Balancing Interior and Exterior House Paint Material Prices & Performance
There are many reasons to understand how much a gallon of house paint costs before starting a painting project. The average cost of interior paint ranges between $22 and $90. Exterior paint prices are higher, at $34 each gallon, and can top over $100 for elastomeric coatings.
Cabinet paint such as lacquers, polyurethane paints, and interior special finishes can cost over $150 for the most premium offerings.
Paint Materials Cost Ranges
Interior Paint Cost Range
$22 – $90
Average Interior Wall Paint Cost
$52
Average Exterior Paint Cost
$34 – $100
Frequently Asked Questions
Separation Between Paint Material Prices & Quality
Since house paint prices continually increase and new product skews are introduced yearly, it has become harder to quantify if higher-priced paints are worth the additional cost.
Since paint prices range so widely, it’s no surprise that homeowners have little to no objective preference other than being familiar with the name of a particular paint brand.
This article aims to help you understand when higher paint prices are most beneficial.
Cheaper Material Costs When Hiring a Painter
There are many blind promises when it comes to painting. Just because the paint costs more doesn’t always mean it is worth the money.
When hiring a painter, value shoppers will want to know if the painters charge a fair price for paint materials. Other clients think purchasing the materials allows them more control of the process.
Itemizing prices is a great way to understand service details, but it is rarely the best means of understanding paint costs. Trying to determine paint costs per gallon from companies could insult the process. It’s widely known that reputable painters receive discounted prices, and portions of that savings are passed down to customers. Accepting and trusting in that will allow the bandwidth to aim your focus where it matters most.
The best way to determine if you are getting reasonable prices is to look at the project’s overall cost and ensure each contractor provides quality paint materials and service. Placing your energy and focus on the service’s total price and overall quality is the best way to determine value.
Lower Priced Interior Ceiling Paint
We do not suggest spending much on interior ceiling paint, as most ceilings go untouched. However, the exception for spending additional money would be in high-moisture bathrooms.
A typical flat interior ceiling paint starts at $27. Higher-end ceiling paints allow for darker colors and are easier to apply. High-performing interior ceiling paint costs begin at $36 for each gallon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mid-Grade Interior Wall Paint Costs
Making a good choice for interior wall paint is likely one of the more critical choices. The finish will also influence the cost and durability.
When painting small interior spaces with heavy traffic, we recommend buying mid-grade or better interior wall paint. Mid-level wall paints start at $40, while high-performers top out at $90 each gallon.
Frequently Asked Questions
High-End Interior Trim and Cabinet Paint Costs
When painting the entire room, trim paint should be highly valued. Trim paint is important because trim takes the most abuse and is the hardest for DYI’ers.
A paint that is easy to wipe is Sherwin-Williams Proclassic. Proclassic has long been Sherwin-Williams’ best trim paint and arguably the only interior trim paint by SW worth purchasing. Semi-gloss and gloss finishes range from $50-$70 per gallon.
Benjamin Moore Advance is one of the best DIY paints for cabinets, and it has easy application, advanced adhesion, and optimal coverage. The only drawback is that it takes a long time to cure.
Exterior Paints Cost and Value
Buying outdoor paint that lasts longer and holds up to various weather elements is a prerequisite. But most paint buyers are misguided and value price over performance.
20-year exterior paints start at $40 each gallon. Premium outdoor water-based acrylic paints start at $55 each gallon. Exterior oil paints are sold in gallon and quart cans, starting at $7 for an aerosol can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paint Material Costs Based on Size
- Gallon Price Average $15 – $150
- Quart Price Average $7 – $40
- Half Quart Price Average $3 – $22
- Large Spray Can $12 – $30
- Small Spray Can $2 – $25
Paint Material Prices Continue to Rise
The prices of raw materials used to make paint are increasing, a story perpetuated by paint manufacturers abroad. All house paints contain a wide range of raw materials, and some water and oil hybrid paints cost more. But most paint price increases are sheer opportunities for added profit.
Contact us for quality paint and service in the Raleigh area.