Key Takeaways
- Typical projects range from small touch-ups (~$100–$500) to full exterior or whole-house jobs ($4,000–$15,000+).
- Labor usually accounts for about 60–75% of the total cost; prep and repairs significantly raise prices.
- Higher-quality paints and specialty finishes increase material costs but lower maintenance over time.
- Get 3 written quotes, confirm insurance and warranty, and watch for red flags like unusually low bids or large cash-only demands.
Average Cost Summary
National Average: $1,200-$4,500 for most common interior or exterior projects (varies by scope and region)
Typical Range: $100 - $12,000 per project
Cost Breakdown by Service Type
| Service/Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single bedroom repaint (10'x12') | $300 | $900 | Includes 1–2 coats on walls, standard prep (light sanding, nail hole fill), trim touch-up, and basic cleanup. Higher end includes fresh primer or textured repair. |
| Living room or large room (12'x18') | $400 | $1 | Includes two coats on walls, trim painting, moderate prep. Price increases for vaulted ceilings, crown molding, or specialty paints. |
| Whole interior (1,800–2,400 sq ft) | $5,000 | $18,000 | Covers living areas, hallways, up to 3–4 bedrooms; includes standard drywall touch-up, two coats of mid-grade paint, and trim. Higher costs reflect premium paint, many ceilings, or extensive repairs. |
| Full exterior repaint (1,200–2,400 sq ft home) | $4,000 | $15,000 | Includes power washing, scraping/lead-safe prep if needed, primer, two finish coats, trim, and basic trim carpentry repair. Multi-story homes and specialty siding cost more. |
| Kitchen cabinet repaint (doors & frames, spray or brush) | $1,200 | $6,000 | Lower end is for basic brush/roll refinish; higher end includes spray finish, full removal, hinge adjustment, and premium enamel paint. |
| Deck staining or sealing (per 250 sq ft section) | $200 | $1,200 | Includes power washing, light sanding, stain/sealer application. Replacement boards, heavy repair, or exotic wood species increase price. |
| Trim, baseboards, and interior doors (per door or per linear foot) | $50 | $12 | Per-door pricing covers sanding, priming, two-coat finish. Linear-foot pricing varies for intricate molding—higher complexity raises labor time. |
| Drywall repair and skim coat (per room or per area) | $200 | $1,500 | Patch small holes to full skim-coat for textured walls. Costs depend on extent of damage and number of coats required for a smooth finish. |
Factors That Affect Cost
Square footage and scope
Bigger projects scale material and labor linearly; however, efficiency gains on very large jobs can slightly reduce per-square-foot cost. Adding rooms or entire facades increases setup time and staging costs.
Surface prep and repair needs
Extensive prep—old paint removal, rotten trim replacement, drywall skimming, or lead-safe setup—adds significant labor and sometimes subcontractor work, often doubling a basic paint estimate.
Paint quality and finish
Premium paints (stain-blocking, mildew-resistant, high-adhesion, cabinet-grade) cost more per gallon but require fewer coats and last longer, shifting cost from near-term maintenance to upfront materials.
Access and height
Multi-story exteriors, high vaulted ceilings, or hard-to-reach trim require lifts, scaffolding, or additional safety protocols, increasing time and equipment rental fees.
Labor market and timing
Local labor rates and seasonal demand affect pricing. Peak seasons (spring/summer) often carry higher rates; off-season discounts or weekday scheduling can lower costs.
Specialty services and finishes
Spray-finishing cabinets, faux finishes, or historical color matching require skilled tradespeople and longer cure times, raising both labor and material line items.
Labor vs Materials
Typical Labor: 60-75% of total cost
Labor covers taping, masking, sanding, repairs, priming, painting, trim work, cleanup, and travel. Typical 2026 hourly rates for professional painters generally run $45–$95 per hour per painter depending on region; crews are billed by day or project. Labor time is affected by prep, coats required, masking complexity, and cure times between coats.
Typical Materials: 25-40% of total cost
Common materials: interior latex and acrylic paints ($30–$80/gal for standard to premium in 2026), primers ($20–$60/gal), specialty enamels and oil-based or cabinet paints ($40–$120/gal), caulk, tape, sandpaper, and drop cloths. Higher-end paints and stain-blocking products cost more but can reduce maintenance frequency.
Money-Saving Tips
- Schedule work during shoulder seasons (late fall or early spring) to find lower rates and greater contractor availability.
- Bundle services (interior + exterior or multiple rooms) to get a better per-room rate rather than separate small jobs.
- Get at least three written quotes and compare line-by-line; ask each to price the same scope so you’re comparing apples to apples.
- Do DIY prep like moving furniture, removing outlet covers, and light dusting to reduce labor hours billed.
- Choose mid-grade paints for high-traffic areas; use premium paints only where durability or stain resistance justifies the cost.
- Limit color changes—drastically changing colors often requires more primer or extra coats.
- Ask contractors if they offer discounts for weekday scheduling or cash discounts (but ensure a written contract and receipt).
