Restaurant & Cafe Painting Melbourne

The ambiance of your restaurant or cafe is crucial to the dining experience. The right paint colours and finishes can make your space feel welcoming, enhance your food presentation, and keep customers coming back. Here's your complete guide to restaurant painting in Melbourne.

Why Restaurant Appearance Matters

• Customer experience: 60% of diners say ambiance affects their enjoyment
• Instagram appeal: Attractive spaces get shared on social media
• Health inspections: Clean, well-maintained surfaces are essential
• Staff morale: Pleasant environments improve team performance
• Brand identity: Colours reinforce your restaurant's concept

Colour Psychology for Restaurants

Colours That Stimulate Appetite

• Red: Increases appetite and energy (fast food, casual dining)
• Orange: Warm, inviting, stimulates conversation
• Yellow: Happy, energetic (cafes, breakfast spots)
• Earthy tones: Natural, organic feel (farm-to-table restaurants)

Colours for Different Dining Styles

• Fine dining: Deep blues, burgundy, sophisticated neutrals
• Casual dining: Warm terracotta, sage green, cream
• Cafes: Light, bright whites with timber accents
• Bars: Dark, moody colours with accent lighting

Food-Safe Paint Requirements

• Kitchen areas: Must use food-safe, washable paints
• Low-VOC options: Safer for enclosed food prep areas
• Mould-resistant: Essential for commercial kitchens
• Easy to clean: Semi-gloss or gloss finishes in kitchens

Best Finishes for Restaurants

• Kitchen walls: Semi-gloss (washable, grease-resistant)
• Dining area walls: Satin or eggshell (elegant, wipeable)
• Ceilings: Flat (hides imperfections)
• Bathrooms: Semi-gloss (moisture-resistant)
• Exterior: Weather-resistant commercial grade

Painting Without Closing Your Restaurant

• Overnight painting: Work after close, ready by opening
• Monday closures: Many restaurants close Mondays - ideal painting day
• Section by section: Paint different areas on different days
• Fast-dry paints: Low-odour options that cure quickly
• Kitchen scheduling: Paint during lowest-prep periods

Restaurant Painting Costs Melbourne

• Small cafe (under 80m2): $2,500 - $5,000
• Medium restaurant (80-200m2): $5,000 - $10,000
• Large venue (200m2+): $10,000 - $20,000+
• Commercial kitchen only: $1,500 - $4,000

Health & Safety Compliance

• Ensure paint meets food safety standards
• Allow proper curing time before food service
• Protect food prep surfaces during painting
• Use licensed, insured painters
• Get compliance documentation for inspections