How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Bathroom?

Average Cost to Paint a Bathroom

Bathroom Paint Prices

The cost of paint will vary depending on the particular type of paint you’re interested in using to paint your bathroom. A gallon of paint typically costs around $20 to $30 per gallon, but designer paint brands can cost upward of $100 per gallon. Glossier paint also tends to be more expensive than matte paint, with an average additional cost of $2 per gallon per level of gloss.

Bathroom Painting Labor Cost

Hiring a painter typically costs around $1 to $4 per square foot or $20 to $50 per hour. Labor makes up a significant percentage of the cost to paint a bathroom. Painters generally charge by the room’s size rather than by the hour. Labor costs can vary depending on your location, so expect to pay more if you live in an area with a higher cost of living.

Bathroom Painting Cost by Square Foot

It costs an average of $2 to $6 per square foot to paint the interior of your home, including both labor and materials.

Bathroom Painting Cost Factors

Factors that influence the cost to paint a bathroom include the size of the room, the amount of prep work needed, the type of paint you use, and your location.

Size

The size of your bathroom is one of the main factors influencing the project total. Most painters price projects according to the size of the room.

Prep work

Before your bathroom is ready for paint, you’ll need to fix any imperfections in the drywall. Any dings, scratches, or irregularities in the texture need attention before paint. Additionally, if you are going from an existing dark paint color to a lighter color, you will need to use primer on the walls as well. That’s also true if there are any stains on the walls. 

“It’s wise to have the area prepared before applying primer and paint by masking off and protecting all other surfaces from paint runoff, says Ezra Laniado, owner of Landmark Construction & Development Group, Inc. in Los Angeles. “The prep work can sometimes cost more than the paint, so keep that in mind as you evaluate the potential cost of painting your bathroom.”

Type of Paint

The type of paint you choose to use is another factor that can affect the project's total cost. A gallon of paint typically costs around $20 to $30 but can be higher for especially glossy paint or designer brands.

Location

Labor costs make up a large portion of the cost to paint any room. Depending on where you live, the cost to hire a painter may be higher or lower.

Cost to Paint a Bathroom Yourself

If you decide to paint your bathroom yourself, expect to pay around $20 to $100 to get the job done. If you have the time and supplies on hand, painting your bathroom yourself is a way to save on extra costs for your project. You’ll need to buy paint, which usually costs about $20 to $30 per gallon. If you don’t already have them, you’ll also need to buy paintbrushes or rollers. You may also need to factor in items to help get the job done, like a ladder and painter’s tape.

Common supplies you might need to paint your bathroom include:

• Paint: $20–$30 per gallon

• Paintbrush: $5–$90 per brush

• Roller: $15–$30 per roller

• Ladder: $100–$300

• Painter’s tape: $2–$5 per roll

• Drop cloth: $10–$30

• Primer: $15-$40 per gallon

Figure Out How Much Paint You’ll Need

Before you begin painting your bathroom, you should estimate how much paint you’ll need to complete the project to ensure that you don’t run out. One gallon of paint is typically enough to cover 360 square feet of wall space, which is more than enough for the average bathroom. But you’ll also need to account for a possible second coat and touch-ups based on your color choice and finish.

For additional guidance, you can also use our paint calculator to determine how much you’ll need.

DIY vs. Hire a Painting Pro

Whether you choose to hire a professional or paint a bathroom yourself is ultimately up to you. Painting a room is a classic DIY project since it primarily involves paint, primer, a paintbrush or roller, and a little bit of time and effort. That said, if you’re looking for a polished, professional-looking paint job, it’s a good idea to hire a painter near you for the best results. The cost to hire a painter is often well worth the time and effort saved on this project. But if you’re on a budget, painting your bathroom yourself is a great way to cut down on costs.

FAQs

What color should I paint my bathroom?

The best interior paint colors for a bathroom are soothing and cool-toned. Light blue shades, in particular, can make your room feel spacious and calming. Light grey, white, and charcoal are also popular neutral bathroom color options.

What should I consider when painting?

If you’re thinking about painting the interior of your home, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first step is to settle on a paint color that complements the room. In a small room like a bathroom, light, cool-toned shades can help the room feel airy and more open. You’ll also need to decide on the level of gloss you want. A satin or semi-gloss finish with a mildew-resistant additive is recommended for bathrooms to protect against moisture.

How much does a gallon of paint cost?

The cost of a gallon of paint is typically around $20 to $30. That said, the cost of paint can vary significantly. Glossier paint tends to be more expensive, and designer brand paints can cost up to $100 or more.