Local services

House painting

Paint rooms, walls, roofs and boundary walls for homes and small businesses, with neat prep and clean-up.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

Neat, fit, hands-on people who take pride in a clean finish and do not mind ladders.

In South Africa: Strong in every area.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 8 hours a week · age 18+
  • Practical/hands-on work (learning or better)

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

R40 to R100 per square metre

SA guides put labour-only painting at about R40 to R100 a square metre (PaintingPrice, SA Property Tools); quotes vary with prep, height and paint. Check locally.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R1 000 to R6 000
Every month
Rollers, brushes, tape, drop sheets, transport. Paint is usually bought for each job.
Payment fees
Cash or EFT; take a deposit for paint.
Margin
Good on labour; paint is passed on at cost or a small markup.

How it is paid: A quote per job based on square metres, prep and paint. Our viability score for it: 55 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Paint one room for a friend and time it
    • Get three quotes from painters near you for the same room
    • Success signal: three paid jobs in a month

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Buy rollers, brushes, tape and drop sheets
    • Learn how to measure walls in square metres
    • Write a simple quote template

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Take before-and-after photos of every job
    • Ask a hardware shop if you can leave your number

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Offer landlords a rate for painting between tenants
    • Train a helper for bigger jobs

Friends and family usually bring the first job. First income usually takes 3 to 60 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

House painting: your step-by-step start

18 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Homeowners, landlords, small shops and churches.

A fresh, neat finish without the owner doing it themselves.

Is there demand?

SA painting guides put labour-only rates at about R40 to R100 a square metre (PaintingPrice, SA Property Tools), with full jobs quoted per room or house (Procompare, Rapid Painters).

Interior rooms and ceilingsBoundary walls and gatesRoof paintingRental units between tenants

Getting customers

Before-and-after photos, word of mouth, estate agents and landlords.

Word of mouth and referralsDirect messagesResponding to enquiriesIn-person networking

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Falls from ladders and roofs: use a stable ladder and have someone with you on roofs
  • Under-quoting: measure properly and include prep and two coats
  • Clients who pay late: take a deposit for paint upfront

Competition: High; neat work, clear quotes and keeping to time win.

Room to grow: Grows with a helper or two and contracts with landlords.

Legal and tax in South Africa

  • Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).
  • Give a written quote and agree what is included.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start house painting in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R1 000 to R6 000. Recurring costs: Rollers, brushes, tape, drop sheets, transport. Paint is usually bought for each job.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 21 days, and between 3 and 60 days. Friends and family usually bring the first job.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs). Give a written quote and agree what is included.

Sources (5)

Free tools for this

Test house painting with your own numbersWork out the rate you need to chargeEstimate the tax on this side income

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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy