Wondering how much does it cost to paint an apartment yourself?
Few apartment projects have the immediate payoff of a fresh coat of paint. The average cost to paint the interior of an apartment is $1,985, with a typical range of $967 to $3,041, depending on your area, type of paint, and square footage.
Whether your much-beloved apartment is just in need of a refresh or you’re planning to paint your apartment before putting it on the market, let’s review the average cost to paint the interior of an apartment.
Determining the cost of painting the interior of your apartment involves more than just checking the price tag on a paint can. Various factors, such as room size, paint type, and materials, play a role in estimating your unique painting expenses.
How Much Does it Cost to Paint An Apartment Yourself: Cost per Square Foot
Nationwide, the average cost to paint the interior of an apartment is $2.75 per square foot. If you factor in walls, trim, and ceilings, the cost per square foot increases to $4.70. When consulting with a professional for an accurate quote, having your square footage ready is crucial, as it is one of the most significant factors. As a point of reference, an average room measures 10 by 12 feet.
For those undertaking a comprehensive interior painting project for the entire apartment, explore the cost to paint an apartment interior by square footage, ranging from $2 to $6 per square foot:
| Cost | Area |
|---|---|
| $200 – $1,000 | Single room |
| $900 – $4,500 | 1,200 square-foot home |
| $4,000 – $10,000 | 2,300 square-foot home |
| $5,000 – $10,000 | 2,500 square-foot home |
| $2,700 – $11,000 | 3,000 square-foot home |
Room Wise Expenditure
You can calculate the anticipated cost of painting a room by measuring its square footage. Keep in mind that this per-room painting cost may vary due to obstacles like sinks and toilets that a professional painter will need to navigate with their paint roller.
| Room | Average Square Footage | Average Cost Per Room |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | 70 | $150 – $300 |
| Bedroom | 120 | $300 – $750 |
| Dining Room | 300 | $700 – $1,400 |
| Living Room | 330 | $900 – $2,000 |
| Kitchen | 160 | $300 – $750 |
Cost of Paint
As you explore the paint aisle, you’ll likely observe that paint typically falls in the range of $15 to $40 per gallon, varying based on the brand and finish. Opting for a specific brand-name paint can swiftly elevate the overall cost.
For an average home, approximately 6 gallons of paint are necessary per coat, excluding primer. Keep this in mind as you make your selections and load up your cart.
| Paint Type | Avg. Cost Per Gallon |
|---|---|
| Primers | $10 |
| Flat paint | $13 |
| Semi-gloss interior paint | $17 |
| High-gloss enamel paint | $35 |
| VOC-free paint | $35 |
Other Costs When Painting an Apartment Yourself
Preparing the Surface
If a wall requires sanding and patching, perhaps due to a recent DIY mishap while attempting to hang your TV, the cost for wall preparation typically ranges from $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot. This type of preparation is essential for achieving a smooth finish on your wall, allowing the paint professional to apply paint flawlessly.
Materials
In addition to purchasing paint for each room, if you’re undertaking the project yourself, you’ll also need paint brushes, rollers, paint pans, painter’s tape, and a drop cloth to safeguard your carpet from stray paint drops. The cost of these materials typically adds an average of $200 to $300 to your budget. Depending on the specific room, you may also require a ladder and a paint sprayer.
Priming
Using a primer, which costs around $10 per can, may be necessary before painting interior walls, especially when transitioning from a dark shade to a light shade. Paint primer enhances paint adhesion, leading to more durable paint jobs and reducing the frequency of repainting your home.
Cost Breakdown of Paint Supplies
Painting the interior is a fairly common DIY task. Most DIY painters can anticipate spending $200 to $300 on painting supplies, including paint, primer, tape, brushes, drop cloths, and various other necessities.
Here’s a comprehensive list of items to buy if you’re planning to tackle your project yourself:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Primer and paint | $15 – $35 |
| Drop cloths and protective coverings for furniture | $2 – $20 |
| Angled brushes, rollers, and paint containers | $10 – $17 (for a kit) |
| Putty knife | $2 – $6 |
| Painter’s tape | $3 – $18 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How much does it cost to paint a 12×12 room?
For a DIY project painting a 12×12 room, you can expect to spend around $100 to $300 on paint, primer, brushes, tape, and other supplies. The actual cost will depend on the quality of paint you choose and any additional tools you might need.
- Cost to paint a 2-bedroom apartment?
DIY painting a 2-bedroom apartment may cost between $500 and $1,500, considering the size of the apartment and the amount of prep work required. This estimate includes paint, primer, brushes, tape, and other necessary supplies.
- Cost to paint a 600 sq ft apartment?
If you’re tackling the painting of a 600 sq ft apartment on your own, the cost can range from $300 to $800. This estimate covers paint, primer, brushes, tape, and other DIY essentials. Actual expenses may vary based on your specific needs and the quality of materials chosen.
