Written by
Tara Farmer
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Cost to paint a ceiling
The average cost to paint a ceiling is $1 to $2 per square foot or $150 to $300 for a 12' x 12' room. The labor cost to paint a ceiling accounts for 70% to 85% of the total price. Ceiling painting costs depend on size, height, and condition.
| Room | Average room size (square feet) | Average cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom ceiling | 40 – 50 | $40 – $100 |
| Primary bathroom ceiling | 100 – 200 | $100 – $400 |
| Kitchen ceiling | 150 – 450 | $150 – $900 |
| Bedroom ceiling | 100 – 150 | $100 – $300 |
| Primary bedroom ceiling | 200 – 300 | $200 – $600 |
| Living room ceiling | 300 – 400 | $300 – $800 |
| Dining room ceiling | 100 – 200 | $100 – $400 |
| Basem*nt ceiling | 500 – 1,800 | $500 – $5,400 |
| Garage ceiling | 400 – 576 (2-car) 576 – 864 (3-car) | $400 – $1,700 |
*Most painters charge minimum project fees of $250 to $500. **Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
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Average cost to paint a ceiling per square foot
The average cost to paint a ceiling is $1 to $2 per square foot when painting only the ceiling. Adding or removing texture or including the trim and crown molding increase the cost.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Labor and materials - ceiling only | $1 – $2 |
| Removing popcorn ceiling* | $1 – $2 |
| Adding texture* | $1 – $2 |
| Trim and crown molding* | $1 – $4 per linear foot |
*Optional
Cost to paint a textured ceiling
The average cost to paint a textured ceiling is $1.00 to $3.50 per square foot. Painting a textured ceiling requires more labor and materials than painting a smooth ceiling because the texture creates more surface area to cover.
Adding ceiling texture costs $1 to $2 per square foot, while retexturing costs $1.80 to $3.80 per square foot. Ceiling texture is created with textured paint or drywall compound applied by a skilled professional.
Cost to paint a popcorn ceiling
Painting a popcorn ceiling costs $1.00 to $3.50 per square foot. Using a sprayer is best when painting an unpainted popcorn ceiling, as a paint roller may cause brittle popcorn bumps to break off. A previously painted popcorn ceiling is stronger and can handle rolling or spraying.
Removing a popcorn ceiling costs $1 to $2 per square foot. Refinishing and painting increase the cost to $2 to $6 per square foot, depending on the finishing texture. A smooth, flat ceiling texture costs the most as it requires the most labor.
Warning: Popcorn ceilings in homes built before 1986 may contain asbestos.
Cost to paint ceiling trim and crown molding
Painting the ceiling and trim costs $200 to $500 per room on average. Using different colors may cost more due to the increased masking and materials. Interior trim painting costs $1 to $4 per linear foot for trim and baseboards or $1 to $5 per linear foot for crown molding.
Installing new crown molding costs $7 to $16 per linear foot or $464 to $1,102 for an average living room.
Cost to paint ceiling grid or drop tiles
Painting a ceiling grid or drop tiles costs $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the room size and tile material. The best way to paint drop tiles is to remove them from the ceiling first. Otherwise, the tiles may stick to the grid and sag.
Acoustic ceiling tiles are porous and require more paint than a flat surface.
Acoustic tiles may lose some sound-dampening quality if painted with a product not explicitly labeled for acoustic tiles.
Ceiling grids are metal and require a different paint type than most ceiling tiles.
Warning: Painting acoustic ceiling tiles may void their warranty.
Cost to paint walls and ceiling
Painting the walls and ceiling costs $450 to $1,200 for an average bedroom or $900 to $2,800 for a larger living room. Most contractors paint the ceiling first to avoid overspray. Bringing the ceiling paint down onto the wall area also creates a cleaner edge once the walls are painted.
Painting a room costs $300 to $1,000 on average for the walls alone.
Cost to paint beadboard or tongue and groove ceilings
Painting beadboard or tongue and groove ceilings cost $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, depending on the size and condition. A previously stained ceiling requires oil-based paint. Wood beadboard and tongue and groove ceilings require additional prep work, sanding, and priming.
Most painters use a combined brush and roll method to provide the smoothest finish and ensure the paint gets into all the crevices.
Cost to paint a basem*nt ceiling
Painting a basem*nt ceiling costs $1 to $2 per square foot or $500 to $2,000 on average for a finished, open-plan basem*nt, depending on the square footage. Multi-room basem*nts require more labor as there are more corners to mask and edges to cut in.
