Understanding painting services helps you hire the right contractor and know what to expect. This guide explains the different types of painting services, what's typically included, and how pricing works for each service category.
🎨 Common Painting Services
Interior Painting Services
Interior painting is the most common painting service. It includes walls, ceilings, trim, doors, and more:
What's Included
- Prep work: Fill holes, sand, clean surfaces
- Priming: Spot or full priming as needed
- Paint: 2 coats for complete coverage
- Cutting in: Careful edging around trim, ceilings, fixtures
- Cleanup: Remove tape, touch-ups, clean floors
- Protection: Cover furniture, floors, fixtures
Interior Pricing
| Service | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Walls only (per room) | $300 - $800 |
| Walls + ceiling | $400 - $1,000 |
| Walls + ceiling + trim | $600 - $1,400 |
| Whole house (2,000 sq ft) | $4,000 - $10,000 |
Interior Specialties
- Accent walls: Feature walls in bold colors
- Faux finishes: Techniques like rag rolling, sponging
- Texture matching: Repair and match existing textures
- Wallpaper removal: Often offered as add-on service
Exterior Painting Services
Exterior painting protects your home from weather while boosting curb appeal:
What's Included
- Power washing: Clean siding, trim, decking
- Scraping: Remove loose/peeling paint
- Caulking: Seal gaps, cracks, joints
- Priming: Prime bare wood, repairs
- Paint: 2 coats of quality exterior paint
- Protection: Cover plants, windows, walkways
Exterior Pricing
| Home Size | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small (under 1,500 sq ft) | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Medium (1,500-2,500 sq ft) | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Large (2,500-3,500 sq ft) | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Very large (3,500+ sq ft) | $10,000 - $20,000+ |
Exterior Specialties
- Brick painting: Paint or limewash brick surfaces
- Stucco painting: Elastomeric coatings for stucco
- Trim only: Refresh trim without repainting entire house
- Front door: Statement door painting
Cabinet Painting Services
Cabinet painting is a specialized service requiring different techniques than wall painting:
What's Included
- Removal: Remove doors, drawers, hardware
- Deep cleaning: Degrease all surfaces
- Sanding: Smooth and create adhesion
- Priming: Bonding/stain-blocking primer
- Painting: 2-3 coats cabinet paint (often sprayed)
- Reinstallation: Rehang doors, install hardware
Cabinet Pricing
| Kitchen Size | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small (10-15 doors) | $2,500 - $4,500 |
| Medium (20-30 doors) | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Large (35-50 doors) | $7,000 - $12,000 |
Commercial Painting Services
Commercial painting serves businesses, offices, retail, and industrial spaces:
Commercial Services Include
- Office interiors: Walls, ceilings, accent features
- Retail spaces: Brand colors, feature walls
- Industrial facilities: Warehouses, factories
- Property management: Apartment turns, common areas
- After-hours work: Minimal business disruption
Commercial Considerations
- Scheduling around business hours
- Low-odor, quick-dry paints
- Strict safety compliance
- Large-scale efficiency and equipment
Additional Services
Many painters offer additional services beyond standard painting:
🏠 Deck & Fence Staining
Power wash, sand if needed, apply stain or sealant. $2-5 per sq ft.
🔧 Minor Drywall Repair
Patch holes, fix cracks, texture matching. Often included in prep.
🎨 Color Consultation
Help choosing colors, coordinating schemes. May be free or $100-300.
💧 Pressure Washing
Clean siding, driveways, patios. Often included with exterior painting.
What's NOT Usually Included
Ask specifically about these items — they may cost extra:
- Major drywall repair: Large holes, water damage
- Lead paint abatement: Pre-1978 homes may need testing
- Wallpaper removal: Often a separate charge
- Moving heavy furniture: Pianos, large items
- Paint materials: Some quotes are labor-only
- Multiple colors per room: May add time/cost
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- What prep work is included?
- How many coats of paint?
- Is paint included or do I buy it?
- Do you move furniture?
- What's your warranty?
- How do you protect my property?
- What's the payment schedule?
- How long will the project take?
Frequently Asked Questions
Interior painting, exterior painting, cabinet painting/refinishing, specialty finishes, pressure washing, minor drywall repair, color consultation, wallpaper removal, and deck staining.
Standard services include prep work, priming if needed, 2 coats of paint, cleanup, and touch-ups. Most painters include moving small furniture and covering floors/furniture. Confirm if materials are included.
Exterior uses weather-resistant paints and requires more prep (power washing, scraping, caulking). Takes longer due to weather. Interior is more detailed with cutting in and typically uses low-VOC paints.
Most move light furniture to the center or another room. Heavy items may need extra help or should be moved beforehand. Painters cover remaining furniture with drop cloths.
Get a Detailed Quote
Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes provides transparent quotes that clearly outline what's included. No surprises, no hidden fees. Get your free estimate for any painting service today!
Get Free Estimate 📞 (980) 408-8122