EdgeLocal

How Much Does Painting Cost? — 2026 Guide

Interior and exterior painting, staining and surface preparation.

Average cost range

$2,500–$7,500

for a typical house exterior or several interior rooms

Cost factorImpact on price
Surface prepScraping, sanding and repairs often take more time than painting.
Square footage and heightTwo-story exteriors need ladders, lifts or scaffolding.
Paint qualityPremium paints cost more but last longer.
Number of colorsAccent walls and multiple trim colors add labor.
Lead-safe practicesHomes built before 1978 require EPA lead-safe work methods.
Typical range$2,500–$7,500 for a typical house exterior or several interior rooms

Two similar-looking jobs can be priced very differently once materials, access and local labor rates are taken into account, so the most reliable number is a written quote for your project.

Typical U.S. ranges from industry sources (2024–25); not EdgeLocal data. Your quote will vary with scope, materials and location.

EdgeLocal lists 5,835 painters in total.

How to get quotes

  1. Describe your project once: what needs doing, your ZIP code and your timeline.
  2. EdgeLocal sends your request to local painters who cover your area.
  3. Compare two or three written quotes on scope, materials, timeline and warranty — not just price.

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What affects the cost

  • Square footage and number of rooms or stories
  • Surface prep: scraping, patching, sanding and priming
  • Paint quality and number of coats
  • Trim, doors, cabinets and ceilings included or not
  • Lead-safe practices for homes built before 1978

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What brand and product line of paint is included in the price?
  • How will you prepare surfaces, and is priming included?
  • Can you show proof of general liability insurance and, if you have employees, workers’ compensation coverage?
  • Will you give me a written, itemized estimate and a written contract before work starts?
  • What warranty do you offer on labor, and who handles manufacturer warranty claims?

Verify your contractor

Iowa requires contractors doing residential construction over $2,000 to be registered with the Iowa Division of Labor under Iowa Code Chapter 91C. Before you sign, check the registration number on the estimate against the state registry.

Look up an Iowa contractor registration

What painters do

Painting contractors handle surface prep — scraping, sanding, caulking and priming — then apply paint or stain to walls, ceilings, trim, siding, cabinets and decks. Many also repair minor drywall and wood rot before painting.

Find painters by state

Hiring painters: what to know

Painters prepare and paint interior and exterior surfaces, trim, cabinets and decks. Painting contractors handle surface prep — scraping, sanding, caulking and priming — then apply paint or stain to walls, ceilings, trim, siding, cabinets and decks. Many also repair minor drywall and wood rot before painting.

Typical U.S. ranges from industry sources (2024–25); not EdgeLocal data. Your quote will vary with scope, materials and location.

How to hire a painter

  1. Ask about prep work. The quote should describe scraping, caulking, priming and repairs.
  2. Confirm paint products. Specify brand, product line and number of coats.
  3. Check lead certification. For pre-1978 homes, ask for EPA RRP certification.
  4. Ask about cleanup and protection. Furniture, floors and landscaping should be protected.
  5. Get a written warranty. Many painters warranty against peeling for 2–5 years.

Red flags to watch for

  • Quote does not mention prep or number of coats
  • Price far below other bids
  • No EPA lead-safe certification for an older home
  • Paints exteriors in wet or freezing weather

Licensing

Painting is generally covered by state contractor registration (such as Iowa contractor registration) rather than a trade license. Firms working on pre-1978 homes must be EPA RRP lead-safe certified.

Best time to hire

Exterior painting season runs May through early October in the Upper Midwest. Interior painting is ideal in winter when painters have more availability.

Related services

Painting cost FAQs

How often should a house exterior be painted?

Every 7–10 years for most painted siding; sooner on sun-facing walls or wood with heavy weathering.

What temperature is needed for exterior paint?

Most exterior paints need 35–50°F or higher during application and drying; check the product label.

Can kitchen cabinets be painted instead of replaced?

Yes. Professional cabinet painting with proper degreasing, priming and sprayed finishes costs a fraction of new cabinets.

How much do painters charge?

Typical U.S. pricing runs about $2,500–$7,500 for a typical house exterior or several interior rooms. The biggest drivers are surface prep, square footage and height, paint quality. These are industry estimates, not EdgeLocal data — get at least three written quotes.

Do painters need a license?

Painting is generally covered by state contractor registration (such as Iowa contractor registration) rather than a trade license. Firms working on pre-1978 homes must be EPA RRP lead-safe certified.

When is the best time to hire a painter?

Exterior painting season runs May through early October in the Upper Midwest. Interior painting is ideal in winter when painters have more availability.

How do I verify a contractor in Iowa?

Iowa requires contractors doing residential construction over $2,000 to register with the Iowa Division of Labor (Iowa Code Chapter 91C). You can look up a registration on EdgeLocal’s verify page.

Related cost guides

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