How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Bathroom in 2024

Cost Overview

Average Cost Range: According to recent data from HomeAdvisor and Angi, the average cost to paint a bathroom in 2024 ranges from $200 to $800, with most homeowners spending around $500 for a 50-square-foot bathroom.

DIY painting can be a budget-friendly option, with costs ranging from $100 to $300, whereas professional painting typically ranges from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on various factors.

Factors Influencing Cost:

• Room/Bathroom Size: Larger bathrooms require more paint and labor, which leads to increased costs. 
• Wall Height and Room Function: Higher ceilings or intricate layouts can add to the cost.
• Type and Quality of Paint: Higher-quality, moisture-resistant paints are more expensive but provide better durability in humid environments. This is where it may make sense to splurge a little bit for paint better suited for bathrooms. 
• Color Selection: Darker colors or significant color changes may require additional coats, increasing paint and labor costs.
• Location and Labor Costs: Prices can vary based on local cost of living and labor rates.
• Additional Supplies Needed: Brushes, rollers, drop cloths, and other supplies can quickly add up. 
• Prep Work and Number of Coats Required: Extensive prep work or multiple coats of paint increase time and labor costs.
• Baseboard, Trim, and Wood Paneling: Painting these areas can add to the project's complexity and cost.

Detailed Cost Breakdown (on average)

Cost by Size and Square Footage:

• Small Bathroom (30-50 sq. ft.): $100 to $300
• Medium Bathroom (50-100 sq. ft.): $300 to $600
• Large Bathroom (100-200 sq. ft.): $600 to $1,200

Labor Costs:

• Per Square Foot: Professional painters typically charge $2 to $6 per square foot.
• Hourly Rates: Hourly rates for professional painters range from $20 to $75 per hour, depending on location and experience.

Paint Prices:

• Per Gallon: Quality bathroom paint costs $30 to $60 per gallon.
• Type: Moisture-resistant, semi-gloss paint is recommended for bathrooms, costing $40 to $80 per gallon.

Costs for DIY vs. Professional Painting:

• DIY: $100 to $300 for supplies and paint.
• Professional: $300 to $1,000 or more, including labor and materials.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Preparation Steps: Repairing walls, priming, and cleanup can add $50 to $200 to the project cost.
• Textured Walls: Painting textured walls may require special techniques or additional labor, increasing costs by 20% to 50%.
• Common Bathroom Painting Add-Ons: Painting the ceiling ($50 to $200) or updating hardware and fixtures ($50 to $500) can increase overall costs.
• Budget Management and Hiring Local Professionals: Obtain multiple quotes and carefully compare pricing and services to find the best value for your budget.

DIY Painting

Estimated DIY Costs and Supplies

• Paint: $30 to $80 per gallon
• Supplies (brushes, rollers, drop cloths, tape): $50 to $100
• Total DIY Cost = $100 to $300

Tips for DIY Painting:

• Reusing Paint Supplies: Properly clean and store brushes, rollers, and trays for future use.
• Calculating Wall Space: Measure walls accurately to purchase the correct amount of paint.
• Investing in Paint Quality: Choose high-quality, moisture-resistant paint for the best results and longevity.
• Reusing Colors: Consider using leftover paint from other projects to save money.

Professional Painting

Hiring a Professional: Costs and Considerations

• Labor Costs: $200 to $800 or more, depending on bathroom size and complexity.
• Materials: Professional painters typically include materials in their quotes.
• Total Professional Cost = $300 to $1,000 or more.

Factors Affecting Professional Painting Costs:

• Painter's experience and reputation
• Scope of the project (repairs, prep work, number of coats)
• Geographic location and local labor rates

Tips for Hiring a Professional:

• Research and compare multiple painters
• Read reviews and ask for references
• Obtain detailed, written quotes with a clear scope of work
• Verify licensing and insurance

FAQs and Additional Tips

Repainting Frequency and Paint Coats:

• Bathrooms typically require repainting every 3 to 4 years due to humidity and frequent use.
• Two coats of paint are generally recommended for optimal coverage and durability.

Washable Paint and Painting Behind Toilets:

• Use washable, semi-gloss paint for easy cleaning and moisture resistance.
• Remove toilets for a seamless look, or carefully paint around them for a quicker project.

Saving Money on Painting Projects:

• Do prep work yourself, such as cleaning and repairing walls
• Use paint samples to test colors before purchasing full gallons
• Look for sales or discounts on paint and supplies

Preparation for Painting:

1. Remove fixtures, hardware, and outlet covers
2. Repair cracks, holes, or imperfections in walls
3. Clean and sand surfaces for better paint adhesion

Time Required to Paint a Room/Space:

• A small bathroom can be painted in 1 to 2 days
• Larger bathrooms or complex projects may take 3 to 5 days

Painting your bathroom is a smart and relatively cost-effective way to refresh the space and add value to your home. By understanding the factors that influence painting costs and carefully considering your options for DIY or professional painting, you can make informed decisions that maximize the quality and value of your project.

Whether you choose to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional, careful planning, budgeting, and attention to detail will help ensure a successful bathroom painting project in 2024.