Interior vs. exterior house painting
Interior painting covers walls, ceilings, trim and doors. Exterior painting adds weather, height and surface repair: scraping, caulking, priming bare wood and replacing rotten trim. Exterior jobs depend on dry weather and moderate temperatures — check the paint's application range.
Paint coverage and coats
Manufacturer guidance puts typical coverage at 350–400 sq ft per gallon. Two coats are standard, especially over a color change. Rough, porous or patched surfaces absorb more paint, so lower your coverage figure. Our paint calculator subtracts doors and windows and tells you how many gallons and quarts to buy.
House painting prep and primers
- Clean, repair and sand; fill holes and caulk gaps.
- Prime new drywall, bare wood, stains and patches, and when making a dramatic color change.
- Protect floors and furniture; remove switch plates.
Lead paint in pre-1978 homes
Lead paint was banned for residential use in 1978, and much of New York's housing stock is older. Sanding or scraping old paint can create hazardous dust. Under the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, contractors paid to disturb paint in pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities must be certified and follow lead-safe work practices. NYC has additional lead rules for many rental buildings (Local Law 1) — verify what applies to your building.
Interior & Exterior Painting costs in 2026
Professional interior painting rates; exterior work is typically priced separately.
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Interior painting (walls) | ≈ $2.75 per sq ft |
| Including trim and ceilings | ≈ $4.69 per sq ft |
| Paint coverage | 350–400 sq ft per gallon |
Typical national ranges. New York City and other high-cost metros often run above them — get several written bids for your project.
Calculators for this project
New York rules and permits
NYC. DOB lists painting among work that does not require a permit, but anyone you pay for residential painting needs a DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license, and DCWP's license checklist requires EPA RRP certification or affirmation. Exterior painting on landmarked buildings can need LPC review if colors or materials change; same-color repainting is generally treated as routine maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
How much paint do I need for a room?
For a 12 × 12 ft room with 8 ft walls, one door and one window, about 2 gallons for two coats. Use the paint calculator for your room.
How much does it cost to paint a room?
Industry estimates put about $2.75 per sq ft, or about $4.69 with trim and ceilings. Compare DIY and pro costs with the paint cost calculator.
Do I need primer for house painting?
On new drywall, bare wood, stains, patches and big color changes, yes.
Is old paint dangerous?
In pre-1978 homes it may contain lead. Do not dry-sand; hire RRP-certified contractors.
