How Much Does It Cost To Paint a Bathroom?
Looking for a new paint job in your bathroom? Worried about how much painting a bathroom costs? The average cost to paint a bathroom ranges from $150 to $450, depending on the size of your room, paint options, and labor costs. We look at the basic price range of how much a bathroom painting project costs as well as additional costs to consider.
Average Cost To Paint Bathroom
Assuming you are doing the work yourself, the national average cost to paint a bathroom is $300 for a standard 6-foot by 10-foot bathroom. However, prices can range from as low as $150 or higher than $450. The exact price depends on the total square footage, the type of paint, and other factors.
You can save as much as 50% by painting your bathroom yourself. However, this can require a large time commitment as well as purchasing a number of tools and supplies. Ultimately, it comes down to your budget, skill level, and personal convenience.
Factors That Determine Bathroom Paint Costs
Room Size
Your bathroom size determines how much paint you need. Assuming you have a relatively standard bathroom, you will have between 150 and 200 square feet of painted surface. However, master bathroom suites can easily be double that size.
To calculate the square footage, measure the width and height of the painted surfaces. Then multiply the numbers to get the square feet. Repeat this process for every wall section and add them up for the total painted area in your bathroom.
A gallon of paint covers between 350 and 400 square feet when professionally applied. However, it is better to estimate at around 300 square feet if you are an inexperienced painter.
In addition to the total square footage of the walls, remember to account for multiple coats of paint. Two coats of paint are standard. However, you may need additional coats on new drywall or if the color is particularly bold or vibrant.
Current Wall Color and Conditions
Another factor that determines the cost of bathroom paint is the current condition and color of the walls. Depending on the situation, you may need to use a wall primer or make repairs.
Primer is great for sealing new drywall and covering bold or vibrant paints. This is especially helpful if you are making a drastic change in paint color. It will also cover stains.
However, primer does not cover as much wall surface as regular paint. While professionals get as much as 250 square feet out of a gallon, DIY painters should estimate around 175 per gallon.
You should repair holes, dents, and other surface damage before painting. Basically, fill any hole larger than a nail with drywall spackle, then sand it smooth. If you make wall repairs, you should prime the area before painting with your top coat.
Paint Type, Quality, and Finish
It should be obvious that one of the costs of bathroom paint is the paint itself. Latex paint is the most common in the bathroom because it is relatively inexpensive, easy to apply, and even easier to clean up.
Latex paints usually cost between $20 and $40 per gallon. However, some premium brands and products can go as high as $100 a gallon.
Another cost factor is the quality of the paint. While higher-quality paints cost more, they usually cover the walls better than less expensive options.
Additionally, the paint finish impacts the overall price. Paint finishes include flat or matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss.
Flat paints are usually the least expensive, while high gloss is the most expensive. Expect to pay between $1 and $3 more for each step up in paint finish.
While high-gloss paint was once the standard in bathrooms, semi-gloss and satin finishes offer nearly the same level of moisture resistance. Eggshell paints might not be the best option for a full bathroom, but they are a great way to save a little in half bathrooms.
The alternative to latex is oil-based paints. Oil paints offer better moisture resistance but are more expensive and harder to apply.
It’s also important to note that covering latex paint with oil-based paints or vice verse can create a huge mess. The paints resist each other, making them hard to apply. Once the paint dries, it will usually crack or flake away.
Labor and Materials
Professional painters usually charge between $2 and $6 per square foot. Doors, trim, and specialty features are usually priced at a flat rate per piece. The exact price will depend on the experience level of the painter, your geographic area, and the paint quality, type, and finish.
If you plan to DIY paint a bathroom, you will need several tools and supplies. First off, you need at least one paint roller, a paint tray, and an edging brush. Either a step ladder or a roller extension poll is helpful. Although not necessary, painters tape and a drop cloth are recommended.
