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Painting Guides

16 guides — costs, troubleshooting, and how to hire without getting burned.

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How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House in 2026?

Painting a house costs $2–$6 per sq ft. Interior runs $2,000–$6,000 and exterior $3,000–$8,000 on average. See 2026 prices by area, plus how to save.

Interior Painting Cost in 2026 (Per Room & Per Sq Ft)

Interior painting costs $2–$6 per sq ft, or $2,000–$6,000 for a whole home. See 2026 prices per room, what affects cost, and how to save.

Exterior Painting Cost in 2026 (By Home Size & Material)

Exterior painting costs $3,000–$8,000 for a typical home, or $2–$5 per sq ft. See 2026 prices by size and siding material, plus how to save.

Cost to Paint a Room in 2026 (By Room Type)

Painting a room costs $350–$1,000 on average. See 2026 prices by room type and size, what's included, and how to save on a single-room paint job.

Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in 2026

Painting kitchen cabinets costs $1,500–$7,000 professionally sprayed — far less than refacing or replacing. See 2026 prices, spray vs brush, and DIY truth.

Cost to Paint or Stain a Deck in 2026

Painting or staining a deck costs $500–$1,500 on average, or $1–$4 per sq ft. See 2026 prices, paint vs stain vs seal, prep, and recoat schedules.

Cost to Paint or Stain a Fence in 2026

Painting or staining a fence costs $750–$4,500 depending on length and height. See 2026 prices per linear foot, spray vs brush, and DIY sprayer math.

Cost to Paint Trim and Doors in 2026

Painting trim costs $1–$4 per linear foot; doors cost $50–$300 each. See 2026 per-piece prices, why detail work costs more, and how to bundle and save.

Cost to Paint a Ceiling in 2026

Painting a ceiling costs $1–$3 per sq ft, or $150–$500 per room. See 2026 prices by room size, popcorn ceiling costs, asbestos warnings, and how to save.

How Much Do Painters Charge Per Hour in 2026?

Painters charge $25–$75 per hour in 2026, or $2–$6 per sq ft. See hourly rates by region and experience, pricing models compared, and how to avoid overpaying.

How Much Paint Do I Need? (2026 Calculator Guide)

One gallon covers 350–400 sq ft per coat. Calculate paint for any room, whole interior, or exterior — with tables, two-coat math, primer rules, and leftover tips.

How Often Should You Paint a House? (Interior & Exterior)

Repaint interiors every 5–10 years and exteriors every 4–15 years depending on siding and climate. See the full repaint schedule by surface and the signs it's time.

DIY vs. Hiring a Painter: Which Is Worth It? (2026)

DIY painting saves 70–85% (labor) but takes time, tools, and skill. Hiring a painter wins for exteriors, cabinets, and ceilings. Honest 2026 comparison.

Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding in 2026

Painting vinyl siding costs $3,000–$7,000 for a typical home ($1–$3/sq ft) vs. $4–$12/sq ft to replace. 2026 prices, vinyl-safe color rules, and warranty warnings.

How to Find a Good Painter Near You (2026 Checklist)

Find a reliable painter near you: verify insurance and EPA RRP certification, drive by past jobs, compare itemized quotes, and spot estimate red flags.

12 Questions to Ask a Painter Before You Hire

12 questions to ask a painter — with good vs. bad answer examples. Cover prep, exact paint products, coats, lead-safe certification, warranty, and payment.