🎨 Paint Quantities
🛒 Supplies
👷 Labor (optional)
Total Estimated Cost
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Paint Cost
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Supplies
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Labor
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What Goes Into Paint Project Costs?
Most people budget only for the paint itself — and then get surprised at the register. A complete paint project has three cost buckets: paint, supplies, and labor (if hired).
| Cost Component | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paint (budget) | $25–35/gal | Glidden, Kilz, store brands. Adequate coverage, fewer colors. |
| Paint (mid-range) | $40–55/gal | Behr, Valspar, PPG. Good coverage and color selection. |
| Paint (premium) | $60–75/gal | Benjamin Moore Regal, Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint. |
| Paint (ultra-premium) | $75–90+/gal | SW Emerald, BM Aura. Self-priming, best hide and washability. |
| Roller kit + covers | $20–50 | 3 covers minimum for 2-coat jobs; quality frame pays off |
| Painter's tape | $8–12/roll | 2" blue tape; plan 1 roll per 100 linear ft of trim |
| Drop cloths | $10–25 each | Canvas reusable or plastic disposable |
| Labor (DIY) | $0 | Budget your time: ~1 hour per 100 sq ft per coat |
| Labor (hired painter) | $2–5/sq ft | Higher end includes prep, patching, and cleanup |
DIY vs. Hiring: The Real Math
For a 1,000 sq ft paint job, hiring a painter runs $2,500–5,000 including materials. DIY with mid-range paint and supplies runs $300–600. The savings are real — but a professional painter preps better, covers more evenly, and finishes in a day. For complex prep (popcorn ceilings, heavy patching, multiple colors), hiring often makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is premium paint worth the extra cost?
Usually yes — for finish coats in living areas. Premium paints like Benjamin Moore Aura and Sherwin-Williams Emerald are self-priming, cover in fewer coats, and are far more washable than budget options. The extra $20–30 per gallon often saves a full coat of paint — so the cost difference is smaller than it appears per project.
How long does it take to paint a room yourself?
A standard 12×12 bedroom takes a prepared DIYer 4–6 hours for two coats (including drying time between coats). Prep — patching, sanding, taping, and laying drop cloths — often takes as long as the actual painting. Don't skip prep; it's the difference between a professional-looking result and a mediocre one.