How much does painting a room cost?
Painting one room is mostly labor. Prep, cutting in along the edges, and two coats on the walls take most of a day for an average bedroom. Paint and supplies are a smaller part of the bill.
Painting a room prices at a glance
| Job | Newer pro | Experienced pro |
|---|---|---|
| Small room (10x10), walls only | $330 | $610 |
| Medium room (12x12), walls only | $400 | $730 |
| Large room (14x16), walls only | $490 | $900 |
| Medium room, color change | $510 | $920 |
| Medium room, walls, ceiling and trim | $635 | $1180 |
Labor and basic supplies. Big parts or appliances you buy yourself are extra. Prices run higher in big cities.
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What's usually included
- Furniture moved to the center and covered
- Floors protected with drop cloths
- Nail holes filled and rough spots sanded
- Edges cut in by brush along ceiling and trim
- Two coats of mid-grade paint on the walls
What changes the price
- Room size. Larger rooms and ceilings over 8 feet need more paint and time.
- Color change. Dark to light colors often need primer or a third coat.
- Wall repairs. Cracks, dents and large holes need patching and drying time.
- Trim and ceilings. Brush work on trim is slow, and ceilings are tiring to roll.
Do it yourself or hire a pro?
Painting a room is one of the easiest home projects to do yourself. Good tape, a quality roller cover and patience with cutting in make the biggest difference. Hire a pro for tall ceilings, stairwells, big color changes or when you want it done in one day.
Common questions
How much paint does a room need?
An average 12 by 12 bedroom takes about two gallons for two coats on the walls, and about one more for the ceiling.
Does the price include paint?
Most painters include mid-grade paint. Premium lines or many colors in one room may cost extra.
How long does it take a pro to paint a room?
Walls in an average bedroom usually take one day. Add ceiling, trim and doors and it may stretch into a second day.
Got a quote for painting a room?
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