How much does it cost to paint a bathroom?
How much does it cost to paint a bathroom?
$150 – $400 cost to paint a small bathroom / half bathroom
$250 – $650 cost to paint an average bathroom / small primary bath
$300 – $1,500 cost to paint a large primary bathroom
Cost to paint a bathroom
The average cost to paint a bathroom is $150 to $400 for a small bathroom or $250 to $1,500+ for a primary bathroom. Painting a bathroom costs $1 to $3 per square foot for the walls or $2 to $6 per square foot for the walls, ceiling, and trim.
| Bathroom size* | Walls only | Entire bathroom |
|---|---|---|
| 3'x5' | $100 – $420 | $200 – $830 |
| 4'x6' | $130 – $540 | $260 – $1,100 |
| 4'x8' | $170 – $660 | $340 – $1,300 |
| 5'x7' | $170 – $660 | $340 – $1,300 |
| 5'x8' | $190 – $720 | $370 – $1,400 |
| 5'x10' | $220 – $840 | $440– $1,700 |
| 6'x9' | $220 – $840 | $440– $1,700 |
| 7'x9' | $240 – $900 | $470 – $1,800 |
| 8'x10' | $270 – $1,000 | $530 – $2,000 |
| 10'x10' | $300 – $1,100 | $600 – $2,300 |
| 10'x12' | $330 – $1,300 | $660 – $2,500 |
| 12'x13' | $380 – $1,400 | $760 – $2,900 |
| 15'x15' | $460 – $1,700 | $920 – $3,500 |
*8’ to 10’ ceilings.
Average cost to paint a bathroom
The following table shows the average cost to paint a bathroom.
| National Average Cost | $420 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Cost | $100 |
| Maximum Cost | $3,500 |
| Average Range | $250 to $650 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Bathroom painting costs by feature
Bathroom painting costs depend on which features are being painted. A painting contractor may charge separately for each service or provide one estimate for the whole project.
| Feature | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Toilet | $40 – $200 |
| Ceiling | $40 – $220 |
| Cabinets / vanity | $60 – $360 |
| Bathtub | $300 – $600 |
| Tiles | $200 – $1,500 |
| Countertops | $170 – $370 |
| Shower door frame | $250 – $500 |
| Door | $75 – $150 |
*Most painters charge a $250 to $500 minimum project fee.
Painting or refinishing a bathtub costs $300 to $600.
Replacing a toilet costs $200 to $500 and provides a longer-term solution than painting.
Cost to paint bathroom cabinets & vanity
The average cost to paint bathroom cabinets is $7 to $15 per square foot. Painting a small 24” vanity costs $60 to $120, while painting a large 72” vanity costs $180 to $360. Painting a raw wood bathroom vanity typically costs more as raw wood requires more coats.
Cost to paint bathroom tiles
Painting bathroom tiles costs $4 to $12 per square foot or $200 to $1,500+, depending on the surface area, tile material, and condition. Painting bathroom tiles is a temporary solution for an updated look without a complete bathroom remodel. Retiling a bathroom costs $7 to $25 per square foot.
Average labor cost to paint a bathroom
Hiring a painter costs $1 to $3 per square foot to paint a bathroom. Bathrooms have less wall space than other rooms but often require more prepping and cutting in due to vanities and wall fixtures. Painters charge $20 to $50 per hour on average.
| Charge | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Per square foot | $1 – $3 |
| Per room | $250 – $650 |
| Per hour | $20 – $50 |
Factors affecting the cost of painting a bathroom include:
Geographical location – Painting contractors charge more in major cities and areas with a higher cost of living.
Time of year – Interior painting rates in northern states are more competitive during the late fall and winter months.
Minimum fees – Many painting contractors require a $250 to $500 minimum project fee.
Bathroom size & wall height – The larger the room, the more surface area to paint, which adds to labor and material costs.
Layout & difficulty – A simple, four-corner room requires less prep work and labor than a complex layout with multiple corners and angles.
Painting surface – Painting the walls typically costs less than painting tile surfaces.
Trim & baseboards – Painting baseboards and trim costs $1 to $4 per linear foot.
Ceiling – Painting a ceiling costs $1 to $2 per square foot.
Primer – When not included in the paint itself, primer costs $15 to $50 per gallon.
