How Much do Painters Charge to Paint a Room: 2023 Estimates

When considering renovating a place, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “How much do painters charge to paint a room?” It’s a question that many homeowners face, especially considering the number of factors that influence the ultimate bill. Maybe you’re getting ready to sell your house, or maybe your present decor just fails to appeal to you anymore.

Understanding the complexities of expenses becomes a cornerstone of planning in every situation. I dug deep into this question, gathering expertise from seasoned painting specialists, and studying elements ranging from the room’s square footage to the high ceiling heights.

This detailed guide is intended to solve the mystery surrounding how much painters normally charge for such room makeovers. As you go, you will not only obtain a clear awareness of future expenses, but you may also uncover ingenious techniques to ensure your wallet is a little heavier than planned!

How to Calculate the Cost to Paint a Room

It’s critical to know exactly how much paint you’ll need for your room painting project to guarantee you’re spending effectively. Here’s an easy way to figure it out:

Begin by measuring the height and width of each room wall. To calculate the area of each wall, multiply its height by its breadth.
Measure the area of any large windows or custom doors that will not be painted (height x width). Subtract their total area from the total wall area determined in the first step.
Are you thinking about repainting the ceilings, trim, or baseboards? To calculate their area, use the same length x width formula. Add this to the wall area you generated in the previous steps.
Combine the regions formed in the previous steps. This is the total number of paintable square feet in your room.
A gallon of paint will typically cover around 400 square feet.
Divide the overall area of your room by this figure to get the number of gallons needed for a single coat. Consider the requirement for a second coat if you want a more luxurious finish or to conceal a dark hue.

Keep in mind that paint and labor costs can vary depending on your location, the intricacy of the task, and the quality of the supplies. If you’re doing it yourself, it’s always a good idea to get a few different quotations and to study reviews on paints and tools.

Painting a Room Cost Breakdown

Most homeowners spend between $950 and $3,000 to paint the interior of their homes. However, when it comes to painting a single room, the costs are often minimal. The final cost is determined by elements such as the size of the space, the quality and type of paint used, and even seemingly trivial aspects such as the paint finish. Here’s a summary of the costs involved.

Size of the Room

The size of the room has a significant impact on the cost of painting. Interior painting projects are normally charged per square foot. In my experience, You should expect to pay between $2 and $6 per square foot on average. Larger rooms naturally have higher prices, especially if they have difficult-to-reach high ceilings. For example, since bathrooms are typically the smallest rooms in homes, painting them is usually the least expensive option. Living rooms, on the other hand, which are often the larger spaces, tend to be more expensive.

Room Size (in feet)	Average Cost
10’X10’	$200–$600
10’X12’	$240–$720
12’X12’	$290–$870
14’X16’	$450–$1,350
16’X16’	$515–$1,540

Table: How Much do Painters Charge to Paint a Room

Height of the Room

Another important aspect impacting the cost of painting a room is the height of the ceiling. If the room has high or difficult-to-reach ceilings, budget for additional labor and materials. Painting a ceiling normally adds $1 to $2.50 per square foot to the expense. The final cost will vary based on the type of ceiling and the expert painter you hire.

Baseboard and Trim

If you want to paint the trim and baseboards as part of your room renovation, you need to budget for it separately. This will typically cost between $1 to $3 per linear foot. Keep in mind that painting pros may charge more for difficult-to-reach points, up to $6 per linear foot.

Paint Type

The type of paint and finish you choose is a major cost determinant in room painting. Paints are available in a variety of brands, formulations, and finishes, each with its price tag.

On average, a gallon of paint normally costs between $15 and $60. Keep in mind that one gallon typically covers around 400 square feet. Big box retailers provide budget-friendly solutions with prices as low as $10 per gallon for those on a limited budget. On the other extreme, designer brands or paints made with expensive pigments might cost more than $100 per gallon.

Paint Finishes

Oil-based vs. Latex-based Paints

Oil-based paints are slightly more expensive than latex-based alternative forms, even though latex paints are by far the most common choice for interior use. Furthermore, the higher the cost you may expect to invest, the glossier the finish you choose.

Flat Paint

Flat paint has a matte texture and is a cost-effective option, with prices ranging from $10 to $70 a gallon. This finish is appropriate for areas with low moisture levels. While it has a smooth appearance, it may be more difficult to clean than other finishes.

Eggshell and Satin Paints

With average pricing ranging from $11 to $60 per gallon, eggshell and satin paints get a mix between affordability and durability. They are versatile products that may be used in a variety of areas in your home. These coatings have a delicate sheen that adds elegance without being too glossy.

Semi- and High-gloss Paints

Semi- and high-gloss paints, which normally cost between $12 and $80 per gallon, are the go-to selections for places that require a touch of shine. These finishes are ideal for trim, baseboards, and other architectural elements. They have a shiny appearance that not only looks good but also makes cleaning and maintaining surfaces easier.

