How much does it cost to paint a bathroom?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Painting a bathroom is an easy update to a home. Most bathrooms have a modest square footage, so the project is usually the least expensive room to paint in the home. Bathrooms need more frequent repainting because of the humidity from using the shower and bath and the frequent use of the room. Adding a new coat of paint improves the look of the bathroom. Also, it allows you to add special features like a washable finish or bathroom paint that includes anti-microbial additives to keep your home free from the many germs that bathrooms generate.

The average cost to paint a bathroom is $200 to $500, including labor and materials. To have a painter paint the walls of a full bathroom with latex mildew-resistant paint, you will spend an average of $300. The lowest cost you can expect to pay would be $100 for the painting of a half-bathroom with latex paint. At the high end of the spectrum, you would pay upwards of $900 for a painter to paint a master bathroom with premium mildew-resistant washable paint, including all trim and accessories.

Bathroom Paint Prices

Cost to Paint a Bathroom by Size

You will spend $2 to $4 per sq.ft. to paint a bathroom when painting the walls only, or about $3 to $5 per sq.ft. for the entire bathroom. The cost to paint a bathroom is minimal if you only update the wall color. However, the job can become more labor-intensive if you need to paint the ceiling or remove the bathroom fixtures. A small bathroom would be a half-bath or quarter-bath. Bigger half-baths and full baths would be considered large bathrooms. Most bathrooms measure between 35 and 100 sq.ft. The cost to paint a small bathroom will typically be less than a larger bathroom. In the table below, you will see the costs involved in painting a bathroom, including labor to paint the walls only and the cost to paint the entire bathroom, including the removal and replacement of accessories.

Average Cost to Paint a Bathroom by Type

You will spend between $75 and $600 painting a bathroom, depending on its type. Bathroom types range from a quarter to full. Denotations are based on how many fixtures are found in the bathroom. For instance, a quarter bathroom will only have a single fixture, a half bathroom will have two fixtures, a three-quarter bathroom will have three, and a full bathroom will have four. Bathrooms with more fixtures require additional square footage and will be more costly to paint.

Most people will not have to worry about the cost of painting a quarter bathroom because these are rare in modern homes. Typically, people will be dealing with a half-bath or a full bath. A half-bath includes a toilet and sink. Powder rooms and three-quarter bathroom designs are rare. Some “full” baths will be considered three-quarters if they only have a shower stall. The master bathroom painting cost will be the highest because master baths are generally the largest and include the most labor and paint. The following are the average costs, with labor included, to paint each bathroom based on type.

Average Cost to Paint a Bathroom by Part

You will spend $75 to $700 to paint different parts or features of your bathroom. Each bathroom consists of select design features. When you contact a painter, you can discuss whether you want certain items in the bathroom painted. Some painters have the equipment to accommodate your requests, while others may require you to find a specialist in the field. The table below shows items that can be painted in the bathroom and the average cost to update these items with new paint.

Paint Bathroom Ceiling

In some cases, you may only need the bathroom ceiling painted. The bathroom size determines the cost of the project, but you can expect to pay in the range of $50 to $125. Bathroom ceilings are prone to mold and peeling paint because of the increased humidity. A primer that blocks moisture is usually put down as a first coat before new ceiling paint is applied. Any holes or imperfections will be repaired before the primer and a semi-gloss finish.

Toilet Painting

Although it’s not a popular request, you can pay $100 to $400 to have your toilet bowl painted. A toilet first needs to be primed with an acrylic latex primer. Then, the professional can use epoxy paint or spray paint to change the color of the toilet to your preferred shade. This is a specialized job, so you may have to call a few contractors to find someone with the experience to perform the task.

