COST TO PAINT CEILING: Everything You Should Know

cost to paint ceiling

As the fifth wall of the room, the appearance of the ceiling affects the rest of the interior design and feel of the whole room. But most times, ceilings don’t get the attention they need, which is an anomaly. You should always factor in the ceiling when you want to paint a room, because its part of the room. What more? It doesn’t cost much to paint a ceiling- just a few bucks to keep your room in shape. So, this article is a guide on the average cost to paint a ceiling per square foot, based on the type of room. Read on.

Average Cost To Paint A Ceiling

The national average cost to paint a ceiling is between $120 and $300. Most homeowners pay roughly $250 for a smooth finish on a 10 × 12 foot room with a ten-foot ceiling. A bathroom ceiling will cost roughly $50 to paint at the low end of the price range. Painting a basement ceiling might cost up to $2,500 on the high end.

Painting a 12-foot by 12-foot room ceiling costs between $150 and $350, depending on your region and the quality of the paint. Increase the price by half for two coats. You may expect to pay between $1 and $2.50 per square foot on average. A 2,500-square-foot house would cost approximately $0.50 per square foot less than a single room.

The majority of your expenditure will be spent on labor, as set up, prep, and cleanup will take longer than the actual painting. Most contractors estimate expenses per square foot but provide a total project quote. They also have a $200 to $300 minimum charge, regardless of project size.

Cost To Paint A Ceiling Per Square Foot

A ceiling will cost you between $0.50 and $3.00 per square foot to paint. Pricing for smaller projects, such as a single room, can range from $1 to $2 per square foot.

Because of overhead costs such as fuel, insurance, travel, and most supplies, smaller jobs tend to cost more per square foot. Regardless of the scale of the job, a painter’s overhead remains consistent.

While the size of your ceiling will be the most important factor in determining your total costs, the height of your ceiling will also play a role, with costs ranging from $1 to $2.50 per square foot depending on the height. The higher the ceiling, the more difficult access may be. Additional equipment, such as scaffolding or ladders, may be required to complete the job, raising the cost of painting high ceilings. If you paint many ceilings, the price per square foot may fall marginally in some cases. 

Cost To Paint A Ceiling By Type

The type of ceiling you’ll be painting has a significant impact on the overall cost. Some ceilings necessitate more meticulous attention and preparation, which necessitates a larger investment of time and, in some cases, more paint. The cost to paint depends on the type of ceiling you are painting, which can range from $1 to $4 per square foot. There are numerous varieties of ceilings available, ranging from flat standard to vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, each with its own set of qualities, style, and appearance. Because of their height and texture, certain ceilings are more difficult to paint than others. As a result, you can expect to pay a greater price. 

#1. Popcorn Ceiling

Popcorn ceiling painting costs between $1 and $3 per square foot, though you’ll need significantly more stuff to cover the entire surface. It is currently not fashionable, despite being functional.

The cost of removing popcorn ceilings ranges from $800 to $2,500, depending on the location. It will cost an additional $1 to $2 per square foot, for a total cost of $2 to $5 per square foot for removal and painting.

#2. Ceiling Grid or Drop Tiles 

A drop ceiling costs $1 to $3 per square foot to paint. In most cases, you’ll cover the actual grid that the tiles sit in and replace any tiles that are damaged.

Painting a drop ceiling for business purposes may void the warranty and violate fire or building codes. Before performing anything yourself, always consult with your contractor about potential code issues.

#3. Flat Ceilings

Painting a flat ceiling will cost between $1 and $2.50 per square foot. A flat ceiling can provide an aesthetic touch to a room by blending in with the walls. Because of the way the paint is done, it reflects more natural light on sunny days.

Before painting a flat ceiling, a lot of prep work is required. If there are any minor cracks, holes, or damage, they must be filled. After it has dried, it must be sanded before a base coat is applied to cover the repairs.

#4. Acoustic Ceiling 

Acoustic ceilings are secondary ceilings that are installed beneath the primary ceiling. Water stains, smoke, or other airborne chemicals may become stuck on the ceiling tiles over time, making them appear dirty. When this occurs, homeowners frequently decide to repaint the worn ceiling tiles rather than replace the entire structure. The cost of painting an acoustic ceiling ranges between $1 and $3 per square foot. Painting an acoustic ceiling tile is a quick and inexpensive way to update the look of a room’s interior. Only the grid rails are typically painted, while the tiles are replaced with a new color. You can paint the ceiling tiles, but doing so may void the ceiling warranty.

#5. Cathedral Ceiling

Painting a cathedral ceiling will cost roughly the same as painting a vaulted ceiling, ranging between $2 and $4 per square foot. Cathedral ceilings and vaulted ceilings are terms that are frequently used interchangeably. However, they are not the same. Cathedral ceilings are distinguished by their symmetry, which consists of two equal sloping sides that meet at a higher point in the center and frequently conform to the shape of the roof. Regardless of the slope, they can make a room appear larger due to the added vertical volume. Cathedral ceilings cost more to paint because they are more difficult, time-consuming, and necessitate scaffolding.

