Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White (SW 7757) usually costs about $55-$125 per gallon, depending on the paint line and local price. A professional interior paint job can run roughly $2-$6 per square foot of painted surface, with labor, prep, coverage, and the number of coats driving the total.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One gallon of interior paint | $55 | $85 | $125 | Varies by product line, finish, store, and promotion |
| One gallon of exterior paint | $65 | $95 | $130 | Higher-performance exterior formulas can cost more |
| DIY paint for a 12-by-12-foot room | $110 | $200 | $375 | Usually 2-3 gallons, plus basic supplies |
| Professional interior painting | $2 | $4 | $6 | Per square foot of paintable surface, including labor |
What a gallon of High Reflective White costs
High Reflective White is a Sherwin-Williams color, not a single paint product. The price depends on the product selected, such as SuperPaint, Duration, or Emerald, and on the sheen. A gallon of interior paint commonly falls around $55-$125 before sales tax; a comparable exterior formula is often $65-$130. Store promotions, contractor pricing, and location can change the amount paid.
For a middle-priced estimate, budget about $85 per gallon for a standard interior formula and about $95 for exterior paint. Entry-level or sale pricing can be lower, while premium washable, scrubbable, or exterior products can approach the high end. A quart may cost roughly $20-$40, but its per-gallon price is typically higher than buying a full gallon.
Color selection generally does not add a separate fee, but the product line and number of coats determine the real paint budget. Prices below are planning ranges rather than a guaranteed store quote.
Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing before tax, standard gallon containers, and no contractor discount or limited-time sale.
How product line, finish, and labor shape the quote
Paint is only part of a professional estimate. Contractors may include surface preparation, primer, masking, application, cleanup, and moving or protecting furnishings. The table separates typical costs for a room-sized interior project; the exact split depends on wall condition and the written scope.
| Quote item | Typical price | Unit or scope | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior paint | $55-$125 | Per gallon | Product line, finish, and local pricing |
| Primer | $25-$60 | Per gallon | Stain blocking, adhesion, and surface type |
| Painting labor | $35-$75 | Per worker-hour | Prep level, height, access, and local wages |
| Basic prep and masking | $100-$400 | Per room | Repairs, furniture protection, and trim detail |
| Supplies and disposal | $25-$125 | Per project | Drop cloths, tape, rollers, and cleanup needs |
For a 12-by-12-foot room with 8-foot ceilings, wall area is about 384 square feet before subtracting doors and windows. Two coats may use around 1.5-2 gallons at roughly 350-400 square feet of coverage per gallon per coat, although porous or textured walls can consume more. Add primer when the surface needs it; primer is not automatically necessary for every repaint.
Ask whether the quote includes two finish coats, primer, wall repairs, and protection of floors and furniture. A labor estimate can be checked with this simple calculation: . For example, 8-12 worker-hours at $35-$75 per hour equals $280-$900 in labor before other project charges.
Coverage, wall color, and sheen change gallon needs
Paint coverage on the label is a starting point, not a promise for every wall. Smooth, sealed drywall typically takes less paint than rough plaster, heavily textured surfaces, or unpainted drywall. A gallon may cover approximately 350-400 square feet per coat under favorable conditions; two coats roughly halve that coverage for budgeting purposes.
High Reflective White is a very bright white. When it goes over a deep color, a stain, or an uneven surface, the project may require primer or an additional finish coat for an even appearance. If the existing wall is already a similar white and in good condition, two coats may be sufficient. A darker wall can push a 12-by-12 room from about 2 gallons to 3 gallons or more, depending on actual wall area and coverage.
Sheen can affect price and how visible surface imperfections appear. Flat and matte options are often less expensive than some specialty finishes; eggshell and satin are common choices for walls that need easier cleaning. Semi-gloss is often used for trim and doors, where a separate finish and smaller paint quantity may be needed.
Estimate from measured wall area and the planned number of coats, not from room size alone. A 500-square-foot wall area needs about 2.5-3 gallons for two coats at practical coverage of 350-400 square feet per gallon per coat, before allowing for waste or extra absorption.
Do premium paint lines justify their higher gallon price?
For a single color, the same High Reflective White shade can be mixed into different Sherwin-Williams product lines. A lower-priced formula may suit a low-traffic bedroom or a short-term refresh, while a washable interior paint can be more useful in kitchens, hallways, and busy family areas. Premium lines commonly cost more per gallon, so compare the exact product name rather than comparing color names alone.
| Paint choice | Planning price per gallon | Typical use | Budget effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value or contractor-grade interior | $55-$75 | Basic repaint with sound walls | Lower material cost, subject to coverage and durability needs |
| Midrange interior formula | $70-$100 | General living areas | Moderate price with broader finish choices |
| Premium interior formula | $90-$125 | Frequent cleaning or higher durability needs | Higher initial paint expense |
| Exterior formula | $65-$130 | Siding, trim, or other exterior surfaces | Price depends on exposure and product specification |
These are approximate ranges, not a fixed price list for each named product. A store can quote the same line differently by region, sale, account pricing, and sheen. Exterior paint should be chosen for the substrate and exposure rather than substituted for an interior product based only on color.
Compare the expected coats and durability alongside the gallon price. A cheaper paint that needs an extra coat may not reduce the total. Conversely, paying for a premium formula on a low-use room may add expense without a useful benefit.
