A guide to decorating your home

Refresh or full redecoration: what's the difference?

The short answer

A refresh is new paint on surfaces that are already in good condition. A full redecoration includes the deeper preparation that older, damaged or changing surfaces need: stripping, repairing, priming and extra coats. The paint can be identical. The preparation is what makes the difference in price, time and how long the finish lasts.

Written by Mick, Thompsons Painting & Decorating

12+ years as a professional decorator

Updated 2026 · 6 minute read

Refresh vs full redecoration, side by side

Compare Refresh Full redecoration
Surfaces Sound and in good condition Cracked, flaking, stained, papered or new
Colour Same or similar Any change, including dark to light
Walls Minor filling, light sand, two coats Stripping, crack repairs, lining, mist coats, extra coats
Woodwork Cleaned, keyed, one or two coats Sanded back, repaired, primed, caulked, undercoat and top coat
Time Quicker Often twice as long or more
Lasts Good, while the surface beneath stays sound Longest, because problems are fixed rather than covered

What is a refresh?

A refresh brings tired but sound decoration back to life. The walls and woodwork are already in good shape, so the work is mostly protection, light preparation and fresh coats of paint. It's quick, cost-effective and ideal for keeping a home looking its best.

A refresh suits you if

  • Paint is scuffed or faded, not failing
  • You're keeping similar colours
  • Walls are smooth, with only small marks
  • The room was decorated well last time

It usually includes

  • Furniture moved and floors protected
  • Small holes and dents filled
  • Light sand and clean
  • Two coats on walls, one or two on woodwork

What is a full redecoration?

A full redecoration deals with whatever is under the paint before a new finish goes on. Old wallpaper comes off, cracks are properly repaired, failed paint is removed and bare timber is primed. It takes longer, but it's the only way to get a smooth, sharp finish on surfaces that have seen better days, and it lasts far longer.

You probably need one if

  • Paint is flaking, peeling or cracking
  • There's old wallpaper to remove
  • You're changing colour significantly
  • There's new plaster or bare wood
  • There are water, smoke or nicotine stains

It usually adds

  • Wallpaper stripping and lining paper
  • Cracks raked out and filled
  • Failed paint removed, timber primed
  • Every joint caulked
  • Stain-block, mist coats and extra coats

Why does preparation make such a difference?

Paint is only as good as the surface it sits on. New paint over a crack, a flake or a greasy mark will show it, or peel with it. On a full redecoration, most of the time on the job is spent before the final coat goes on.

Refresh
Top coats
Light fill and sand
Existing sound surface
Full redecoration
Top coats
Undercoat or mist coat
Repairs, filling and caulking
Stripping and sanding back
Original surface

How do I know which my home needs?

Walk around the room and look closely in daylight. If you can say yes to any of these, it's likely to need a full redecoration, at least in part:

Can you see cracks, especially around doors, windows and ceilings?

Is paint flaking, bubbling or peeling anywhere?

Are there gaps between skirting, frames and walls?

Is there wallpaper, even painted-over wallpaper?

Are you going from a dark colour to a light one, or vice versa?

Is there new plaster, bare wood or old varnish?

Many jobs are a mix. A room might need a refresh on the walls but full preparation on the woodwork. Your quote will show each part separately.

Why do two decorating quotes differ so much?

Usually because they include different amounts of preparation. A low quote may be a refresh priced for a room that really needs more. Before you compare prices, ask each decorator:

What preparation is included?

How many coats on walls and woodwork?

Which paint brand and finish?

Are materials included in the price?

Frequently asked questions

  • Is a full redecoration worth the extra cost?

    If the surfaces need it, yes. Painting over problems means they show through or come back quickly, so you end up redecorating sooner.

  • Can I have a refresh in some rooms and a full redecoration in others?

    Yes, and it's very common. A bedroom might just need a refresh while the hallway, which takes more wear, needs full preparation. Your quote will list each room separately.

  • How often should a home be refreshed?

    As a rough guide, busy areas like hallways, stairs and kitchens every [3 to 5] years, and quieter rooms like bedrooms every [5 to 7] years. Good preparation the first time means refreshes can be quicker and cheaper later.

  • Will you tell me if a refresh is enough?

    Yes. If your surfaces are in good condition, I'll tell you a refresh will do the job. There's no point paying for preparation your home doesn't need.

Not sure which your home needs?

I'll look at your surfaces, give you an honest view, and put it in a written quote.