Average price per square foot to paint interior of house

Interior Painting Cost per Sq.Ft.

As you begin painting your home, your first question may be, “how much interior paint do I need?” For spaces that range from 1,000 to 4,000 sq.ft., the average indoor painting cost ranges from $3,000 to $16,000. The average house size is 2,500 sq.ft. A gallon of paint can cover around 400 sq.ft., which is approximately the size of an average living room.

However, there are a few factors that you must consider when it comes to calculating the price per square foot to paint an interior space. In some cases, you may need a primer 1 first, then the paint, meaning that you may need one gallon of primer and one gallon of paint to cover 400 sq.ft. However, if the wall requires multiple coats, this increases the total amount of square footage required and the amount of paint.

Average Cost to Paint a 1,000 Sq.Ft. House Interior

Between supplies and materials, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $4,000 to paint a 1,000 sq.ft. house interior. You will need between two to three gallons of paint to complete one coat. This size home will generally have two bedrooms, a main living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The layout of your space impacts the overall cost of your project.

Cost to Paint a 1,500 Sq.Ft. House Interior

Between labor and materials, the average cost to professionally paint the interior of a 1,500 sq.ft. house ranges from $4,500 to $6,000. To complete one coat of paint throughout your entire space, you need between three and four gallons of paint. The overall cost of your project depends on the type of paint you use, the current state of your home, and the layout of your space as well.

Cost to Paint a 2,000 Sq.Ft. House Interior

You can expect to pay between $6,000 and $8,000 to paint a 2,000 sq.ft. house. You will need approximately five gallons to complete one coat. This size home is slightly under the current average home square footage, but it is still a substantial space with enough room for multiple bedrooms, a living room, one to two bathrooms, and a kitchen.

Cost to Paint a 2,500 Sq.Ft. House Interior

Painting a 2,500 sq.ft. house will cost between $7,500 and $10,000 on average. You’ll need to hire professional painters and use between six to seven gallons of paint. This is generally the size of an average home. Prices for your project may vary depending on how complex the job is and if you’re painting your ceilings, too.

Cost to Paint a 3,000 Sq.Ft. House Interior

You will be paying between $9,000 and $12,000 on average to paint the interior of a 3,000 sq.ft. house. You will need between seven and eight gallons of paint to complete one coat. This cost can fluctuate based on many factors, including if you’re painting on staircases, if you have to move large pieces of furniture, and if you need to paint the ceilings, too.

Cost to Paint a 3,500 Sq.Ft. House Interior

To paint a 3,500 sq.ft. home interior, you can expect to use between eight and nine gallons of paint and pay between $10,500 and $14,000. Overall prices vary depending on your home’s layout and the overall complexity of each room. Some painters charge more if they have to move up and down stairs to paint.

Cost to Paint a 4,000 Sq.Ft. House Interior

Generally, you can expect to pay between $12,000 and $16,000 to paint a 4,000 sq.ft. home. To complete one coat of paint throughout the entire interior, you will need at least ten gallons of paint. Overall prices vary depending on if you need to remove paint beforehand or if you need to apply extra coats to cover your interior fully. As this is a larger home, it will take longer for painters to finish the job, affecting the overall price.

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Home Interior Painting Cost by House Type

Depending on the type of space you live in, your interior paint job will look slightly different. On average, the cost of painting these different living spaces ranges from $1,500 to $14,000. Whether you live in an apartment, a condominium, a house, or a mobile home, there are plenty of ways to go about painting your home’s interior.

Cost to Paint an Apartment

Painting the interior of an apartment can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $4,800. Many people living in apartments are renting, which can make it feel like there are limited options when it comes to redecorating. However, most landlords will be fine with you painting your apartment as long as you change it back before you move out.

The cost to paint your apartment varies based on how much space you have to paint. A studio apartment offers approximately 500 sq.ft. of space. A three-bedroom apartment is usually about 1,200 sq.ft. Let’s take a closer look at the pricing for the most common apartment sizes.

Condo Painting Cost

If you’re thinking about painting your condo, you can expect to pay between $1,800 and $5,000. The main difference between a condo and an apartment is that a condo is owned rather than rented. They generally range in size from about 600 to 1,300 sq.ft. Since condos are smaller than the average home, it’s a good idea to use colors that catch the light and open up your space.

How Much to Paint a One-Bedroom Condo

The cost to paint a one-bedroom condo is comparable to the cost to paint a studio apartment. However, it is slightly more expensive, ranging from $1,800 to $2,900, since the layout will generally include hallways and more separation between rooms. Plus, condos are generally larger than apartments. Be sure to choose a common color theme to use throughout your space. While every room does not need to be the same, there should be some feeling of a cohesive design.

Cost to Paint a Two-Bedroom Condo

Painting the interior of a two-bedroom condo can cost anywhere from $2,700 to $5,000. Since condos are slightly more spacious, it costs more than to paint a comparable two-bedroom apartment. When planning your project, be sure to consider the size and shape of each room and the overall layout of your space. This will make it easier to estimate an overall price as you look for your interior painting contractors.

Mobile Home Interior Painting

If you’re looking for a great way to make your space your own, painting the interior is a great place to start. On average, this will cost between $2,000 and $4,200. Most manufactured homes feature vinyl-on-gypsum (VOG) wall panels, which can easily be painted.

This material is similar to drywall 2 in many ways, but it is important to remember that the seams of VOG walls are covered by plastic strips. Be sure to use high-quality paint and primer when painting the interior of your mobile home, as cheaper paints are more prone to flaking on vinyl walls.

Cost to Paint a Single-Family House

The cost to paint a whole house interior professionally varies based on the size of your house, ranging from $3,000 to $14,000. Quite simply, the bigger the house, the more expensive the paint job. The average two-bedroom, single-family home is about 1,000 sq.ft. A five-bedroom house can exceed 3,000 sq.ft. Other factors impact the overall cost of your project, including the shape of the rooms you’re painting and the features inside them. However, we’re going to give you a glimpse at the prices for the average houses:

Cost to Paint a Two-Bedroom House

Painting the interior of the average two-bedroom house generally costs between $3,000 and $4,000. Most two-bedroom homes are only one story, making the job much easier and less time-consuming. That means you can expect to pay less in both labor and material costs. Additionally, most two-bedroom homes will only have one bathroom or an additional half bath, which will be much easier to paint than two or more full bathrooms.

Cost to Paint a Three-Bedroom House

On average, painting the interior of a three-bedroom home will cost between $4,700 and $6,200. This price varies depending on the type of paint you use, the overall layout of your space, and the complexity of the project overall. Be sure to consider the size and shape of each room and figure out what has to be moved away from the walls to make the job easier.

Cost to Paint a Four-Bedroom House

Painting the interior of a four-bedroom home costs between $7,000 and $9,000. This price fluctuates based on how many coats of paint each room needs and the type of paint you plan to use. Additionally, it depends on how many other rooms are in your home, such as extra bathrooms, a dining area, or a basement.

Cost to Paint a Five-Bedroom House

If you are painting the interior of a five-bedroom home, you can expect to pay between $10,000 and $14,000. This price varies based on the overall layout of your home and the size and shape of each room. The overall state of each room impacts the overall cost. If you are painting an older home, it may involve extra care, such as removing old paint or covering old stains.

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Labor Cost for Interior Painting

A professional house painter usually does this job, so it’s important to know the average interior painter’s cost. Your painting contractor assesses the walls, cleans, makes any necessary repairs, or removes old wall coverings. They will also tape off any adjacent surfaces and cover nearby furniture and floors with drop cloths to ensure nothing gets ruined during the process. Typically, professional painters apply a layer of primer 1 followed by one to three coats of paint, depending on the color and coverage. Once the paint is dry, they take a final walkthrough to inspect and make any necessary touch-ups.

The labor cost to repaint interior walls varies depending on how each contractor charges people. While many painters charge per sq.ft., some may set their interior paint cost based on the number of rooms or by the hour. The average labor cost for interior painting varies depending on your scope of work. Typically, interior painting labor cost per sq.ft. ranges from $2 to $6, $25 to $100 an hour, or $400 to $2,000 per room.

