Your walls are scuffed and faded. Your exterior paint is peeling. You want to refresh your home's look but don't want to spend weeks doing it yourself. You need professional painting services, but where do you find reliable painters near you? And how much should you expect to pay?
Professional painting does more than improve appearance—it protects surfaces from damage, increases home value, saves you time and effort, and provides a flawless finish that lasts years. But with varying quality levels and pricing structures, finding the right painter can be overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide shows you everything you need to know about painting services. You'll learn what interior and exterior painting costs, what's included in professional services, how to choose quality painters, and where to find local professionals who won't overcharge you.
🎨 Types of Painting Services & Costs
🏠 Interior Painting
$1,500-3,500
Paint walls, ceilings, and trim inside your home.
- Per sq ft: $1.50-3.50
- Per room (12x12): $300-800
- Whole house: $1,500-4,000
- Includes: 2 coats, prep, cleanup
- Time: 2-5 days
🏡 Exterior Painting
$2,500-6,000
Paint siding, trim, doors, and exterior surfaces.
- Per sq ft: $2-5
- Single-story: $1,500-3,500
- Two-story: $3,000-6,000
- Three-story: $5,000-10,000+
- Time: 3-7 days
🚪 Cabinet Painting
$1,000-3,500
Refinish kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
- Per cabinet: $50-150
- Small kitchen: $1,000-2,000
- Large kitchen: $2,500-5,000
- Includes: Sanding, priming, 2 coats
- Time: 3-5 days
🪵 Deck & Fence Staining
$500-2,000
Stain or paint decks, fences, and outdoor wood.
- Deck (per sq ft): $1-3
- Fence (per linear ft): $3-8
- Average deck: $500-1,500
- Average fence: $800-2,500
- Includes: Cleaning, staining, sealing
🎨 Accent Wall Painting
$150-500
Paint single accent wall with special color or finish.
- Standard wall: $150-300
- Textured finish: $300-600
- Mural/design: $500-2,000+
- Wallpaper removal: $200-500 extra
- Time: 1 day
🚪 Trim & Door Painting
$50-150/door
Paint baseboards, crown molding, doors, and trim.
- Per door: $50-150
- Baseboards (per linear ft): $1-3
- Crown molding (per linear ft): $2-4
- Whole house trim: $500-2,000
- Includes: Prep, 2 coats
🏢 Commercial Painting
$2-6/sq ft
Paint offices, retail spaces, and commercial buildings.
- Small office: $1,000-3,000
- Retail space: $2,000-8,000
- Large building: $10,000-50,000+
- After-hours: Often required
- Time: Varies by size
📜 Wallpaper Removal
$200-800
Remove old wallpaper and prep walls for painting.
- Per sq ft: $1-3
- Per room: $200-800
- Whole house: $800-2,500
- Includes: Removal, wall repair, prep
- Note: Labor-intensive
💰 Understanding Painting Costs
Average Pricing by Project Type
| Project Type | Size/Area | Average Cost | Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Room (Interior) | 12x12 ft | $300-800 | $1.50-3.50 |
| Living Room (Interior) | 15x20 ft | $600-1,200 | $1.50-3.50 |
| Whole House Interior (3-bed) | 1,500-2,000 sq ft | $2,500-5,000 | $1.50-3.50 |
| Exterior (Single-Story) | 1,000-1,500 sq ft | $1,500-3,500 | $2-4 |
| Exterior (Two-Story) | 1,500-2,500 sq ft | $3,000-6,000 | $2-5 |
| Kitchen Cabinets | 15-20 cabinets | $1,500-3,500 | $50-150 per cabinet |
