Sherwin-Williams ProMar 400 flat interior paint typically costs about $35-$65 per gallon before tax, with a five-gallon pail often priced around $160-$290. The final price depends on store discounts, account status, color, and whether the purchase includes delivery or painting labor.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-gallon container | $35 | $50 | $65 | Before tax; local pricing varies |
| Five-gallon pail | $160 | $220 | $290 | May have a lower per-gallon rate |
| Paint for 400 sq. ft. | $35 | $50 | $65 | One coat, smooth surface, approximate coverage |
| Professional painting | $1.50 | $3.00 | $5.00 | Per sq. ft. of painted wall area, paint and labor |
What a gallon of ProMar 400 flat usually costs
ProMar 400 is a contractor-oriented interior latex paint, and its flat finish is commonly used on ceilings and low-traffic walls. A practical planning range is $35-$65 for one gallon and $160-$290 for a five-gallon pail. The average is about $50 per gallon when bought individually, or roughly $44 per gallon for a typical pail purchase.
At approximately 350-400 square feet per gallon on a smooth, previously painted surface, one coat costs about $0.09-$0.19 per square foot in paint alone. Two coats roughly double that material expense, while porous drywall, color changes, and textured surfaces can increase consumption. Assumptions: U.S. store purchase, standard white or light color, no unusual delivery charge, and coverage near the label estimate. Budget for $35-$65 per gallon, then adjust for coverage and the local quote.
How the paint quote changes with pails, tint, and delivery
The product price is only one part of a paint purchase. A store may quote a different amount for tinted paint, large orders, or delivery, and sales or contractor-account pricing can reduce the shelf price. The following ranges are planning estimates, not guaranteed store prices.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | Typical pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProMar 400 flat, 1 gallon | $35 | $50 | $65 | Per gallon |
| ProMar 400 flat, 5 gallons | $160 | $220 | $290 | Per pail |
| Color tint or deep base adjustment | $0 | $5 | $15 | Per gallon, varies by color |
| Local delivery | $0 | $25 | $75 | Per order; distance and minimums apply |
| Sales tax | 0% | 5%-8% | 10%+ | Depends on local tax rules |
Compare the final tinted, delivered price rather than the untinted shelf price alone. Some stores include tinting in the quoted price, while others reflect the color or base in the total. Ask whether the quote is for one gallon or a full five-gallon pail and whether tax is included.
Why color, surface condition, and store location shift the price
Color and base can affect both the amount charged and the number of coats needed. White and light colors are often the simplest to price; saturated colors may need a deep base and more coverage coats. A dramatic color change, such as dark blue over white, can require primer or an additional coat even when the paint price per gallon is unchanged.
Local pricing also differs. Major metropolitan areas and high-cost labor markets may run about 10%-20% above a typical U.S. estimate, while rural stores or account discounts can land 5%-15% below it. A smooth, sealed wall may approach 400 square feet per gallon; rough texture or unprimed drywall can bring usable coverage closer to 250-300 square feet. Coverage and color change often matter more to the total than a small difference in the gallon price.
Ways to lower the ProMar 400 flat paint bill
Measure wall and ceiling areas before buying, subtract large openings, and estimate coats separately. Buying a five-gallon pail can lower the per-gallon cost when the full quantity will be used, but leftover paint only saves money if it is stored tightly sealed and remains usable. Confirm the color and finish before tinting; tinted paint may not be returnable.
Check the price at the local Sherwin-Williams store and ask whether a current sale, volume quote, or eligible contractor-account rate applies. Avoid buying extra gallons solely to reach a discount if the paint is unlikely to be used. Accurate coverage estimates and a written price for the exact color and quantity are the simplest cost controls.
How much paint a 400-square-foot room needs
A room’s floor area is not the same as its paintable wall area. A typical 400-square-foot room may have roughly 600-800 square feet of wall surface, depending on ceiling height and layout. At 350-400 square feet per gallon, one coat could require two gallons; two coats may need four, with extra paint for touch-ups or absorbent surfaces.
At the average $50 per gallon, that example suggests about $100 for one coat or $200 for two coats, before primer, tax, or labor. A five-gallon pail at an estimated $220 may be economical for a larger project, but only if the project uses most of it. Estimate from paintable square footage and coat count, not room floor area alone.
What painting labor adds to the ProMar 400 price
Hiring a painter can add about $1.50-$5.00 per square foot of wall area for labor and paint, with higher quotes for extensive prep, tall ceilings, furniture moving, or multiple colors. Labor rates commonly fall near $25-$75 per hour per painter, although contractors usually price a complete job rather than bill hourly. A small-room minimum may apply even when the paint quantity is low.
Ask whether the estimate includes patching, sanding, masking, primer, two finish coats, and cleanup. can help compare an hourly estimate with a fixed quote, but it does not account for materials or contractor overhead. Clarify the included prep and coat count before comparing labor totals.
ProMar 400 flat versus a higher-grade interior paint
ProMar 400 is generally positioned as a value-oriented paint for broad interior coverage. A higher-grade interior line may cost about $50-$90 or more per gallon at standard pricing, depending on finish and local discounts. The additional expense may be worthwhile where frequent washing, stain resistance, or more consistent coverage is important; flat paint is less suited to scrubbing than many eggshell or satin finishes.
For ceilings, closets, or low-traffic rooms, the lower-priced flat product may meet the project’s needs. For kitchens, hallways, or children’s rooms, compare the selected finish and cleaning requirements rather than judging by price alone. Choose by room use and finish performance, not just the lowest gallon quote.
When a painter’s paint price differs from store pricing
A contractor may pay a negotiated price that differs from a homeowner’s walk-in price, and the quote may combine paint, supplies, labor, and overhead. A painter’s materials charge can therefore exceed the product’s apparent shelf cost without representing a like-for-like comparison. Ask for the product name, finish, number of gallons, and whether the stated amount is materials only.
For a fair comparison, request an itemized quote for ProMar 400 flat, including color, quantity, tax, delivery, and labor if applicable. Verify that the product is the intended interior flat formulation rather than another ProMar line or finish. Matching the product and scope is essential before comparing two prices.