Paint Bathroom Cabinets

The cost to paint bathroom cabinets will be between $6 and $12 per sq.ft. for an average of $125 to $250 for 20 sq.ft. of cabinets. Painting wood bathroom cabinets may be a project you consider when remodeling that room in your home. For example, instead of replacing the bathroom vanity, you may request that your painter stain or paint the wood or laminate. However, wood cabinets need to be evaluated to confirm that they’re in good enough shape to be cost-effective to refinish and paint. Laminate can be sanded, primed, and painted in the same manner as wood cabinets in the bathroom. However, if the laminate cabinets are in poor shape, the paint won’t hide warped areas. Enamel paint is most often used in bathrooms because of the high moisture content in the area.

Paint a Bathroom Vanity

A standard vanity, measuring 48 inches, costs between $150 and $250 to be painted by a professional. A bathroom vanity could be updated with a fresh coat of paint. You may be able to paint both the vanity cabinets and the countertops, depending on the material type. Your contractor will evaluate the condition and let you know if you’ll find a better value in replacing the vanity altogether or updating it with stain or paint.

Paint Bathroom Walls

You can expect to spend $150 to $600 to paint bathroom walls that are drywall or plaster. If you only need to paint a single wall, the cost could be lower. However, some painters have a minimum charge of $150, so it may cost more to paint a small space than you expected with this charge. Be sure to discuss what you need so that you are not paying more than you should. Usually, if one wall needs to be painted, a painter recommends doing them all to keep the space looking uniform and fresh.

Shower Painting

Expect to pay around $150 to $600 to hire a painter for your shower project. Another potential job for the bathroom is to request a contractor to paint either your shower and tub combination or your shower stall. The painter looks at the material of the shower and the overall condition before giving you an estimate of the cost. Showers need to be cleaned and sanded before being primed and painted, most often with enamel paint.

Paint a Bathtub

Painting a bathtub costs from $200 to $800. Painting a bathtub can give a refreshed appearance to the fixture. Depending on the material, the paint can conceal previous imperfections such as rust, peeled paint, or staining. Before painting a bathtub, a contractor needs to know the type of tub to see if it can be painted and decide what type of prep work needs to be completed. Before a tub can be painted, it will also need to be cleaned thoroughly and sanded. The type of paint depends on the original tub material. It isn’t typically recommended to paint solid surface tubs and those crafted from stone resin. The following table shows the types of bathtubs and the average cost to paint each, with labor costs included.

Painting Bathroom Countertops

The average cost with labor and materials to paint a bathroom countertop will be $225 to $400. Several types of bathroom countertops can be painted, including porcelain, marble, and laminate. Painting the countertop is usually a stylistic choice. For example, you may have moved into a home with a porcelain countertop in a pastel color and are looking for a more classic look for the bathroom. The table below shows the average cost to paint each type of countertop based on its material.

Paint Bathroom Tile

The average cost to paint tiles will be $5 to $10 per sq.ft., meaning you will spend $250 to $500 for a contractor to paint 50 sq.ft. of a tiled wall. Most people paint bathroom tile to update the look of the room without having to retile. Retiling is a much more expensive project than painting the tiles. Paint adheres to most tile types except for glazed quarry tile. The tile can be painted around the backsplash, floor, or even on the walls.

Average Price to Paint a Bathroom by Design

You can expect to spend between $2 and $40 per sq.ft. for special designs in your bathroom painting job. Talk to your contractor ahead of time about design ideas yÍou may have for your bathroom. You may want to add some eye-catching elements. The price depends on how labor-intensive the process will be for the painter to create the design and how much materials will cost. You may also need to find someone experienced in interior design instead of a general painter for the project. In the table below, you will see the average costs for each design type, including labor and materials.

Bathroom Accent Wall

You’ll pay an average of $2 to $6 per sq.ft. to paint an accent wall in a bathroom. A bathroom accent wall is an emerging trend seen over the last couple of years. An accent wall adds a pop of color in an otherwise neutral bathroom. It can also draw the eye to a special feature in the master bathroom, like the spa tub. An accent wall can be painted in a bold color or even have painted tile.

