A Guide to Toronto Apartment Painting

A fresh coat of paint is the quickest way to change up your Toronto apartment. It can make a big difference. Whether you want to personalize a new place, get a rental ready for tenants, or prepare to sell, professional apartment painting really helps. This simple update can make your home look cleaner, brighter, and even more valuable.

Your Guide to a Flawless Apartment Painting in Toronto

Repainting your apartment is the fastest and easiest way to give your space a whole new look. Whether you’re trying to customize a new home, prep a rental unit for tenants, or fix it up to sell, professional apartment painting can make a big difference. With this simple refresh, your Toronto apartment or condo can look cleaner, brighter, and more valuable than ever.

Apartment painting is a deceptively simple process, but it has some special challenges. In the Greater Toronto Area, that could mean working around a condo board in downtown Toronto, or meeting a tight deadline to prep a rental unit for a turnover in Vaughan or Markham. Our comprehensive guide to apartment painting in Toronto will walk you through every step of the process, from setting a budget for your painters to selecting the right colours.

We’ll lay out the pros and cons of painting your apartment yourself versus hiring an expert team like Royal Home Painters. Our goal is to empower you so you can get professional results that bring style, value, and a fresh look to your home.

Why a Professional Paint Job Matters

Paint isn’t just about the colour of your walls; it’s an important aspect of protecting your investment and making your home a better place to live. For GTA homeowners in Etobicoke, Scarborough, or the north shore, a professional-quality finish can increase your home’s resale value. For landlords in North York or the York region, a clean, freshly painted rental unit will attract better tenants faster.

As a fully insured, locally owned, and WSIB-covered painting contractor, Royal Home Painters has helped hundreds of clients across the GTA update their spaces and protect their investments. For many of our Toronto customers, we’re the trusted painters they’ve been using for years.

Royal Home Painters takes great pride in offering our customers a lifetime warranty on interior painting. Our focus on detail and preparation is what sets us apart and ensures professional, long-lasting results for all of our work.

We believe that great results come from great preparation. A perfect paint job is 90% preparation and only 10% application. This focus on detail is why we can offer a lifetime warranty on our interior painting.

Guide Overview: Prepping, Budgeting, Colour Choice, and More

Our complete guide to apartment painting will take you through everything you need for a successful update project. You’ll learn about:

Project Scope: Understand the difference between a simple colour refresh and a total repaint of a rental unit
Budgeting: Learn how to estimate the costs of painting and the factors that determine the final price
Colour Choice: Get tips for using colour to make small spaces look and feel larger and brighter
DIY vs. Pro: See a clear, side-by-side comparison of the time and cost of both options, as well as the quality of the results
Condo Permissions: Find out how to get approval from a condo board, building management, or landlord

At Royal Home Painters, we know that good preparation leads to the best professional-looking results. Before you take the roller to your apartment walls, ensure the space has been properly prepped and cleaned. For more information on this process, read our comprehensive guide to preparing a room for painting. And if you’re working on a kitchen refresh, our DIY guide to painting kitchen cabinets may be of interest.

Defining Your Apartment Painting Goals

One of the first things you should know before painting your apartment or condo unit is your goal for the job. The truth is, not all apartment painting projects are created equal. The scope of work and the results you need will impact the timeline and types of paint products we use. Are you customizing your own unit, or prepping a rental property for tenants?

The answer to this question will affect your entire project. Every situation has its own unique priorities, so we adjust our approach based on the client and their needs. Here are the two main categories of apartment painting services we provide to customers in Toronto and the GTA.

Painting for Your Own Home

Painting the apartment you live in is a personal project. We call this occupied home painting. The goal is to make your space feel like your own, showing your style and creating a comfortable, healthy place for your family.

Priorities for this kind of project usually include:

• Personalized Colour Choices: You want colours you’ll love living with every day. Our free colour consultation helps you choose shades that match your furniture and create the right mood.
• Minimal Disruption: Because you’ll be living there during the work, it’s important to keep things clean and efficient. Our team will protect your furniture and keep the area tidy.
• Health and Air Quality: We always use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints in homes where people live. These paints have very little smell and release fewer chemicals, so your apartment is safe to live in as soon as we’re done.

