Behr Marquee paint typically costs about $50-$65 per gallon, with an average near $58 before tax; exact prices depend on product type, color, and local availability. A room or home project costs more once primer, supplies, surface repairs, and painter labor are included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marquee interior paint, per gallon | $50 | $58 | $65 | Price varies by finish and color |
| Marquee exterior paint, per gallon | $52 | $60 | $68 | Varies by product and store |
| Paint for a typical 12-by-12-foot room | $100 | $145 | $200 | Two to three gallons, paint only |
| Professional painting labor | $1.50 | $3.00 | $6.00 | Per wall sq. ft.; prep and location affect rate |
Assumptions: U.S. retail estimates, standard one-gallon containers, ordinary access, and prices before sales tax.
Behr Marquee Gallon Prices for Interior and Exterior Paint
For budgeting, allow $50-$65 per gallon for most Marquee interior options and roughly $52-$68 for exterior products. Specialty finishes, color selection, local promotions, and store pricing can move a listed price outside these ranges. A five-gallon bucket may lower the per-gallon rate, but the discount varies and is not available for every product or color.
One gallon often covers about 250-400 square feet per coat, depending on surface texture and porosity. Marquee is marketed for coverage in fewer coats, but dark color changes, patched drywall, or uneven surfaces can still require additional paint or primer. Check the product label and calculate using the lower end of the coverage range for rough walls.
What a One-Gallon Quote Includes at Home Depot
The paint price usually covers the base product and custom tint, not application supplies or preparation. The table separates common purchase costs so a gallon-only shelf price is not mistaken for the full project budget.
| Cost item | Typical range | Unit or basis | When it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marquee paint | $50-$68 | Per gallon | Interior or exterior product |
| Primer | $20-$45 | Per gallon | Stains, bare surfaces, or major color changes |
| Rollers, brushes, and tape | $25-$80 | Per project | Higher for multiple rooms or quality tools |
| Wall repair and sanding supplies | $10-$60 | Per project | Small holes, cracks, and rough patches |
| Sales tax | 0%-10% | Of taxable purchase | Depends on state and local rules |
A complete DIY purchase can add $35-$185 beyond the paint itself when tools, primer, and minor repair supplies are needed.
How Sheen, Color, and Surface Condition Change the Price
Product type and finish affect the final gallon price, while the wall condition can change how much paint the job consumes. Compare the exact Marquee line and sheen on the store listing rather than assuming every finish has one price.
- Color and tint: Deep or vivid colors may require a different base or additional coats; confirm the price and coverage before ordering.
- Surface porosity: New drywall, unpainted wood, and textured masonry absorb more paint than smooth, previously painted walls.
- Repairs: Stains, water marks, and patched areas may need spot primer even when the rest of the wall is in good condition.
For walls with major color changes or uneven patches, reserve 10%-20% extra paint rather than relying on ideal label coverage. Surface preparation can affect gallon count more than a small difference in shelf price.
How Many Gallons a 1,500-Square-Foot Home Needs
Floor area does not equal paintable wall area, so a house estimate needs a room-by-room measurement. As a rough example, a 1,500-square-foot home with 8-foot ceilings and typical room layouts might have about 4,000-5,000 square feet of wall surface. Two coats at 250-400 square feet per gallon could require roughly 20-40 gallons, with doors, windows, and wall condition changing the result.
At $50-$65 per gallon, that example puts paint alone around $1,000-$2,600. A single 12-by-12-foot room with 8-foot walls has roughly 380 square feet before subtracting openings; two coats may take two to three gallons, or about $100-$195. Measure wall area and use the product’s realistic coverage rate before purchasing.
What Do Painters Charge to Apply Marquee Paint?
Professional painting commonly adds about $1.50-$6 per square foot of wall area, with many straightforward interior jobs near $2-$4. Rates reflect labor, masking, patching, number of coats, trim work, ceiling height, and local wages; they usually are not reduced simply because the client chooses a premium paint.
A painter may charge $35-$75 per hour for an individual worker or quote by the room or project. A typical bedroom can take a small crew 6-10 hours including basic preparation and cleanup, while extensive repairs or trim add time. Get the quote in writing with prep, coats, paint quantity, and cleanup listed separately.
Marquee Versus Behr Ultra and Premium Plus
Marquee costs more per gallon than Behr’s lower-priced lines, but comparing only container prices can be misleading. Depending on promotion and product, Premium Plus may run roughly $30-$45 per gallon and Ultra about $35-$55; verify current local pricing and matching interior or exterior formulas.
For a small, low-traffic room with sound walls, a lower-priced line may be adequate. Marquee can make sense when its coverage claims suit the surface or when fewer coats reduce labor, but the savings depend on actual coverage and the painter’s contract. Ask whether the estimate assumes one coat or two before comparing paint tiers.
Why Behr Marquee Prices Differ by U.S. Region
Retail prices are set locally and can shift with promotions, inventory, and shipping. For planning, a gallon in a high-cost metro or remote market may be about 5%-15% above a typical price, while a sale or regional promotion may bring it 5%-10% below the usual range. These are budgeting differences, not guaranteed regional price schedules.
Labor varies more sharply: urban and coastal painting rates can run 15%-30% above rates in many lower-cost suburban or rural markets. Store pickup, delivery fees, and contractor discounts also affect the total. Use a local store price and local labor quote for a reliable project estimate.
How to Lower the Cost Without Cutting Coverage
Measure carefully and buy the quantity needed for the planned coats; extra unopened paint may be returnable, but custom-tinted returns can be restricted. Limit color changes, combine room work into one visit, and handle simple furniture moving or wall cleaning before the crew arrives if the contractor permits it.
Compare at least three written labor quotes using the same prep and coat specifications. Avoid choosing a cheaper bid that omits patching or assumes one coat on a surface that needs two. For a sound, already-painted wall, ask whether spot priming is sufficient instead of paying to prime every wall. Control scope and compare equivalent estimates before switching to a lower-grade paint.