Two-Tone Bathroom Walls

Anticipate paying around $2.50 to $4 per sq.ft. for a two-tone bathroom paint job. Two-tone bathroom walls are a great way to show off the contrast in a room. A traditional two-tone style is featured in bathrooms with base trims and wainscoting. The trim stays white while the top portion is painted in a contrasting color of the homeowner’s choice. Another option is to choose another color that isn’t white as the contrast for the bottom color. Some two-tone styles even feature a third strip of color that connects the bottom and top shades.

Textured Bathroom Paint

Textured bathroom paint jobs cost $4 to $7 per sq.ft. Textured bathroom paint combines the process of painting and texturing into a single process. Several methods can be used to add texture to your bathroom walls. Smooth texture is more commonly found in bathrooms, but you can also choose from knockdown texture, popcorn texture, sand texture, and several others. Creating a smooth texture is done by using heavier paint on top to create a unique, subtle textured look.

Bathroom Wall Murals

If you decide to have wall murals painted in the bathroom, you will spend $10 to $40 per sq.ft. or $1,000 to $4,000 on the total project. Simple murals have a lower cost, while more intricate designs will be at the higher end of the price range. Bathroom wall murals make a statement in your home. Wall murals are completely customized and usually ordered to your exact specifications. You will meet with a mural artist to discuss your requirements and decide on the subject of the mural. The bathroom isn’t the most popular choice for a mural but could be a conversation starter.

Labor Cost to Paint a Bathroom

You can anticipate paying between $25 and $100 per hour to hire a professional painter. Most professionals will not charge an hourly rate, however, and instead will give you a bathroom painting estimate with pricing around $2 to $4 per sq.ft. It usually takes four to six hours to paint a medium bathroom. Smaller bathrooms only take one to two hours. Painting the bathroom requires several return visits to your home over three to five days as the contractor preps, primes, and paints the room. If you hire a painter to work on the ceilings or any fixtures in the bathrooms, the project takes even longer. Painters provide an estimate free of charge, which allows you to compare quotes before choosing a contractor.

Before getting started with the painting process, some necessary prep work needs to be completed, which should be included in the cost of the labor. Wall cleaning is an important part of prep work before painting. Cleaning the walls removes dirt, grease, nicotine stains, cobwebs, mites, and odors and provides a fresh surface for painting. Sanding the bathroom walls before painting is also extremely important. You want to ensure that they are smooth, without any ridges, to apply the paint to the wall smoothly. Then, the bathroom will be taped to protect all areas that are not being painted, and any accessories or fixtures will be removed.

Your painter will begin painting on one wall and work their way around the room. They may have to apply multiple coats of paint or a coat of paint and primer, depending on the condition and color of the existing walls. They will paint the entire room, including any necessary trim work or ceiling paint. Once the painting is done, the tape is removed from the protected areas. Then, the accessories and fixtures are replaced. The room will be cleaned before the painter leaves.

Pricing for bathroom painting depends on the complexity of the paint job and the size of the bathroom. Larger areas cost more to paint. It may also cost more to paint a room if you paint over a darker color and need several coats or if there are a lot of obstacles that make the paint job more intricate or detailed. The prices here are for standard painting. Specialty painting such as wall murals or textures cost more because of their increased detail and labor. The type of paint you choose also impacts the cost, with premium mildew-blocking paints being the best option and among the most expensive.

Cost to Remove Wallpaper and Paint Bathroom

In addition to the $2 to $4 per sq.ft. that you spend on painting a bathroom, you will spend an additional $0.75 to $4 per sq.ft. for wallpaper removal, if there is any in your bathroom. Most painters handle wallpaper removal as part of the prep work in painting a bathroom and include it in their price quote. The difficulty of removal, the number of fixtures or accessories in the bathroom, and how much square footage is covered with wallpaper affects the cost you pay. Some people choose to DIY wallpaper removal so that the painter only has to clean, sand, and paint the walls for a lower project cost. However, professionals will be much better at removing stubborn wallpaper, so it may be worth the investment.

