How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Bathroom in 2024?

Gone are the days when floor-to-ceiling tiling was the only acceptable bathroom design. Trends have changed over the last few years, giving way to more pocket-friendly yet still eye-popping alternatives like painting. Thus, no worries if you cannot now commit to an expensive and time-consuming bathroom renovation. A fresh coat of paint can totally revamp your bathing space without digging deep into your savings. Along with enhancing aesthetics and increasing your home value – prospective buyers appreciate a freshly painted bathroom – you can protect your walls from humidity damage. 

You can paint any surface, from ceiling to vanity to shower, meaning you can change how the space looks and feels. Coordinate the hues, add pops of color and various contrasts through décor, and you are all set. The average cost of painting the bathroom falls between $190 and $530 for labor and materials. But your expenses can be lower (about $90) or higher (about $1,000+) based on the paint quality and scope of work. 

The price of painting a bathroom

The Average Cost to Paint a Bathroom – Key Factors Overviewed

Even though bathroom painting projects are considered affordable, not all are equal. Suppose you have a powder room and another undersized bathing space. The answer to “How much to paint a small bathroom?” may differ in each case. While the square footage of the space takes the lead, there are other cost-shaping factors you need to know.

Don’t want to learn the ropes of how much to paint the bathroom based on different choices? Drop by the MyHomeQuote platform. Here, you can complete the form with your project details and get personalized quotes from local contractors. 

Cost to Paint a Bathroom by Size

Every estimate calculation depends on the scope of work required. That’s why contractors need to know your bathroom size, whether you want only to paint walls or change the color scheme of the whole space, including the ceiling. As a rule of thumb, the more square feet the project has, the more materials and labor will be involved. If you want to freshen your walls only, you can pay from $2 to $3,8 per sq. ft., but the price of painting the whole space will be higher, landing between $3 to $5,5 per square foot. Please note that your expenses can increase if additional services are needed. 

If you see the cost of painting a small bathroom somewhere, remember that it only applies to powder rooms and quarter-baths. Their bigger counterparts, like half-baths or master ones (80 to 100 sq. ft.), are more labor-intensive and require a larger investment. 

The price to paint a bathroom by size

Cost to Paint a Bathroom by Layout

Your bathroom layout is closely associated with its size. Have you ever seen a master bathroom only with a toilet and sink? It’s unlikely, as homeowners usually try to put every inch of footage to good use. So, the larger the space is, the more fixtures it contains, meaning there are various obstacles to paint around. As a result, the labor cost to paint a bathroom can be higher because a contractor will have to devote more time and effort to finish the job. 

The project can drag on if you select multiple pigments to make an accent or color wall. The painter will have to switch between paints and go all out to ensure neat lines. On top of that, an intricate layout with many corners or architectural details like alcoves has the next level of complexity and can be charged differently, too. 

How much can it cost to paint a small bathroom? You can spend anywhere from $70 to $320. But painting large bathrooms, like a primary or master one, can set you back about $600, give or take. 

The price to paint a bathroom by layout

The Average Cost to Paint a Bathroom by a Part

Almost everything you see in the bathroom, including your old-school vanity and toilet, can be painted. However, not all contractors may have the required equipment and skills, so you should discuss whether they can undertake the task before signing a contract. As all bathroom amenities have their peculiarities and are made of different materials, it’s better to consider the key ones in more detail:

Ceiling

If you live in a state with high humidity, like Louisiana or Mississippi, you may notice mold signs or peeling all over the ceiling. How much to paint a bathroom ceiling? Your expenses can vary depending on the surface condition and severity of imperfections. On average, the cost to paint a bathroom ceiling falls between $48 and $127. 

Toilet

Even though toilet painting is not on the list of the most sought-after services, you can still get it. A contractor can utilize spray or epoxy paint to get the desired hue. To get your toilet painted, you can fork out between $90 and $390.

Cabinets

Homeowners are often interested in how much to paint bathroom cabinets as their old ones don’t fit into the new color scheme. However, remember that wood and laminate are the only options that can be renewed until they are in mint condition. The cost to paint bathroom cabinets is between $5 and $12 per square foot.

Vanity

A fresh lick of paint can make your boring-looking vanity a focal point of the bathroom. But your contractor must first inspect it to determine whether such an upgrade can be rewarding. The cost to paint a bathroom vanity of standard dimensions (about 48 inches) ranges from $145 to $240. 

Walls

Pain makes for a refreshing solution for drywalls or plaster walls. When creating an accent wall, rather than changing the color of the whole space, make sure to inform your contractor about your plans. The standard cost range is between $145 and $630, but you may have to cover the minimum fee if the scope of work is negligible. 