Interior Paint Cost by Brand

A wide range of paint brands can be a good fit for your interior painting project, each with its own cost range and set of colors. Depending on the brand and the type of finish you choose, your interior paint cost per gallon will be between $10 and $93 for flat paint, $11 and $65 for eggshell paint, $12 and $70 for satin paint, $12 and $68 for semi-gloss paint, and $17 and $70 for high-gloss paint. Typically, every brand offers a high-quality and a mid-range paint and many colors and finishes from which you can choose. Depending on which one you choose, you can estimate your overall indoor paint prices per gallon.

Benjamin Moore Paint Price

Benjamin Moore is a great choice for interior paint as they offer high-quality products at a good price. On average, it costs between $10 and $70 per gallon based on the type of finish you select. Rather than working as a major corporation, every store is locally owned, which can be a big plus for many homeowners looking for a brand they feel they can trust. While they offer a wide range of affordable paints, their higher-end options are a bit pricey. That being said, they are more reliable and durable, too.

Valspar Paint Cost

Valspar offers a Signature Colors paint collection that is durable and low-maintenance. Their paints generally cost between $10 and $54 per gallon. They offer affordable interior paints and paint + primer products, which can make the renovating process quicker. They boast approximately 1,200 unique colors from which homeowners can choose for their space and a variety of finishes.

Glidden Paint Cost

Glidden is an inexpensive interior paint brand with paints ranging in price from $15 to $40 per gallon. This brand can be found mainly in Walmart stores across the country. While it lacks the obvious name recognition that Behr and Sherwin Williams boast, it consistently receives great reviews from homeowners and painting contractors. Most Glidden paints are mold- and mildew-resistant, making them a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

Behr Paint Cost

Behr has been a Home Depot brand paint since 1978. They offer a wide range of interior paints suitable for everyday painting projects and high-end jobs. The cost of this paint ranges in price from $23 to $40 per gallon. Behr paint is on the thicker side, which helps with overall coverage but may make it difficult to do any intricate custom work. Since the paint is thicker, it takes slightly longer to dry.

Sherwin Williams Paint Prices

Sherwin Williams has stores all across the nation and offers various basic and self-priming paints, ranging in cost from $25 to $93 per gallon. The vast majority of their painting products are easy to brush and roll onto walls and ceilings, making them a convenient and trustworthy choice for interior painting projects. Sherwin Williams paint is a bit thinner, so it will dry much quicker. However, that means you may need to apply multiple coats.

PPG Paint Cost

PPG Interior Paints has over 135 years of experience in the painting business. Depending on the type of paint you choose, you can expect to pay between $28 to $70 per gallon. As a global supplier of high-quality paints, they offer many unique colors for every room in the house, including metallics and wood stain colors. They also have paint + primer products that offer quality, performance, and durability. PPG paints are especially useful for painting older rooms as they can easily cover up smoke and water residue.

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Factors That Affect the Cost to Paint a House Interior

Several factors go into determining the final cost of the project. When it comes to estimating the total cost of your interior painting project, it’s important to think about all the different aspects involved. First and foremost, you should think about the number of coats each wall you are painting requires and the type of paint you use. Higher quality paints will always cost more in terms of materials. Oil-based paints take longer to dry, so they will cost more due to labor. Changing colors between rooms costs more since you’ll be using a wider range of paint. If you’re looking for a way to save money, keep colors consistent from room to room.

You will also have to consider the texture of the walls. Highly textured walls may require special equipment to paint. Otherwise, you risk messing up the entire process. Plus, it’s important to consider the overall condition of the walls. Painters may have to patch holes, repair drywall, and remove wallpaper, which will further drive up your project’s cost. Interior painting projects can be complex in different ways. If you’re thinking about painting a mural, high ceilings, accent walls, or using faux finishes, you can expect to see a shift in the overall cost. Some rooms can be more costly to paint than others, depending on the number of windows, style of trim, wall height, and type of paint you decide to use.

Adding ceilings increases labor since it requires additional masking, cover-up, and paint. Also consider whether the ceiling will be a different color than the walls as this would require the wall to be cut-in, which would add another 20% to labor costs. Your cost would be more than double if you add baseboards, doors, and other trim. Millwork usually requires spraying, which would further increase labor time; sanding, dust extraction, air-tight masking, multiple coats and drying time between coats.

