Thinking about sprucing up your bathroom with a fresh coat of paint? With the average cost to paint a bathroom running between $3.70 – $7.92 per square foot, it’s important to calculate your potential expenses accurately.
This article is here to guide you through the process and break down what factors will affect this estimate, including size, features, labor costs, and whether or not you decide to DIY! Keep reading for invaluable insights on how much it really costs to transform your bathroom with paint.
Average Cost to Paint a Bathroom
The average cost to paint a bathroom can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the bathroom and the specific features that need to be painted. Additionally, labor costs and the cost of paint and supplies will also contribute to the overall expense.
Factors that Affect Cost
Numerous factors impact the cost of painting a bathroom. The overall size directly decides the amount of paint and time required, pushing costs up for larger spaces. The quality of paint chosen can also swing the price—top-tier brands with superior durability often command higher prices.
Location plays its role too; bathrooms in hard-to-reach areas could mean additional labor charges. Lastly, considering the painters’ expertise is essential: more experienced professionals usually charge higher rates but provide exceptional results.
Labor Costs
Professional painters often charge either per square foot or per hour for their service. The cost generally ranges from $1 to $4 per square foot, but you might observe an hourly rate system that tends to fall between $20 and $50.
Bids for the entire bathroom painting project are also common practice among professionals rather than charging an hourly rate.
Labor costs account for a significant portion of your total expenditure when figuring the cost to paint a bathroom. As such, accurately calculating these expenses is crucial. Using a cost calculator can be helpful in estimating how much it would take or getting quotes from different professionals may give you some insight into current market rates.
Paint and Supply Costs
Apart from labor costs, paint and supply expenses also significantly contribute to the average cost to paint a bathroom. High-quality paints range from $30-$70 per gallon, whereas cheaper alternatives might be available for as low as $15 per gallon.
However, keep in mind that premium paints often provide better coverage and last longer. Paint brushes, rollers, primer, painter’s tape and other necessary tools may add another $10 to $50 to your total expenditure.
Moreover, specialty supplies like anti-mold or mildew paints can raise the overall price of painting a bathroom further.
Read also: How Much Does Sherwin Williams Paint Cost?
DIY vs. Hiring Professionals
When deciding whether to paint your bathroom yourself or hire professionals, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros and Cons
There are definite benefits and drawbacks when it comes to painting your bathroom yourself versus hiring a professional. Understanding the pros and cons will help you decide which approach suits your needs, budget, and skills better.
- DIY
| Pros of DIY | Cons of DIY |
|---|---|
| It’s generally cheaper than hiring a professional contractor. | DIY bathroom remodels may require certain skills and can be time-consuming. |
| You save on the cost of hiring a professional for bathroom repair. | DIY bathroom remodeling can be physically demanding and potentially hazardous. |
| DIY projects allow for personal expression and creativity. | Mistakes can be costly and might require hiring a professional to correct them. |
- Hiring Professionals
| Pros of Hiring a Professional | Cons of Hiring a Professional |
|---|---|
| Professional contractors offer a high-quality finish and efficiency. | The labor costs range from $30 to $125 per hour, making it more expensive. |
| Most professional contractors have insurance to cover any damages during the project. | There’s usually an estimated 10% markup charged by professionals for buying fixtures. |
| They have the experience and knowledge to handle unexpected issues that might arise. | Scheduling a professional contractor might be difficult depending on their availability. |
Remember, both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. It largely depends on your budget, the complexity of the project, your skill level, and how much time you’re willing to invest in the project.
Tips for Saving Money
Saving money on your bathroom painting project is possible with these helpful tips:
- Refinish instead of replacing: Consider refinishing bathroom items like cabinets and vanity instead of buying new ones. This can save you money and give your bathroom a fresh look.
- Do it yourself: If you have the time and skills, tackling the painting job yourself can save a significant amount of money. DIY bathroom painting can save up to 50% off labor costs.
- Shop around for supplies: Compare prices at different stores or online to find the best deals on paint and other supplies needed for your project. Don’t forget to check for any ongoing sales or discounts.
- Use environmentally friendly options: Opting for eco-friendly paint products not only reduces harm to the environment, but it can also save you money in the long run. Look for low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints that are safer and more cost-effective.
- Focus on small changes: Instead of completely repainting your entire bathroom, consider focusing on smaller areas that need a refresh. Painting just one wall or accentuating certain features can give your bathroom a new look without breaking the bank.
- Plan ahead: Proper planning can help you avoid unnecessary expenses. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials before starting the project to prevent last-minute runs to the store, which could end up costing you more.
