Quick Answers
The cost to paint a ceiling can range from $0.60-$5.00 per square foot. The average cost is around $2 per square foot. So for a typical 10′ x 10′ ceiling, expect to pay $200-500 with the average being around $300.
Factors like ceiling height, texture, whether it’s an open beam or flat ceiling, and geographic location can all impact price. Professional painters also charge more than handymen. Get free estimates to find the best rate for your project.
How Much Does It Cost To Paint a Ceiling?
When budgeting to paint a ceiling, costs typically range between $0.60 and $5 per square foot. The average cost falls around $2 per square foot.
For a 10′ x 10′ ceiling, that translates to:
- Low end: 10 x 10 x $0.60 = $60
- Average: 10 x 10 x $2 = $200
- High end: 10 x 10 x $5 = $500
So for most standard, flat 10′ x 10′ bedroom ceilings, expect to pay in the range of $200 to $300. Vaulted or high ceilings may be slightly more expensive.
Cost Breakdown
What goes into the cost to paint a ceiling? Here are the main factors:
| Ceiling height | Higher ceilings require extra labor time and paint |
| Texture | Popcorn or textured ceilings take longer to prep and paint |
| Flat vs beamed | Beams, rafters take extra prep and cutting in |
| Number of coats | Two coats is standard. Three coats increases paint and labor time. |
| Prep work | Filling holes, sanding, washing add to job costs |
| Location | Overhead and wages influence per hour pricing |
These factors help explain the wide $0.60 to $5 per square foot price range.
DIY vs Professional Painter
Hiring a professional painter costs significantly more than a DIY project. However, painters have the right tools, skills and experience to prep and paint ceilings efficiently. They can paint in half a day what takes a homeowner 2-3 days. Their work also comes out smooth and consistent versus the amateur look of a DIY job.
To save costs, hire a handyman rather than a painting contractor. Handymen charge around $50 per hour compared to $70 per hour for professional painters. Just make sure they have experience specifically with interior ceiling paint jobs.
Prep Work
Proper prep work ensures the paint adheres and provides a smooth uniform finish. For both DIYers and professional painters, preparation accounts for the bulk of time and effort.
Typical ceiling paint prep includes:
- Covering the floor with drop cloths
- Patching holes and cracks with spackle
- Sanding rough patches smooth
- Cleaning surface dust and cobwebs
- De-glossing sheen surfaces for better paint adhesion
- Masking edges and trim
- Applying primer to unpainted drywall or stained areas
Texture, water stains, patching large cracks, or removing old popcorn texture can add extensive time to prep work. This needs to be factored into labor costs.
Ceiling Paint Costs
Along with labor, the other major ceiling painting cost is the paint itself.
Expect to pay $25-$50 per gallon for standard white ceiling paint from brands like Behr or Valspar. This covers 450-500 square feet per gallon.
Textured or ceiling paint with primer may run $30-$60 per gallon.
Other supplies like brushes, rollers, paint tray, tape and drop cloths can add $50 or more. This is relatively small compared to the labor expense however.
Factors That Impact Ceiling Painting Cost
Many variables affect the overall project price. Factors that can increase the cost include:
Ceiling Height
Painting labor takes longer the higher the ceiling. Standard room heights up to 10 feet are usually cheapest. Cathedral or vaulted ceilings over 15 feet tall cost 50% or more extra for the added painting time and supplies.
Ceiling Texture
Popcorn, knockdown, or heavily textured ceilings require extra taping and cutting in work around texture. This slows down painting time.
Smooth flat ceilings are quickest to paint, while heavy texture can increase the price per square foot by $0.50 or more. Removing heavy popcorn texture first adds extensive labor.
Beams
Ceiling with open rafters or beams take longer to prep and paint. All the rafter edges need masking with tape for clean paint lines. Staining or painting the beams a different color than the ceiling also adds cost.
Coatings
The standard is two coats of paint, which is included in the average $2 per square foot price. Three coats will increase labor and paint costs by 50% or more. Extra primer also increases materials.
Water Damage
Stains require extra work to seal the areas so paint will adhere. This may involve applying oil-based stain blocker. Extensive water damage or leaks need repair first before painting.
Drywall Repairs
Filling large cracks and holes requires extra time, often with two applications of spackle. Major drywall repairs drive costs higher.
Location
Overhead and wages in expensive urban areas increase hourly rates. Painting costs in high-priced cities like San Francisco and New York can be 50% or more above cheaper rural regions.