Cost to paint exposed basem*nt ceiling
Painting an exposed basem*nt ceiling costs $1 to $3+ per square foot on average. Exposed basem*nt ceilings have more paintable surface area than a finished basem*nt ceiling and require more paint and labor. Spray application ensures the best coverage between the beams, wiring, and ductwork.
Leaving a ceiling exposed adds the feeling of height, allows access to ducts and wiring for future repairs, and gives the basem*nt a modern, industrial aesthetic.
Cost to spray basem*nt ceiling black
The cost to spray a basem*nt ceiling black costs $500 to $5,400+, depending on the size and whether the ceiling is finished or exposed. Painting a basem*nt ceiling black gives the room a modern look, hides imperfections, makes the ceiling seem higher, and makes other colors pop.
Labor cost to paint a ceiling
The labor cost to paint a ceiling is $1 to $2 per square foot. Painters charge $20 to $50 per hour on average but may charge up to $100 in some areas. An experienced ceiling painting contractor covers about 50 square feet per hour.
| Charge | Average labor cost |
|---|---|
| Per square foot | $1 – $2 |
| Per ceiling | $150 – $300 |
| Per hour | $20 – $50 |
Several factors affect the cost of painting a ceiling, including:
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Location – Painters in big cities charge higher rates than those in smaller towns with a lower cost of living.
Time of year – Interior painting estimates in northern states are more competitive in the late fall and winter months.
Ceiling size & height – Larger ceilings require more paint and labor. Each foot above 10’ adds about 10% to the price. Painting high ceilings cost more because it requires additional equipment and poses a greater safety risk.
Flat vs. vaulted ceilings – Cathedral and vaulted ceilings cost up to 50% more than standard flat ceilings.
Prep work – Most painting estimates include prep work like masking and protecting surrounding surfaces. Wood panel ceilings require more prep work than standard flat ceilings. Moving or removing furniture and fixtures before the work begins reduces the prep time.
Application method – Spraying requires less labor than rolling or brushing but is not a suitable method for every ceiling.
Ceiling condition – Minor ceiling repairs cost $50 to $100 per square foot. Ceiling drywall repair costs $150 to $1,000, depending on the damage.
Mold & mildew – Mold removal costs $15 to $30 per square foot. Find and remove the mold source before repainting the affected area.
Lead or Asbestos – Asbestos testing costs $250 to $850. Popcorn ceilings in homes built before 1986 may contain asbestos. A lead paint inspection costs $300 to $600 and may be required in homes built before 1978.
Paint type & quality – High-quality paint costs more but lasts longer and is more durable.
Customizations – Adding ceiling texture costs $130 to $440 for a typical bedroom or living room.
Ceiling paint cost calculator
Ceiling paint costs $20 to $60 per gallon on average. Most higher-priced ceiling paints are paint and primer in one. An average 12' x 12' room needs about 1 gallon of ceiling paint. One paint gallon covers 300 to 400 square feet with one coat.
Frequently asked questions
How much paint for a ceiling?
To determine how much paint you need for a ceiling:
Multiply the ceiling’s length x width to determine its square footage.
Divide the ceiling square footage by 300. One gallon of ceiling paint covers 300 to 400 square feet with one coat. Most ceilings require two paint coats.
Can you paint over mold on a ceiling?
You can paint over mold on a ceiling, but painting over mold does not kill the mold. Be sure to find and remove the mold source before painting.
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How long does ceiling paint take to dry?
Ceiling paint takes 30 to 60 minutes to dry to the touch. Most manufacturers recommend waiting for 2 to 4 hours or more between coats. Ceiling texture takes 4 to 24 hours to dry, depending on the type.
Getting estimates from ceiling painters
Before hiring a local interior painter for ceiling painting, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Look for members of the Painting Contractors Association (PCA).
Hire a company that is licensed, bonded, insured, and has been in business for at least five years.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work starts.
Avoid going with the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Never pay in full before the work begins. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Can you provide references with contact information?
Which paint type and finish do you recommend for my ceiling, and why?
How long will the project take?
What do I need to do to prepare the space for the project?
Do I need to do any repairs before you start painting?
Does the quote include prepping and cleanup?
Do you charge extra to move the furniture? If yes, how much?
What additional costs should I expect?
What happens if you get paint on the floor or furniture?
Do you use subcontractors or do the painting yourself?
Is there a warranty for the paint job?