- Maintain painted surfaces with touch-ups to delay full repaints; regular caulking and trim maintenance reduce larger future repair costs.
Red Flags & What to Avoid
⚠️ Unusually low quote
Why it's concerning: A price far below competitors may indicate skipped prep, low-quality paint, or the likelihood of change orders later.
What to do: Request a detailed written scope and references; be prepared to pay more for a reputable company with insurance and warranty.
⚠️ Demands cash-only or large upfront payment
Why it's concerning: Cash-only work can hide tax evasion or limit recourse if work is substandard. Large deposits (over 30–50%) are also risky.
What to do: Insist on a written contract and make payments by check or card tied to project milestones; cap the deposit (commonly 10–25%).
⚠️ No written estimate, license, or insurance proof
Why it's concerning: Without documentation, you can’t verify coverage for injury or damage; uninsured contractors can leave homeowners liable.
What to do: Ask for proof of liability insurance, workers’ comp, and a written estimate. Verify licenses where required by state or local law.
⚠️ Pressure to sign immediately or limited-time pricing
Why it's concerning: High-pressure tactics can indicate a contractor chasing quick work or unwilling to provide time to vet them.
What to do: Take time to check references, review reviews, and get multiple bids. Legitimate pros will allow time for decision-making.
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
- Are you licensed and insured? Can you provide certificates for general liability and workers’ compensation?
- What is included in your price (number of coats, brand of paint, surface prep, repairs, cleanup)?
- What is the project timeline, and how many workers will be on site each day?
- Do you provide a written warranty or guaranty? What does it cover and for how long?
- What are your payment terms and deposit requirements? Will I receive a written contract?
- How will you protect floors, landscaping, and furniture? How do you handle lead-based paint scenarios for pre-1978 homes?
When to DIY vs Call a Professional
Tasks You Can DIY
- Small touch-ups and patching nail holes with spackle and a single coat of matching paint
- Rolling a single non-textured room with standard two-coat latex paint
- Sanding and repainting simple interior trim and baseboards while using proper drop cloths
- Staining or sealing a small, accessible deck with minimal repair needs
Tasks That Need a Professional
- Multi-story exterior painting requiring scaffolding or lifts
- Lead paint abatement or work in homes built before 1978
- Cabinet refinishing that requires spraying, hinge/structural work, or factory-grade finishes
- Extensive drywall repair, skim coating, or specialty texture matching
- Historical restorations and color-matching for period properties
Regional Price Variation
Painting prices vary by market. Urban and high cost-of-living areas (e.g., coastal metros and large cities) have higher labor rates and permit costs, raising per-project prices. Rural areas often show lower labor costs but longer travel fees and limited contractor availability. Climate affects material selection—humid or coastal regions require mildew-resistant and salt-tolerant coatings; cold climates may shorten exterior painting season and require specialty fast-curing products. Local codes, HOA rules, and historic-district requirements also change scope and cost. Always get locally based quotes and expect 10–40% regional variance from national averages.
When to Invest More
Spend more when durability, appearance, or safety matter. Premium paints and professional application deliver longer-lasting results, especially in high-traffic rooms, humid bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior surfaces exposed to sun and weather. Paying for proper prep—repairing rot, replacing caulk, and skim-coating walls—prevents failures that lead to early repainting.
Ready to Get Started?
A realistic budget and clear scope are the best defenses against surprises on a painting project. Ready to get started? Connect with trusted local painting professionals through FindTrustedHelp.com for free quotes.
When to Call a Professional
Call a professional when the job requires specialized equipment, safety protocols, or certifications—examples include multi-story exteriors, lead-safe renovations, cabinet spraying, or historical restoration. Professionals carry insurance, manage permits, and provide warranties that protect both workmanship and your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does interior paint cost per square foot in 2026?
Interior painting in 2026 typically ranges from $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot including labor and materials for a standard two-coat job. Prices depend on prep, number of coats, ceiling height, and paint quality. Expect the low end for straightforward single-room jobs and the high end for premium paints and extensive repairs.
How many coats of paint do I need?
Most walls need two coats of finish paint over a properly primed surface for uniform coverage. If you’re covering a dark color with a lighter one, or using a high-contrast color change, plan for primer plus two finish coats; specialty tinting or high-hide paints may reduce the number of coats.
Can I stay in my home while painters work?
Yes, for most interior projects you can stay in the home. Expect dust and odors; ventilate rooms and avoid freshly painted areas. For extensive spraying (cabinets) or lead-safe work, temporary relocation may be recommended until finishes cure or containment is removed.
Do painters offer warranties?
Many reputable contractors offer workmanship warranties (commonly 1–5 years) covering peeling or flaking due to application issues. Material warranties are separate and depend on the paint manufacturer. Get warranty terms in writing and confirm maintenance requirements to keep warranties valid.
How do I budget for lead paint remediation?
Lead-safe practices add cost due to containment, HEPA vacuuming, certified worker time, and disposal—expect remediation to add several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on scope. Always ask contractors if they’re EPA Lead-Safe Certified for pre-1978 homes and get a lead inspection before bidding.