Painters — Find & Compare Local Contractors

Painting is 80 percent preparation. The difference between paint lasting 3 years and 10 years is the scraping, sanding, caulking, and priming before the first coat.

What Painters Actually Do

• Interior: Walls, ceilings, trim, cabinets. Includes patching and priming.
• Exterior: Siding, trim, stucco. Requires pressure washing and weather scheduling.
• Cabinet refinishing: A specialty, not all painters do it well.

What Painting Costs in 2026

• Interior room: $300 to $800 walls only, 800 to 2,000 with ceiling and trim.
• Whole house interior: $4,000 to $12,000.
• Exterior: $3,000 to $10,000 for a typical home.

How to Vet a Painter

Ask exactly what prep is included and how many finish coats. Get the paint brand, product line, and sheen in writing. Ask how they protect floors and furniture. Confirm RRP certification for pre-1978 homes. For exteriors, confirm they won't paint in extreme heat or before rain.

Red Flags

• Bid with no mention of prep work
• No insurance
• Full payment upfront
• Can't name the specific paint products

Related Guides

• How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Interior in 2026?
• How to Hire a Contractor: The 12-Step Vetting Checklist (2026)