Interior · Exterior · Cabinets · Decks
Compare painter quotes line by line, not just the bottom number.
Describe your project once. Local, insured painters send written quotes in the same format, so you can see who includes prep, primer and a second coat before anyone sets foot in your home.
How it works
One request. Comparable quotes.
Painters quote against the same project sheet, so square footage, coats and paint grade line up when you compare.
Describe the job
Rooms or walls, ceiling height, condition, sheen and timing. Photos help painters price accurately.
Painters quote
Insured local painters review your project sheet and send a written, itemized quote, usually within 48 hours.
Compare side by side
See prep, primer, coats, paint line, labor days and warranty in one table in your account.
Choose and connect
Only the painter you pick receives your contact details to schedule a walkthrough.
Sample comparison
What a quote comparison looks like
Example project: interior repaint, 3 bedrooms + hallway, about 1,450 sq ft of wall area, 8 ft ceilings, minor patching.
| Painter A | Painter B Most complete | Painter C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall prep | Patch holes | Patch, sand, caulk trim | Patch holes |
| Primer | Spot prime | Spot prime patches | Not included |
| Coats | 2 coats | 2 coats | 1 coat |
| Paint line & sheen | Mid-grade, eggshell | Premium, eggshell | Contractor grade, flat |
| Ceilings & trim | Trim only | Trim + ceilings | Walls only |
| Crew / days | 2 painters · 3 days | 2 painters · 3 days | 1 painter · 4 days |
| Warranty | 1 year labor | 2 years labor | None stated |
| Quoted total | $3,980 | $4,450 | $2,700 |
Illustrative example only. Painters, prices and terms shown are not actual offers.
Project types
What do you need painted?
Interior painting
Bedrooms, living areas, ceilings, trim and doors.
Typical: $2–$6 / sq ft floorExterior painting
Siding, trim, soffits and fascia, front doors, shutters.
Typical: $1.50–$4 / sq ft surfaceCabinet painting
Kitchen and bath cabinet boxes, doors and drawer fronts.
Typical: $3,000–$8,000 kitchenDeck & fence staining
Cleaning, brightening and sealing wood and composite.
Typical: $2–$5 / sq ftPainting cost guide
What painting usually costs in 2026
National ranges for professional work including labor and paint. Your quotes depend on your region, wall condition, ceiling height and the paint line you choose.
| Project | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Single bedroom, 12 × 12 ft, walls only | $450 – $1,100 |
| Whole interior, 2,000 sq ft home | $4,500 – $11,000 |
| Ceilings only, per room | $200 – $600 |
| Interior doors, each (both sides) | $100 – $200 |
| Exterior, single-story 1,500 sq ft | $3,000 – $6,500 |
| Exterior, two-story 2,500 sq ft | $5,500 – $11,500 |
| Kitchen cabinets, 25–35 doors | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Deck stain, 300 sq ft | $700 – $1,500 |
Why compare
The cheapest quote often leaves out a coat.
Painting quotes vary by thousands of dollars for the same rooms, usually because of what is left out. A shared project sheet makes every painter answer the same questions.
- Every quote states prep, primer, number of coats and paint line
- Painters confirm general liability insurance before quoting
- Ask follow-up questions in your account without sharing your number
- No obligation: decline every quote if none fit
Project sheet preview
| Rooms | 3 bedrooms, hallway |
|---|---|
| Wall area | ≈ 1,450 sq ft |
| Ceiling height | 8 ft |
| Condition | Nail holes, one water stain |
| Color change | Light grey → warm white |
| Sheen | Eggshell walls, semi-gloss trim |
| Start | Within 4 weeks |
FAQ
Questions homeowners ask
Is PaintEstimate free?
Yes. Requesting and comparing quotes is free for homeowners. Painters may pay PaintEstimate a fee to quote on projects; that never changes the price you are quoted.
Who sees my phone number and email?
Painters see your project details, city and ZIP code only. Your name, phone number and email are shared with a painter only after you choose to connect with that painter.
How many quotes will I get?
Up to four. Most projects receive two to four quotes within 48 hours, depending on your area and timing.
Are the painters licensed and insured?
Painters must confirm they carry general liability insurance and hold any license their state or county requires. PaintEstimate does not guarantee their work, so always ask for a certificate of insurance before work starts.
Do I have to hire anyone?
No. You can compare, ask questions and decline every quote at no cost.