Priya Kapoor
Painting a house is one of the easiest ways to give it a new look and increase its property value. The cost to paint a house varies depending on several factors such as the location, home size, ceiling height, type of paint, and labour costs. In April 2025, the estimated cost to paint a home starts at $4.66 to $8.79 per square foot. For a 1900 square foot home, the cost to paint the interior ranges from $3,500 to $10,000, while the cost to paint the exterior ranges from $5,844 to $9,321.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average cost to paint a house per square foot | $2.75 |
| Average cost to paint a house per square foot (including walls, trim, and ceilings) | $4.70 |
| Average cost to paint a room | $350 to $850 |
| Average cost to paint a whole home interior | $3,500 to $10,000 |
| Average cost of paint per gallon | $15 to $40 |
| Average amount of paint needed for a home | 6 gallons per coat |
| Average labor cost to paint a room | $180 to $650 |
| Average cost to paint a home exterior per square foot | $2.13 to $4.24 |
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The cost of painting supplies
The cost of paint itself is a significant factor, with paint prices ranging from $15 to $40 per gallon, depending on the brand and finish. A 2-gallon can of paint cover up to 800 square feet, which is enough for two coats in an average-sized room. An average-sized house would require about 6 gallons of paint per coat. If you opt for glossy paint, which is more stain-resistant and easier to clean, you can expect to pay around $2 more per gallon.
In addition to paint, other supplies such as sandpaper, tape, rollers, drop cloths, rags, brushes, and painter's tape are necessary. Primer is also recommended, costing around $10 per gallon and covering approximately 100 square feet with a single coat. If your walls require repairs or drywall fixes before painting, this will add to the cost of supplies. Drywall repair can add an average of $600 to your budget, while wall repairs can cost between $0.50 and $0.75 per square foot.
It's important to note that labour costs can account for a significant portion of the total painting cost, ranging from 70% to 85%, or even up to 95%. Therefore, when budgeting for a painting project, it's essential to consider not only the cost of supplies but also the cost of labour, which can vary depending on the location and the experience of the painter.
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Labour costs
The labour cost to paint a 1900 square foot home can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the job, the condition of the walls, the number of coats required, and the location.
The type of paint finish chosen can also impact labour costs. For example, matte finishes are typically less expensive, while semi-gloss and gloss finishes are more costly but offer higher durability and ease of cleaning. Additionally, the number of coats required will affect the labour rate. More coats will result in higher labour charges but will also ensure better coverage and a smoother finish, especially when painting over dark surfaces with lighter colours.
Surface preparation, such as priming, sanding, or repairing cracks, can also add to the labour costs. Priming is often necessary to achieve a professional finish and ensure proper paint adhesion. Sanding and patching walls can cost between $0.50 and $0.75 per square foot, while drywall repairs can add an average of $600 to the budget.
It's worth noting that some contractors bundle the prep work into their hourly or per-square-foot charges, so it's important to discuss these details with your chosen contractor to get an accurate estimate.
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Prep work
Painting a house is not a simple task, and the prep work is one of the most crucial steps in the process. The quality of your prep work will directly impact the final result. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing to paint a 1900 square foot home:
Assess the walls and make repairs
First, carefully inspect your walls for any damage that needs to be addressed before painting. Look for cracks, holes, bumps, scratches, dents, and water stains. Make a list of the materials you will need to buy for repairs, and move any furniture away from the walls. For larger holes, you will need to apply a drywall patch and joint compound. Spackle is great for filling smaller holes and covering nail holes, as it dries clear. Be sure to sand down any patches to ensure a smooth surface for painting. If your walls require significant drywall fixes, this could add an average of $600 to your budget.
Clean and sand the walls
All surfaces to be painted should be cleaned and sanded. Sanding the walls will ensure the paint adheres effectively and results in a lasting paint job. If your walls are in particularly bad shape, you may need to do some repairs to provide a clean slate for painting.
Protect the floors and surrounding areas
Use flooring paper to protect your floors from paint spills and splatter. Tape down the paper to ensure all surface areas are covered. You may also need to protect existing structures, finishes, and components, which can add to the overall cost.
Choose the right paint and primer
The type of paint you choose will affect the overall cost of your project. Paint typically costs $15 to $40 per gallon, depending on the brand and finish. You may also need to use a primer, especially if you are painting a light colour over a darker one. Primer costs around $10 per quart and covers around 100 square feet with a single coat.
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Paint type and colour
Painting a 1900 square foot home can cost between $1,134 and $11,340, depending on the paint type, location, and labour costs.
The paint type and colour you choose for your 1900 square foot home will depend on various factors, including the room you're painting, the lighting, and the mood you want to create.
If you're painting a living room, earthy tones like warm browns, soft greens, and muted oranges can create a welcoming atmosphere. For rooms with limited natural light, warmer whites or light colours can brighten up the space. White walls can also make a room feel more spacious, but be careful—in a larger room or one with plenty of natural light, white paint can feel stark or cold.
If you want to make a statement, an accent wall in a bold hue can add interest. You can also use colour to highlight architectural features like mouldings, mantels, and built-in bookcases. Dark colours like charcoal or pewter can create a soothing effect in bedrooms or rooms designed for relaxation.
When choosing a colour, consider bringing a pillow, scarf, or painting that you love to the paint store to find complementary shades. You can also look at the darkest colour on the sample strip—if you like that shade, you'll probably like the lighter colours on the strip as well.
Keep in mind that the type of paint you choose will also affect the cost. Paint prices range from $15 to $40 per gallon, and you'll need about 6 gallons per coat for a home of this size. If you need to use a primer, that will be an additional cost of around $10 per quart.
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House size
For a 1900 square foot home, the total cost of paint and supplies will depend on the number of coats needed, the paint quality, and the porousness of the walls. Paint typically costs $15 to $50 per gallon and covers up to 300 to 400 square feet per can. For a 1900 square foot home, you would need approximately 5 to 6 gallons of paint, costing $75 to $300.
The cost of labour for painting services varies depending on whether it is charged by the hour or by the project. Painters typically charge $20 to $50 per hour, with specialty projects ranging from $70 to $100 per hour. Most professional painters, however, charge by the project or square foot, with rates ranging from $1 to $6 per square foot. For a 1900 square foot home, the labour costs could range from $1900 to $11,400, depending on the rate and scope of the project.
In addition to the size of the house, other factors that can influence the cost of painting include the number of colours used, the level of detail and trim work, the condition of the walls, and the location. Textured walls or thinner paint formulas may require more paint and increase costs. If your walls have scratches, dents, or water stains, you may need to repair and prime them before painting, adding to the overall cost.
To obtain a more precise estimate for your 1900 square foot home, it is advisable to measure the square footage of each room, consider the specific factors mentioned above, and consult with professional painters in your area.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of painting a 1900 square foot home will depend on whether you are painting the interior or exterior, the height of the ceilings, the number of colours, the level of detail, and whether you are hiring a professional or doing it yourself. The average cost of painting a home interior is \$1 to \$3 per square foot, while the average cost of painting a home exterior is \$2.34 to \$3.72 per square foot.
The average home needs about 6 gallons of paint per coat, excluding primer. Paint costs \$15 to \$50 per gallon and covers up to 400 square feet per can.
The average cost of hiring a professional painter is \$180 to \$650 per room, with labour costs accounting for 70% to 85% of the total paint job.
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