Custom Interior Painting

While many people choose to paint all the walls in a room a single color, it’s also possible to paint each one in different styles. On average, this costs between $70 and $500. These include using an accent wall, two-tone walls, using patterns or stencils 3 to create decorative elements on the walls, painting a mural, or using faux painting techniques such as sponging.

Cost to Paint an Accent Wall

An accent wall is a single wall that looks different from the rest. On average, it costs between $70 and $100 to paint one. If you have a room without any noticeable architectural features, painting an accent wall is a great way to spruce up your space. An accent wall should be highly visible and draw people’s attention to it. You have unlimited options when choosing your colors, but remember to try to use that same color throughout decorative features in your home, like pillows, rugs, and furniture.

Paint a Two-Tone Wall

Two-tone walls offer homeowners a great chance to step outside of their comfort zones. Rather than relying on a single color, the lower half of the wall is painted differently from the upper half. Generally, this will be more expensive, ranging from $250 to $500 per wall, than painting a wall one color because you will be using multiple cans of paint. Plus, the painters will have to be far more careful when applying the paint. When considering painting styles, be sure to think about how the colors will interact with one another and the rest of the room.

Wall Mural Painting Cost

Painting a mural on your wall involves an extra level of intricacy that ends up costing you. Most mural painters charge between $50 to $150 an hour to paint a mural, depending on their level of experience and the complexity of the design you want. Be sure to have a concrete idea of your vision, so you can work closely with your painter to make it come to life.

Faux Painting Cost

Faux painting techniques allow you to mimic the finish of other materials, including fabric, wood, and granite. It is generally more expensive than your basic interior painting job, ranging from $5 to $10 per square foot. By utilizing this painting technique, you can add dimension to your home and completely change the feel of your interior.

Texture Painting Cost

Painting textured walls can be a bit more challenging, but it is possible. On average, it costs between $4 to $7 per sq.ft. Your painters will need special tools such as rough surface painter’s tape, angled brushes, nap rollers, and masonry paint to do this correctly. For best results, make sure the surface is clear of any dirt or mildew. They will also have to peel away any old, flaky paint before starting, which could take more time and increase the overall cost.

Cost to Repaint the Interior of a House

If you’re planning on repainting your home, you may have to take a few extra steps. Depending on the state of your walls and the current color, you’ll probably have to put a layer of primer down first. That way, you can be sure the new color shines without the old showing underneath. For the average 2,500 sq.ft. house, you can expect to pay between $7,700 and $10,500 with the primer layer.

Another option is to completely remove the paint off your walls, though this is a much more costly project. Generally, the only time you need to remove old paint is if it is flaking, curling, or not properly adhering. Between removing the old paint and repainting, costs generally range from $16,500 to $35,000 for a 2,500 sq.ft. home.

New Construction Interior Painting Cost

When it comes to new construction, painters come into the picture after all the plumbing, electrical, and drywall work has been completed. However, nothing else is in the house yet, making the job much simpler. Since there is no flooring, cabinetry, trim work, lighting fixtures, or any other features in the house, the painters don’t have to worry about lengthy preparations or extensive cleanup either. Because of this, painting new construction is slightly less expensive than a lived-in home. Generally, costs range from $7,000 to $9,500.

Preparing Interior Walls for Painting

Before you can begin painting your interior, you have to do a few things to prepare your space. Some of these preparations may be included in your contractors’ painting fee, but you can also take care of some of the jobs yourself. If you’re planning on doing things yourself, be sure to have everything prepared before the painters arrive. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting their time and potentially adding expenses to your project.

Some of these pre-painting tasks include moving furniture away from the walls, covering furniture and flooring, taping off areas, removing knobs and other hardware if you’re painting cabinets, filling holes in drywall, and cleaning them. It’s a good idea to clear away pictures, vases, and other knick-knacks, so they don’t get in the painters’ way as they work. Plus, this ensures your belongings stay safe.

