How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Bedroom? Consider the cost difference of DIY painting a bedroom versus hiring a professional painter. To improve the look of an aging bedroom, many homeowners choose a fresh coat of paint. But how much does it typically cost to paint a bedroom? Costs for DIY Painting a Bedroom In 2014, Angie’s List members reported paying an average of $448 per room for interior painting. Expect a full set of materials, including paint, brushes, sandpaper and tape, to cost $100 to $200. If you choose to tackle a painting project yourself, there are several items you'll need to purchase before you begin. The first cost is the paint. Expect to pay between $15 and $30 per gallon of paint, and you'll need 2-3 gallons for an average-sized bedroom (with some left over for contingencies and touch-ups). Keep it in mind that the more durable the paint is, the more you'll pay for the paint material. You also have several options for the shine or "gloss" of your paint. Flat finish or wall paint is paint with a matte surface that doesn't reflect light. This is good for bedroom walls since it covers up imperfections, but isn't easily washable, meaning marks or scratches may require painting over instead of cleaning. Eggshell and satin finishes offer slightly more shine and can also handle the occasional cleaning. The next item on the list is paint brushes. These vary widely in quality and cost, with some made entirely of animal bristles and some completely synthetic. Synthetic brushes start around $17 and are best used with acrylic paints. Natural bristle brushes are more expensive at around $22 and are typically used with oil paints, polyurethanes and varnishes. You can also choose to use rollers, which are less expensive to purchase initially but must have their foam or fabric rolling head periodically changed. If using a roller, make sure to get one that is lint free. Finally, you'll need sandpaper and tape. Anywhere between 120- and 150-grit sandpaper is enough for drywall and helps to smooth out imperfections before you paint. Tape, meanwhile, is used along edges and to cover things like baseboards or door moldings you don't want to accidentally paint. Choosing a Painting Contractor You may also choose to hire a professional painter. There are several advantages to using a pro, including a higher-quality job than can typically be achieved by an amateur. It also takes less time than a DIY effort - usually half as long - and most painters will guarantee their work against major defects. Labor costs vary widely, depending on the painter’s experience, and the difficulty and location of the job. The average price range typically runs $25 to $100 per hour — so you'll want to get references from any potential contractors. Check to see if the rate includes the cost of materials. The total cost of hiring a painting contractor will be more expensive than doing it yourself, but you can expect a job with clean lines, no brush marks and no paint drips. Especially if you're doing more complex work, such as multiple colors on the same wall or a large amount of detail work, the improved skill and time saved in personal labor is often worth the cost.

TOCON Pro Painters							http://www.tocon.ca