| Deck Staining | 300-500 sq ft | $500-1,500 | $1-3 |
Factors That Affect Painting Cost
- Square footage: Larger areas cost more
- Number of coats: 2 coats standard, 3+ costs more
- Paint quality: Premium paint costs $40-80/gallon vs. $20-40 for basic
- Prep work: Repairs, sanding, priming add 20-40% to cost
- Ceiling height: High ceilings require scaffolding (adds 20-50%)
- Trim and detail work: More labor-intensive
- Color changes: Dark to light requires extra coats
- Surface condition: Damaged walls need repair
- Location: Urban areas cost 20-40% more
- Season: Spring/summer peak season may cost more
💡 What's Typically Included vs. Extra
Usually Included:
- Surface preparation (cleaning, sanding, patching small holes)
- Primer application
- 2 coats of paint
- Trim and door painting (if specified)
- Protecting floors and furniture with drop cloths
- Cleanup and paint disposal
Usually Extra Cost:
- Extensive wall repairs or drywall work
- Wallpaper removal
- Cabinet painting
- Textured or specialty finishes
- Multiple colors (more than 2-3)
- Moving heavy furniture
- High ceilings requiring scaffolding
🏠 Interior vs. Exterior Painting
Interior Painting
Cost: $1.50-3.50 per square foot or $300-800 per room
What's Involved:
- Protecting floors and furniture
- Patching holes and imperfections
- Sanding rough areas
- Applying primer (if needed)
- Painting walls (2 coats)
- Painting trim, doors, baseboards
- Cleanup and touch-ups
Timeline: 1-2 days per room, 3-7 days for whole house
Best Time: Any time of year (indoor work)
Exterior Painting
Cost: $2-5 per square foot or $2,500-6,000 for average homes
What's Involved:
- Power washing exterior surfaces
- Scraping old, peeling paint
- Repairing damaged wood or siding
- Caulking gaps and cracks
- Applying primer
- Painting siding (2 coats)
- Painting trim, doors, shutters
Timeline: 3-7 days depending on size and weather
Best Time: Spring through fall (dry, mild weather)
⚠️ Weather Considerations for Exterior Painting
Exterior painting requires specific weather conditions:
- Temperature: 50-85°F ideal (paint won't cure properly outside this range)
- Humidity: Below 70% (high humidity prevents proper drying)
- Rain: No rain for 24-48 hours before and after painting
- Wind: Minimal wind (causes debris to stick to wet paint)
- Direct sunlight: Can cause paint to dry too quickly and crack
This is why exterior painting is seasonal in most climates and may be delayed by weather.
🔍 How to Find Reliable Painters Near You
💡 Why Local Platforms Save You Money
On zero-fee platforms like GigNGo, you connect directly with local painters without middleman markups:
- No platform fees: Painters don't pay 15-30% commission, so they charge less
- Direct communication: Discuss colors, finishes, and timeline directly
- Local professionals: Find experienced painters in your neighborhood
- Real reviews: See feedback from actual local customers
- Build relationships: Find reliable painters for future projects
- Transparent pricing: See detailed quotes upfront
- Better for painters: They keep 100% of earnings, so they're more motivated
- Portfolio viewing: See before/after photos of their work
Average savings: 30-50% compared to national painting chains, while painters earn more. Everyone wins.