For homeowners, apartment painting is an investment in your quality of life. The focus is on detailed workmanship and premium materials for a finish you’ll be proud of—all backed by our lifetime interior warranty.

Turnover Painting for Rental Properties

If you’re a landlord or property manager in a busy area like York Region or downtown Toronto, your needs are different. We call this turnover painting, and it’s focused on business. The main goal is to make the unit look great and get it ready for the market fast, so you can attract good tenants and avoid losing rent.

Here, the focus shifts to:

• Speed and Efficiency: When a rental unit is empty, every day counts. Our experienced teams can repaint an apartment in just a few days, so you can list it sooner. If you want a quick estimate, just send us some photos and we’ll reply fast.
• Durability: Rental units get more wear and tear. We suggest using tough, washable paints that can handle scuffs and are easy for tenants to clean. This helps the paint job last longer.
• Neutral Colours: A clean, neutral look works best. Soft whites, light greys, or warm beiges appeal to more tenants and make the space feel bright and welcoming.

No matter where you are in Vaughan, Scarborough, or Etobicoke, knowing your goal is the key to a successful project. It helps make sure the process, products, and final result fit your needs.

How to Budget For Your Painting Project

Before you choose colours, let’s talk about your budget. Planning how much you want to spend is the first step for any apartment painting project in Toronto. Knowing the costs helps you see the value of hiring professionals. The price covers the skill, materials, and time needed for a great, long-lasting finish.

Several things affect the final cost. The size of your apartment, the number of rooms, and the condition of your walls all matter. Small scuffs are easy to fix, but bigger cracks or damage need more prep time from our team.

The scope of the job is another big factor. Are we only painting the walls, or also the ceilings, trim, baseboards, and doors? Each extra part adds more prep and painting time. That’s why we give you a single fixed-price quote, so you know the total cost upfront.

Key Factors Influencing Your Quote

To plan your budget, it’s helpful to know what painters consider when making an estimate. At Royal Home Painters, we’re open about how we price our work.

• Square Footage: This is the starting point. A larger condo in North York will cost more to paint than a small studio downtown.
• Surface Condition: If your walls are in bad shape, they need more work. This includes extra sanding, patching, and priming to make them smooth. Careful prep is key for a perfect finish.
• Elements to be Painted: A “walls only” project is the simplest. Adding ceilings, trim, doors, and closets increases the scope and the investment.
• Colour Changes: If you’re making a big colour change, like from dark to white, you’ll usually need an extra coat of paint or a special primer. This makes sure the old colour doesn’t show through.

Your project goal matters too. Are you a homeowner wanting a refresh, or a landlord needing a full repaint for a new tenant? The scope often changes depending on your needs.

As you can see, rental turnovers usually need a full repaint to create a clean slate, while homeowners might focus on just a few rooms.

Estimated Apartment Painting Costs in Toronto

Let’s look at some real numbers for the GTA. In Toronto’s busy market, it helps to know the usual painting costs when planning. Here’s a table with typical price ranges by apartment size.

These estimates include all labour and high-quality paints. The final price may change depending on wall condition, ceiling height, and how much trim work is needed. Still, this gives you a good starting point for your budget.

A professional quote from Royal Home Painters is always fixed and detailed. It breaks down all labour, premium paints, and supplies, so you see the exact cost upfront. No surprises. This commitment to transparency has earned us the trust of hundreds of clients across the GTA.

Getting a Precise, No-Surprise Quote

General numbers are helpful for planning, but the only way to know your exact cost is to get a detailed quote. We make this easy for you.

We offer free in-person estimates. One of our experts will visit your apartment, whether you’re in Etobicoke or Markham, to see the space and talk about your goals.

If you need a quick answer, especially for a rental or kitchen, just send us a few photos for a fast and accurate quote. This way, you get the information you need right away.

