How much does commercial painting cost? Expect to pay $1.50-$4.00 per square foot for walls, or $3,000-$15,000+ for typical office and retail spaces in Charlotte. This guide covers all commercial painting costs.
💰 Quick Price Reference
📐 Cost Per Square Foot
| Service Type | Per Sq Ft | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Walls Only | $1.50 - $2.50 | Basic wall painting, standard colors |
| Walls + Ceiling | $2.00 - $3.50 | Complete interior surfaces |
| Full Interior | $2.50 - $4.00 | Walls, ceilings, trim, doors |
| Exterior Building | $3.00 - $6.00 | Commercial exterior, may need lifts |
🧮 Quick Estimate
For a basic estimate: sq ft × $2.50 = mid-range cost
Example: 3,000 sq ft office = ~$7,500 for walls and ceilings
🏢 Pricing by Property Type
Office Space
$2.00 - $3.50/sq ft
Standard offices, cubicle areas, conference rooms. Often requires after-hours work.
Retail Store
$2.50 - $4.00/sq ft
Display areas, accent walls, high ceilings. Night/weekend work typical.
Restaurant
$3.00 - $5.00/sq ft
Food-safe coatings, specialized finishes, extensive prep for grease.
Warehouse
$1.00 - $2.00/sq ft
High volume, simple surfaces. Industrial coatings may add cost.
Medical/Healthcare
$3.50 - $6.00/sq ft
Antimicrobial paints, strict schedules, minimal disruption required.
Hotel/Hospitality
$2.50 - $4.50/sq ft
Multiple rooms, hallways, common areas. Phased approach common.
📊 What Affects Commercial Painting Cost?
Work Schedule
After-hours and weekend work adds 15-30% to labor costs. Night shifts cost more.
Ceiling Height
High ceilings (15ft+) require lifts and scaffolding, adding $500-$2,000+.
Paint Type
Commercial-grade paint costs 20-40% more. Specialty coatings add more.
Surface Prep
Repairs, patching, and priming add 10-25% to project cost.
Access & Moving
Furniture moving, protecting equipment, and occupied spaces add time.
Timeline
Rush jobs and tight deadlines may add 10-25% premium.
⚖️ Commercial vs Residential Painting
🏢 Commercial
- After-hours availability
- Faster drying paints
- Minimal business disruption
- Phased approach options
- Volume discounts possible
- Higher durability products
Typically 10-30% higher per sq ft, but competitive on large projects
🏠 Residential
- Standard daytime hours
- Standard paint dry times
- Flexible scheduling
- Room-by-room approach
- Standard pricing
- Wide finish options
Standard rates $1.50-$4.00/sq ft for most projects
🌙 After-Hours & Scheduling Options
| Schedule Type | Cost Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Hours | Base Rate | Vacant spaces, construction |
| After Hours (6pm-12am) | +15-20% | Offices, retail |
| Night Shift (12am-6am) | +25-35% | 24/7 operations, hospitals |
| Weekend Only | +20-30% | Schools, offices |
💡 Save Money on Scheduling
If possible, schedule painting during slow periods or closures (holidays, vacations). Daytime access saves 15-30% on labor costs.
💵 Budgeting Your Commercial Project
Sample Budget Breakdown
For a 5,000 sq ft office space:
| Labor (walls, ceilings) | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Materials (paint, primer) | $1,500 - $2,500 |
| Prep Work & Repairs | $500 - $1,500 |
| After-Hours Premium | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Total Range | $9,000 - $16,000 |
Questions to Ask Contractors
- Can you work after hours or weekends?
- What commercial projects have you completed?
- What's included in prep work?
- How will you minimize disruption?
- What's the timeline for completion?
- What warranty do you offer?
Get Your Free Commercial Painting Quote
Flexible scheduling for Charlotte businesses. Detailed estimates with no hidden costs.