Qualities of Reliable Painters:
- Good reviews from multiple customers (15+ reviews)
- Before/after photos showing their work quality
- Professional equipment and materials
- Insurance and bonding
- Clear, detailed written quotes
- Willing to provide references
- Explains prep work and process
- Uses quality paint brands
- Offers warranty on workmanship (1-2 years typical)
- Punctual and professional
- Cleans up thoroughly after work
- Provides paint brand/color recommendations
⚠️ Red Flags to Avoid
- Extremely low prices — May cut corners or use cheap paint
- No written contract — Always get detailed quote in writing
- Requires full payment upfront — Pay deposit (25-50%), rest on completion
- No insurance — You're liable for injuries or damage
- Vague about paint brand/quality — Should specify paint type
- Won't provide references — Can't verify quality
- Pressures you to decide immediately — Take time to compare quotes
- Doesn't mention prep work — Prep is 70% of a quality paint job
- Cash-only, no receipt — Likely unlicensed
- No warranty offered — Quality painters stand behind their work
💡 Pro Tips for Painting Projects
Save Money
- Use local platforms: Save 30-50% vs. national chains
- Do your own prep: Move furniture, patch small holes (saves 20-30%)
- Paint one room at a time: Spread cost over time
- Choose neutral colors: Easier to paint, fewer coats needed
- Buy your own paint: Get contractor pricing at paint stores
- Schedule off-season: Winter (for interior) often has lower rates
- Get multiple quotes: Compare 3-5 detailed estimates
- Bundle projects: Paint multiple rooms for better per-room rate
- Skip unnecessary extras: Only get what you truly need
- Use quality paint: Lasts longer, fewer coats, better coverage
Prepare for Painters
- Move furniture: Clear rooms or move to center
- Remove wall decorations: Pictures, mirrors, outlet covers
- Patch large holes: Or discuss with painter
- Clean surfaces: Remove dust and dirt
- Secure pets: Keep them away from work area
- Choose colors in advance: Have paint codes ready
- Discuss finish: Matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, gloss
- Plan for ventilation: Open windows during and after
- Arrange access: Ensure painters can get in
- Protect valuables: Move or cover expensive items
Choosing Paint Colors & Finishes
Paint Finishes Explained:
- Flat/Matte: No shine, hides imperfections, hard to clean (bedrooms, ceilings)
- Eggshell: Slight sheen, easy to clean (living rooms, dining rooms)
- Satin: Soft sheen, durable, washable (kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms)
- Semi-gloss: Shiny, very durable (trim, doors, cabinets)
- Gloss: Very shiny, extremely durable (doors, furniture, high-traffic trim)
Color Selection Tips:
- Test colors with sample pots on your walls
- View samples in different lighting (morning, afternoon, evening)
- Consider how colors flow from room to room
- Lighter colors make rooms feel larger
- Darker colors create cozy, intimate spaces
- Neutral colors increase resale value
- Bold colors work best as accent walls
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does professional painting cost?
Professional painting costs $2-6 per square foot or $1,500-4,000 for average homes. Interior painting: $1.50-3.50 per sq ft, $300-800 per room. Exterior painting: $2-5 per sq ft, $2,500-6,000 for whole house. Factors: square footage, number of coats, paint quality, prep work needed, ceiling height, and location. Additional services: trim painting, cabinet painting, wallpaper removal. On local platforms like GigNGo, find painters 30-50% cheaper than national chains.
How long does it take to paint a house?
Interior painting takes 2-5 days for average homes. Single room: 1-2 days. Whole house interior: 3-7 days. Exterior painting: 3-7 days depending on size and weather. Factors affecting time: square footage, number of coats, prep work needed, drying time between coats, number of painters, and weather (for exterior). Most painters work 6-8 hours per day. Large homes or extensive prep work may take 1-2 weeks.
What's included in professional painting services?
Professional painting typically includes: surface preparation (cleaning, sanding, patching holes), primer application, 2 coats of paint, trim and door painting, protecting floors and furniture, and cleanup. Usually extra cost: extensive repairs, wallpaper removal, cabinet painting, textured finishes, multiple colors, and moving heavy furniture. Always clarify what's included in your quote. Quality painters use premium materials and proper techniques for long-lasting results.
Should I paint interior or exterior first?
Paint exterior first if doing both. Reasons: exterior painting is weather-dependent (spring-fall only), interior can be done year-round, exterior work is messier and may track dirt inside, and exterior protects your home from elements (more urgent). However, if: exterior weather is poor, you're selling soon and interior is priority, or exterior is in good condition, then do interior first. Most homeowners do exterior in spring/summer, interior in fall/winter. Discuss timing with your painter for best results.
How often should I repaint my house?
Interior: every 5-10 years depending on wear. High-traffic areas (hallways, kids' rooms): 3-5 years. Low-traffic areas (bedrooms, dining rooms): 7-10 years. Exterior: every 5-10 years depending on climate and paint quality. Wood siding: 3-7 years. Aluminum siding: 5 years. Stucco: 5-6 years. Brick: 8-17 years. Signs you need repainting: fading, peeling, cracking, chalking (exterior), or visible wear. Quality paint and proper prep extend time between paintings. Climate affects exterior paint longevity significantly.
