How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Bathroom?

June 20, 2023

cost to paint a bathroom

The bathroom is more than a practical space for many households—it’s a retreat where they can unwind and escape from the stress of everyday life. However, as with any room that sees regular use, it can begin to show signs of age. A fresh coat of paint offers an effective way to refresh your bathroom’s feel and appearance. But what’s the price tag for such an update? Let’s break down the costs involved.

The Benefits of Repainting Your Bathroom

Beyond just aesthetics, giving your bathroom a new paint job has several benefits:

  • Protection from Moisture and Mold: One of the primary advantages of repainting your bathroom is the added layer of protection against moisture. A fresh coat of paint acts as a sealant, reducing the risk of dampness penetrating the walls. This, in turn, inhibits the growth of mold and mildew, ensuring your bathroom remains a healthy space.
  • Mood and Ambience Enhancement: The color palette of a room has a profound impact on an individual’s mood and overall feel of the space. By updating the hue of your bathroom, you can transform it into a sanctuary of calm and relaxation or even a vibrant, energizing area. This makes every bath or shower a potentially rejuvenating experience.
  • Increased Home Value: Small upgrades can significantly influence a property’s perceived value. A freshly painted bathroom, in modern and appealing shades, can be a standout feature for potential buyers. It not only showcases the care you’ve put into the upkeep of the home but also offers them one less task on their to-do list after purchase. Thus, a simple act of repainting can render considerable returns on investment when it comes time to sell.

Factors that Determine the Cost of Painting a Bathroom

Before you start painting your bathroom, it’s important to consider several factors that can affect the cost:

1. Size of the Bathroom

The overall cost of painting your bathroom is closely tied to its dimensions. Larger bathrooms will naturally require more materials and time, adding to the total expense.

2. Condition of the Walls

The condition of your walls also affects the cost of painting. If your walls are in good condition, you may only need a single coat of paint. However, if there are cracks or holes in your walls, you may need to repair them before painting.

3. Type of Paint and Finishes

For moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, it’s essential to opt for paints that resist mold and mildew.

Opting for superior-grade paints, though potentially more costly, ensures extended durability and a richer finish.

The color palette you choose can further affect costs. Some hues might necessitate additional applications to bring out the desired tone, and certain shades might carry a premium due to their current trendiness or limited supply.

4. Labor Costs

Labor costs are another significant factor that determines the cost of painting a bathroom. Professional painters charge an hourly rate that varies depending on their experience.

If your bathroom has intricate details, such as crown molding, wainscoting, or wallpaper, it will also take more time and skill to paint them, which will increase the labor cost.

Calculating the Cost

To calculate the cost of painting your bathroom, you need to consider several factors:

1. Determining the Square Footage

The first step is to determine the square footage of your bathroom walls and ceiling that need to be painted. There are different methods for measuring square footage, but it’s important to be accurate as this will affect your cost estimate.

2. Estimating the Cost of Paint

Once you have determined the square footage, you can estimate the cost of paint based on the average cost per gallon and the amount of paint needed based on square footage.

3. How much paint do I need to buy for my bathroom?

To estimate how much paint you need to buy for your bathroom, you need to know two things : the total area of your bathroom walls and ceiling and the coverage of your chosen paint (which you can find on the label or online). Then, you need to divide the total area by the coverage to get the number of gallons you need.

For example, if your bathroom walls and ceiling have a total area of 100 square feet and your paint has a coverage of 400 square feet per gallon, you need 100 / 400 = 0.25 gallons of paint. However, you should always round up to the nearest whole number (in this case 1 gallon) because it is better to have some extra paint than not enough.

You should also add 10% to 20% more paint to account for waste, spillage, and multiple coats. Therefore, you should buy 1.2 to 1.4 gallons of paint for your bathroom in this scenario.

4. Accounting for Scope of Work

You also need to consider labor costs, which depend on factors such as prep work, repairing damaged walls, removal of wallpaper or previous paint, and additional features like vanity and tiles.

5. Additional Expenses

In addition to paint and labor costs, there are other expenses to consider such as necessary equipment and tools, costs for primer, brushes, and other materials, and potential unexpected expenses.

Sample Cost Breakdown

Here’s an example scenario based on an average-sized bathroom:

  • Paint cost: $108 – $145
  • Labor cost: $330 – $798
  • Additional expenses: $7 – $8

Total cost: $444 – $951

Tips for Keeping Costs Down

Here are some tips for keeping costs down:

1. DIY vs Hiring a Professional Painter

One way to save money is by doing it yourself instead of hiring a professional painter. However, keep in mind that painting requires skill and experience. If you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s best to hire a professional.

2. Comparison Shopping for Paint and Supplies

Another way to save money is by comparing prices for paint and supplies from different stores. Look for sales or discounts that can help you save money.

3. Proper Preparation to Avoid Extra Costs

Proper preparation is essential to avoid extra costs. Make sure you clean your bathroom thoroughly before painting. Cover any fixtures or surfaces that you don’t want to get paint on.

Final Thoughts

Painting your bathroom is a great way to dramatically update the look and feel of your bathroom. By budgeting and planning ahead, you can transform your bathroom efficiently with a paint job without burning a hole in your pocket.

Additional Bathroom Remodel Resources