Homeowners and contractors often ask for the price of Dunn-Edwards exterior paint in a 5-gallon can. This article breaks down typical costs, with low, average, and high ranges, plus what drives each price. The main factors include finish, colorant compatibility, regional labor rates, and delivery or pickup options. Price visibility helps buyers compare options without overpaying.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Gallon Dunn-Edwards Exterior Paint | $250 | $350 | $550 | Assumes standard acrylic latex exterior, mid-tier finish |
| Price per Gallon | $50 | $70 | $110 | Ranges by line and sheen |
| Delivery or Pickup | $0 | $20 | $60 | Dependent on distance and supplier |
| Color Tinting | $0 | $15 | $40 | Custom color adds cost |
| Tax | $0 | $15 | $60 | Region-dependent |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard exterior acrylic latex, single color tint, typical 1-coat to 2-coat application, curbside delivery.
Per-Gallon Cost Range for Dunn-Edwards Exterior Paint
Typical Dunn-Edwards exterior paint lines priced by the gallon range from $50 to $110. Low-cost options reside in the basic acrylic latex family with standard durability, while mid-range and premium lines offer higher fade resistance and longer coverage. For a 5-gallon purchase, expect the price to fall in the $250–$550 band depending on sheen, durability, and color system.
Formula: price per gallon × 5 gallons
Regional Variations in 5-Gallon Dunn-Edwards Purchases
Prices can shift by region due to supply, taxes, and contractor discounts. In urban markets, a 5-gallon bucket often lands toward the higher end, while rural areas may see modest discounts. Typical regional deltas run about 5–15% between coastal and inland zones.
Assumptions: Urban pricing reflects shorter lead times; rural pricing reflects larger freight costs.
Finish, Sheen, and Color System: Where Price Changes Start
Gloss finishes and high-performance elastomeric coatings cost more per gallon than flat or eggshell finishes. Premium color systems or specialty primers can add $10–$40 per gallon. For a 5-gallon job, the price impact of choosing a durable, high-sheen finish is often worth it for longevity and maintenance savings.
Breakdown of a 5-Gallon Quote: Materials, Labor, and Extras
Understanding the core quote helps determine total project cost. The primary parts are Materials, Labor for surface prep and application, and Extras like color tinting or delivery. The following table shows typical ranges for each cost component in a standard exterior repaint project.
| Cost Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (paint + primer) | $250 | $350 | $550 | Includes one coat of primer if needed |
| Labor (prep + coat) | $150 | $250 | $450 | Assumes 1–2 crew, standard house, 2 coats |
| Color Tinting | $0 | $15 | $40 | One-time tint fee |
| Delivery/Setup | $0 | $20 | $60 | Enterprises may waive for large orders |
| Tax | $0 | $15 | $60 | Based on state and locality |
Assumptions: One-story home, standard access, normal weather window, no extensive surface repairs.
Key price drivers: size, finish, and region
Two major drivers influence Dunn-Edwards 5-gallon pricing: surface area (larger homes require more paint and labor) and finish grade (higher durability or specialty finishes cost more). Regional demand and supply, plus contractor markup, also shift quotes. For projects under 2,000 sq ft, the lower bands are common; larger homes trend upward with both materials and labor.
Assumptions: House size determines coats and prep complexity.
Labor and prep costs: what to expect on an exterior repaint
Labor costs for exterior painting commonly run from $40 to $75 per hour per crew member, with total hours dependent on surface prep, repairs, and access. A typical 2-coat system for a modest property might require 8–16 hours of labor, translating to roughly $320–$1,200 in labor alone, plus materials.
Assumptions: Standard power washing, scrape and priming, no extensive wood repair.
How color and tinting affect total Dunn-Edwards 5-Gallon costs
Unincluded color costs are often a source of price variation. If a color requires custom mixing or multiple tinting sessions, expect an added $10–$40 per gallon. Applied to a 5-gallon order, tinting can add $50–$200 to the total.
Assumptions: One standard color system with optional accent colors.
Regional pricing examples: real-world quotes by market size
Below are representative quote examples to help budgeting. Figures assume a typical mid-range exterior project with one color and standard prep.
- Small suburban home (1,500 sq ft), 2 coats: Materials $260–$320, Labor $260–$420, Tinting $0–$25 → Total $520–$765
- Medium city home (2,800 sq ft), 2 coats: Materials $320–$420, Labor $420–$680, Tinting $15–$40 → Total $755–$1,140
- Large rural home (4,000 sq ft), 2 coats: Materials $420–$550, Labor $720–$1,100, Tinting $40–$60 → Total $1,180–$1,710
Assumptions: Two coats, standard prep, typical access, no major repairs.
Cost-saving moves specific to Dunn-Edwards exterior projects
To lower the price without sacrificing essential quality: limit color changes, bundle delivery with supplies, schedule in shoulder seasons to reduce labor demand, choose a durable yet economical finish, and prepare surfaces properly to reduce rework. Bundling primer, paint, and tinting often yields a modest discount.
Assumptions: Avoids premium finishes and extra color systems.