Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black paint typically costs $70-$115 per gallon before tax, depending on the paint line and local pricing. The color itself usually does not add a charge; product quality, number of coats, surface condition, and whether a painter is hired drive the total.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One gallon of paint | $70 | $90 | $115 | Price varies by product line and store |
| Five gallons of paint | $325 | $425 | $550 | Before tax; bulk pricing may differ |
| DIY paint for one room | $140 | $240 | $400 | Two coats, supplies included |
| Professional room painting | $400 | $850 | $1,800 | Room size, prep, and region affect labor |
What a gallon of Tricorn Black costs by paint line
Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black, color code SW 6258, is mixed into the selected paint product. A gallon commonly falls around $70-$90 for standard interior lines, $80-$105 for higher-performance interior paint, and $85-$115 for many exterior products. Store promotions, contractor accounts, and regional pricing can shift these estimates.
For most walls, budget about $90 per gallon before tax, then confirm the price for the specific product. A gallon generally covers about 350-400 square feet per coat on a smooth, primed surface. Two coats over 350 square feet may require two gallons once waste and touch-ups are considered.
Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, standard gallon cans, no sale or contractor discount, and ordinary store tinting.
How paint, labor, and supplies shape the quote
A paint-only estimate is different from a completed painting quote. Labor, surface preparation, masking, and equipment can cost more than the paint, especially for a dark color applied over light walls. The table shows typical ranges for a single room of roughly 250-400 square feet of wall area.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paint, 1-2 gallons | $70 | $170 | $230 | Product line and quantity |
| Labor | $250 | $600 | $1,300 | Prep, trim, and local rates |
| Supplies and masking | $25 | $60 | $120 | Rollers, tape, drop cloths |
| Repairs and primer | $0 | $80 | $300 | Patching or color transition |
| Tax and disposal | $5 | $25 | $60 | Local tax and waste handling |
Labor and prep commonly make up the largest share of a contractor’s room quote. Painters may charge $35-$75 per hour or price by room, with minimum service charges for small jobs.
Why wall size and the existing color change coverage
Room dimensions and surface condition determine how many gallons are needed. A 10-by-12-foot room with 8-foot ceilings has roughly 350 square feet of wall before subtracting doors and windows; two coats may use about two gallons. A 15-by-20-foot room can need three to five gallons, depending on openings and texture.
Dark paint over white or pale walls can require a dedicated primer or an extra coat. If the existing color is close to black, one coat may cover more evenly, though two finish coats are still commonly specified for consistent sheen and durability. Rough or porous drywall can reduce coverage by 10%-20%.
Does Tricorn Black need primer or extra coats?
Primer is not automatically required on previously painted, sound walls when the new paint is compatible and the color change is manageable. Over bright white, patched drywall, stains, or glossy surfaces, primer can improve adhesion and hide uneven absorption. A gallon of primer often costs $25-$60, with specialty products sometimes higher.
Ask whether the estimate includes primer, repairs, and two finish coats. For a major shift from light to nearly black, a tinted primer may reduce the risk of a patchy first coat, but the painter should test coverage on the actual surface before adding another product to the quote.
Interior walls and exterior siding carry different prices
Interior wall painting usually costs less than exterior work because it avoids weather exposure, ladder setup, and extensive washing. Exterior Tricorn Black may require a suitable siding product, careful surface preparation, and additional labor around trim or multiple stories. Exterior paint commonly runs $85-$115 per gallon, while a small professional exterior project can start around $1,000 and exceed $5,000 for a full home.
Confirm that the quoted paint is rated for the surface and location. Siding material, sun exposure, peeling paint, and local climate matter more than the color name when selecting an exterior product. Trim and doors are often quoted separately.
What painters charge for a one-room black accent wall
A single accent wall of 100-160 square feet may use less than one gallon, but a painter’s minimum charge still applies. DIY materials may total $50-$130 if the household already has basic tools, or $100-$220 when buying a roller, tray, tape, drop cloth, primer, and paint. Professional pricing often lands near $200-$500 for a straightforward wall.
Small scope does not always mean a low contractor bill. Setup, masking, and travel can take almost as long as painting the wall. A room-wide repaint may offer better value if the quote’s minimum labor charge is close to the price of adding adjacent walls.
Which paint upgrades are worth the extra charge?
Higher-grade paint can provide better washability, scuff resistance, or application performance, but the best choice depends on the room. A kitchen, hallway, or child’s room may justify a washable finish; a low-traffic bedroom may not need the most expensive line. Tricorn Black is a deep neutral, and sheen affects how visible surface flaws and reflections appear.
Choose the product and sheen for the surface rather than paying extra solely for the color. Matte or flat finishes tend to soften wall imperfections, while eggshell and satin are easier to clean but can reveal more unevenness under strong light. Get the product name and sheen in writing.
How to keep a Tricorn Black painting quote in budget
Measure wall area before buying paint, and ask the store or painter to calculate gallons using the specified number of coats. Compare at least two estimates with the same paint line, prep scope, and finish; otherwise, a lower bid may omit repairs, primer, or trim. Check current store promotions and ask whether a contractor discount applies.
Control scope and avoid paying for upgrades that do not solve a real surface problem. Move furniture, remove wall décor, and patch minor holes before the crew arrives if the contractor allows customer prep. Keep leftover paint labeled for touch-ups, and avoid buying extra gallons until coverage has been tested.