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Interior painting, done properly.
Walls, ceilings, trim and whole homes, painted by vetted local painters who prepare surfaces properly, protect your floors and furniture, and put their quote in writing.
Quick answer
A professional interior repaint in Canada typically costs $450–$850 for an average bedroom (walls, two coats) and $7,500–$12,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home. A good painter's quote spells out the prep (patching, sanding, caulking, priming), the paint brand and line, the number of coats, what's included (ceilings, trim, doors) and the schedule.
What a professional interior paint job includes
The paint is the easy part. What separates a job that looks good for ten years from one that peels and flashes in two is preparation. When you compare quotes, look for these steps:
- Protection. Floors covered with drop cloths, furniture moved to the centre and wrapped, switch plates and outlet covers removed, hardware masked.
- Repairs. Nail pops reset, holes and dents filled, cracks taped and mudded, everything sanded smooth.
- Caulking. Gaps where trim meets walls sealed, so lines look crisp and drafts and dust stay out.
- Spot-priming. Patches, stains (water, smoke, marker) and bare drywall primed so the finish coats look even.
- Cutting in. Clean, straight lines at ceilings, corners and trim by brush, before the walls are rolled.
- Two finish coats. The professional standard for even colour, true sheen and washability.
- Clean-up and walkthrough. Furniture back in place, touch-ups done with you before final payment.
Rooms and surfaces we paint
- Living and dining rooms, bedrooms and hallways. The bread and butter of interior painting.
- Kitchens and bathrooms. Moisture- and mildew-resistant finishes, careful masking around cabinets, tile and fixtures.
- Basements. Often new drywall that needs a primer coat, plus concrete and block walls that need masonry products.
- Ceilings. Flat, stain-blocking ceiling paint; popcorn ceilings need special care (and asbestos testing in older homes).
- Trim, baseboards, doors and railings. Durable semi-gloss or enamel finishes, sanded between coats.
- Stairwells and high walls. Scaffolding or ladders rated for the job, which affects the price.
- Condos. Building rules matter: elevator bookings, quiet hours and a certificate of insurance for the property manager.
Interior painting cost in Canada (October 2026)
Typical prices for professional work: labour, paint and basic prep included, before tax. Your price depends on room size, ceiling height, condition of the walls, colour change and your city.
| Room | Walls only | Walls, ceiling & trim |
|---|---|---|
| Small bathroom | $300–$550 | $450–$800 |
| Small bedroom or office | $350–$650 | $600–$1,000 |
| Average bedroom | $450–$850 | $800–$1,300 |
| Primary bedroom | $650–$1,100 | $1,000–$1,700 |
| Kitchen (walls, not cabinets) | $400–$800 | $650–$1,200 |
| Living or dining room | $900–$1,600 | $1,300–$2,400 |
| Hallway and stairwell | $600–$1,500 | $900–$2,000 |
Whole homes, condos and per-square-foot pricing are in our Canadian painting cost guide.
Choosing a sheen
| Sheen | Looks | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Flat / matte | No shine, hides flaws | Ceilings, low-traffic walls, bedrooms |
| Eggshell | Soft glow, wipeable | Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways |
| Satin | Silky, scrubbable | Kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms, mudrooms |
| Semi-gloss | Shiny, very durable | Trim, baseboards, doors, railings |
| Gloss | Mirror-like | Accent doors, furniture, high-wear trim |
Higher sheens show every dent and roller mark, so they need smoother prep. Most Canadian homes use eggshell or matte on walls, semi-gloss on trim and flat white on ceilings.
How long interior painting takes
A two-person crew usually finishes an average bedroom (walls only) in a day, a bedroom with ceiling and trim in one and a half to two days, and a whole 2,000 sq ft interior in about four to seven working days. Paint is dry to the touch in about an hour but takes two to four weeks to fully cure, so be gentle with fresh walls.
Choose the colour before you book. Upload a photo of your room to Paint your home and compare up to 3 colours on your own walls. Then test a sample patch of the winner in daylight and lamplight before the painters arrive.
Before your painters arrive
- Take down art, mirrors, curtains and shelves, and clear small items.
- Decide on colours and buy sample pots of the finalists.
- Agree on what's included: ceilings, closets, trim, doors, touch-ups.
- Ask for the paint brand and product line in writing.
- Plan for pets and kids to stay out of rooms in progress.
FAQ
Interior painting, answered.
How much does interior painting cost in Canada?
For walls only, expect about $450–$850 for an average 12 × 12 ft bedroom and $900–$1,600 for a living room. A whole-house interior repaint typically runs $5,500–$9,000 for a 1,500 sq ft home and $7,500–$12,000 for 2,000 sq ft, before tax. Ceilings, trim, doors, colour changes from dark to light, and repairs add to the price.
How long does it take to paint a room?
A professional crew usually paints an average bedroom (walls, two coats) in one day, including prep and clean-up. Adding ceilings, trim and doors makes it one and a half to two days. A whole 2,000 sq ft interior typically takes a crew of two or three about four to seven working days.
Do I need to move my furniture?
Remove small items, wall art, valuables and anything fragile. Most painters will move large furniture to the centre of the room and cover it, but confirm this in your quote. Clearing shelves and wall hangings ahead of time saves labour and money.
How many coats of paint do walls need?
Two finish coats is the professional standard for even colour and durability. A primer coat is added over new drywall, patches, stains, glossy surfaces or when making a big colour change. Your quote should say how many coats are included.
What sheen should I use on interior walls?
Eggshell or matte for living rooms, bedrooms and halls; satin for kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms and mudrooms where walls get wiped; semi-gloss for trim, doors and baseboards; flat for ceilings.
Can I live at home while my house is being painted?
Yes. Modern low-VOC interior paints have little odour and dry to the touch in about an hour. Painters work room by room, and a good crew protects floors and furniture and tidies up at the end of each day. Keep windows open for ventilation and keep pets out of rooms being painted.
Get your interior quoted.
Get free, written quotes from vetted painters near you, or see your colour on your own walls first.