How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House in Ontario (2025 Guide)

Factors that Impact the Cost of Painting in Ontario

There is much more that goes into painting then just simply buying a can of paint. Here is a variety of factors that influence price, value, and understanding the breakdowns of quotes.

1. Square Footage and Room Size

The main, and most obvious factor included is the size of the space being painted. As you may assume, the more area needing to be painted, the more product and labour for the project.

Interior: The typical cost per square foot is $2.50 - $4.50 which includes walls, ceiling height, and sometimes baseboards depending on the agreement. For example, a 1,500 sq, ft, home might cost $3,750 - $6,750 for a full interior repaint, whereas a 2,500 sq. ft. home could range from $6,250 - $11,250.

Exterior: This is based on the square footage of the siding surface rather than just a floor plan. For example, A two-story home would cost more than a bungalow of the same square footage due to having more siding surface.

2. Surface Preparation

Having prep work to do can significantly impact the cost. While it is an important step for the paint to adhere properly and last longer, it does take more time and labour.

• Drywall repair – Patching nail holes, fixing dents, or repairing water damage.

• Sanding – Essential for smooth finishes, especially on trim and doors.

• Caulking and sealing – Prevents cracks around windows, baseboards, and trim.

• Power washing (exterior) – Removes dirt and mildew before applying paint.

Impact on cost: You can expect an extra $1.00 - $2.00 per square foot depending on the extent to which prep work is needed.

3. Type and Quality of Paint

There are many different qualities of paint that have an impact on your initial cost, but save you from having to repaint frequently, and will require fewer coats.

• Economy Paint: $25 - $40 per gallon

• Mid-Grade Paint: $50 - $70 per gallon

• Premium Paint (e.g., Benjamin Moore Aura, Sherwin-Williams Emerald): $80 - $120 per gallon.

A gallon of paint will cover approximately 350-400 sq. ft. but surfaces of heavier texture or changing from dark to light colours will require multiple coats.

Pro tip: Most contractors will recommend getting mid- to premium-grade paints due to their higher durability, washability, and better coverage.

4. Interior vs. Exterior Painting

There is a significant difference in work between interior and exterior painting projects.

Interior: Requires more detailed prep (drywall patching, taping, sanding) and precise finishes.

Exterior: Requires ladders, scaffolding, and weather-resistant paints. Extra time is needed for scraping, priming, and dealing with surfaces such as brick, stucco, aluminum, or wood siding.

Cost impact: Often, exterior projects cost more per square foot due to the complexity of the project and the extra equipment needs.

5. Number of Colours and Finishes

Every extra colour you add to your project adds complexity. When painting a whole home, one shade of paint for the entire project will cost less than having multiple different accents and colours.

• Flat or matte finishes: cheapest, but not very washable.

• Eggshell or satin finishes: popular for walls – balance of durability and price.

• Semi-gloss or high-gloss: common for trim, doors, and cabinets – more expensive and harder to apply.

Average Ontario Painting Costs (2025)

Here’s a breakdown of typical painting costs across Ontario:

Interior

• Walls: $2.50 - $4.50 per sq. ft.

• Ceilings: $1.00 - $2.50 per sq. ft.

• Trim & Baseboards: $1.50 - $3.50 per linear ft.

• Doors: $80 - $150 per door.

• Full Interior Repaint: $4,000 - $12,000 + depending on home size and prep.

Exterior

• Small Bungalow: $2,500 - $4,500

• Mid-Sized Two-Story: $4,500 - $7,500

• Large Custom Home: $7,500 - $15,000+

These prices are based on typical prep work required and using mid-grade paint. Homes that have multiple storeys, detailed accents and trim, or hard-to-reach points will fall on the higher end.

Additional Cost Considerations

• Moving Furniture: Some painters include this, others charge extra.

• Wallpaper Removal: $1.50 - $3.00 per sq. ft. depending on difficulty.

• Popcorn Ceiling Removal: $3.00 - $6.00 per sq. ft.

• Cabinet Painting: $80 - $120 per door/drawer.

How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality

While you want to ensure professional results, there are some ways to cut costs so it doesn’t feel like such a big investment.

1. Combine Multiple Rooms or Projects

Painting multiple rooms at once can help eliminate some of the cost. If you are looking to get your kitchen, hallway, and living room painted – hire someone to do them all at once rather than booking them as separate jobs. This will save you money as most painters will charge less when tackling multiple rooms at once.

2. Choose Durable Mid-Grade Paints

Premium paints can be excellent, but the mid-grade options provide great durability at a lower cost. Brands such as Sherwin-Williams Duration or Benjamin Moore Regal Select help balance quality with price. When hiring a painter, have them buy the paint – most professional painting contractors get discounts on paint products.

3. Do Small Prep Work Yourself

Homeowners can save by handling simple prep tasks such as:

• Moving furniture

• Removing outlet covers and curtain rods

• Light sanding or patching small nail holes

Leave the major repairs like drywall repair or exterior scraping to the professionals.

4. Paint During Off-Season

Ontario’s peak season for painting is summer, so booking in early spring, late fall, or even the winter for interiors may help you get better pricing.

5. Ask About Warranty

Short-term, you may want to go with the cheapest quote, but that ends in you needing to repaint every 2-3 years. A paint job done by professionals may cost you more but should last 10 years making the slightly higher price more cost-effective in the end.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Painter

Wanting to save yourself money often comes with the thought that you should complete a painting project on your own. While doing it yourself can work for some smaller rooms, there are reasons why professionals are worth the investment:

DIY Costs:

• Paint, supplies, brushes, rollers, ladders, drop cloths: $300 - $800.

• Time commitment: 20 – 60+ hours depending on the size.

• Risk of uneven coats, drips, or missed prep work.

Professional Costs:

• Higher upfront cost, but includes labour, materials, insurance, and expertise.

• Professional results with proper prep work.

• Faster completion (a crew can finish a project in days instead of weeks).

If you want to avoid the headache, value your time, and want lasting results that don’t include you being the one to balance on a ladder, the smarter choice is to go with professionals.

Why Homeowners Should Invest in Professional Painting

• Adding a fresh coat of paint can increase your homes resale value by up to 5%

• Exterior paint protects your home against rot, mildew, and weather damage.

• Clean, modern colours make living spaces much more enjoyable and comforting.

Conclusion

While the exact cost will depend on your home’s square footage and what you are looking to get done, painting may seem like a significant investment, but will pay off in the long run enhancing your homes appearance and protection.

Thinking about transforming your home? Contact Painters Near Me for a free, no-obligation quote tailored directly to your home. With our experienced team of professional painters, we will deliver high-quality and lasting results that help your home look its best.