If you want to know more about how we set our prices, check out our guide on painting cost per square foot in Toronto. A professional paint job is an investment in your property, and our multi-year warranty helps protect that investment.

Choosing The Right Colours For Your Space

This is the fun part. Choosing colours is one of the most exciting moments of any apartment painting project. The right shades can make a small Toronto condo feel open and airy, brighten a dark corner, and turn a generic apartment into a home that feels like you.

With so many options, where do you begin? Start by thinking about the mood you want and pay attention to your apartment’s natural light. It’s not about finding the one perfect colour, but the best colour for your space.

Make Your Apartment Feel Bigger and Brighter

In many Toronto condos, whether in North York or Etobicoke, the main goal is to make the space feel larger. Light colours work best because they reflect light and make the walls seem farther apart.

• Soft Whites: Instead of a stark, cold white, consider warmer off-whites. They create a welcoming atmosphere without feeling clinical.
• Gentle Beiges and Greiges: These versatile colours add warmth and sophistication. They are a great backdrop for your furniture and art.
• Pale Blues and Greens: Soft, cool colours create a calm, airy mood that feels both spacious and relaxing.

These lighter colours can help small units feel bigger and more welcoming. For more ideas, check out our guide to the most popular interior paint colours from Benjamin Moore.

Work With Your Apartment’s Natural Light

How much sunlight your apartment gets is very important. A colour that looks great in a bright, south-facing unit in Scarborough might look dull in a north-facing apartment in Vaughan.

Before you decide, try out your top colour choices. Paint a small sample on a few walls and watch how the colour changes during the day. This way, you’ll know you like it at all times, not just in the store.

Our Pro Tip: When you book a project with us, it includes a free professional colour consultation. Our experts help you pick shades that match your lighting, furniture, and personal style, removing all the guesswork.

Using Accent Walls and Healthy Paints

If you want to add personality without making the room feel crowded, try an accent wall. Painting one wall in a bold colour can create a great focal point without making the space seem smaller.

In Toronto apartments, calm, nature-inspired colours are becoming more popular. Soothing greens, sandy tones, and soft blues help create a relaxing space. Warm neutrals like creamy beiges and warm whites are also coming back, and they look great with wood floors.

The type of paint matters too, especially in buildings with shared ventilation. We always recommend low-VOC or zero-VOC paints. These healthier choices have almost no smell and release fewer chemicals, so you and your neighbours get better air quality. For more tips, check out our advice on adding color to your home.

DIY vs. Professional Painters: Which is Right for Your Apartment?

Many people in Toronto wonder if they should paint their apartment themselves or hire a professional. At first, DIY seems like a good way to save money. A few cans of paint and a roller—how hard could it be?

But the real cost of DIY is more than just buying supplies. You’ll also need brushes, trays, painter’s tape, drop cloths, and a good ladder. Plus, it takes up your time—weekends you could spend relaxing instead of taping trim and cleaning up. One spill or a streaky finish can turn a money-saving project into an expensive headache.

The Real Value of Hiring a Professional Team

Hiring a professional painting service like Royal Home Painters is an investment in a smooth, stress-free experience with a flawless result, guaranteed. We work faster and with more skill than most people can achieve on their own.

Our team finishes most jobs up to 30% faster than a typical DIY project. This is a big advantage for landlords who need quick rental turnovers. For homeowners, it means you can get back to your normal routine sooner.

At Royal Home Painters, we manage the entire process. From detailed prep work to using premium materials, we handle everything. Plus, we’re fully insured with WSIB coverage, giving you complete peace of mind.

Why Hiring a Pro Often Makes More Financial Sense

While hiring professionals costs more upfront, it often gives you a better return on your investment. A high-quality paint job can really boost your property’s value. In Toronto’s competitive market, it can raise your home’s resale value by up to 7%.

A professional finish also lasts longer than a quick DIY job. This saves you money over time because you won’t need to repaint as often. Our lifetime warranty on interior painting is our promise of lasting quality.

