Ceilings have a way of showing their age before anything else. Light catches every mark, every uneven patch, every spot where the old paint has dulled over time.
And when you start thinking about freshening it up, the first question is usually the same: what does it cost to paint a ceiling?
The answer depends on a few straightforward variables – size, condition, access, and materials. We’ll walk through each one so you can plan with realistic numbers.
Key Notes
Ceiling painting runs about $3–$4 per square foot in Seattle.
Room size, ceiling height, stains, and texture significantly change total cost.
Flat or matte finishes hide imperfections and suit most ceilings.
What Seattle Homeowners Pay To Paint A Ceiling
Most ceiling projects fall into a simple formula: multiply your ceiling square footage by a per-square-foot rate.
Where that rate lands depends on whether you want labor only or labor with paint included.
Labor + materials: Typically $3 per sq ft for interior full coverage painting
Labor + materials + paint: Typically $4 per sq ft
Cost Per Square Foot & How To Use It
We price ceilings two ways, depending on the scope:
A) Labor + Materials
Choose this if you already have the paint on hand or you want a very specific brand and finish that you will supply. Labor covers protection, clean edges, rolling or spraying, and cleanup.
Expect about $3 per sq ft.
B) Labor + Materials + Paint
If you want a turnkey ceiling repaint with quality paint included, budget about $4 per sq ft.
This includes contractor-grade sundries, primer if needed, and a suitable flat or matte ceiling coating.
Do The Math In 10 Seconds:
Measure length and width. Multiply for square feet.
Multiply square feet by $3 or $4.
Add any repairs, access, or specialty primer if needed.
For example:
120 sq ft ceiling at labor only: 120 × $3 = $360
120 sq ft ceiling with paint included: 120 × $4 = $480
500 sq ft great room ceiling with paint included: 500 × $4 = $2,000
Cost by Ceiling Size
Small ceilings, up to 100 to 150 sq ft
Typical spaces: Small bedrooms, powder rooms, compact offices
Range: $300 to $600 labor only, or $400 to $600+ with paint included
Paint quantity: One coat uses roughly 0.25 to 0.29 gallons per 100 sq ft. Two coats will need about 0.5 to 0.6 gallons per 100 sq ft
Medium ceilings, 150 to 300 sq ft
Typical spaces: Standard bedrooms, dining rooms, smaller living rooms
Range: $450 to $1,000 depending on whether paint is included and if primer is needed
Notes: A single overhead light can reveal roller marks. Two thin coats look better than one heavy coat
Large ceilings, 300 to 500+ sq ft
Typical spaces: Primary living, open concept rooms, combined living and dining
Range: $900 to $2,000+ with paint included
Notes: Longer cut lines and more ladder moves slow production. Vaults and tall walls raise costs due to access and safety
Whole home ceilings
When repainting all ceilings in a condo, townhome, or single-family home, economies of scale kick in. Less repeated prep. Faster batch priming. Fewer color breaks.
This usually reduces the effective per sq ft rate compared to a single ceiling.
What Moves the Price?
You can predict your number by looking at these variables:
Size & Complexity
Bigger rooms spread fixed setup time over more square footage. That lowers the effective per sq ft cost. Complex ceilings like trays, coffers, curves, or deep crown raise it.
Ceiling Condition
Water stains, smoke residue, grease near kitchens, peeling from a prior bad paint job. Each one adds a primer step or extra sanding. That means more labor and some material cost.
Texture & Finish
Smooth is faster to roll. Heavy texture uses more paint and can require spray application or back rolling. Flat and matte finishes hide imperfections and are usually the right pick for ceilings.
Access Challenges
Crowded rooms, built-in shelving, stairwells, or tight landings slow work. High ceilings need taller ladders or platforms.
Labor and Regional Rates
Seattle has higher wages than many regions. That shows up in the labor component of your estimate. It is also why a fast, clean crew that works in a single visit adds real value.
Materials and Paint Grade
Contractor-grade ceiling paints cover well at a smart price. Premium self-priming or anti-reflection coatings can be worth it in large rooms with harsh lighting but they cost more.