DIY Ceiling Painting Costs
To save costs, some homeowners tackle ceiling painting as a DIY project. This reduces the labor expense, but involves buying all the necessary tools and equipment.
Cost to Paint a Small Ceiling
For painting a standard 10′ x 10′ ceiling, expect DIY costs around:
- Paint and supplies – $80
- Prep work time – 6 hours
- Painting time – 4 hours
- Total cost – $80 + 10 hours labor
Assuming a DIY labor rate of $25 per hour, the total comes to around $280 compared to $300 or more to hire a pro. However, add prep work like removing popcorn texture and costs go up. Professionals can also complete the work much faster.
Cost to Paint a Large Ceiling
For bigger ceilings, DIY costs in materials may be:
- Paint – 3 gallons at $30/gallon = $90
- Supplies – $100 for tools, tarps, etc
- Total materials – Around $200
If the ceiling is 20′ x 20′, labor time doubles compared to a small room:
- Prep work – 12 hours
- Painting – 8 hours
- Total labor – 20 hours x $25 = $500
This puts the total DIY cost at around $700. In contrast, a pro could charge $1000 or more for a big ceiling. But DIY takes longer and has more room for error.
Professional Ceiling Painting Costs
Hiring professional painters involves higher per hour costs, but can cut total labor time significantly.
Painter vs Handyman
For ceiling painting, handymen often charge half as much per hour as specialized painters. However, make sure they have ceiling painting experience and the proper equipment.
- Painter: $50-$70 per hour
- Handyman: $30-$50 per hour
Cost to Paint a Small Ceiling
A 10′ x 10′ ceiling can be painted in 4-6 hours by a professional. At $50 per hour, total labor costs around $200-$300. Add another $100 for paint and materials.
- Labor – 4 to 6 hours at $50 per hour = $200 to $300
- Paint and supplies – $100
- Total – $300 to $400
Cost to Paint a Large Ceiling
Bigger ceilings may take 8-12 hours for two painters costing $50/hour each:
- Labor – 16 to 24 man hours x $50 = $800 to $1200
- Paint and supplies – $150
- Total – $950 to $1350
High ceilings over 20 feet could be even more. Getting professional estimates for your exact ceiling size is recommended.
Ceiling Painting Price Per Square Foot
A typical price per square foot for ceiling painting falls between $0.60 and $5.00, with the average at about $2 per square foot.
Factors like texture and height affect the rate. Here are examples:
- Smooth flat ceiling under 10 ft tall – $0.75 to $1.50 per sq ft
- Slightly textured ceiling 10-15 ft tall – $1.50 to $2.50 per sq ft
- Heavily textured or over 15 ft tall – $2.50 to $5 per sq ft
Get quotes based on your exact ceiling size and condition to find the going rate in your area.
Hiring Professional Ceiling Painters
When hiring contractors to paint ceilings, here are some tips:
- Get at least 3 quotes to compare rates.
- Verify they are insured and licensed if required in your state.
- Check reviews and ask for referrals to find good painters.
- Provide all paint to avoid markup.
- Agree on drop cloth use and cleanup duties.
- Get a written contract outlining scope, coats, colors and timeline.
To save costs, hire handymen or smaller contractors rather than big painting companies. Just make sure they have ceiling painting expertise.
Also inquire about single coat paints like Emulsa-Bond ceiling paint by Sherwin-Williams. This special paint provides good coverage in one coat.
DIY Ceiling Painting Tips
For DIYers on a budget, you can paint ceilings yourself to save on labor costs. Here are some tips:
- Cover floors and mask trim to reduce cleanup time.
- Rent an extension pole and painter’s pads to reach high ceilings.
- Buy high quality acrylic latex paint so it doesn’t drip.
- Plan your painting in sections using painter’s tape.
- Apply in long back-and-forth strokes without stopping.
- Work top to bottom and do edges first to avoid drips.
Priming is also key for an even color. Experienced DIYers can paint most standard ceilings, but pros are worth the cost for big or high ceilings.
Conclusion
The cost to paint a ceiling ranges from $0.60 to $5.00 per square foot depending on height, texture, and location. The average homeowner spends around $200 to $500 to paint an average 10×10 foot ceiling. Hiring professional painters costs more per hour but can greatly reduce total labor time compared to DIY projects. Carefully prep ceilings before painting and apply in a consistent technique without stopping to avoid lap marks and drips. With some practice and patience, even novice DIYers can paint ceilings and save on labor costs.