Cost to Repaint a Bathroom

Repainting a bathroom costs $1.50 to $3.50 per sq.ft. Over time, you may consider repainting your bathroom. Repainting means you will be applying a new coat of paint over the previous colors used. In comparison, new paint jobs would be done for new construction projects. One obvious reason to repaint a bathroom is for style reasons. You have gotten bored of the old paint color and want to freshen up the space with a new color. Another reason to repaint a bathroom is that you’re noticing that the paint is peeling. You may notice discolored markings that can’t be removed with cleaning agents. If there are holes in the bathroom walls, you may opt to repaint. As a general rule, repaint your bathroom every three to four years to avoid moisture problems. In most cases, repainting a bathroom takes two to four days. However, numerous drywall repairs could increase the time frame.

Bathroom Primer Price by Type

Primer costs between $15 and $80 per gallon, depending on the type. Before any painting is done in the bathroom, a professional applies a primer coat. The primer preps the walls for paint. It acts as a barrier against moisture. First, the painter makes any wall repairs and sands the area before a primer can be applied. An oil-based primer is thought to be a good choice for the bathroom since it has protective qualities against high moisture areas. The one drawback is oil has a strong odor, which requires ventilation when the primer is applied. Latex-based primers will also work, especially if the contractor plans to use water-based paint. However, it may not be a good choice with oil-based paint on top. Shellac primers are a consideration, but not for the walls. Instead, they will be used for areas in the bathroom like cabinetry. The following are the cost per gallon of these primers for the bathroom.

Bathroom Paint Cost by Type

You will spend $15 to $60 a gallon on paint based on its type. When painting a bathroom, you can choose water-based paint or oil-based paint. Water-based paint is known as latex paint. Remember that the best type will be moisture-resistant paint for bathrooms. Water-based paints usually have more color options and are considered a more environmentally-friendly choice. However, oil-based paints are durable and resistant to stains and rust. Surprisingly to some, water-based paint is actually the better choice for premium moisture protection in bathrooms. Discuss with your contractor the advantages and disadvantages of each type before selecting a bathroom paint. The following table shows the average cost per gallon for each type.

Bathroom Paint Prices by Type of Finish

You will spend between $10 and $80 per gallon based on the type of finish you choose for your bathroom paint. The finish you choose will be based on the durability of the paint and its appearance. Flat paint appears exactly how it sounds, offering a flat finish with no sheen. It is sometimes also called a “matte” finish. Eggshell and satin finishes add a bit more sheen for those who do not want something completely flat. Satin is shinier, while eggshell has a bit of texture. For bathrooms, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes offer premium moisture reduction. They also have the highest sheen, which some homeowners may not like. It is important to weigh the options carefully. If you only have a half-bath or powder room with less moisture, a satin or eggshell finish might suffice, but they are less effective at repelling moisture. The table below shows the average cost per gallon of bathroom paint based on finish type.

Bathroom Paint Prices by Brand

You can expect to spend between $20 and $75 per gallon on bathroom paint, depending on your chosen brand. Several brand-name paints can be used when painting your bathroom. Your contractor may recommend a preferred brand. Keep in mind that although paint companies do offer a warranty, talk to your contractor about any guarantees offered by their companies as well. A warranty covers proven defects in the actual paint itself. Not all brands specify a product that can be used specifically in the bathroom, but some brands include additives that make them moisture resistant.

Glidden and Behr are two of the most affordable options and are household names for popular paint brands. PPG offers a Diamond line that is ideal for bathrooms and similar spaces. Valspar produces a lot of premium paint products, as does Sherwin Williams. Sherwin Williams does not offer bathroom paints, but they have Moisture Vapor Barrier paints and primers. Benjamin Moore’s best feature is the paint-and-primer-in-one product line. Finally, Olympic paints offer premium coverage and a lifetime warranty. Most other brands only offer a limited lifetime warranty. The table below shows the cost per gallon based on which brand you choose.

