How much does it cost to paint a room?

DIY: $60-$170 per room (paint + primer + supplies). Professional: $300-$800 per room. Per sq ft: $2-$6 (professional). Whole house interior (professional): $3,000-$8,000 (1,500-2,500 sq ft). Biggest variable: paint quality ($25-$80/gallon). Budget tip: invest in good paint. Premium paint ($50-$80) often covers in one coat, saving time and paint. A $60 gallon may actually cost less than two gallons of $30 paint.

What paint finish should I use?

Ceilings: flat/matte (hides imperfections, no glare). Bedrooms and living rooms: eggshell (slight sheen, easy to touch up). Kitchens and bathrooms: satin (easy to clean, moisture-resistant). Kids' rooms and hallways: satin or semi-gloss (durable, washable). Trim and doors: semi-gloss (durable, easy to clean). Cabinets: semi-gloss or cabinet-specific paint. Rule of thumb: higher sheen = more durable and washable but shows more imperfections. Lower sheen = hides imperfections but harder to clean.

Do I need to prime before painting?

Yes in these cases: new drywall or patches (porous, will absorb paint unevenly). Dark to light color change (primer blocks the old color). Stains (water stains, smoke, crayon, marker). Glossy surfaces (primer helps new paint adhere). Bare wood. You can skip primer if: painting over a similar or lighter color. Walls are clean, in good condition, and not glossy. Using a premium paint with built-in primer (for minor color changes only). Tip: tint your primer close to the topcoat color for better coverage.

How long does interior paint last?

On walls: 5-10 years (depending on quality, traffic, and cleaning). High-traffic areas (hallways, kids' rooms): 3-5 years. Low-traffic (bedrooms, formal rooms): 7-10 years. Trim and doors: 5-7 years. Cabinets: 5-10 years (with quality cabinet paint). Factors: paint quality (premium lasts longer). Sheen (higher sheen is more durable). Surface preparation (properly prepped surfaces last longer). Cleaning habits (gentle cleaning extends life).

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Finishing

Interior Painting Guide: Cost, Colors & Tips

Lumberama Editorial Team, Interior Painting & Home Design Specialists Nov 26, 2026 7 min read

Paint Types & Finishes

Paint types: Latex (water-based): most popular. Easy cleanup. Low odor. Fast drying. Best for walls and ceilings. Oil-based (alkyd): durable, smooth finish. Strong odor. Slow drying. Best for trim, cabinets, and high-wear areas. Cabinet paint: self-leveling, extra durable. Designed for kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

Sheens (from flat to glossy): Flat/matte: hides imperfections, no shine. Best for ceilings and low-traffic rooms. Hard to clean. Eggshell: slight sheen, versatile. Best for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms. Most popular wall finish. Satin: soft sheen, easy to clean. Best for kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms, hallways. Semi-gloss: noticeable sheen, very durable. Best for trim, doors, cabinets, bathrooms. High-gloss: mirror-like shine. Best for accent pieces and trim in formal rooms. Shows every imperfection.

Cost

DIY cost per room (12x12 ft): Paint (1 gallon): $25-$60 (standard) or $40-$80 (premium). Primer: $15-$30/gallon. Supplies (roller, brush, tape, drop cloth): $20-$50. Total DIY: $60-$170 per room.

Professional cost: Per room: $300-$800 (standard room). Per sq ft: $2-$6. Whole house (interior): $3,000-$8,000 (1,500-2,500 sq ft).

Coverage: 1 gallon covers 350-400 sq ft (one coat). A 12x12 ft room with 8 ft ceilings: ~350 sq ft of wall. Plan for 2 coats (2 gallons per room).

Paint quality matters: Budget ($20-$30/gallon): requires more coats, less durable. Mid-range ($30-$50/gallon): good coverage in 2 coats. Premium ($50-$80/gallon): best coverage (often 1 coat), most durable.

How to Paint a Room

Preparation (50% of the job): Move furniture to center and cover with drop cloths. Remove outlet covers, light switch plates, and hardware. Fill holes and cracks with spackle. Sand patches smooth. Clean walls (dust, grease). Tape edges (ceiling line, trim, windows). Prime if needed (new drywall, stains, dark-to-light color change).

Painting order: 1. Ceiling (flat white). 2. Walls (cut in edges with brush first, then roll). 3. Trim and doors (semi-gloss).

Technique: Cut in with a 2-2.5 inch angled brush. Roll in a W pattern, then fill in. Maintain a wet edge (don't let paint dry mid-wall). Two coats for best results (let first coat dry 2-4 hours).

Cleanup: Latex: wash brushes and rollers with warm water. Oil-based: clean with mineral spirits. Remove tape while paint is slightly tacky (not fully dry).