Repainting a door typically costs $100-$300 for one professionally painted door, with an average near $180; DIY materials often run $25-$75. Door material, condition, paint type, hardware removal, and labor rates are the main price drivers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One interior door | $75 | $150 | $250 | One side or both sides, standard prep |
| One exterior door | $125 | $225 | $400 | Weather-resistant paint and extra prep |
| DIY supplies | $25 | $50 | $75 | Paint, primer, abrasives, and basic supplies |
| Door repainting per door | $100 | $180 | $300 | Typical professional price, excluding major repairs |
What homeowners pay to repaint one standard door
A painter commonly charges $100-$250 for a standard interior door and $125-$400 for an exterior door. A basic job generally includes light sanding, spot priming, two finish coats, and cleanup. A flat hollow-core door is usually less expensive than a paneled, glazed, or ornate door that needs detailed brushwork.
For a straightforward professional repaint, budget about $150-$250 per door. The price assumes a standard 30-36-inch-wide door, accessible work area, no major damage, and ordinary paint. Rates can be higher in expensive metro areas or when a contractor has a minimum charge for a small job.
DIY costs are often $25-$75 if the homeowner already has brushes, a roller, and drop cloths; buying tools from scratch can add $30-$100. High-quality exterior enamel or specialty finishes can raise material costs.
Assumptions: U.S. standard-size door, sound surface, normal access, and midrange paint.
How paint, prep, and labor shape the door quote
Professional estimates typically combine labor, materials, and any hardware or surface-preparation work. Labor is usually the largest component because sanding, masking, edges, and multiple coats take longer than the paint application alone.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor | $75-$225 | $40-$85 per hour | Prep, coating, masking, cleanup |
| Paint and primer | $15-$55 | $35-$85 per gallon | Usually a fraction of a gallon per door |
| Sandpaper and masking | $5-$25 | Per door | Abrasives, tape, plastic, and sundries |
| Hardware handling | $10-$50 | Per door | Removing and reinstalling knobs or hinges |
| Repair or stripping | $25-$200+ | Per door | Filling damage or removing failing finish |
Ask whether the quote covers both door faces, the edges, and the frame. Some painters price the slab only; repainting the frame can add about $40-$125, depending on its condition and detail.
When door size, material, and condition raise the price
Size and design affect both paint use and labor. A standard 30-36-inch door is the baseline; a door wider than 42 inches, an oversized entry door, or a double-door set may cost 25%-75% more. Six-panel doors and decorative trim can add $25-$100 because each recessed area needs careful coating.
Wood doors with peeling paint, dents, or exposed grain need more sanding and priming than smooth steel or composite doors in good condition. Extensive scraping or old paint removal can add $50-$200 or more. A glazed door may cost $25-$100 extra for careful masking or paint removal around glass.
Surface condition can matter more than the door’s paintable area. If damage needs carpentry or glass replacement, that repair is usually quoted separately from repainting.
Interior versus exterior door repainting prices
Interior doors usually use lower-cost enamel and face fewer weather-related problems, keeping many uncomplicated jobs in the $75-$250 range. Exterior doors need durable coatings that resist sunlight, moisture, and temperature changes. Painting both sides of an entry door may bring the total to $200-$400, especially if the finish is failing.
Regional pricing also varies. In high-cost cities, professional door-painting rates may run 15%-30% above national midrange estimates; rural markets can be 10%-20% lower, though travel or minimum charges can offset the difference. Local climate and sun exposure may influence the recommended exterior coating, but they do not create one fixed nationwide price.
Check the estimate for the paint grade and number of coats, not just the total. Exterior-grade products can cost more but are intended for tougher exposure.
How long a painter needs for sanding and coats
A painter may spend 2-4 hours actively working on a simple door, with additional drying time between coats. A paneled or damaged door can require 4-6 labor hours. Painters may remove the door and coat it on sawhorses, or leave it in place when removal is impractical; removal and rehanging can add roughly $25-$75.
Small jobs can cost more per door when a contractor applies a minimum service charge. Repainting four or more doors at one visit may reduce the per-door rate by 10%-25%, because setup and cleanup are shared.
Extra charges for stripping, hardware, and access
Removing a knob and latch is often included, but complex hardware, security fittings, or glass inserts can take extra time. Stripping multiple old layers, repairing gouges, treating rust on a steel door, or protecting nearby flooring can increase the estimate. If a door cannot be worked on at ground level or is difficult to access, ask whether setup time is billed separately.
Clarify whether disposal, repairs, and the door frame are included before approving the quote. Lead-safe work on older painted surfaces may require specialized precautions and a separate estimate; avoid sanding suspect paint until its risks are assessed.
Ways to lower a door repaint estimate without cutting durability
Group several doors into one visit and provide clear access to the work area. Homeowners can remove personal items and clear nearby floors, but should agree with the painter before removing hardware or doing prep; incomplete sanding or poor masking can undermine the finish.
Keep the existing color when possible, since a major color change may need extra coats. Choose a suitable midrange enamel rather than paying for specialty finishes that the door does not need. Repair only defects that affect adhesion or appearance, and compare quotes with matching scope, including coats, paint quality, frame coverage, and hardware work.
The safest savings come from reducing setup and avoiding unnecessary finish upgrades. Do not skip primer where bare wood, repaired areas, or a major color change calls for it.
Three door-painting quotes compared by scope
A smooth interior door in good condition might take 2 labor hours at $55 per hour, plus $30 in paint and supplies, for about $140. A six-panel interior door with both faces painted could take 3 hours at $65 per hour and $45 in supplies, totaling about $240.
An exterior entry door with scraping, spot repairs, and durable paint might require 4 hours at $75 per hour, $55 in materials, and $40 for hardware handling, for an estimated $395. These examples exclude major carpentry and vary with local labor rates.
Compare each quote by door faces, prep level, coats, and included materials. Similar totals can cover very different work scopes.