Creating a Color Story

One of the benefits of painting an entire home interior at once is the ability to create a “color story” or plan for the way that color will flow from room to room. By creating a color story, you can figure out how to best complement each space with the color of the walls. Even if you plan on painting your home in various shades of white or off-white, there is still a fair amount of planning that should go into the project to ensure that you get the results you want.

Color and tone have a powerful impact on how a room is perceived. It’s crucial to take the time to view each room on its own and in conjunction with the rest of the space. The right colors will help you communicate the story of your home. You need to figure out the look you’re going for before you start designing. One of the best ways to find the perfect color story for your space is to look at the color wheel. Ask yourself if you want to create a bright and young look or a modern and sleek design. There are plenty of design kit apps that you can use to play around with your space virtually so that you can find the right fit for your home.

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Best Interior Paint Colors

Color is always the first consideration when painting a home. Most paint manufacturers offer samples, so you can make a more informed decision before you start painting. Because light within a room may vary from wall to wall and from day to night, try painting a large piece of poster board in the color or colors you are considering. Move the board from wall to wall and look at it for a minimum of 24 hours at a time in each space to make sure you like the color before committing.

Keep in mind that color impacts the way a room appears in many ways. Light colors may help brighten a darker space. Cool colors will recede visually from the eye and make a small space appear bigger. Warm colors contract visually, making larger spaces appear smaller or cozier. By combining cool and warm tones in one room, like with accent walls, you can visually change the shape of a room, making rectangles look more like squares. There are plenty of different combinations you can play around with to suit your space.

Sage green tops the list of this year's most popular paint colors for bedrooms and living rooms. Paint colors move from a more modern gray palette for the home interior to one that features warm neutrals and earthy tones, bringing back a palette more closely associated with nature. Even with the trend shift, there is no reason to miss out on your favorite bold colors. They are the perfect accent to these warm shades, with textiles being the top option for introducing these color pops around the home.

Interior Wall Primer Price

While it is entirely possible to paint over paint, some colors and types of paint do better over a primer 1 or a material that prepares the surface to receive the paint. If you are switching types of paint, such as going from oil to latex,primer helps ensure that the new paint will adhere without cracking or peeling.

There are a few types of primer. They are directly related to the type of paint you will use and the surface you are painting. Oil-based primers are good for painting on wood and work with both oil- and latex-based paints. They help prevent stains from bleeding through the new paint. Oil-based primers cost between $25 and $70 a gallon. Latex-based primers are good for drywall and work with latex paints. They can cover and seal small stains. Latex primers cost between $15 and $60 a gallon. Shellac primers are good for wood and for covering major damage from smoke or water. They can seal in the smell of smoke and any staining. Shellac primers cost between $30 and $80 a gallon.

Add-On Costs

No two interior paint jobs will be alike. It is important to analyze the overall state of your space before you get started. If you are painting your ceiling, trim, and baseboards, there’s a chance you may need to take a few extra steps to prepare your space. This includes removing popcorn ceiling 4, moving furniture away from the walls, repairing drywall, and cleaning your baseboards and trim. You may also want to have doors painted and windows caulked, adding a bit more to your overall project.

If you need old paint or wallpaper removed before painting, this will also increase the total cost, which can vary depending on the current condition of your home. There will be plenty of cleanup to deal with after the paint job is done. While you can take care of it on your own, most paint contractors offer cleanup services.

Cleaning Painted Walls

After your walls have been painted, wait at least two weeks before attempting to clean them to allow the paint to cure. Dust your walls regularly with a soft cloth and the vacuum brush attachment on your cleaner.

Wash most grime from your walls with a soft cloth or sponge that has been rung out thoroughly and mild soapy water. You can spot clean most walls and finishes with a mixture of baking soda and water. Rub the paste onto the mark with a sponge to work it in, then wipe clean with a new cloth and clean water.

Always make sure not to rub too hard or to use an abrasive sponge or cleanser, as this may dull the finish, particularly on flat paint.