To make the choice clearer, here is a simple comparison.

DIY Painting vs. Professional Service: A Clear Breakdown

Here’s a side-by-side look at what’s involved when deciding between DIY and hiring a professional team for your apartment painting project in the GTA.

When you add up the time saved, the great results, and the long-lasting finish, it’s clear that hiring a trusted professional is often the best choice.

Choosing the right painter is important. For help, check out our guide on the top 10 tips for picking the best interior painter in Toronto. It’s full of advice to help you find a team that will treat your home with care.

Navigating Condo Rules And Landlord Approvals

Painting your apartment in Toronto involves more than just picking colours. If you live in a condo or rental, you have a few extra steps. This part of the process can seem complicated, but understanding the rules makes everything much easier.

If you own a condo in the GTA, you need to follow your building’s rules. If you’re renting, the first step is to get your landlord’s approval in writing. Taking care of these details helps your painting project start smoothly. Our team handles these logistics every day.

For Condo Owners in The GTA

If you live in a condo, whether in Markham or Mississauga, you’re part of a community with its own rules. Before starting any painting, check with your condo corporation or property manager.

Most buildings have clear rules for renovations. Knowing them ahead of time helps you avoid problems later.

Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need to do:

• Approved Work Hours: Most condos have strict noise rules. Work is usually allowed only during certain hours, often from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays.
• Elevator Bookings: You will likely neElevator Bookings: You’ll probably need to book a service elevator for the painters and their equipment. This helps protect the main elevators.rd will want proof that your painters are fully insured and have WSIB coverage. We provide all the needed documents to your property manager.
• Paint Disposal: Many buildings have special rules for getting rid of old paint cans and materials to keep shared areas clean.

At Royal Home Painters, we’ve worked in hundreds of condos across Toronto and the GTA. We know the process. We will coordinate with your property manager to handle the paperwork and scheduling, making it easy for you. Our experience with condo painting is something our clients value.

For Renters Asking For Permission

If you rent your home, you need to get your landlord’s permission before painting. Most leases require written consent for any changes, including painting. The best way to ask is to be professional and clear.

Start with a polite email. Explain what you want to do and, most importantly, mention that you plan to use a professional, top-rated Toronto painting company.

Here’s a simple template you can use:

• Subject: Request to Paint Apartment – [Your Unit Number]
• Body: Hi [Landlord’s Name], I hope you’re doing well. I am writing to ask for permission to have my apartment professionally painted. My plan is to refresh the space with a neutral colour that will help maintain the property’s value. I intend to hire Royal Home Painters, a fully insured and WSIB-covered company that offers a multi-year warranty. They will handle all preparation and cleanup. Please let me know if you would approve this. Thanks!

This approach shows you’re responsible and have done your homework. Most landlords like the idea of a professional paint job that improves their property. Letting them know you’re hiring an experienced team like ours gives them peace of mind.

Once you have approval, we can give you a free, fixed-price quote and set up your project.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apartment Painting

How long does it take to paint a typical Toronto condo?

For a standard 1 or 2-bedroom condo, our team can usually finish the whole job in just 2-3 days. We work quickly to keep disruption to a minimum, whether you’re living there or getting the unit ready for a new tenant.

Do I need to move my furniture before you start painting?

You can leave the heavy lifting to us. We only ask that you move small, personal, and fragile items like photos, lamps, and electronics. Our painters will move large furniture, like your sofa and bed, to the center of the room and cover everything with clean plastic to protect it from dust and paint.

What kind of paint do you use for apartments?

We’re careful about the paint we use because quality is important, especially in smaller spaces. We only use premium low-VOC or zero-VOC paints from trusted brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams. These paints are durable, cover well, and have very little smell, which is great for air quality in apartments and condos.

Is your work guaranteed?

Yes, absolutely. We fully stand behind our work. We want you to feel confident in your investment, so we offer a lifetime warranty on interior painting. We also provide a 5-year warranty on cabinet refinishing and a 2-year warranty on exterior work. Your complete satisfaction is our promise.