Painting a standard six-panel interior door typically costs $100-$250 when hired out, with an average near $160 for both sides. The cost to paint a 6 panel door depends on its condition, paint type, number of coats, labor rates, and whether the door stays on its hinges or is removed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional painting | $100 | $160 | $250 | Both sides, standard interior door |
| DIY materials | $20 | $40 | $70 | Paint, primer as needed, abrasives, and supplies |
| Per door surface | $50 | $80 | $125 | Approximate rate per painted side |
| Prep or repairs | $15 | $40 | $100 | Extra for filling, sanding, or stain blocking |
Typical price for a six-panel door painted on both sides
A painter commonly charges $100-$250 for one standard 6-panel door, including both faces and ordinary edge work. A straightforward job with a clean, previously painted door may land near $100-$150; damaged surfaces, color changes, or higher local labor rates can push the quote toward $250 or more.
For budgeting, $160 is a reasonable midpoint for a single interior door in sound condition. This estimate assumes a door about 30-36 inches wide by 80 inches tall, standard water-based enamel, normal access, and no hardware replacement. Assumptions: U.S. midrange labor rates, standard materials, two paint coats, and both sides included.
What primer, paint, and labor add to the quote
Most of the professional price is labor because the panels and edges take longer to coat neatly than a flat slab. Material expense is modest for one door, though specialty finishes or a primer coat raise the total.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Labor | $70-$180 per door | Cleaning, masking, sanding, brushing, and coating |
| Paint and primer | $15-$40 per door | Usually 1-2 quarts allocated from larger cans |
| Supplies and masking | $5-$20 per door | Brushes, tape, drop cloth, and abrasives |
| Hardware handling | $0-$30 per door | Removal and reinstallation when included |
| Disposal or travel | $0-$50 per visit | May appear as a minimum or trip charge |
Labor, not paint, usually drives the estimate for a one-door job. A contractor may apply a minimum service charge, so painting one door can cost more per door than painting several at once.
How door condition and finish change the painting cost
A clean, previously painted door needs less preparation than one with peeling paint, dents, grease, or an old glossy finish. Light sanding and spot filling can add $15-$50; extensive scraping or stain-blocking primer can add $50-$100 or more, depending on labor and the number of problem areas.
Changing from a dark color to white may require an extra primer or finish coat, adding roughly $20-$60 in labor and materials. A bare wood or stained door may need bonding or stain-blocking primer, while a door with lead-based paint in an older home may require specialized handling and a separate assessment.
Condition and color change matter more than the six-panel design itself. Six-panel recesses can add brushing time compared with a flat door, but a careful painter can reduce brush marks by using a suitable enamel and working in a consistent panel sequence.
Save money by batching doors and controlling prep work
Combining several doors in one visit can spread the painter’s setup and travel costs. For four or more similar interior doors, a contractor may quote about $70-$150 per door, depending on condition, finish, and whether both sides are painted. Ask whether the price includes the door edges, jamb, and hardware removal; these can be excluded from a low quote.
Homeowners can reduce labor by clearing the work area and confirming the color before the appointment. Basic cleaning and moving furniture may help, but sanding or stripping is best agreed with the painter first so that preparation is consistent and safe.
Compare itemized quotes for the same surfaces, coats, and preparation—not just the total. If the existing finish is intact, repainting is generally less costly than replacing the door, which can add the price of a new slab, hardware adjustments, and installation.
Painter time and minimum charges for one interior door
A painter may spend 1-2 hours actively preparing and coating a door, with additional elapsed time for drying between coats. Door painting can be done on-site or after removing the door; shop work may produce a smoother finish but can involve pickup, delivery, or extra scheduling.
Typical residential painting labor rates run about $40-$75 per hour, though contractors often price by the door rather than the clock. A $100-$150 minimum visit charge is common in some markets, especially when the job includes only one small item.
Ask whether the estimate includes a second coat and return time. Some painters apply coats in one visit when drying conditions allow, while others schedule a separate visit or charge extra for a rush turnaround.
Added charges for jambs, removal, and repairs
Painting only the door is different from painting its frame. Adding a standard jamb and casing may cost another $50-$150, depending on trim condition and detail. Replacing or painting hinges, knobs, and other hardware is usually separate; hardware painting may not be recommended where moving parts or frequent handling can wear the coating.
Removing and rehanging a door can add about $20-$60 if it is not included. Small nail holes and shallow dents may be part of normal prep, while deeper damage, water swelling, or loose veneer can require repairs priced at $25-$100 or more.
Confirm the exact scope in writing, including both faces, edges, jamb, and repairs. A quote that excludes the door edges may look cheaper but leave visible unpainted surfaces when the door is open.
Regional price differences for door painting
Rates in large coastal cities and high-cost metro areas can run roughly 15%-35% above a national midrange estimate. Smaller towns and rural areas may be about 5%-20% lower, although limited contractor availability or a long service drive can offset that difference.
For one uncomplicated door, a rough regional range is $120-$250 in many major metros, $90-$190 in lower-cost markets, and $100-$220 in suburban areas. Local minimum charges and job size matter more than geography alone, so multiple doors can lower the per-door quote even in expensive areas.
Use local written estimates to validate national ranges. Ask each painter to specify paint grade, number of coats, preparation, and whether the price includes sales tax or a trip fee.