Trades · Cost Guide
How Much Does Painting Cost in Ontario?
Painting costs in Ontario range from $400 – $800 per room. Prices vary by scope, city, and site conditions.
$400+
Starting price
1-7 days
Timeline
5%
Recommended contingency
Painting Cost Breakdown
| Scope | Low | High | Unit | Labour | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior painting (per room, walls + ceiling) | $400 | $800 | per room | 70% | 30% |
| Full interior (3-bedroom home) | $3,000 | $6,000 | per project | 70% | 30% |
| Exterior painting (2-storey home) | $4,000 | $8,000 | per project | 65% | 35% |
| Cabinet painting (kitchen) | $2,500 | $5,000 | per kitchen | 75% | 25% |
| Trim and door painting (per door) | $100 | $200 | per door | 75% | 25% |
Price Ranges at a Glance
Interior painting (per room, walls + ceiling)
Full interior (3-bedroom home)
Exterior painting (2-storey home)
Cabinet painting (kitchen)
Trim and door painting (per door)
What's Included vs Not Included
Typically Included
- Surface preparation (sanding, patching, priming)
- Two coats of quality paint
- Trim, baseboards, and crown moulding
- Masking and protection of floors/furniture
- Clean-up and touch-ups
Not Included (Extra Cost)
- Wallpaper removal ($2-$4/sq ft)
- Lead paint testing and abatement
- Drywall repair beyond minor patches
- Popcorn ceiling removal ($2-$4/sq ft)
- Scaffolding for high ceilings or exteriors
- Specialty finishes (faux, textured, metallic)
Painting Cost by City
Prices adjusted for local labour rates and material costs across 15 GTA cities.
| City | Low | High | vs Toronto | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Toronto City of Toronto | $400 | $800 | 0% | View |
Mississauga Peel Region | $378 | $756 | -5% | View |
Brampton Peel Region | $367 | $734 | -8% | View |
Vaughan York Region | $388 | $775 | -3% | View |
Markham York Region | $385 | $770 | -3% | View |
Richmond Hill York Region | $384 | $767 | -4% | View |
Aurora York Region | $374 | $748 | -6% | View |
Oakville Halton Region | $408 | $817 | +2% | View |
Burlington Halton Region | $382 | $765 | -4% | View |
Milton Halton Region | $367 | $734 | -8% | View |
Ajax Durham Region | $360 | $721 | -9% | View |
Pickering Durham Region | $367 | $734 | -8% | View |
Oshawa Durham Region | $351 | $702 | -12% | View |
Whitby Durham Region | $358 | $715 | -10% | View |
Hamilton City of Hamilton | $356 | $713 | -10% | View |
Money-Saving Tips
Paint during renovation when rooms are empty — saves 30% on masking and prep time.
Quality paint costs $50-$70/gallon but covers better and lasts 2x longer than budget brands.
Exterior painting before winter saves your siding — peeling paint exposes wood to moisture.
Cabinet painting is half the cost of new cabinets — great ROI if the boxes are in good shape.
Bundle rooms to get volume discount — full-house painting saves 15-20% vs room-by-room pricing.
Related Cost Guides
Painting Cost FAQs
How many coats of paint do I need?
Two coats is standard for most interior and exterior painting. The first coat seals the surface and evens out colour, the second coat provides full coverage and durability. You might get away with one coat if you're repainting the same colour over a well-prepped surface with premium paint, but two coats always looks better and lasts longer. Drastic colour changes (white to dark red, dark blue to white) often need tinted primer plus two topcoats.
What's the difference between flat and eggshell paint?
Flat (matte) paint has no sheen, hides wall imperfections, and creates a smooth, velvety look — but it's hard to clean and scuffs easily. Eggshell has a slight sheen (like an eggshell), is more washable, and resists scuffs better while still hiding minor flaws. Use flat for low-traffic areas like adult bedrooms and ceilings. Use eggshell or satin for living rooms, hallways, and kids' rooms where you need to wipe down walls. Semi-gloss goes on trim, doors, and kitchens/bathrooms because it's very durable and easy to scrub.
Do I really need primer?
Yes, in most cases. Primer is essential on new drywall (seals the porous surface and prevents topcoat from soaking in unevenly), bare wood (blocks tannin bleed and improves adhesion), and stained areas (blocks water stains, smoke, crayon, or dark colours from bleeding through). Skipping primer on these surfaces leads to uneven colour, bleed-through, and poor durability. If you're repainting a clean, well-prepped wall in a similar colour, you might skip primer — but adding primer is cheap insurance for a better finish.
When can I paint exterior in Ontario?
Paint when daytime temperatures are consistently 10-30°C and no rain is forecast for at least 24-48 hours after application. In southern Ontario, that's roughly May through October. Avoid painting in direct hot sun (paint dries too fast and can crack) or in high humidity (paint won't cure properly). Early morning or late afternoon in mild weather is ideal. Cold temperatures (under 10°C) prevent proper curing, and painting in fall when nights drop below 5°C can ruin the finish.
How long does exterior paint last in Ontario?
Good-quality acrylic latex paint lasts 7-12 years on siding, depending on sun exposure, colour (dark colours fade faster), and surface prep. South and west-facing walls take the most UV and weather damage and may need repainting sooner. Wood siding needs repainting more often than vinyl or fiber cement. Oil-based alkyd on trim can last 10-15 years. Signs it's time to repaint: chalking (powdery residue on your hand when you touch the paint), fading, peeling, or bare wood showing.
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