#6. Vaulted Ceiling

The cost of painting a vaulted ceiling is higher, ranging between $2 and $4 per square foot. A vaulted ceiling rises from the walls to the center, producing a volume of space above. While they originated in churches, they are increasingly beginning to appear in both traditional and modern residences. Vaulted ceilings can use otherwise unused roof space to create a bigger dramatic room volume, making your home appear larger than it is. Depending on the shade and color of the paint, painting this style of ceiling can provide a variety of results. Deeper hues make the ceiling appear lower, while lighter colors offer the sense of even more space. Because scaffolding is required, the cost of painting vaulted ceilings is relatively expensive, and the procedure requires more labor and time to complete.

Cost To Paint A Ceiling by Room

#1. Bathroom Ceiling 

Painting a bathroom ceiling costs between $50 and $125 on average. This cost varies according to the size of the bathroom, the number of coats of bathroom ceiling paint used, and whether it is part of a broader interior home painting project. A bathroom is typically 40 to 70 square feet in size. In most cases, regardless of how little the bathroom is, providers will demand a minimum fee of $150 or more. It is recommended that you put moisture-resistant, semi-gloss paint on the ceiling before painting it since it will make your ceiling stand out while also preventing it from mildew and mold growth.

#2. Kitchen Ceiling

Painting a kitchen ceiling costs between $150 and $375 on average. This pricing varies based on the size of the kitchen and the number of coats of paint necessary. Painting your kitchen ceiling can assist attract attention upward or lower your ceilings. It’s a good way to add some color to your kitchen. While most people choose a more mild hue for the kitchen ceiling, such as ivory or white, other colors are becoming more fashionable.

#3. Bedroom Ceiling

You should budget between $200 and $500 to paint your bedroom ceiling. The size of the room and the type of paint have a direct impact on the project’s cost. Painting the walls and ceilings the same color is becoming more common among homeowners. A darker color that coordinates with the walls makes the bedroom appear cozier and smaller. Choosing a lighter hue for the walls and ceilings helps to open up a space and add depth.

#4. Living Room Ceiling

The average cost of painting a living room ceiling is between $224 and $850. The living room is the main space of your home where you spend the most of your time. You want to ensure that your space is comfortable. While white and light colors are always a good choice, a painted ceiling can help a living space that feels empty or has too much white.

#5. Garage Ceiling 

Painting a garage ceiling costs between $400 and $1,000 on average. When it comes to painting their home, most homeowners overlook their garage, although they serve an important function in housing automobiles, equipment, workbenches, and so much more. Whatever you use your garage for, chances are you want it to look nice. Painting a garage ceiling is very similar to painting a house ceiling. However, before painting can begin, a garage must be well cleaned. Garage ceilings are dirtier than walls in your home because they are frequently left unpainted, accumulating dust, filth, and stains that must be removed.

#6. Basement Ceiling

The cost of painting a basement ceiling ranges from $500 to $4,500, depending on the square footage. Your pricing may rise if you have exposed beams, ducting, or wiring. Because each one is unique, it’s advisable to discuss the precise expenses involved with your job with your contractor.

Painting exposed ceilings costs the same as painting any other type: $1 to $3 per square foot. Extra prep work and different types of materials for exposed ceilings can easily raise the cost to $2 to $6 per square foot.

Covering an exposed basement ceiling is a popular method of blending exposed electrical work, ducts, and beams.

Ceiling Paint Costs

A gallon of paint costs between $20 and $60. One coat per gallon will cover 350 to 400 square feet of ceiling. This equates to slightly under 1 gallon every 12-foot-by-12-foot space.

Factors Influencing Ceiling Painting Prices

The entire cost of painting a ceiling is determined by several factors. The additional time and resources required for a given ceiling may cause the price to rise tremendously.

#1. Crown Mouldings

Painting trim costs between $500 and $1,500 for a 1,500-square-foot home. Crown molding is a sort of interior trim used at the junction of the wall and the ceiling. Painting it costs between $1 and $3.50 per linear foot. However, if you paint it at the same time and in the same color as your ceiling, it should only cost $0.50 to $1.50 more.

#2. Prep Work

Preparing your ceiling for painting can take longer than the actual painting. Tape off the edges with good quality painter’s tape, move or cover your furniture, and cover your floors with drop cloths.

#3. Height of the ceiling

The usual ceiling height is 8 feet, which a step ladder may readily reach. Longer ceilings may necessitate the use of additional tools, such as taller ladders, which might increase the expense of painting your ceiling.

Is Ceiling Paint More Expensive?

Ceiling paint is more expensive than wall paint, but its thick consistency and smooth finish make it excellent for painting whole rooms.

Is It Hard To Paint Your Own Ceiling?

Ceilings are not a lot of fun to paint. However, painting your ceiling is neither impossible nor hard. Most home ceiling painting tasks may be started and completed in a single day with a few simple items.

In Conclusion,

The cost of painting a ceiling depends on whether you’re doing it yourself, or you’re hiring a professional. Doing it yourself will cost you less money, but it will take more of your time. Hiring a professional, on the other hand, saves you time and energy, but it will cost you more money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to have your ceiling painted?

A 12-by-12-foot bedroom with 8-foot-high walls can cost $680 to paint in two coats. It is mostly determined by the size, height, and shape of the ceiling.

What is the labor cost to paint a room?

The average labor cost to paint a room is between $1 and $3 per square foot based on the project surface area or between $2 and $7 per square foot based on the actual room space.

What is the quickest way to paint a ceiling?

Begin by taping off the edge of the wall or crown molding if you’re only painting the ceiling. Consider using a broader painter’s tape to get the roller close to the corner without getting paint all over the wall. This allows you to work faster by being less exact.

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