Shower

A professional painter can help you refurbish your shower stall or a shower + tub combo. The exact cost will hinge on the material and condition of the surface, ranging from $140 to $580. 

Tub 

Rust and indelible stains make your bathtub look unwelcome. A professional can do everything it takes, from cleaning to sanding to painting, to make a difference. The cost can vary from $190 to $850, depending on the bathtub material and the efforts involved.  

Countertops

If your bathroom countertop is made of marble, porcelain, laminate, or quartz, a seasoned specialist can breathe new life into it by painting. Such an upgrade can cost you from $230 to $450 overall.

The price to paint a bathroom by part

Tile

If ceramic tiles dominate your bathroom interior, a coat of paint is ideal for a quick and budget-friendly turnaround. While retiling can cost you a bundle, you can pay $5 to $9 per square foot for painting. Thus, the average cost to paint a small bathroom tiled can land between $250 and $470. The glazed quarry tile is the only option that is not eligible for painting.

Willing to paint different elements in your bathroom but have doubts you can afford such a makeover? MyHomeQuote is here to help you get bespoke estimates crafted in accordance with plans. Submit your details using the questionnaire below to set in motion the process.

The Average Bathroom Painting Cost by Paint Type

As paint is the main material and determinant of the project’s outcome, you should devote special attention to it. You can go for an oil-based or water-based paint. The first one is more durable, has a better surface finish but takes longer to dry, and has a strong smell. Your expenses can be heftier depending on how much paint for a small bathroom you may need, as oil-based paints have a higher price tag. 

Water-based (latex) paint has less odor and dries faster, making it popular for indoor applications. It is usually available in zillion colors, so if you are interested in a non-standard hue, you can check its palette. But you may need more coats to achieve the same level of coverage as oil-based paint offers. 

As bathrooms are prone to excessive humidity and dampness, becoming home to mold and mildew, it is worth selecting a paint with moisture-resistant properties. Such an option can cost more but ensure better wall protection.

The price to paint a bathroom by paint type

The Cost of Painting a Bathroom by Finish

Not only does the paint’s finish affect the price, but it also predefines its appearance and lifespan. Flat or matte finishes are generally the cheapest, but they don’t handle moisture well. Eggshell and satin finishes offer a slight sheen and improved durability even in humid environments. Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are considered high-end options regarding water resistance, maintenance, lastingness, and cost. But you should be ready for the highest sheen, too. 

Wrapping it up, the more gloss there is, the higher the cost to paint a small bathroom, let alone a big one. However, if a glossier finish fits into your interior, you can enjoy long-term savings due to reduced maintenance and repainting costs. 

The price to paint a bathroom by finish

Other Factors Adding to the Bathroom Painting Cost

When calculating the project budget, many homeowners only zero in on the material and labor costs. However, they overlook that their bathing space requires additional steps to be suitable for painting. If your current bathroom has served you for years, you may need to cover:

• Prep work. Contractors can’t set about painting if your walls are dirty or have stains. They can charge from $20 to $45 per hour for cleaning. 
• Old paint removal. If the soon-to-be painted surface has a layer of old paint or wallpaper, it must be taken off first. This may cost you from $1 to $9 per square foot. 

• Walls sanding. Any defects like scratches and dents will become ten times more visible after painting. So, specialists need to sand walls first. On average, they charge from $45 to $110 per room.
• Mold removal. As it is a severe problem that affects both health and aesthetics, it must be fixed. Depending on its scale, you can spend $200 to $2,000.
• Repairs. Your expenses here can vary from $180 to $700 if drywall requires repair services. The cost can be higher if the problem occurs with a shower stall or other fixtures.
• Customization. The answer to ‘how much paint for a small bathroom’ hinges on whether you want to add some accents or drywall textures. The latter can set you back from $1 to $2 per square foot. 

Labor Cost to Paint a Bathroom

Hiring a professional painter is recommended if your bathroom looks its best after painting. They can charge you per hour, square foot, or room. While the labor cost to paint a small bathroom can fall between $100 to $200 as it won’t take experts more than a few hours to complete the job, the big ones can be three times as high. Please note that such a project can’t be finished in one day so several return visits may be required. 

The labor cost to paint the bathroom

The Cost of Bathroom Repainting

If your current coat of paint still looks good but lacks deepness, or you want to freshen up the space with more vibrant hues, you can get repainting services. They can also come in handy if there are some discolored spots or marks that you can’t remove. Moreover, specialists recommend repainting a bathroom every four years to keep mold and moisture issues at bay. How much to paint a bathroom in this case? You can spend from $1,6 to $3,5 per square foot.