Prices and facts on this page were checked in September 2026.
Painters and plasterers in Malta
Dapperlance lists independent painters, plasterers and gypsum specialists in Malta and Gozo, based in Naxxar and across the island. Between them they cover interior and exterior painting, plastering with gibs and finatura indoors and GR1000 outdoors, gypsum ceilings, bulkheads and partitions, wallpaper installation and mould and humidity treatment. Message any of them for free from their listing.
What does painting and plastering cost in Malta?
Malta painters and plasterers price the job per square metre or as a fixed package after a site visit, and almost none publish rates online. We checked Malta providers' own websites in September 2026 and found no published per square metre prices, only the statement that the wall has to be seen first. The table below explains how the quote is built so you can compare two quotes on the same terms.
| Job | How it is priced |
|---|---|
| Interior painting | Per square metre of wall and ceiling, or a fixed price per apartment |
| Exterior painting and facade work | Per square metre, plus scaffolding or a lifter where needed |
| Plastering (gibs, finatura, GR1000) | Per square metre by system, new build cheaper than repair |
| Gypsum ceilings, bulkheads, partitions | Per square metre or per running metre for bulkheads |
| Wallpaper installation | Per roll or per wall, paper supplied by you or the installer |
| Mould and humidity treatment | Per affected area, often bundled with repainting |
Three things move the price. Preparation: filling cracks, sanding and priming can be half the labour, and a quote that skips preparation is not comparable to one that includes it. Paint: the quote should say whether paint is included and which brand and grade, low VOC and washable paints cost more. Height and access: ceilings above three metres, stairwells and facades need towers or lifters, which appear as a separate line.
How to choose a painter or plasterer in Malta
Ask for the quote per square metre with the system named (paint grade, plaster type, number of coats), then compare on the same basis. There is no painter's licence in Malta. The Building and Construction Authority's contractor licence covers demolition, excavation and construction, so a painter working alone is outside it, while a full renovation contractor who also plasters should hold one. For gypsum and plastering, ask what happens to cracks that reappear, Maltese buildings move and a good plasterer says how they handle it.
Timing matters in Malta. Exterior painting and GR1000 plaster want dry weather and moderate temperatures, so spring and autumn are the seasons, and summer heat makes paint dry too fast on a south facing wall. Indoors, plan for the smell and two to three days per room with a door closed.
Common mistakes to avoid: painting over damp without treating the cause (the mould returns within a season), choosing the cheapest quote when it is the only one without preparation, and buying paint before the painter has measured. Ask for a small colour sample painted on the wall, digital swatches lie under Maltese light.
Browse the painters and plasterers listed above and message them directly, it is free. Related categories: Building & Renovation and Tiling & Flooring.
Frequently asked questions
Does a painter in Malta need a licence?
No. Painting and plastering are not licensed trades in Malta. The Building and Construction Authority's mandatory contractor licence covers demolition, excavation and construction work, so it applies to renovation contractors rather than a painter working on their own. Ask for a written quote and photos of past work.
What is the difference between gibs, finatura and GR1000?
Gibs is the base plaster coat used indoors on Maltese stone or blockwork. Finatura is the thin smooth finishing coat over it that gives a paintable wall. GR1000 is a cement based render for exterior walls and damp areas. Ask which system the quote includes, they are priced differently.
Should paint be included in the quote?
Either way works, but the quote must say so. If the painter supplies it, ask for the brand and grade in writing. If you supply it, buy after the painter has measured and told you how many litres, and keep the receipts for touch ups later.
How long does painting a two bedroom apartment take?
Typically three to five working days for walls and ceilings with normal preparation, longer if there are cracks to fill or ceilings to plaster first. Each coat needs drying time, so a painter who promises a whole apartment in a day is skipping coats.