PAINTING
How to Estimate Ceiling Painting
Contractor method for pricing ceiling paint by area, condition and coats.
Ceiling painting is area times a rate times coats, plus primer. Textured ceilings add a condition factor because they cover slower and use more paint.
THE SHORT ANSWER
How do you estimate ceiling painting?
Multiply area by rate and coats, then add primer. 800 sq ft at $1.80 over 2 coats is $2,880 plus $400 primer for $3,280.
Measure the ceiling
Use the floor area of the room, since the ceiling matches it. Confirm if you are also cutting in walls.
Set the rate per coat
A per-square-foot rate covers labor and material for one coat. More coats multiply the area.
Add the condition factor
Smooth ceilings paint fast. Textured or popcorn ceilings cover slower and use more paint, so apply a higher factor.
- Smooth
- Textured
- Primer
- Cut-in
Total and validate
800 sq ft at $1.80 over 2 coats is $2,880, plus $400 primer for $3,280. Use the Ceiling Painting Cost Calculator.