Paint Type	Cost per Gallon
Primer	$10-20
Flat or matte	$10–$70
Eggshell or satin	$12–$72
Semi-gloss	$14–$74
High-gloss	$16–$76

Location

The location of your home has a significant effect on the cost of painting a room. Room-painting service rates are often greater in areas with a higher cost of living than in areas with a lower cost of living.

Labor

Labor is another important aspect that influences painting costs. In my experience, If you hire a professional home painter, you’ll normally pay them on an hourly basis, with rates often ranging from $20 to $50 per hour. Some professionals may quote their fees by square foot.

Furthermore, engaging a handyman to conduct the painting operation may prove to be a more cost-effective option than obtaining the services of a seasoned professional painter.

Additional Expenses to Account for When Refreshing a Room with Paint

When starting a painting project, there are often some unexpected charges. It’s not unusual for homeowners to need unforeseen wall repairs or to want certain extras, such as a custom finish. Here’s a list of some expenses you might want to include in your estimates.

Moving Furnishings

When preparing a room for painting, one shouldn’t ignore the furniture. If you need to move items, the contractor will almost certainly require longer prep time, raising the costs. Extra hands may be required for particularly large things, such as a beautiful grand piano or an antique clock. It may be prudent to budget an additional $25 to $50 per hour for this labor (even if this may already be included in your overall fee).

Special Wall Finishes

A customized wall finish, such as a dragging look, stipple effect, or popcorn finish, can improve the ambiance of a room. While this is not everyone’s first option, many homeowners appreciate it. If you’re thinking about adding or removing a wall texture, expect to pay a few dollars more per square foot:

The price of a customized wall finish per square foot is between $1 and $3.
For smooth-out textured walls, the average price per square foot is between $1.10 and $1.30.

Complex Areas

Stairs are tricky due to their complex construction. When painted, they can fetch $350 to $450 per square foot or about $4 to $6 per square foot.

Components such as balusters, spindles, and railings can cost something from $3 to $17 per linear foot.

Mending Walls

Before splashing on that new color, wall imperfections might need some TLC. A common range for fixing drywall hovers between $300 and $900, with most people shelling out close to $600. For those with a knack for DIY, patching kits are available for around $10 to $30.

Lead or Asbestos Inspection

Before you paint your walls a new color, check for any flaws. The average cost of drywall repair is between $300 and $900, with most customers spending about $600. Patching kits range in price from $10 to $30 for those with a penchant for DIY.

There is a possibility of lead paint or asbestos in older properties, particularly those built before the 1980s. A lead inspection costs might cost between $200 and $400, while a complete risk assessment could cost up to $2,000 or more.

An asbestos survey costs is typically in the $200 to $1,200 range.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room Myself?

Choosing a DIY painting project for a room generally comes with an estimated cost of $200 to $300. This figure is only a rough estimate, and your specific requirements may affect the final cost. Painting an average room can take up to nine hours of dedicated work, so it’s important to block out a chunk of your day.

Remember that paint will not be your only purchase. Set out an additional $10 to $100 for tools and accessories such as brushes, tape, rollers, and floor protective coverings. Before you dive into the painting, take a moment to inspect the walls for defects. Minor concerns such as nail dents or smoothing out uneven textures can make a huge difference in the final aesthetic.

FAQs

It may take several days or just a few hours to complete a painting project. It all depends on the size of the room and the amount of preliminary work. Each room will take between four and six hours to paint.

A smooth wall may typically be painted 120 square feet per hour by an experienced interior painter, and a textured wall can be painted 80 to 100 square feet per hour. Consult your expert painter once they have assessed the room to receive a precise time estimate for your painting project.

Remove all furniture and other objects that could be damaged by paint splatters to prepare the room for painting. Large furniture, such as antique clock or desks, should also be covered with a drop cloth to keep their surfaces clean and free of paint splatters. After that, mask off any parts that you don’t want paint to touch. Next, use painter’s tape to protect electrical outlets and switch plates from being painted over. This lets you to concentrate on the walls without having to worry about putting paint on your furniture.

Interior painting doesn’t typically have a high season, so the time of year you complete the project won’t have much of an impact on your prices. However, you can save more money if the professional painter applies the same color and type of paint on different spots in the project. You can also inquire about a discount for moving furniture, removing drapes, or cleaning the walls before the painter starts.

Conclusion

Painting a room is an amazing investment in the visual appeal and value of your property. Knowing what elements influence the cost of a room painting project allows you to make more educated selections.

You may embark on your home-transforming adventure with confidence now that you have a detailed reference on how much painters charge to paint a room. So go ahead and make your living area a lovely and friendly place that reflects your distinct taste.