Benjamin Moore ceiling paint typically costs about $55-$85 per gallon, with a 5-gallon pail often priced around $250-$375 before tax. A painted ceiling may cost $1-$3 per sq. ft. with professional labor; product choice, ceiling height, repairs, and local labor rates affect the quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterborne Ceiling Paint, 1 gallon | $55 | $70 | $85 | Retail varies by dealer and color |
| Waterborne Ceiling Paint, 5 gallons | $250 | $310 | $375 | Before tax; check current volume pricing |
| Professional ceiling painting | $1.00/sq. ft. | $1.75/sq. ft. | $3.00/sq. ft. | Paint and labor; standard access |
What Benjamin Moore Ceiling Paint Costs for a Typical Room
Waterborne Ceiling Paint is a dedicated matte ceiling product designed to reduce glare and help hide minor surface irregularities. One gallon commonly covers about 350-400 sq. ft. on a smooth, properly primed surface, though textured ceilings and porous drywall can use more. A 12-by-12-foot ceiling is 144 sq. ft.; one gallon is usually enough for two coats in that room, with some paint left over.
For a typical room, budget $55-$85 for paint alone or roughly $145-$430 for a painter to supply paint and apply two coats. That installed range assumes a 144-sq.-ft. ceiling, ordinary ceiling height, and no major repairs. Some dealers price the product differently, and tinted colors can affect the final price or require a special order.
Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, standard white or light tint, smooth ceiling, normal access, and no extensive stain blocking.
How Paint, Labor, and Ceiling Preparation Shape the Quote
A professional estimate separates paint from the time and materials needed to prepare and coat the surface. For a one-room job, a minimum service charge may make the per-square-foot rate higher than it would be for several ceilings completed together.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | Typical basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore ceiling paint | $55/gal. | $70/gal. | $85/gal. | 350-400 sq. ft. per gallon, one coat |
| Painter labor | $35/hr. | $55/hr. | $85/hr. | Per worker; local rates vary |
| Ceiling prep and masking | $30 | $75 | $180 | Small room; minor patching and protection |
| Primer or stain blocker | $25/gal. | $40/gal. | $65/gal. | Product cost; specialty stain primers can cost more |
| Furniture moving or disposal | $0 | $40 | $120 | Depends on access and debris |
Labor is often the largest part of a small ceiling-painting bill, especially when setup and cleanup take nearly as long as rolling the paint. A typical bedroom may need 2-4 labor hours including covering furnishings, cutting in, coating, and cleanup; ceiling repairs or difficult access add time.
Ceiling Height, Texture, and Coverage Change Gallon Needs
Ceiling dimensions set the basic quantity: a 200-sq.-ft. ceiling generally needs about one gallon for two coats if coverage is close to 400 sq. ft. per gallon per coat. Actual coverage depends on the surface and application method. Popcorn, deep texture, fresh drywall, and drastic color changes can increase consumption or require primer.
Height also changes labor. A standard 8-foot ceiling is generally simpler than a 10-12-foot ceiling, which may require taller ladders, extra masking, or additional setup. Cathedral ceilings and stairwells can cost more because the painter works more slowly and may need specialized equipment.
For estimating, measure ceiling area separately from wall area and allow a coverage cushion of about 10%-20% for textured or absorbent surfaces. A second coat is a common assumption for a consistent finish; one-coat coverage should not be assumed on a stained or uneven ceiling.
Painter Labor Rates and Time for One or Several Ceilings
Many painters charge $35-$85 per hour per worker, while others quote by room or square footage. In markets with higher wages or difficult parking and access, rates can exceed that range. A single ceiling may have a $150-$300 minimum charge even when the measured area is small.
One 12-by-12-foot ceiling often takes 2-4 hours for one painter when the room is cleared and the surface needs only light preparation. Several rooms can reduce the effective rate per ceiling because setup, tool cleaning, and travel are shared. Repairs, two-tone trim, occupied rooms, and drying-related return visits can raise the total.
Ask whether the estimate includes two coats, patching, primer, furniture protection, and cleanup. Comparing only the quoted hourly rate can be misleading if one bid excludes preparation or charges separately for moving furniture.
Regional Paint Prices and Contractor Rates Across the U.S.
Retail paint prices vary by dealer, promotions, and local distribution, so nearby stores may not match national online estimates. Contractor pricing generally varies more: labor in major coastal cities can run about 15%-35% above many smaller Midwestern or Southern markets, while rural areas may have fewer available painters and higher travel charges.
These regional differences are estimates, not fixed price rules. A high-cost city can still have competitive quotes when several painters are available, while a rural job may cost more per ceiling if the contractor must travel a long distance or meet a minimum job charge.
Use local written quotes for labor and confirm the exact Benjamin Moore product and gallon size with the dealer. This avoids comparing a contractor’s premium product allowance with a retail quote for a different ceiling paint.
When Primer, Stain Blocking, or Ceiling Repairs Add Cost
Waterborne Ceiling Paint is not a substitute for fixing active leaks or sealing every stain. Water marks, smoke residue, and tannin bleed may need cleaning, repair, and a suitable stain-blocking primer before the finish paint. A gallon of specialty primer may add roughly $25-$65, with labor and repair supplies adding more.
Minor nail holes and hairline cracks may add $30-$100 in preparation for a small room. Larger cracks, damaged plaster, peeling layers, or water-damaged drywall can add $150-$500 or more, depending on the area and whether material replacement is needed. Any leak should be corrected and the ceiling dried before painting.
Resolve the source of stains before paying to repaint; otherwise, discoloration can return through the new finish. Request separate line items for patching, primer, and topcoat so the extra charge is clear.
Ceiling Paint Versus Standard Flat Wall Paint
Benjamin Moore ceiling paint typically costs more per gallon than basic flat interior paint, but its flat finish is formulated for overhead use and can help reduce visible roller marks and reflected light. Standard flat wall paint may be a less expensive option for a low-traffic ceiling in good condition, but it may not provide the same application behavior or finish.
Product prices depend on the line and local dealer; a basic interior flat can be roughly $35-$65 per gallon, while some premium paints cost more than dedicated ceiling paint. For a ceiling with stains, neither finish paint should replace the primer specified for the stain or surface problem.
Compare the full coating system, not just the gallon price, when the ceiling needs primer or multiple coats. A lower-cost paint that needs an extra coat may use more material and painter time.
How to Lower the Price Without Cutting Necessary Prep
Combining ceilings in several rooms can reduce repeated setup and minimum charges. Clearing furniture, removing wall decorations, and giving the painter unobstructed access may also shorten labor time. For a small room, a homeowner can buy one gallon rather than a pail, while larger jobs should compare the dealer’s 5-gallon price and estimated leftover amount.
Keep the color close to the existing finish when possible, and avoid paying for specialty tint if standard white meets the need. Get at least two itemized estimates using the same room measurements, product name, number of coats, and repair scope. A low quote that excludes protection, stain primer, or cleanup may not be the lower final price.
Control the scope and compare equivalent written bids before choosing a paint or labor option. Do not skip necessary stain sealing or surface repairs just to reduce the initial invoice.