Permits and Compliance
Basic repainting normally does not require permits. If there is damaged drywall, suspected asbestos in a popcorn texture, or prior repairs to address, we will talk you through safe next steps before painting.
Timing and Scope
Tight timelines, end-of-lease punch lists, or scheduling around other trades can increase labor hours. A full home repaint often nets you better efficiency than piecemeal work.
The Right Paint & Finish for Ceilings
We keep finishes simple and purpose-built.
Flat or matte is the default for most ceilings. It hides small seams and roller marks. It looks clean in natural and artificial light.
Durable matte or mildew-resistant paints are best for bathrooms and kitchens. Steam, humidity, and cooking residue will test the coating.
Brands That Many Seattle Homeowners Like:
Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint
Johnstone’s Perfect Matt
Tikkurila Anti Reflex White 2
Sherwin Williams HGTV Home Flat White
For baths and kitchens, products like Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa or a trade-grade grade durable matte hold up better
👉 Not sure which way to go? Tell us where the ceiling lives, what the light is like, and if you fight humidity. We’ll match the coating to the room so it stays clean longer.
How Much Paint Do You Need?
It’s pretty easy to estimate paint quantity:
One coat of ceiling paint covers about 350 to 400 sq ft per gallon
Two coats will use about 0.5 to 0.6 gallons per 100 sq ft
Primer tends to cover 225 to 275 sq ft per gallon
Textured ceilings can use 20–30% more paint than smooth
Example: A 200 sq ft ceiling with two coats needs roughly 1.0 to 1.2 gallons of ceiling paint. If a stain blocker is required, add one gallon of primer to be safe.
DIY or Hire a Pro?
You can roll a small, low ceiling yourself if you are comfortable on a ladder and you have time to prep properly. Expect to buy rollers, a quality brush for edges, tape, plastic, drop cloths, and possibly a stain-blocking primer.
Material savings can be real for a single room.
Where Pros Save You Time & Headaches:
Tall ceilings and stairwells that need safe staging
Multiple rooms where batch prep matters
Ceilings with stains, prior texture, or repairs that require careful priming and blend work
Homes where dust and cleanup are top concerns
With us, you get licensed and insured technicians, single-visit capability whenever possible, and texture matching if repairs are involved. You also get a clean handoff and a one-year workmanship guarantee. If something is not right, we come back and make it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ceiling height change the price?
Yes. Anything above standard 8–9 ft ceilings usually requires taller ladders or staging, which adds setup time and slows down the cut-in work. Higher ceilings typically cost more per square foot because of the added access and safety measures.
Can you match my existing ceiling color without repainting the whole room?
Most ceilings can be spot-matched if the original paint is in good condition. But older ceilings or ceilings with uneven aging may require full repainting to avoid visible patch lines. We’ll tell you upfront which option will actually look seamless.
How long do I need to stay out of the room after painting?
For standard flat ceiling paint, rooms are usually walkable again in a few hours. Full cure takes longer, but light use and normal airflow are fine once the paint sets. Bathrooms or kitchens may need a bit more ventilation time due to humidity.
Will painting the ceiling make the room look brighter?
Yes. A fresh flat white ceiling reflects more light and can make a room feel noticeably brighter and cleaner. It’s one of the simplest ways to refresh a space, especially in older Seattle homes where ceilings slowly dull over time.
Need A Ceiling Price Before You Commit?
Transparent quotes backed by licensed techs & a one-year guarantee.
Conclusion
Repainting a ceiling is one of those small projects that changes the whole feel of a room, but the cost to paint a ceiling depends on a few variables: square footage, condition, access, and whether you want labor only at about $3 per sq ft or a full paint-included scope closer to $4 per sq ft.
A 120 sq ft bedroom may sit around $360–$480, while a 300–500 sq ft living room can push $900–$2,000+ depending on height and prep. Add in things like stains, humidity, or texture, and the numbers shift.
But the common thread is simple: clean prep, good materials, and careful application make the difference between a ceiling that just looks fine and one that disappears into the room the way it should.
If you want clear pricing for your ceiling – big room, small repair, or a whole house refresh – send a few photos and we’ll give you a no-pressure quote along with the schedule you can expect. Clean work, honest numbers, and a finish you won’t have to rethink.
