Interior painting seems straightforward until you start running the numbers. Square footage, wall condition, trim, ceilings, paint quality – it all stacks up.
Maybe the walls need a bit of repair first, or the texture isn’t as even as it looks from a distance. To keep everything clear, we’ll break down interior painting cost, examples, and what drives pricing.
Key Notes
Seattle interior painting averages $3–$4 per sq ft depending on paint inclusion.
Room size affects totals. Small rooms start around $300; larger spaces rise from there.
DIY tools cost $75–$150, while pro work offers cleaner prep and guaranteed results.
Interior Painting Cost in Seattle
We keep painting prices straightforward, so you always know what you're paying for:
Standard Interior Painting:
$3 per sq ft for labor + materials
$4 per sq ft for labor + materials + paint included
Patch-Blend Painting After Drywall Repair:
Small repair: $150
Medium repair: $150–$600
Large repairs: $600+ (paint cost added separately)
What This Covers:
Proper prep and protection
Dust-controlled sanding when repairs are involved
Primer + two coats for clean coverage
Seamless blending where drywall and paint meet
One-year workmanship guarantee – if something doesn’t look right, we come back and fix it
Interior Painting Cost Breakdown
Painting costs fall into four buckets. Keeping them separate makes the math cleaner and helps you understand exactly where the money goes.
1. Labor
Labor is the biggest cost driver because painting isn’t just rolling color onto a wall. It includes:
Surface prep
Masking and protection
Cutting edges cleanly
Two-coat coverage
Cleanup
Most Seattle rooms take anywhere from 2–6 hours depending on layout and prep. High ceilings, heavy trim, and multiple colors extend that time.
2. Materials (Excluding Paint)
These items support a clean, controlled job:
Tape and masking film
Drop cloths
Rollers and covers
Primer
Cutting brushes
Patching materials
These aren’t huge individually, but they add up across a whole room.
3. Paint Cost
Interior paint ranges widely based on brand and finish:
Budget: $25–$30/gal (Behr, Valspar)
Mid–High: $35–$50/gal (Benjamin Moore Regal Select, Sherwin-Williams Emerald)
Premium paints cover better, last longer, and give smoother results. Low-VOC options are especially important indoors.
Most rooms require 1–2 gallons, depending on color changes and wall condition.
4. Prep & Repairs
This is where Seattle homes often add complexity:
Older textures needing skim-coating
Moisture damage around bathrooms and windows
Settlement cracks
Nail pops
Dark colors needing extra primer
Prep is what separates a “quick coat” from a professional job that lasts. If drywall needs repairs, we fix it before a brush ever touches the wall.
Cost Examples By Room Size
Here are examples using our prices so you can estimate your own space:
Small Bedroom (100 sq ft wall area)
$300 (labor + materials)
$400 (labor + materials + paint)
Common add-ons: door/trim, minor patching, small nail holes
Medium Bedroom or Home Office (200–250 sq ft)
$600–$750 (labor + materials)
$800–$1,000 (labor + materials + paint)
Living Room (300–400 sq ft)
More wall space, more corners, more detail.
$900–$1,200 (labor + materials)
$1,200–$1,600 (labor + materials + paint)
Kitchen or Bathroom
Smaller spaces but heavier prep because of moisture and trim.
$400–$900 depending on complexity
Single Accent Wall
$150–$350 depending on size, color change, and height
These examples don’t include drywall repairs. If repairs are needed, you’d add patch-blend pricing or a drywall repair tier.
How to Calculate Your Own Interior Painting Cost?
Step 1: Measure the Wall
Height × width = total square footage.
Subtract areas for windows and doors.
Step 2: Determine Paint Quantity
Most walls need two coats.
If your wall is 12 sq meters (about 130 sq ft), minus a 2 sq meter door, you get 10 sq meters of paintable area.
10 sq m × 2 coats = 20 sq m total coverage needed
If paint covers ~10 sq m per liter → 2 liters needed
Step 3: Convert to Cost
Take the total wall area × $3 or $4 depending on whether you want us to purchase the paint.
Example:
150 sq ft room × $3/sq ft = $450
With paint included: $600
DIY vs Professional Painting Costs
DIY is a great option for some people, but it’s not always cheaper in the long run.
DIY Costs
Tools typically cost $75–$150:
Rollers + covers: $10–$30
Brushes: $10–$20 each
Tape: $5–$10
Drop cloths: $10–$25
Sandpaper + patching: $10–$20
+ paint at $25–$40 per gallon.
DIY Makes Sense If:
The walls are in good shape
The room is small
You’re comfortable with the prep work
But it takes time, and mistakes are easy to spot on a finished wall.
Professional Costs
Professionals bring:
Clean cut lines
Fast prep and patching
Streamlined workflow
Proper masking and protection
Even finishes across textured surfaces
Complete cleanup
Workmanship guarantee
Hiring Pros Makes Sense When:
Walls or ceilings need repair
You’re dealing with vaulted ceilings
You want a uniform finish with zero streaks
You don’t have days to spend doing it yourself
The cost is higher, but so is the finish.
Best Interior Paint Brands & Finishes
If you’re choosing paint yourself, these options consistently perform well:
High-Quality Brands
Benjamin Moore Regal Select / Aura – smooth coverage, low VOC
Sherwin-Williams Emerald – durable, washable, rich finish
Budget-Friendly But Reliable
Behr Premium Plus
Valspar 2000
These still deliver solid results without jumping to premium pricing.
Choosing the Right Finish
Matte/Flat: Best for low-traffic rooms
Eggshell: The go-to for most walls
Satin: Kitchens/baths (wipeable)
Semi-Gloss: Trim and doors
The finish affects durability, sheen, and how imperfections show up under light.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does interior paint usually last before it needs refreshing?
Most interior paint jobs last 5–10 years depending on traffic, moisture, and paint quality. High-humidity rooms like bathrooms tend to need repainting sooner, while bedrooms and living rooms hold their finish much longer.
Do I need to move all my furniture before painting starts?
Not everything needs to leave the room, but clear space helps. We can work around larger pieces by covering and protecting them, but removing smaller items makes the job cleaner and faster.
Is there anything I should do to prep the room before painters arrive?
It helps to take down wall decor, unplug electronics, and clear surfaces. We handle the protection, masking, and floor prep – you just make sure the space is accessible.
Can you help me choose paint colors and finishes?
Yes. We don’t push colors, but we’ll guide you on sheen, durability, and how certain tones behave in your lighting. The goal is a finish that fits your space and holds up well over time.
Want A Painting Estimate Built Around Your Space?
Enjoy smooth prep, no mess & guaranteed workmanship.
Conclusion
Interior painting cost isn’t always easy to pin down, but the numbers get clearer once you break things into square footage, prep, and paint quality.
In Seattle, most interior painting lands between $3–$4 per square foot, depending on whether paint is included and how much repair work the walls need. A small bedroom often sits in the low hundreds, while larger living spaces rise from there.
Factoring in paint type, condition of the walls, and the number of coats helps keep your budget realistic and avoids surprises.
If you're planning to update a room or the whole place, a tailored quote goes a long way. We can look at your walls, consider the prep they need, and give you clear pricing that reflects your space. Get your free quote now!
