Are you thinking of giving your bathroom a fresh and new look? Painting your bathroom can significantly improve its appearance, increase its value, or change its mood. But how much does it cost to paint a bathroom yourself or hire a professional? This article will answer this question and provide a complete guide on saving money and getting the best results when painting your bathroom.
We will cover the following topics:
- The average cost to paint a bathroom
- The factors that influence the cost of painting a bathroom
- The tips and ideas to save money and get the best results
By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of how much to budget for your bathroom painting project and how to make it a success. Let’s get started!
The Average Cost to Paint a Bathroom
The average cost to paint a bathroom depends on several factors, such as the bathroom’s size, the paint’s type and quality, the labor cost, and the amount of prep work needed. However, HomeAdvisor says the average price to paint a bathroom is $150 to $400 for a small bathroom or $250 to $1,500+ for a main bathroom.
These are only estimates; the actual cost may vary depending on your specific situation and preferences. To get a more accurate quote, you can measure your bathroom yourself or ask for a free estimate from a painter before hiring them.
Factors That Influence the Cost to Paint a Bathroom
The cost of painting a bathroom can vary significantly depending on various factors. Here are some of the main factors that affect the cost of painting a bathroom and how they impact the project total.
Size of the Bathroom
The size of your bathroom is one of the main factors influencing the cost to paint it, as most painters charge by the square foot or hour. According to Thumbtack, the labor cost to paint a bathroom ranges from $1 to $4 per square foot or $20 to $50 per hour.
The table below shows examples of how much it can cost to paint different sizes of bathrooms based on these rates.
Open in browserSize of BathroomSquare FeetCost per Square FootCost per HourTotal Cost
| Size of Bathroom | Square Feet | Cost per Square Foot | Cost per Hour | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (5×8) | 40 | $1 – $4 | $20 – $50 | $40 – $160 |
| Medium (8×10) | 80 | $1 – $4 | $20 – $50 | $80 – $320 |
| Large (10×12) | 120 | $1 – $4 | $20 – $50 | $120 – $480 |
| Master (15×20) | 300 | $1 – $4 | $20 – $50 | $300 – $1200 |
As you can see, the larger your bathroom is, the more it will cost to paint. However, you can save money by choosing a painter who charges by the hour rather than by the square foot, as they may be able to finish faster than expected.
Type and Quality of the Paint
The type and quality of the paint you use can also affect the cost of painting your bathroom, as different paints have different prices, durability, coverage, and finish. According to Lowe’s, latex-based, mildew-resistant paint is recommended for bathrooms and can cost anywhere from $15 to $50 per gallon. Designer paint brands can cost upward of $100 per gallon.
The table below shows examples of how much different types and paint brands can cost per gallon based on these prices.
Open in browserType of PaintBrand of PaintPrice per Gallon
| Type of Paint | Brand of Paint | Price per Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Latex | Valspar | $15 |
| Latex | Behr | $25 |
| Latex | Sherwin-Williams | $35 |
| Latex | Benjamin Moore | $50 |
| Designer | Farrow & Ball | $110 |
| Designer | Ralph Lauren | $120 |
| Designer | Restoration Hardware | $130 |
As you can see, the type and brand of paint you choose can make a big difference in the cost of painting your bathroom. However, you can save money by choosing a cheaper paint brand or using coupons or discounts.
Amount of Prep Work Needed
The amount of prep work needed before painting can also affect the cost of painting your bathroom, as prep work can take time and effort and may require additional materials or tools. Prep work includes:
- Fixing any imperfections in the drywall.
- Priming the walls if needed.
- Masking off and protecting other surfaces.
- Cleaning up after painting.
The table below shows examples of how much different types of prep work can cost based on average rates from HomeAdvisor.
Open in browser-type of Prep WorkAverage Cost
| Type of Prep Work | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Drywall Repair | $75 – $150 |
| Priming | $10 – $20 per gallon |
| Masking Tape | $5 – $10 per roll |
| Drop Cloths | $10 – $20 per piece |
| Cleaning Supplies | $10 – $20 per set |
As you can see, the amount of prep work needed can add to the cost of painting your bathroom. However, you can save money by doing some or all of the prep work yourself or by hiring a painter who includes prep work in their price.
Other Factors
Some other factors can influence the cost of painting your bathroom, such as:
- The number of coats of paint needed
- The color change (darker colors may require more coats or primer)
- The complexity of the design (stripes, patterns, etc.)
- The condition of the existing paint (peeling, cracking, etc.)
Depending on your choices and preferences, these factors can add or subtract from the project total. For example, according to HomeAdvisor, changing the color of your bathroom can add $100 to $200 to the cost, while adding a design or pattern can add $1 to $3 per square foot. On the other hand, painting over a similar color or a smooth surface can reduce the cost by $50 to $100.
You can save money by choosing a simple design, color scheme, or painting over a similar color.
Tips and Ideas to Save Money and Get the Best Results
Now that you know how much it costs to paint a bathroom and what factors influence it, here are some tips and ideas on saving money and getting the best results when painting your bathroom.
To save money and time on painting your bathroom, you can:
- Compare prices and reviews of local painters online or ask for referrals from friends or family.
- Look for discounts or promotions from painters or paint stores during winter or weekdays.
- Buy paint in bulk or use leftover paint from previous projects.
- Use online tools or apps to estimate and visualize your paint.
- Use quality brushes, rollers, and tape for smooth and even paint.
- Follow the paint instructions on the can label or website to prevent problems.
- Use fans, dehumidifiers, or open windows to speed drying and prevent mold or mildew.
- Clean and maintain your painted walls with wipes or dusters.
Conclusion
Painting your bathroom can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to improve your home. However, it can also be a challenging and expensive project if you don’t plan and do it right.
This article provides a complete guide on how much it costs to paint a bathroom and how to save money and get the best results.
We have covered:
- The average cost to paint a bathroom
- The factors that influence the cost of painting a bathroom
- The tips and ideas to save money and get the best results
We hope this article has helped you understand how much to budget for your bathroom painting project and how to make it a success.
Thank you for reading this article, and I hope you enjoy your new bathroom!
FAQ
You can use a cost calculator to get a rough estimate based on the size of your bathroom, the type of paint you use, and the amount of prep work needed.
The best type of paint for a bathroom is water-resistant, mold-resistant, and easy to clean. Some examples are semi-gloss, satin, or eggshell paint.
It depends on the size of your bathroom, the number of coats you apply, and the drying time of the paint. It takes about 4 to 6 hours to paint a bathroom.
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the quality of your paint, the condition of your walls, and your personal preference. However, some signs you may need to repaint your bathroom are peeling, cracking, fading, or paint staining.
Some ways to save money on painting your bathroom are doing it yourself, using leftover paint from other projects, buying in bulk or on sale, and comparing quotes from different painters.
For more information on how to paint a bathroom, check out these resources:
