Written by

Kristen Cramer

December 7, 2023

Edited by

Tara Farmer

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Cost to paint trim and baseboards

The cost to paint interior trim and baseboards is $1 to $4 per linear foot or $500 to $2,000. The cost to paint exterior trim on a house is $1 to $4 per linear foot or $1,000 to $2,500. Painting trim and doors costs $45 to $200 per side. Painting window trim and frames cost $25 to $150 each.

• Most painters charge $20 to $50 per hour for labor and recommend two coats of paint.

• Interior trim painting above 8' or exterior trim painting above the first floor adds $1 per linear foot.

Average cost to paint trim

The following table shows the average cost to paint 500 linear feet of trim.

Cost to paint exterior trim on a house

The cost to paint exterior trim is $1 to $4 per linear foot or $1,000 to $2,500 total, depending on the trim type, design detail, and accessibility. Costs increase to $2 to $6 per linear foot for eaves, fascia, soffit, and trim above the first floor.

Cost to paint eaves, fascia, and soffit

The average cost to paint eaves, fascia, and soffit is $2 to $6 per linear foot or $500 to $1,000 for a typical home. Project costs depend on the fascia design and if it's a single-story or multi-story house.

Fascia board, soffit, and eaves are typically painted as part of a whole-home exterior painting project.

Cost to paint exterior door and trim

Painting an exterior door and trim costs $75 to $200 per side, depending on the door type, size, trim type, and material. Doors and trim with intricate patterns, double doors, and French doors are priced at the higher end of the range.

Cost to paint interior trim

The cost to paint interior trim is $1 to $4 per linear foot or $500 to $2,000 for an entire average-sized home. Painting interior trim costs $25 to $200 per room, depending on the size. Painting interior trim or crown molding above 8' typically costs 25% more.

Cost to paint interior trim per linear foot

Painting interior trim costs $1 to $4 per linear foot, depending on the paint type, material, trim size, and surface prep required. The cost increases to $2 to $5 per linear foot for trim, crown molding, or window frames above 8'.

Cost to paint interior doors and trim

The average cost to paint interior doors and trim is $40 to $125 per side, depending on the size, material, and door type. Painting French doors costs $150 to $200 per side. Doors and frames with intricate details are priced at the higher end of the range.

Cost to paint crown molding

The cost to paint crown molding is $1 to $5 per linear foot, depending on whether it's a simple, one-piece trim or features decorative designs. Ornate crown molding has many accent details that increase labor time. Crown molding for ceilings above 8' is priced at the higher end of the range.

Cost to paint baseboards

Painting baseboards costs $1 to $4 per linear foot, depending on the location, material, paint type, and surface prep required. The cost to paint bedroom baseboards is $40 to $200, while painting bathroom baseboards costs $25 to $100. Living room or kitchen baseboards cost $60 to $200 to paint. Alternatively, installing new baseboards costs $6 to $9 per linear foot.

Cost to paint windows

Painting interior window trim costs $25 to $100 per window for the frame alone or $50 to $120 for the frame, sash, and mullions, depending on the number of panes.

• Painting exterior window trim costs $40 to $150 per window.

• Painting shutters costs $60 to $150 per pair.

Cost to paint exterior window trim or frames

Painting exterior window trim costs $40 to $150 per window, depending on the window type, size, and location. Window frames above the first floor are priced at the higher end of the range because painting them requires ladders or scaffolding.

Painting shutters

The average cost to paint shutters is $25 to $75 per shutter or $50 to $100 per pair. Total cost depends on the size, material, and whether they're on the first floor or an upper story.

Labor costs to paint trim

The cost to hire a painter is $20 to $50 per hour for labor, with minimum job fees of $250 to $500 to paint interior or exterior trim.

Additional factors affecting the cost include:

• Colors – Using multiple colors adds time and labor, increasing the cost.

• Prep work – Power washing costs $0.35 to $0.77 per square foot to clean exterior trim before painting.

• Repairs

  • Roof eaves repair costs $9 to $34 per linear foot.

  • Replacing fascia boards costs $5 to $12 per linear foot. Installing new soffit costs $4 to $22 per linear foot.

  • Gutter repair costs $100 to $450.

  • A handyman costs $150 to $300 for caulking trim and window frames.

  • Window caulk costs $3 to $10 per tube for DIY repairs to cover 50 linear feet.

• Additional painting – Painting a porch costs $500 to $2,500, depending on the porch's size and amount of decoration or spindles.

• Hazardous material testing – Homes built before 1978 may require lead paint testing and removal.

  • Lead paint inspections cost $300 to $600.

  • Lead paint removal costs $8 to $15 per square foot.

  • Sealing lead paint with a coating instead of removing it costs $800 to $1,400 for a 2,000-square-foot home.

Trim painting considerations:

• Permits are not typically required because painting is a non-structural alteration.

• Homeowners Association approval may be required in some areas.

Trim paint cost calculator

Trim paint costs $20 to $80 per gallon, depending on the base material and whether it's interior or exterior paint. One gallon of paint covers 400 square feet with one coat, and most projects require two coats of paint.

Professional painters typically get a 30% discount on paint and materials.

• Oil-based or latex semi-gloss paint is the industry standard for interior trim.

• Flat or satin oil-based or acrylic paint is recommended for exterior trim.

• Semi-gloss and satin finishes are more stain-resistant and easier to clean than surfaces with flat paint.

DIY trim and baseboard painting costs

DIY trim painting costs $130 to $440, including $50 to $200 for supplies and $80 to $240 for enough paint to cover the trim in an entire home. Be sure to clean and prep the trim carefully before painting. Hire an interior painter near you for professional results.

Tips for painting trim

Follow these tips when painting trim:

• Clean the trim thoroughly before painting.

• Prepare the surface by sanding with a fine 180-grit paper.

• Scrape off any hardened grime or old paint.

• Use a lightweight compound to fill scratches and divots and allow it to dry.

• Flatten and feather out any filled areas with a fine 320-grit paper.

• Use caulk to fill gaps between the trim and walls.

• Replace any rotting wood before painting.

• Power-wash exterior trim before painting.

• Use painter's tape to mask the wall, floor, or other areas adjacent to the trim to protect them from paint. Cover floors with a drop cloth.

• Use a 1" to 2.5" angled sash brush, which maneuvers easily in tight spaces, or a smooth-medium 3" roller.

• For wood trim, apply a coat of primer if changing the paint color.

• Paint from the top down.

• For exterior trim, paint during dry months when it's above 50° F outside.

Trim and baseboard painting FAQs

How much does it cost to paint ceilings, walls, and trim together?

Interior painting costs $225 to $1,500 per room for the ceilings, walls, and trim together. Painting costs depend on the room size, ceiling height, and the number of coats.

• Painting trim costs $25 to $200 per room, depending on the size.

• Painting ceilings costs $150 to $300 for a 12' x 12' room and $250 to $1,000 for a large living room.

• Painting interior walls costs $300 to $800 per room, depending on the size.

Do you paint walls or trim first?

Most professionals paint the trim first, then the ceiling, then the walls. Taping off the trim is easier and faster than taping off the walls.

Do you caulk baseboards before or after painting?

Caulk baseboards before painting. Use indoor, paintable, elastomeric caulk that matches the color of the baseboards. Caulking fills gaps between the baseboards and walls or floor, protecting the trim from dirt and reducing the risk of mold or rotting wood.

• Silicone caulk costs $4 to $12 per tube to cover 50 linear feet and is best in kitchens and bathrooms to repel moisture.

• Latex caulk costs $2 to $9 per tube to cover 50 linear feet of trim in the rest of the house.

• Caulking tools and supplies cost $10 to $30 for a scraper and a dripless caulking gun.

What type of paint to use on baseboards and trim?

Oil-based or latex paint with a semi-gloss finish is the industry standard for interior trim. Oil-based or acrylic paint with a flat or satin finish is best for exterior trim. Paint with a semi-gloss or satin finish is more stain-resistant, easier to clean, and accentuates the detail in decorative trim.

How much does it cost to remove paint from trim molding?

Removing paint from trim costs $1.50 to $5.00 per linear foot for professional removal or $12 to $18 for enough DIY paint stripper for 200 square feet. When stripping paint from baseboards, the easiest method is to remove them from the wall before sanding or applying paint stripper.

How do I prep trim for paint?

Follow these steps to prep interior trim for paint:

1. Clean interior trim thoroughly with a damp rag and allow it to dry completely.

2. Scrape off any hardened grime or old paint globs.

3. Sand with a fine 180-grit paper if needed.

4. Fill scratches and divots with a lightweight, fast-drying compound.

5. Use caulk to fill any gaps between the trim and walls.

6. Mask the wall and floor around the trim with painter's tape.

7. Apply a coat of primer if changing the paint color.

For exterior trim, replace any rotted wood, then power-wash all the trim to remove dirt and grime.

How long does it take to paint trim?

Painting trim takes 1 to 5 days for an average 2,500 square-foot home, including cleaning and prep work. Painting trim takes 30 to 60 minutes per room and per window. Hiring a painter costs $20 to $50 per hour.

Should I paint my wood trim white?

White is the most popular color to paint trim. White paint is versatile because it coordinates with any wall color, adds contrast to dark walls, and makes light or muted walls appear crisp and clean. White paint gives the flexibility to change wall colors later without having to repaint the trim.

Getting trim painting quotes

Before hiring an experienced professional to paint trim or baseboards, be sure to:

• Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.

• Look at their reviews on HomeGuide and Google..

• Choose a company that is licensed, bonded, and insured.

• Select companies that have been in business for at least five years.

• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.

• Avoid companies with the cheapest quotes as quality may suffer.

• Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead.

Questions to ask

• How long have you been painting?

• Can you provide a list of references?

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

• Which paint do you recommend for the project, and why?

• How long will the project take?

• Do you charge extra to move the furniture? If yes, how much?

• What do I need to do to prepare my home for the project?

• How much do you charge to repair the trim before painting?

• Does the quote include cleaning and prepping the trim before painting?

• Does the quote include cleanup costs?

• What additional costs can I expect that aren't in the estimate?

• What happens if you get paint on the floor or furniture?

• Do you do handle the project yourself or use subcontractors?

• Do you offer a warranty or guarantee your work?