Interior painting: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What interior painting is

Interior painting covers walls, trim and ceilings in the rooms of a home. Good results depend more on surface prep, patching and masking than on the paint itself, so the work is as much about preparation as the coats.

Signs you need it

  • Walls have scuffs, stains, dents and patched spots that show through the old paint in daylight
  • The paint is peeling, chalking or blistering near windows, doors and bathroom walls
  • The color is faded or dated, and you want a new palette for the room or the whole home
  • You are selling or renting the home and want a clean, neutral finish that shows well
  • There are glossy or dark colors on the walls that need a primer before a new color can go on

What the pro does

  • Move furniture, cover floors and protect fixtures, then remove outlet covers and hardware that will be painted around
  • Wash the walls and trim to remove grease, dirt and mildew, and sand the glossy spots so the new paint sticks
  • Fill nail holes, dents and cracks, and sand the patches smooth so they blend into the wall
  • Mask the trim, windows and edges, then prime bare spots, stains and any surface that is changing color
  • Cut in the edges by hand, then roll the walls with two finish coats, letting each coat dry as the label says
  • Remove the masking, touch up any misses, and reset the outlet covers, hardware and furniture

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The amount of wall, trim and ceiling area and how many rooms are painted
  • The condition of the walls and how much patching, sanding and priming it needs
  • The paint line and sheen chosen, since higher-end paints often need fewer coats
  • Ceiling height and the number of stairways, high walls or vaulted areas that need a lift or ladder
  • Whether cabinets, doors, built-ins or trim are painted in the same job
  • Color changes that need a primer, such as going from a dark wall to a light one

What a written quote should spell out

  • Each room or area listed, with the walls, trim and ceilings separated
  • Paint brand, line and sheen for each surface, with the number of coats
  • Prep work listed, including the patching, sanding, washing and priming
  • Protection of floors and furniture, and who moves items out of the way
  • Cleanup and touch-up after the job, with the warranty on the workmanship

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What prep work is included, and how much patching do you expect in these walls?
  • Which paint do you use, and how many coats are included for each surface?
  • Do you move furniture and cover floors, or do I need to clear the rooms myself?
  • How do you handle a color change that needs a primer?
  • What sheen will the trim and the walls get, and why?
  • Can you show me interior rooms you painted with a finish like the one I want?

Red flags

  • The quote has no prep line, and the pro says the paint will cover everything
  • The pro wants to skip the primer on a color change from dark to light
  • The pro does not cover floors or furniture and says the homeowner must do it all
  • The quote is much lower than the others with no difference in prep or paint listed

What you can do yourself

Moving small furniture, removing outlet covers, and painting a closet or a single room are reasonable homeowner tasks. In a home built before lead paint was banned, have old paint tested for lead before you sand or scrape it, because the dust is harmful, and hire a pro who works lead-safe. Patching large holes is also better left to a pro.

Licenses and permits

Interior painting is commonly done without a license in many places, but the rules differ, so check with your state or local licensing agency before you take a job. A pro who handles lead paint or structural repairs may need additional credentials.

Interior painting questions

Should I buy the paint or let the pro supply it?

Either works, but ask the pro to name the product and the line in writing. Paint quality, sheen and coverage affect the number of coats and the result, so compare the same product when you compare quotes.

How do I prepare the room myself?

Move small furniture, remove outlet covers and hardware, and clear the walls and trim of pictures. Ask the pro whether they want you to wash the walls or whether they will do it as part of the prep.

What sheen should I choose for each surface?

Flatter sheens hide wall flaws, while higher sheens are easier to clean on trim, doors and bathroom walls. Ask the pro to recommend sheens by room and to show the samples on your walls.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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