Benjamin Moore Eco Spec typically costs about $55-$80 per gallon before tax, with a five-gallon purchase often running $275-$375. The total for a painted room depends on wall area, coats, surface preparation, local labor rates, and whether the quote includes primer.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eco Spec paint, 1 gallon | $55 | $68 | $80 | Price varies by retailer and color |
| Eco Spec paint, 5 gallons | $275 | $325 | $375 | Before sales tax or delivery |
| Paint for a 12-by-12-foot room | $110 | $170 | $240 | Usually 2-3 gallons for two coats |
| Professional room painting | $400 | $700 | $1,200 | Paint and labor; prep and trim affect total |
What a gallon of Eco Spec costs for interior walls
Eco Spec is Benjamin Moore’s zero-VOC interior paint line, sold in multiple finishes and package sizes. A practical U.S. retail estimate is $55-$80 per gallon, or roughly $11-$16 per quart when purchased in smaller quantities. Five-gallon containers commonly cost $275-$375, though a retailer may price the larger size differently than five individual gallons.
For a typical room, budget $110-$240 for wall paint alone. That estimate assumes 250-400 square feet of paintable wall area, two coats, and coverage near 350-400 square feet per gallon per coat on a smooth, primed surface. Dark colors, porous walls, and color changes can require more paint.
Assumptions: standard interior finish, ordinary colors, U.S. independent paint retailers, and no unusual shipping charge.
How paint, primer, and labor appear in a room quote
Contractors may quote a single project price or separate paint, preparation, and labor. The table shows common ranges for a 12-by-12-foot bedroom with about 350 square feet of wall area; ceiling and trim painting are excluded.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco Spec paint | $110-$240 | $55-$80 per gallon | Two or three gallons, color, finish |
| Primer and patch materials | $20-$75 | $20-$50 per gallon of primer | Stains, repairs, bare drywall |
| Painting labor | $250-$650 | $35-$75 per hour | Coats, masking, access, prep |
| Supplies and disposal | $25-$100 | $25-$100 per room | Plastic, tape, rollers, cleanup |
| Estimated room total | $400-$1,200 | Complete wall-painting job | Local rates and surface condition |
Labor and preparation often outweigh the paint bill. The formula below is a useful check when a quote lists labor separately.
Why wall area, finish, and coverage change the price
Room dimensions influence the number of gallons: a 10-by-10-foot room may need two gallons for two coats, while a 15-by-20-foot room can require four or five. A ceiling height above 9 feet, many windows or doors, or walls with a rough texture can change the calculation. Coverage estimates are not guarantees; very porous or previously unpainted surfaces use more material.
Finish and color also matter. Eco Spec is available in different sheens, and the retailer’s price can vary by product configuration and color. Moving from a light wall to a deep shade, or covering a deep color with a light one, may require an additional coat or tinted primer. Allow another $55-$80 for each extra gallon needed.
When does professional painting cost more than the paint?
For an uncomplicated room, a painter may spend 6-12 hours on protection, minor repairs, cutting in, rolling two coats, and cleanup. At $35-$75 per hour, labor alone can reach $210-$900; minimum job charges often make small rooms relatively expensive. Extensive patching, furniture moving, high ceilings, and detailed edges add time.
Some contractors charge by wall area instead, often around $1.50-$4 per square foot of wall surface for labor and basic materials. Compare estimates using the same scope: number of coats, included repairs, primer, ceiling or trim work, and whether Eco Spec is included. A low labor quote may exclude prep or the second coat.
How regional paint labor shifts the finished-room estimate
Paint prices at local Benjamin Moore dealers can differ, but labor usually creates the larger regional gap. Large coastal metros and high-cost cities may run 15%-35% above a national midrange estimate. Smaller cities and rural areas can be 10%-20% below it, although travel fees or limited contractor availability can narrow the difference.
For the same straightforward bedroom, a lower-cost market might produce a $400-$700 installed quote, while a high-cost metro could reach $650-$1,200. These are planning ranges, not fixed regional tariffs; wall condition, scheduling, and contractor minimums can matter more than location alone.
What prep work and add-ons increase an Eco Spec quote
Primer is not automatically needed over sound, previously painted walls with a similar color. Bare drywall, patched areas, stains, or a major color transition may call for primer, adding about $20-$50 per gallon plus application labor. Minor nail-hole repair may be included, while broader drywall repair can add $75-$300 or more depending on damage.
Painting a ceiling commonly adds $150-$400 per room; trim may add $100-$300, depending on detail and length. Moving heavy furniture, removing wallpaper, or addressing peeling paint can add separate charges. Confirm whether the estimate includes masking, repairs, cleanup, and disposal before comparing totals.
Eco Spec compared with standard and premium interior paints
At roughly $55-$80 per gallon, Eco Spec is generally priced above some entry-level interior paints, which may cost $25-$45 per gallon, and near other specialty low- or zero-VOC options that can run $50-$90. Premium Benjamin Moore lines may cost about $70-$100 per gallon, depending on retailer and product. Exact comparisons depend on the finish and current local pricing.
A lower gallon price does not necessarily mean a lower project cost if the alternative needs extra coats or more surface preparation. Compare coverage, finish, and the number of coats specified. For a small room, the difference between paint lines may be only $20-$60 in materials, while labor and prep can vary by several hundred dollars.
Ways to trim the room-painting budget without cutting coverage
Measure the wall area and ask the retailer or painter to estimate gallons before buying; avoid purchasing extra containers that cannot be returned once tinted. Use a standard color and finish when possible, and check whether a larger container offers a lower per-gallon price. Keep the project to walls if the ceiling and trim do not need painting.
Homeowners can reduce paid hours by clearing small items and making access easy, but should leave sanding, stain treatment, and surface repairs to the agreed scope. Request two or three itemized quotes with identical coat counts and prep requirements. Do not remove primer or a needed second coat solely to meet a lower target price.