated 1 min read
HDB repainting is one of the quickest ways to refresh a flat, whether you're moving in, renting it out or just tired of the walls. This guide covers timing, choosing paint, preparing the home and briefing your painter.
When to repaint
- Before moving in: the easiest time, with an empty flat and no furniture to move.
- Between tenants: fresh walls help a flat rent faster.
- Before selling: neutral, clean walls photograph well.
- During renovation: paint last, after carpentry and electrical works.
Choosing paint and colours
- Damp-prone rooms: choose washable, anti-mould or anti-fungal paint for kitchens, bathrooms and service yards.
- Living areas: washable finishes are easier to keep clean with kids or pets.
- Colours: light neutrals make HDB rooms feel bigger; use stronger colours on one feature wall.
- Test first: paint a small patch and look at it in daylight and at night.
Preparing your flat
If you're living there:
- Clear small items from shelves and walls.
- Agree who moves and covers large furniture.
- Plan which rooms are painted on which day.
- Keep windows open for ventilation.
Old flats may need cracks filled and a sealer coat before the topcoat, especially on stained or damp walls.
What to ask your painter
- Which paint brand and product, and how many coats?
- Are ceilings, doors and grilles included?
- Who moves and covers furniture, and who cleans up?
- How long will it take, and what happens if a patch needs touching up?
Costs and quotes
See our painting cost guide for typical prices. Get up to 3 quotes from vetted painters on our painting page, or in Bedok.
Frequently asked questions
How often should an HDB flat be repainted?
There's no fixed rule. Many owners repaint when walls look tired, when changing tenants, before selling, or during a renovation. Kitchens, bathrooms and high-traffic areas usually need it sooner.
What paint is best for Singapore's humidity?
Look for washable, anti-mould or anti-fungal interior paints for kitchens, bathrooms and rooms that get damp. Ask your painter which product they'll use and why.
Can I stay in the flat during repainting?
Yes, but plan it. Painters need to move and cover furniture, rooms are done in turns, and you'll want good ventilation. Expect a higher price than for an empty home.
Do I need an HDB permit to repaint?
Repainting interior walls isn't on HDB's list of works that need a renovation permit, which covers things like hacking walls and replacing floor finishes in wet areas. Check HDB's guidance if your painting is part of a larger renovation.
Sources
Facts checked against these sources on 19 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm with the source or provider before you rely on them.
Related guides
5 best painting services in Singapore (2026): HDB packages and prices compared5 painting services in Singapore compared: published HDB and condo package prices, paint brands, sealer, warranty, and which suits your home.
Painting cost in Singapore (2026): HDB and condo repaint pricesPainting cost in Singapore for 2026: published price ranges for repainting a 4-room HDB flat, what pushes the price up, and how to compare painter quotes.