Regional paint prices and contractor rates vary
Paint retail prices and labor charges differ across the United States. In high-cost metro areas, professional labor can be about 15%-35% above a national planning estimate, while lower-cost rural markets may be 10%-20% below it. These are budgeting comparisons, not fixed regional multipliers; local contractor availability and job complexity can outweigh geography.
Material prices may also be higher in areas with fewer nearby stores or added delivery needs. For an interior job, labor is usually the more variable part of the quote. In a market where painters charge $50-$90 per worker-hour instead of $35-$75, a 10-hour room job can add roughly $150-$150 before accounting for differing work rates and scope.
Exterior work can be affected by climate and season. Hot, wet, or cold conditions may restrict suitable application windows, and short seasonal demand can affect scheduling. Ask contractors to state whether their price includes weather delays, surface washing, scraping, and any repairs required before painting.
Use local written quotes for labor comparisons and treat national gallon ranges as a starting point. Compare the same paint line, sheen, coat count, prep work, and wall area; otherwise, a lower bid may simply exclude necessary work.
What three room-painting quotes can look like
These examples show how scope changes the estimate. They assume interior walls, ordinary access, and no major drywall replacement. Paintable area is measured rather than inferred from floor area, and totals can vary with local rates, furniture, trim, and wall condition.
| Example | Scope and materials | Labor assumption | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom | About 300 sq. ft. of walls, 2 coats, 2 gallons at $75-$95 | 6-8 hours at $40-$65 per hour | $400-$800 |
| Average living room | About 500 sq. ft. of walls, 2 coats, 3 gallons at $80-$105 | 8-12 hours at $45-$70 per hour | $650-$1,300 |
| Large room over a dark color | About 700 sq. ft. of walls, primer plus 2 coats, 5-6 gallons total | 12-18 hours at $50-$75 per hour | $1,100-$2,200 |
The estimates include a modest allowance for supplies and routine prep, but not ceiling painting, trim, major patching, or moving a packed room. A local contractor may quote by room, by square foot, or by the full project rather than listing worker-hours.
For quote comparisons, make sure every estimate covers the same paintable area and finish work. Confirm whether the painter is using High Reflective White in the specified product line, not a similar-looking white or a different formula.
When primer, repairs, and extra coats add cost
Primer may add about $25-$60 per gallon in material, plus the labor to apply it. Stain-blocking products, bare drywall, glossy surfaces, water marks, and major color changes can require specialized primer or additional preparation. Minor patching may be included in a basic bid, while extensive repairs are commonly priced separately.
Contractors may add charges for ceilings, trim, doors, tall stairwells, or difficult access. Painting a ceiling can add roughly $1-$3 per square foot of ceiling area, depending on height, masking, and condition. Door and trim work may be priced per item or by linear foot; ask for a separate line item so the wall-only price remains clear.
Furniture moving, extra protection, and disposal can add approximately $50-$250 for a small room, with more for bulky or numerous items. Minimum job charges also matter: a painter may have a minimum visit price even when the amount of paint is small. These charges are more likely to affect a one-wall project than a full-room repaint.
Clarify surface repairs and extra-coat rates before work begins. If the painter finds peeling paint, moisture damage, or extensive cracks, the appropriate repair can change both labor time and materials, and painting over the problem may not last.
How to lower the High Reflective White project price
Measure the walls and agree on the surfaces included before buying paint or accepting a quote. A precise wall-area estimate helps avoid excess gallons, while a defined coat count keeps bids comparable. For a small project, a gallon may be enough only if measured coverage supports it; do not assume one gallon will cover a whole room with two coats.
Use a less expensive product line where its durability suits the room, and reserve premium paint for surfaces that receive frequent cleaning or heavy use. Choose the finish for practical needs rather than upgrading every surface. If existing walls are clean, smooth, and close to the target white, ask whether a separate primer coat is necessary instead of automatically paying for one.
Scheduling several rooms together can reduce setup and travel costs, especially when the same color and product are used throughout. Complete simple preparation such as clearing small items and removing wall hangings, but leave repairs, sanding, and surface treatment to the contractor when safety or finish quality is a concern. Compare at least two written bids with the same scope.
The most dependable savings come from controlling scope and avoiding coats or upgrades the surface does not need. Do not cut costs by skipping required repairs or using interior paint outdoors; a failed finish can lead to a more expensive repaint.
Common price questions about SW 7757
Does High Reflective White cost more than another Sherwin-Williams color?
Usually, the selected paint line and container size determine the price, not the color itself. A store mixes SW 7757 into the chosen formula, though availability, base requirements, and local pricing should be confirmed before purchase. A color may look different under a room’s lighting, so a sample can help prevent buying gallons for a color that does not suit the space.
How many gallons are needed for one room?
A typical 12-by-12-foot room with 8-foot walls may need about 1.5-2 gallons for two coats on the walls, depending on openings, texture, and coverage. A larger room or a change from dark paint may require 3 gallons or more. Ceilings and trim are separate surfaces and increase the amount.
Are contractor prices lower than store prices?
Contractors may receive account pricing or discounts, but their bid also covers labor, preparation, insurance, and project management. A DIY shopper can sometimes pay less for paint during a promotion, while a professional quote may be more cost-effective when extensive prep or difficult access is involved. Compare the total written scope, not just the gallon price.
For a practical starting budget, use $55-$125 per gallon for paint and add labor and preparation based on measured area. Confirm the product line, sheen, number of coats, and any primer or repair charges before approving the final quote.