Paint
The right paint will depend on what you're looking for and what you want to pay. A 2-gallon can of paint can cover up to 800 square feet, which is enough to cover an average-size room in two coats, while a 3-gallon can of paint can cover up to 1,200 square feet. Here are some factors that'll determine the final cost.
Paint Quality
Most gallons of paint cost between $20 and $30. However, some designer brands can cost as much as $100 per gallon. High-end paint brands are made of natural coloring agents, unlike standard paints made of synthetic ones. It can result in a more impactful color that absorbs more light so the room looks more vibrant.
The average home needs about 6 gallons of paint per coat. If you opt for two high-end coats, painting your entire interior may cost more than $1,000.
Colors
Painting rooms with different colors tend to cost more since you'll likely have paint left. A great way to save money is to paint your entire house or all the rooms the same color.
Gloss vs. Matte
You'll spend about $2 per gallon or more per gloss level. The glossier the paint, the higher the cost. But for the average-size home, the price of glossy paint will only add a little over $10 to your final cost. These paints are more stain-resistant and easier to wipe down and wash, so consider using them for your kitchen, bathrooms, and some dining rooms.
Primer
It costs anywhere from $10 to $20 per can. Primer is the step most people want to skip, but applying it before that first coat of paint can help the finished product look smoother and last longer. Some brands even sell paint and primer in one. Primers come in water-based latex or oil-based types.
For walls and ceilings, use a water-based primer. And for doors, windows, metal, and woodwork, use oil-based. If you have water damage or mold stains, try a stain-blocking primer.
Labor
It'll cost around $170 to $680 to have a pro paint a single room in your home. Their rates range from about $20 to $50 per hour. While these are national averages, be prepared to be flexible as your painter might charge by the square foot of coverage or floor space.
Accent Walls
If you choose to include an accent wall, plan to spend 20% to 30% more to cover additional paint and materials. Specialty work gets more expensive. For example, murals cost around $750 to $1,850.
Wondering which wall to paint? Choose a wall with maximum focal point potential, such as the following:
Living room: Choose the wall where the fireplace or TV is situated.
Bedroom: Choose the wall your bed sits against.
Wall art: An accent wall is a great way to complement or showcase a collection or piece of art.
Open or close a room: You can add an accent wall on one end of a narrow hallway to provide a lengthening effect.
Textured Walls
Textured drywall can hide paint flaws and make walls look more attractive. Orange peel is the most popular drywall texture, named because it looks like an orange peel. However, painting textured drywall costs drive up painting fees by up to 50% because textured walls need more paint.
For example, where a can of paint covers 400 square feet of smooth wall, you might only get 250 square feet on a textured one. Factor in the additional surface area into your square footage when seeking professional estimates.