Cost To Paint Bathroom In Seattle [$3/sqft+]
Jan 29, 2026
Painting a bathroom in Seattle is all about dealing with humidity, tight spaces, and materials that don’t always play nice.
That’s why pricing runs around $3–$4 per square foot, depending on size, surfaces, and scope. Some jobs are quick touch-ups, others need careful prep and moisture-safe finishes.
Here’s how those numbers come together and what to look for when comparing bathroom painting quotes.
Key Notes
Bathroom painting in Seattle averages $3–$4 per sq ft, based on size and scope.
Labor, prep quality, and moisture-safe finishes drive most pricing differences.
Layout complexity, wall condition, and paint system choices impact total project time and durability.
Average Cost To Paint a Bathroom in Seattle
At FP Painting Seattle, pricing starts with your bathroom’s size – then adjusts for what makes it unique.
Square footage: We begin with the total paintable area (walls, ceiling, and trim if included).
Layout complexity: Tight corners, vanities, glass, and built-ins increase masking and cut-in time.
Prep level: Clean, smooth walls are quick. Peeling paint, cracks, or moisture issues add labor and materials.
Our general pricing guide runs around $3 per square foot for materials and labor, or about $4 per square foot when paint is included.
Cost Breakdown by Bathroom Size
Here are realistic ranges that show how scope changes outcomes. Your exact price comes from your photos, measurements, and surface condition.
Bathroom Size | Approx. Wall Area | Typical Pro Range* | Typical DIY Range (Materials Only) |
Small (5×8 ft) | 140–160 sq ft | $250–$450 | $100–$200 |
Medium (8×10 ft) | 240–280 sq ft | $400–$700 | $150–$300 |
Large (10×12 ft) | 360–400 sq ft | $600–$1,100 | $200–$400 |
*Ranges assume standard 8 ft ceilings, two finish coats, and Seattle labor norms. Adding ceilings, doors, trim, heavy prep, or specialty coatings moves totals upward.
Where Scope Changes The Math:
Ceilings: Steam-heavy rooms benefit from mildew‑resistant ceiling paint. That adds setup and rolling time.
Trim & doors: Detail work and higher‑sheen enamels increase masking and cure windows.
Cabinet fronts or vanities: Different product system and method. Expect a separate line item.
The 6 Big Cost Drivers
Room Size & Wall Height
More wall area = more labor and materials.
Tall walls, stair-step ceilings, or soffits require ladders, extra masking, and slower cut‑ins. This is why primary bathrooms tend to cost more than powder rooms.
Layout Complexity
Bathrooms are full of interruptions – niches, mirrors, glass, towel bars, tile transitions, vents, built‑ins, and tight corners all increase time to mask and cut in.
Open, simple rectangles move faster than compartmentalized layouts.
Surface Condition and Prep
Prep is the difference between a paint job that lasts and one that fails. Typical bathrooms need cleaning, light patching, feather‑sanding, and caulking.
Costs rise with any of the following:
Peeling or glossy old paint that needs scraping and scuff‑sand
Hairline cracks, dents, or past patch ridges that need feathering
Mildew or staining that requires cleaning and stain‑blocking primer
Soft drywall or moisture damage that calls for section replacement and re‑texture
Paint System: Product Quality & Finish
Bathrooms need coatings that handle steam, splashes, and frequent wipe‑downs.
Walls: High‑quality acrylic in satin or a specialty bath & spa matte
Trim & doors: Durable enamel or waterborne alkyd in satin or semi‑gloss
Ceilings: Mildew‑resistant matte
Expect about $40–$90 per gallon for pro‑grade bathroom paints. Premium products often save money long term by resisting mildew and cleaning better.
Labor Cost In Seattle
Labor is the main line item. Local rates reflect the high cost of living and demand for skilled trades. Bathrooms compress lots of fine work into a small footprint, which is why per‑square‑foot rates are higher than big, open rooms.
If you are comparing quotes, check what is included: prep level, primer type, number of finish coats, and cleanup.
Add‑ons and Specialty Work
Ceiling painting: Adds material and time, worth it in high‑steam rooms.
Doors and trim: Fine finish work that uses different products and method.
Cabinets/vanities: Specialty prep and coatings; typically quoted separately.
Tile or shower surfaces: Requires niche products and careful surface testing. See the section on tile and shower painting below.
DIY vs Pro: Cost, Time & Result
You can absolutely paint a small bathroom yourself. Just remember that bathrooms are the place where shortcuts show up early.
DIY: What You Will Spend & Where It Works
Materials: Usually $100–$300 for paint, primer, brushes, rollers, tape, caulk, and drop cloths.
Best match: Light color refresh on sound walls, minimal patching, standard ceiling height, good ventilation.
Watch‑outs: Moisture, glossy old paint, and rushed dry times are the top reasons DIY bathrooms fail early.
Pro: Why The Outcome Tends To Last Longer
Finish: Cleaner edges, consistent sheen, proper primer where needed, and a system that resists mildew.
Speed: Often completed in a day for small to medium baths.
Protection: Full masking, floor and fixture protection, thorough cleanup.
Side-by-Side Reality Check:
Factor | DIY | Hiring A Pro |
Upfront Cost | $100–$300 | $250–$1,100+ |
Time | 1–2 days of your time | 4–14 hours of our time |
Durability | Variable | High with bath‑rated systems |
Risk Of Redo | Higher if prep is rushed | Lower due to correct prep/primers |
If your timeline is tight or the room has any moisture history, a pro bathroom repaint usually wins on total cost of ownership.
Need An Accurate Bathroom Painting Price?
We’ll review your layout & surfaces to quote what your space needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does bathroom paint usually last before it needs redoing?
In a well-ventilated Seattle bathroom, quality moisture-resistant paint typically lasts 5–7 years. Poor ventilation or using non-bathroom paint can cut that lifespan in half.
Can I paint over old glossy bathroom paint?
Yes, but only after scuff-sanding and priming with a bonding or stain-blocking primer. Painting directly over gloss without prep is one of the fastest ways to get peeling.
Is it worth using “bathroom-specific” paint instead of regular interior paint?
Absolutely. Bath-rated paints include mildew-resistant additives and tougher resins to handle humidity, cleaning, and steam – saving you from early bubbling or discoloration.
Should I leave the fan or window open after painting?
Yes. Good airflow helps the coating cure properly and prevents trapped moisture that can dull the finish. Keep ventilation running for a few days after completion.
Conclusion
At FP Painting Seattle, the cost to paint a bathroom typically runs about $3 per square foot for materials and labor, or $4 per square foot when paint is included.
That means most small bathrooms (around 150 sq ft of wall area) come in near $450–$600, while medium and larger baths land closer to $700–$1,100, depending on prep, layout, and whether ceilings or trim are added.
The key difference comes down to surface condition and how moisture-safe the system needs to be.
If you want a price built around your actual space, request a free quote. We’ll review your layout, surfaces, and goals to give you a clear estimate and a finish that holds up to Seattle’s humidity.
