How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Garage?

Garage painting cost

The cost to paint a garage is $0.31 per square foot, with a range between $0.26 to $0.36 per square foot for paint cost only. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $1.81 per square foot, coming in between $1.17 to $2.45. A typical 300 square foot finished project costs $543. Your actual price will depend on your location, job size, conditions and finish options you choose.

The following table shows the average cost per square foot:

Before you determine the average cost to paint a garage, you should consider whether or not you need to power wash first. If your garage is currently coated with grime and mildew, pressure or power washing is recommended. Dirt that sticks to the surface will make it more difficult for paint to adhere properly. When your garage is covered in dirt, the paint won't adhere and will end up flaking or peeling. Power washing can add another $200 to $350 to your total costs, on average.

The average cost to paint your garage will depend on how large it is and what you want to paint. For example, if you just want to paint the garage door, it can cost between $380 and $800. If you're looking to paint the floor of your garage, average prices range between $550 and $1,000 or more. If you're planning to have your entire house re-painted, most professional painters include the garage as part of the total estimate. Ask about the price of painting the garage and if it's included if you want to paint your whole home. Make sure you choose a high-quality paint that's made for use outdoors. This paint is more resilient than interior paint and can withstand weather conditions and excess wear and tear.

Labor cost to paint a garage

If you're hiring a professional painter, most charge between $2 and $6 per square foot, or between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on how they estimate the total cost. If you're in an area with a high cost of living or if exterior painting jobs are currently in high demand, you could pay closer to $100 per labor hour. Make sure your painter breaks out the costs so you can determine how much you're paying for labor versus materials. In most cases, labor accounts for around 85% of your total costs and materials account for the remaining 15%.

For a complete day of painting, be prepared to pay anywhere between $200 and $500 for your project. However, most painters won't charge you a flat daily rate, as they prefer to pay either by the square foot or the hour. If your home is new construction, the painting cost ranges between $2 and $4 per square foot, on average. The price of painting your home and garage is typically factored into the total cost of the home, however. Painting the exterior of your home will cost around 25% more than it would if you need to paint the interior. If you want additional work done, such as staining a deck or fence, sealing wooden surfaces, or installing new garage doors, you'll need a separate estimate for these additional projects.

Surface prep to paint a garage

In some cases, your painter may need to prep the surface before they can paint your garage. If you have aluminum garage doors, all dirt and grime should be removed using a quality solvent cleaning solution. Any brick surfaces should also be thoroughly cleaned. Concrete should be free of grease and oil, while Hardie board should be cleaned of any waxy residue using a solvent cleaner. For steel garage doors, make sure any oil, grease, and salt are all thoroughly removed before painting. Wood should be checked for any signs of rot and holes should be patched with caulk before painting the garage. If you have vinyl siding around your garage or a vinyl garage door, scrub it with a soap and water solution, rinse it thoroughly, and allow everything to dry before you paint.

Materials required to paint a garage

Your painter will use a variety of materials and equipment to paint your garage. Here are some of the most commonly used items when performing an exterior painting job:

• Paint: Make sure you choose a high-quality exterior paint for the outside of your garage. If you're painting the floor, you'll need to use a special paint that can handle vehicles driving over it. Determine how many square feet will need to be painted, then purchase the correct number of gallons for your project. If your painter is supplying the paint, they'll know exactly how much is needed.
• Tarp: A large drop cloth or tarp should be used if you have landscaping around your garage. The painter will cover shrubs and any other outdoor items that are near the garage to keep them protected.
• Bucket: Painting a large exterior surface requires much more paint than interior space. Your painter will likely pour the paint into a bucket to get easier access to it as they go.
• Paint sprayer/compressor: For outdoor areas like a garage, a compressor is attached to a paint sprayer. This tool helps to cover a large surface area faster, and it also ensures a nice, even coat. You may need to spray two coats on the garage to ensure ample coverage.
• Painter's tape: This special tape (usually blue in color) is applied around edges and corners to protect them while painting. Painter's tape also helps assure a straight line when painting trim around the garage.
• Paint mixers: A paint mixer will help to create a nice texture for your paint. This tool works as a hand mixer, blending your paint to a smooth finish for a beautiful, even coat of color.
• Brushes and rollers: Paint sprayers are typically utilized for large outdoor projects. However, rollers and brushes are also used to perform finishing touches and to paint small areas like corners or details in siding.

DIY vs hire a pro

You may wonder if painting your garage is something you can do on your own. If you have experience painting, this could be something you can do DIY. However, if you're not sure about painting a garage door or exterior, you may want to leave this job in the hands of experienced professionals. If you want to paint your garage floors, consider a floor coating kit. You can find these kits at most home improvement stores, and the job should take no longer than a day to complete. If you're concerned about the time it takes to paint your garage, a professional painter can typically do it in half the time. Additionally, these pros have all of the tools required including compressors and sprayers, while you may have to either rent or buy this equipment to get the project done.

If you are planning to sell your home, it's recommended that you hire a pro to paint your garage. Not only will they make sure that everything looks great, but many painters also include a warranty on the labor in case something goes wrong. A freshly painted garage can increase your resale value, but only if it's done right. Even if you aren't planning to sell your home anytime soon, a beautiful paint job can make your home look beautiful and appealing. Doing it yourself can save you money, but it's also a lot more time-consuming and there's no guarantee that you'll be happy with the outcome. Decide what color you want to paint your garage first, then contact several painters in your area and get at least three estimates before you decide to hire someone.

What types of paint are better for a garage?

Before painting your garage, applying a primer is recommended. This protective layer will keep your garage looking new for longer. If you don't want to apply a coat of primer, look for paints that already have primer included in the formula. If you're planning to change the finish of your garage, a primer is highly advised. Primer is either oil-based, latex-based, or shellac-based, and each type can be used under latex paint.

Paint combines pigments, solvents, resins, and additives in a specific formulation depending on your needs. The solvent in your paint keeps everything liquid and easily spreadable until it's completely dry. If you want something that dries quickly, look for a latex-based exterior paint. Oil-based paint uses mineral spirits as the solvent, which can take more time to dry. The resin in the paint is what helps it adhere to the surface of your garage. Look for a brand that features resins and other additives that will help your paint resist fading from the sun and chipping. Exterior paint tends to cost more than interior paint, coming in at about $25 to $60 per gallon. Interior paint ranges between $15 and $70 per gallon. Always use outdoor-rated paint for your garage project since it's designed to handle excess wear and tear.

Garage painting tips

Whether you're hiring a pro or doing things DIY, consider some of these tips to help you make the right decision for your home:

• Always get several quotes before hiring a professional painter so you have a clear idea of what you can expect to pay.
• Hire a licensed painter who offers written estimates that break down the cost of labor, materials, and supplies, and any prep work that might be required. They should also be able to tell you what brand of paint and primer they use (unless you're providing these items yourself). Your estimate should always include the cost of cleanup and any debris removal.
• If you don't want to paint your garage the same color as your house, make sure you choose a complementary color that won't clash or look too jarring.
• Never sign off on the work until you've done a walkthrough with your painter. The walkthrough is your opportunity to point out any areas that were missed or any spots that might need extra touchups or attention.
• The warmer spring and summer months are best if you want to paint the exterior of your home, including the garage. Winter is an off-season for most painters, and they may charge more if you want to hire them when the temperatures are cold outside.
• If you happen to live in a historic neighborhood, you may need permits before you can paint the outside of your home. Make sure you're always in compliance with local codes and other ordinances, especially if you live in an area with a homeowner's association.