How to paint a bedroom

Difficulty Intermediate Time 4-6 hours Materials $80–$160 Steps 6
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Intermediate4-6 hours
Ensure proper ventilation and use a mask to avoid inhaling fumes.
Do it yourself
$80–$160
parts & materials, about 4-6 hours of your time
Hire a pro
$300–$600
typical all-in price
Doing it yourself could save roughly $140
Rough estimates for guidance only — actual costs vary by job, materials and local prices. Get real quotes.

Tools you'll need

paint rollerpaintbrushpaint trayladderdrop clothmasking tape

Parts & materials

Interior paint
Typically need: 2 gallons
$25-$50
per gallon
Primer
Typically need: 1 gallon
$15-$30
per gallon
Masking tape
Typically need: 1 roll
$5-$10
per roll
Drop cloth
Typically need: 1
$10-$20
per each

Estimated materials total: $80–$160. Prices vary by region and retailer.

Step by step

  1. 1 Prepare the room Remove furniture or cover it with drop cloths. Tape edges and trim with masking tape. 30 min Ensure the area is well-ventilated.
  2. 2 Apply primer Use a paint roller to apply primer to the walls for better paint adhesion. 1-2 hours paint rollerpaint traypaintbrush Wear a mask to avoid inhaling fumes.
  3. 3 Let primer dry Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. 1 hour
  4. 4 Paint the walls Use a paint roller for large areas and a brush for corners and edges to apply the paint. 2-3 hours paint rollerpaint traypaintbrush
  5. 5 Let paint dry Allow the paint to dry completely, usually 2-4 hours, before applying a second coat if necessary. 2-4 hours
  6. 6 Remove masking tape Carefully remove the masking tape while the paint is still slightly wet to avoid peeling. 30 min

Permits, safety & disposal

Safety rules
  • Use a mask when painting to avoid inhaling fumes.
  • Ensure the area is well-ventilated.
  • Follow lead-safe practices if the home was built before 1978.
Legal disposal
  • Dispose of paint and solvents at a household hazardous waste facility.
Check locally

Check local regulations for disposal at your county's hazardous waste facility.

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This guide is AI-generated for general help and may not fit your exact situation. Know your limits — when in doubt, hire a licensed pro.

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