Columbus, OH 43215
Painting a room costs$371 - $1,011
National average fixed price
- Most common low price:$371
- Most common high price:$1,011
How much does it cost to paint a room?
By Thumbtack Staff
Last updated Fri, Aug 08
| National average cost | $613 |
|---|---|
| Low-end average cost | $371 |
| High-end average cost | $1,011 |
Table of Contents
- How much do professional painters charge an hour?
- Interior painting costs per square footage
- How to estimate the cost of painting a room.
- How to measure your rooms
- Guide to choosing the right paint for your room
- How to save money when painting a room.
- Questions to ask before hiring an interior painter
- Frequently asked questions
- Find an interior painter near you.
How much do professional painters charge an hour?
Interior painting costs per square footage
| Sq. ft. of surface area in room | Estimated national average cost |
|---|---|
| 400 | $324-$540 |
| 600 | $486-$810 |
| 800 | $648-$1,080 |
| 1,000 | $810-$1,350 |
| 1,200 | $972-$1,620 |
How to estimate the cost of painting a room.
How many interior rooms need to be painted? Your prices will go up if you need more rooms painted. However, the cost of painting two rooms is generally not double the cost of one room. You can spread out overhead expenses — an extra room just adds more square feet, some extra time and more gallons of paint.
How high is my ceiling? The higher the ceiling, the higher the walls — and that means more time and more paint.
How do painters set their prices? Ask the pro whether they charge per room, per square foot, per hour, per project or if they use a different cost unit.
How large is my room? Your room’s size or total square footage may have a large impact on your overall price. For an accurate quote, have measurements of your room ready when you contact a professional.
How to measure your rooms
Additional factors that can impact costs
Location. Painters in different zip codes around the country have different rates. While most will be somewhere in the average range, you should look up painters in your area and ask for a free estimate.
Furniture. Some companies may charge extra for moving furniture, while others will simply cover it with plastic and work around it. In any case, you might want to do some prep work by moving your furniture to a different room or to the center of the room. Don’t forget to remove pictures and decorations from the walls, too.
Surface and wall condition: The texture and condition of your walls (or other interior surfaces) can affect the final cost. If your walls need major repairs, expect to pay more.
Type of paint and how much you need: It’s important to decide what kind of paint you want before making a final budget. Your costs will vary depending on the type of paint, primer and finish you choose. Your expenses may also increase if you need multiple coats. A gallon can cost as little $10-$15.
Guide to choosing the right paint for your room
| Type or Finish | Pros and Benefits | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Latex-based | Dries quickly, retains color, easy to clean | Interior walls, trim, cabinets, windows, doors |
| Oil-based | Highly durable compared to latex paint, tends to go on smoothly | Walls, trim, windows, doors |
| High-gloss | More durable than other sheens, bright/vibrant, easy to clean, stain-resistant | Accent walls, molding, doors, furniture, trim, kitchen |
| Eggshell | Durable, great for large areas, easy to clean/maintain | Walls, family rooms, windows, kitchen walls, bedroom walls, hallways |
| Semi-gloss | Reflective and ideal for bright colors, shiny/lustrous, durable, easy to clean | Trim, accent walls, molding, doors, kitchen cabinets |
| Satin | Smooth finish that is easy on the eyes, higher gloss than eggshell, stain-resistant, durable, | High-traffic areas, doors, walls, trim, windows, hallways, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms |
| Flat | Covers imperfections, dark colors, no sheen | Low-traffic areas, ceilings, damaged or textured walls, siding, living rooms, bedrooms |
| Matte | No shine, hides flaws, easy to apply | Ceilings, living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms |
How to prepare your room for interior painting.
How to save money when painting a room.
Questions to ask before hiring an interior painter
Are you licensed? Some states have certain requirements for contractors. For example, if you live in California, you might want to check if the contractor is licensed by going online. A good rule of thumb is to always check with your state or local municipality, and hire a contractor who complies with the regulations.
Do you offer warranties? Painting companies might offer warranties or guarantees for the paint that was supplied and used. However, the guarantees may exclude things like natural disasters, normal wear-and-tear and other events outside of the painters’ control.
Can you tell me about the type of materials you typically use? The quality of materials has a significant impact on how much you'll pay per gallon of paint and how long the paint will last. Avoid contractors who are vague about the type of paint, primers and stains they use, as they may be cutting corners with low-quality materials.
Can I see a cost breakdown and schedule? Before you decide to go with a painter, take a look at the cost breakdown in writing. This will help you see exactly how much they charge for each aspect of the project and give you a good idea of how long the project will take.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet can a painter paint in a day?
How long does it take a professional painter to paint a room?
When painting a room, where do you start?
What does “cut in” mean when painting?
Find an interior painter near you.
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