Can I stay in my house while it's being painted?
Yes, you can stay during interior painting, but: expect paint fumes (use low-VOC paint to minimize), rooms will be out of use during painting, furniture will be moved or covered, and there will be noise and activity. Tips for staying: use low-VOC or zero-VOC paint, ventilate well (open windows), keep pets/kids away from work areas, and plan to use other rooms. For exterior painting: fully livable inside, but expect noise, ladders outside windows, and restricted access to some doors. Many people stay elsewhere for 1-2 days during interior painting for comfort.
What's the difference between cheap and expensive paint?
Expensive paint ($40-80/gallon) offers: better coverage (fewer coats needed), more durable finish (lasts longer), easier application (smoother), better color retention (less fading), washable surface (easier to clean), and lower VOCs (healthier). Cheap paint ($20-40/gallon): requires more coats, fades faster, harder to clean, may peel sooner, and stronger fumes. Cost difference: expensive paint costs more upfront but lasts 2-3x longer, requires fewer coats (saves labor), and looks better. For most projects, mid-to-high quality paint is worth the investment. Brands: Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore (premium), Behr, Valspar (mid-range).
Do painters move furniture?
It depends on the painter and your agreement. Most painters: move small furniture to room center, work around large furniture (beds, dressers), and expect you to move valuables and small items. Some painters charge extra ($50-200) to move all furniture. To save money: move furniture yourself, clear rooms before painters arrive, and remove wall decorations and outlet covers. Discuss furniture moving in your quote. Specify: what needs moving, where it should go, and any fragile items. Most painters prefer rooms cleared or furniture centered for easier, faster work.
How do I choose paint colors?
Choose paint colors by: 1) Buy sample pots ($5-10 each) and paint large swatches on walls, 2) View samples in different lighting throughout the day, 3) Consider room function (calming colors for bedrooms, energizing for offices), 4) Think about flow between rooms, 5) Use neutral colors for resale value, 6) Test colors with your furniture and decor, 7) Consider ceiling height (light colors make rooms feel larger), 8) Use color wheel for complementary colors. Popular choices: whites and grays (timeless), blues and greens (calming), warm neutrals (cozy). Consult with painter or color consultant for professional advice. Many paint stores offer free color consultation.
How do I find reliable painters near me?
Find reliable painters by: checking reviews on local platforms like GigNGo, viewing before/after photos of their work, verifying insurance and bonding, getting detailed written quotes from 3-5 painters, asking about paint brands and prep process, requesting references from past customers, and choosing local professionals with established presence. Avoid: extremely low prices, no written contract, vague about materials, or requiring full payment upfront. Local platforms connect you directly with vetted painters without middleman fees, saving 30-50%. Look for painters with 15+ positive reviews and clear portfolio of work.
Find Painting Services Near You
Connect with experienced local painters. Compare quotes, check reviews, and save 30-50% compared to national chains.
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🎬 Final Thoughts
Professional painting is an investment in your home's appearance, protection, and value. By understanding the costs, knowing what to look for in quality painters, and using local platforms to find reliable services, you can transform your space without overpaying.
✅ Quick Recap: Painting Services
Typical Costs:
- Interior: $1.50-3.50 per sq ft, $300-800 per room
- Exterior: $2-5 per sq ft, $2,500-6,000 whole house
- Cabinets: $1,000-3,500
- Save 30-50% using local platforms
Timeline:
- Single room: 1-2 days
- Whole house interior: 3-7 days
- Exterior: 3-7 days (weather dependent)
- Quality prep work is essential
Finding Reliable Painters:
- Check reviews and before/after photos
- Verify insurance and written quotes
- Get 3-5 detailed estimates
- Use local platforms to save money
- Ask about paint brands and warranties
Whether you need a single room refreshed or your entire home painted, finding the right local painter makes all the difference. Take time to research, compare quotes, and choose professionals who do quality work at fair prices.
Ready to transform your space? Post your needs on GigNGo and connect with experienced local painters who do quality work at fair prices.