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Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Soundproof Paint Cost

Soundproof paint costs around $50 to $100 per gallon, a price many homeowners are willing to pay for the added noise protection. Soundproof paint is thicker than normal paint, thanks to thermacels with soft pigment and ceramic microspheres. This extra mass causes sound to vibrate, absorbing the waves, so there is less noise overall. An average gallon of interior paint does not have that filler, meaning more sound gets through. The noise protection is a huge advantage, as is the easy application and additional insulation to keep the room warmer. As for disadvantages, the added density means soundproof paint takes longer to dry. It is also meant for blocking airborne sound, not impact noise, so it does not work well on ceilings.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Quality of paint. Always buy the best quality paint you can afford, whether you DIY or hire a professional. Good quality paint lasts longer, has a lower odor, and may require fewer coats.
• Dark colors. It will take more coats of paint and a higher cost to cover a dark-colored paint with a light color and a light-colored paint with a very dark color.
• Painting before selling. If you are painting before selling, stick to neutral colors that will work with most furniture colors.
• Compare professionals. Interview at least three painters and get a minimum of three recent references when choosing a painter. Get the quote in writing. Make sure that they have current insurance. Make sure that your quote contains everything specified, including the brand of paint, number of coats, length of the project, and any other details.
• DIY. If you choose to make your interior painting project a DIY, make sure you tape off edges properly, smoothing the tape out to avoid bleeding. Cut in your edges first, then roll the interior for a smooth finish.
• Interior designers and decorators. If you are unsure about what colors will work best in a space, you may wish to hire an interior designer or decorator to help. Decorators can look at your furnishings, the size and shape of a room, and the amount of light it gets to help you determine the best shades for the space. Design services cost around $50 to $450 an hour and help you find the perfect colors for your home. On the other hand, decorators charge around $50 to $200 per hour.
• Home paint color for the visually impaired. Color and contrast are important for the visually impaired, so interior painters recommend different hues or contrasting colors, so it is easier for people to tell them apart. For example, the doors are painted a different color than the walls, something that is a noticeable difference, such as yellow and blue or black and white. Otherwise, you can choose a range of hues of your favorite color with various shapes and textures.

FAQs

• How much should it cost to paint the interior of a 2000 sq.ft. house?

On average, it costs between $6,000 to $8,000 to paint the interior of a 2,000 sq.ft. house. Prices can vary based on how many coats of paint you need to add to each room in your home and if you need any custom paint jobs done.

• How much does it cost to paint the interior of a 2,500 sq.ft. house?

You can expect to pay between $7,500 to $10,000 to paint the interior of a 2,500 sq.ft. house. This is the typical size of a home with rooms that are approximately 300 to 400 sq.ft. each.

• How often should you paint your house interior?

On average, you should paint your home interior every three to five years. However, you may need to do it sooner, depending on your lifestyle, day-to-day activities, and remodeling plans. No matter what, you should always keep an eye on your walls, especially in areas that are used daily.

• How long does it take to paint the interior of a house?

Many different factors affect how long it takes to paint a home’s interior. For an average 2,500 sq.ft. house, you can expect the process to take anywhere from three to five days. Overall, time depends on if you’re only painting the walls or if you’re also working on the ceilings, windows, doors, and moldings.

• How much does it cost to paint a three-bedroom house interior?

The average three-bedroom house is around 1,300 sq.ft., which can generally cost between $4,700 and $6,200. Prices will vary based on how many coats of paint you need and the complexity of the process.

• How do I estimate an interior paint job?

There are three main ways that professional painters price out their interior paint jobs: per hour, per sq.ft., and per room. As a general rule of thumb, you can usually expect to pay between $25 to $100 per hour, $2 to $6 per square foot, and $450 to $1,600 per room.

• How much does a gallon of interior paint cover?

Generally speaking, a gallon of paint covers 400 sq.ft. of space, which is approximately the size of an average living room. When estimating how much paint to buy, remember that you may need more than a single coat and perhaps a primer, too.

• How much do interior painters cost?

Interior painters charge between $25 and $100 per hour. This cost varies based on the experience of the painter and the difficulty of the job. Many contractors will also charge per room or per sq.ft. The average cost per room ranges from $450 to $1,600. The average interior painting price per square foot is between $2 and $6.

• How much do painters charge per square foot for interior paint?

On average, painters charge between $2 to $6 per sq.ft. of interior paint. That being said, you also have to factor in how many coats of paint you will need and if you have to custom paint unique spaces like trim and baseboards.