Bathroom Painting Costs by Size
Here is a breakdown of the average costs to paint different sizes of bathrooms:
- Small, Half Bathroom: $200-$400
- Average, Small Primary Bathroom: $400-$800
- Large, Primary Bathroom: $800-$1,500
Small, Half Bathroom
Painting a small, half bathroom can be an affordable home improvement project. On average, it costs between $150 and $400 to paint a small bathroom. However, keep in mind that the cost can range from $60 to $250 depending on factors such as the size of the bathroom and the quality of paint you choose.
By opting for a smaller space like a half bathroom, you can save money on both labor and materials. So if you’re looking for an easy way to refresh your bathroom without breaking the bank, painting your small half bathroom is a great option.
Average, Small Primary Bathroom
The average cost to paint a small primary bathroom ranges from $200 to $500, with the price depending on factors such as labor costs and the size of the room. You can expect to pay around $60 for one can of interior paint, which typically covers up to 400 square feet.
Overall, the cost of painting a small primary bathroom can range anywhere from $180 to $350.
Large, Primary Bathroom
The cost to paint a large, primary bathroom can vary depending on several factors. On average, the cost for this type of project ranges from $250 to $1,500 or more. Hiring a professional painter for a large bathroom painting job can cost between $25 and $100 per hour.
For two coats of top-quality paint and a high-quality team of painters, the overall cost may range from $500 to $3,000. It’s important to consider the square footage of the space when estimating the cost to paint a large, primary bathroom.
Keep in mind that this cost should be considered separately from the overall bathroom painting expenses.
Bathroom Painting Costs by Feature
Curious about how these features can impact the cost of painting your bathroom? Keep reading to find out!
Cabinets and Vanity
Painting cabinets and vanity in a bathroom can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of the space. On average, it costs between $7 to $15 per square foot to paint bathroom cabinets.
For example, painting a small 24″ vanity can cost anywhere from $60 to $120. However, keep in mind that the cost for painting a large vanity may be higher. If you’re considering a complete bathroom remodel, installing new cabinets and vanities can range from $290 to $695.
It’s important to note that it is not necessary to install new cabinets and vanities when remodeling your bathroom.
Tiles
Painting bathroom tiles can be a cost-effective way to update the look of your bathroom without undergoing an expensive renovation. On average, the cost to paint bathroom tiles ranges from $5 to $10 per square foot.
If you hire a contractor, they may charge around $250 to $500 for painting 50 square feet of tiles. It’s important to note that the cost of painting bathroom tiles is separate from the overall cost of painting the rest of the bathroom.
Whether you have a small half bath or a larger primary bathroom, painting the tiles can give it a fresh and modern appearance at an affordable price.
Bathroom Painting Process
Preparing the bathroom before painting is crucial to ensure a smooth and professional finish – learn how to do it right!
Preparation
Before you start painting your bathroom, it’s essential to properly prepare the walls. This includes cleaning the surface, patching any holes or cracks, and sanding rough areas. Additionally, you may need to remove old wallpaper or apply a coat of primer for better paint adhesion.
Taking the time to prepare your bathroom walls will ensure a smooth and professional-looking finish.
Painting Techniques
To achieve a successful bathroom painting project, there are several techniques you can utilize. First, ensure you properly clean and repair any surfaces before starting. This will help the paint adhere better and provide a smoother finish.
Additionally, consider using high-quality paints that may cost more initially but can offer long-lasting results. When it comes to choosing the right paint finish for your bathroom, opt for one that can withstand moisture and humidity.
Lastly, applying primer before painting can improve paint adherence and make your new bathroom look even more flawless.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost to paint a bathroom can vary depending on factors such as size, features, and labor costs. On average, you can expect to pay between $500 and $3,000 for a professional painting job.
Factors like site conditions and paint quality can also impact the final cost. Consider your budget and needs before deciding whether to take on the project yourself or hire professionals.
FAQs – How Much to Paint A Bathroom?
How much should I anticipate to pay if I want to paint my bathroom?
The cost to paint a small bathroom can vary based on labor costs with an average price being involved in the process.
What is included in the cost when repainting my bathroom?
The total painting expense usually includes labor costs, cost of paint and other materials useful for the task.
Is it more expensive to have someone else paint my bathroom for me?
Yes, you generally need to account for labor costs when paying someone else to repaint your bathroom.
Does it matter if I want only part of my room like ceiling or vanity painted?
Yes, there could be varying charges depending upon what specific area you wish painted such as a ceiling or vanity compared the entire space
Are prices different if I just have a smaller than average size room that needs painting?
Quite often, yes! The overall price would substantially decrease while considering how much does it really cost to get small bathrooms painted.