Add-Ons

While planning your bathroom painting project, you may find some add-ons come up. These increase the overall cost of the job. However, they beautify the bathroom and add value to the home. A painter will likely include services such as cleanup, window painting, trim painting, and more that could be added to your estimate. Some add-ons will be optional, while others will be a necessary part of the process. For example, popcorn ceiling removal and window painting are usually optional add-ons. Sanding, drywall repairs, and patching will be necessary before new paint can be applied. The following are some standard add-ons and the costs to expect from a contractor.

How Much Paint Do I Need to Paint a Bathroom?

Knowing the square footage of your bathroom will help calculate how much paint is required for the space. To find out the square footage, use a measuring tape to calculate the length and width of a room in feet. Then, multiply the width and length to get the square footage. For instance, if your bathroom is 11 feet by 15 feet, it would be 165 sq.ft. You could deduct the space occupied by fixtures by measuring their height and width. One gallon of paint covers approximately one coat of paint for 400 sq.ft. If you have a modest sized bathroom, one gallon of paint may be enough to paint the walls. Keep in mind that you may need more than one coat of paint, so confirm you have enough to accommodate two or more coats.

What Color to Paint Your Bathroom?

Bathroom color choices will be different from any other room in the home. Bathrooms are not the usual rooms where homeowners decide to express their creativity. Neutral colors, like whites and creams, are easy on the eyes and have a natural calming appearance. Light pastel shades are a top choice. They will also complement your appearance if you plan to use them in a powder room. Neutrals are great for making a small bathroom appear larger. If you want richer colors, that may work better in a larger bathroom.

Design aesthetics play a part in what color you settle on for the bathroom. If you’re looking for a spa-like feel, you may go for an all-white look. For a luxury bathroom look, rich colors are in trend. Tones inspired by nature, such as deep greens and reds, are popular. Guest bathrooms and powder rooms often have beach-inspired colors, such as sea greens and sky blues. As a general rule of thumb, choose no more than three colors for the bathroom: a neutral shade, a darker color, and an accent shade. Paint the majority of the room with a neutral color and then a small percentage of the room with the darker color and accent color to add some nice pops. You could also combine two neutral shades like a light pastel and white for the bathroom.

Bathroom Paint vs Regular Paint

In most cases, there aren't any products advertised as “bathroom paint.” Instead, you’ll find a selection of interior paints that are “mold and mildew proof.” These paints usually cost 25% to 50% more than standard paint and have been formulated with a special resin that is not found in regular paint. Once the paint has been applied and then completely dried, a tight barrier is formed. The barrier prevents any moisture absorption from the air. This is essential in bathrooms with any features, such as showers and tubs. The bathroom paint should prevent peeling or bubbles from forming over time. High-gloss and semi-gloss finishes are standard in bathroom paint since they are better at resisting moisture than flat and eggshell formulations. Bathroom paint, like regular paint, still requires a primer before application. Choose an antimicrobial primer for best results when painting the bathroom.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Mold Remediation

Mold remediation may be considered before painting a bathroom and averages between $500 and $1,500. Mold is common in a bathroom because of the high level of moisture buildup in the room. Shower and tub areas are especially prone to mold issues. A mold remediation company can be brought in to identify the mold and provide a solution to remove it before painting the area.

Lead Paint Removal

Lead paint removal costs from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on how big the area to remediate is. In older homes, lead paint may be an issue. Lead paint was banned in the late 1970s so that most modern structures won’t have this problem. However, if you have a home with lead paint in the bathroom, you’ll need to pay a professional to remove it safely before repainting.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits. Most painting projects don’t require a permit unless demolition work is involved.
• DIY. Although some homeowners choose to paint their own bathrooms, a professional job can make a huge difference in how well the project comes out.
• Value of the home. Updating a bathroom with new paint adds value and can be an inexpensive update before listing on the real estate market. Neutral colors are best for selling purposes.
• Repairs. Remember to patch any holes or cracks before painting your bathroom. The contractor will add this to your estimate before starting.
• Paint colors. When switching from dark to light colors or vice versa, multiple coats of paint will likely be needed in addition to the primer. After the first coat, your painter will evaluate how the walls dried to look for any spots where the previous color is still visible.