Paint quality – Higher quality paint costs more but is more durable and long-lasting.
Lead or Asbestos – Asbestos testing costs $250 to $750 and is recommended for homes built before 1986. A lead paint inspection costs $300 to $600 for homes built before 1978.
Customizations – Adding drywall texture costs $0.80 to $2.00 per square foot. Adding a different colored accent wall adds 20% to 30% to the total cost.
Mold –Bathroom mold removal costs $500 to $2,000.
Prep work –Hiring a cleaning company costs $25 to $50 per hour to ensure the bathroom surfaces are clean and mildew-free.
Repairs & renovations – Major drywall repairs, trim installation, and removing wallpaper or a popcorn ceiling increase the cost.
Drywall repair costs $200 to $750 on average.
Wallpaper removal costs $0.80 to $3.00 per square foot.
Removing a popcorn ceiling costs $1 to $2 per square foot, not including refinishing and painting.
Bathroom door painting costs $70 to $150.
Bathroom paint prices
Bathroom paint costs $20 to $60 per gallon on average for washable, mildew-resistant interior wall and ceiling paint. Higher-quality paints cost more but provide better coverage and more durability. Primer costs $15 to $50 per gallon. Some paints come formulated as paint and primer in one.
How much paint do I need to paint a bathroom?
One gallon of paint is sufficient for an average bathroom. A larger bathroom may require more. One paint gallon covers 300 to 400 square feet with one coat. Most bathrooms require two coats. Painting a light color over dark walls may require additional coats.
What is the best kind of paint to use in a bathroom?
The best paint to use in a bathroom is washable, mold- and mildew-resistant, water-based latex paint. Glossier finishes typically hold up better to cleaning and scrubbing, but many brands now offer moisture-resistant flat finish paints. Epoxy paint is best for most bathroom tiles.
Choose a satin finish for low-traffic bathroom ceilings or a semi-gloss finish for ceilings in high-traffic, high-moisture bathrooms.
DIY cost to paint a bathroom
Painting a bathroom yourself costs $150 to $300 on average for materials and supplies, depending on the size and layout complexity. Most supplies may be used again for future projects.
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Paint | $20 – $60 |
| Scraper | $6 – $20 |
| Sandpaper | $5 – $15 |
| Patching Compound | $10 – $20 |
| Painters Tape | $3 – $10 |
| Brushes | $2 – $15 |
| Paint Roller Kit | $10 – $25 |
| Paint Tray | $2 – $5 |
| Drop Cloth | $5 – $30 |
| Ladder | $80 – $300 |
| Respirator mask | $5 – $30 |
| Paint Sprayer Rental | $30 – $50 per day |
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to paint a bathroom?
Painting a bathroom takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and whether painting the walls alone or the walls, ceiling and trim. Bathroom paint can take up to 48 hours to dry completely. Paint type, location, temperature, and humidity impact the drying time.
Can you paint bathroom tiles, sink, faucets, and countertops?
You can paint most bathroom tiles, sinks, and countertops with epoxy or tile paint. Epoxy is more durable than latex and best for areas receiving a lot of water. Still, painted bathroom and shower tiles exposed to heavy amounts of water may fade or peel prematurely and require more maintenance.
Use mildew-proof latex or epoxy paint on ceramic, porcelain, and unglazed quarry tile.
Use acrylic latex paint on natural stone tile.
Automotive enamel works best to refinish faucets.
Clean, sand, and prime surfaces before painting. Follow the manufacturer’s prepping and application instructions for the best results.
Getting estimates from bathroom painters
Before hiring a painter to paint your bathroom, remember to:
Get at least three in-person quotes to compare.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Look for members of the Painting Contractors Association (PCA).
Hire a company that is licensed, bonded, insured, and has been in business for at least five years.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Avoid going with the lowest bid as quality may suffer.
Never pay in full before the work starts. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Can you provide references with contact details?
Which paint type and finish do you recommend for my bathroom, and why?
How long will the project take?
How long should I wait before using the shower?
What do I need to do to prepare the space for the project?
Do I need to do any repairs before you start painting?
Does the estimate include prepping and cleanup?
What additional costs should I expect?
What happens if you get paint on the floor or fixtures?
Do you use subcontractors?
Is there a warranty for the paint job?