# The AhTown Guide to House Painting in New Jersey

By AhTown. Updated October 15, 2026.

Painting looks simple, which is why quotes for the same house can differ by thousands. This guide answers the 14 questions New Jersey homeowners search most: what it costs, what a quote should include, when to paint outside, and the lead paint rules that apply to most of the state's older homes. Every figure names its source.

## At a glance

| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Interior painting | $2 to $6 per sq ft; a bedroom $240 to $720 |
| Exterior painting | $1.50 to $4 per sq ft; average about $3,200 |
| Kitchen cabinets | $900 to $5,000, depending on kitchen size |
| Best months to paint outside in NJ | May through September |
| Repaint wood siding | Every 3 to 7 years |
| Home built before 1978 | Paid painters must be an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm |
| Permit to paint | Not needed in NJ |
| Check a painter | newjersey.mylicense.com/verification |

## How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room or House Interior in NJ?

> **Quick answer:** Interior painting costs $2 to $6 per square foot of floor space nationally, or about $2,000 on average for a job. A bedroom runs $240 to $720 and a living room $700 to $2,000. New Jersey painters publish similar or higher rates: $3 to $7 per square foot from one North Jersey company, and $300 to $800 for a 10 by 12 room from one in South Jersey.

### Cost by room

| Room | Typical cost (HomeAdvisor, June 2026) |
|---|---|
| Bathroom (70 sq ft) | $140 to $420 |
| Bedroom (120 sq ft) | $240 to $720 |
| Kitchen (160 sq ft) | $300 to $960 |
| Living room (330 sq ft) | $700 to $2,000 |

### Whole-house interior

| Home size | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| 2,300 sq ft | $4,600 to $13,800 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $6,000 to $18,000 |

Walls only average about $2.75 per square foot. Walls, trim and ceilings together average about $4.70.

### What do NJ painters charge?

| Source | NJ price |
|---|---|
| Solis Painting, Springfield (Dec 2025) | $3 to $7 per sq ft; $4,000 to $10,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home |
| Carney Construction, Sicklerville | $2 to $6 per sq ft; $300 to $800 per 10x12 room |
| Homeyou, Jersey City (July 2026) | $5 to $9 per sq ft |

### What costs extra?

- Ceilings: $1 to $3 per square foot
- Trim and baseboards: $1 to $3 per linear foot
- Doors: $35 to $50 each
- Wall repair, dark-to-light color changes and high ceilings

Labor is 75 to 95% of an interior paint job, so prep and the number of coats matter more than the price of the paint.

**Sources:** HomeAdvisor, [Interior painting cost](https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/painting/paint-a-home-interior/); Angi, [Interior painting cost](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-paint-interior-house.htm); Fixr, [Cost to paint a room](https://www.fixr.com/costs/paint-room); Solis Painting, [House painting cost in New Jersey](https://www.solispainting.com/how-much-does-house-painting-cost-in-new-jersey.shtml); Carney Construction, [Interior painting cost NJ](https://www.njhousepainter.com/average-cost-interior-painting-nj); Homeyou, [Jersey City interior painting](https://www.homeyou.com/nj/interior-painting-jersey-city-costs).

## How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Exterior in NJ?

> **Quick answer:** Exterior painting costs $1.50 to $4 per square foot nationally, averaging about $3,200. A two-story house runs $3,000 to $6,200 by Angi's 2026 data, and up to $12,700 by This Old House's. One North Jersey painter publishes $2.00 to $5.50 per square foot. In New Jersey, painting needs no permit.

### Cost by house size

| Home size | Angi (July 2026) | This Old House (March 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft | $2,250 to $6,000 | |
| 2,000 sq ft | $3,000 to $8,000 | $4,400 to $8,800 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $3,750 to $10,000 | |
| One story | $1,500 to $3,500 | |
| Two stories | $3,000 to $6,200 | $6,900 to $12,700 |
| Three stories | $4,500 to $10,000+ | $8,300 to $15,200 |

### Cost by siding

| Siding | Per sq ft (This Old House) |
|---|---|
| Wood | $1.70 to $3.60 |
| Aluminum | $2.10 to $4.20 |
| Stucco | $2.50 to $4.80 |
| Brick | $2.60 to $5.00 |
| Vinyl | $2.80 to $5.20 |

### What costs extra?

- Trim: $2 to $8 per linear foot
- Shutters: $115 to $235 each
- Exterior doors: $150 to $500 each
- Power washing before painting: $240 to $400
- Scraping and stripping old paint: $0.50 to $2 per square foot
- Lead-safe work on homes built before 1978. See [lead paint rules](https://www.ahtown.com/guides/painting#lead-paint-rules-nj)

### Why do quotes vary so much?

Height and prep. A third story needs lifts or scaffolding, and a house with peeling paint can need days of scraping before any paint goes on.

**Sources:** Angi, [Cost to paint a house](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-paint-house.htm); This Old House, [Exterior painting cost](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/painting/reviews/cost-to-paint-house-exterior); Solis Painting, [House painting cost in New Jersey](https://www.solispainting.com/how-much-does-house-painting-cost-in-new-jersey.shtml); N.J.A.C. [5:23-2.7](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-5-23-2-7).

## How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

> **Quick answer:** Professional cabinet painting costs $30 to $60 per linear foot, or $100 to $250 per door. A small kitchen runs $900 to $1,500, a medium one $1,500 to $2,800, and a large one $2,800 to $5,000 or more. That's far less than refacing, which averages about $7,200, or replacing cabinets at $10,000 and up.

### Cost by kitchen size

| Kitchen | Cost to paint (Angi, Sept 2026) |
|---|---|
| Small | $900 to $1,500 |
| Medium | $1,500 to $2,800 |
| Large | $2,800 to $5,000+ |

### Paint, refinish, reface or replace?

| Option | Typical cost | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | $900 to $5,000 | New color on existing doors and boxes |
| Refinish | $1,800 to $4,200 | Strip and re-stain or re-coat |
| Reface | Average $7,230 | New doors and veneer on existing boxes |
| Replace | $10,000+ | All-new cabinets |

HomeAdvisor says refacing costs 30% to 50% less than replacing.

### Can you paint cabinets yourself?

Yes, but budget the time. Angi estimates $180 to $600 in materials and 20 to 40 hours of work. The finish depends on prep: removing doors, degreasing, sanding and priming.

### What should a cabinet quote include?

- Whether doors are sprayed off site or brushed in place
- Primer and number of coats
- Inside of cabinets, or outsides only
- New hardware and reinstalling doors
- How long the kitchen is out of use

**Sources:** Angi, [Cost to paint kitchen cabinets](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-paint-kitchen-cabinets.htm); HomeAdvisor, [Cabinet refacing cost](https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/cabinets-and-countertops/reface-cabinets/).

## How Much Does It Cost to Stain a Deck or Paint a Fence?

> **Quick answer:** Staining or painting a deck costs $2 to $5 per square foot, about $600 to $1,500 for a 300 square foot deck. Painting or staining a fence costs $1 to $3 per square foot, or $5 to $14 per linear foot for a 6-foot privacy fence. A typical 150-foot fence averages about $2,000.

### Deck

| | Cost (Inch Calculator) |
|---|---|
| Per square foot | $2 to $5 |
| 300 sq ft deck | $600 to $1,500 |
| Average job | $850 |

### Fence

| | Cost (Inch Calculator) |
|---|---|
| 4-foot picket fence | $3 to $5 per linear foot |
| 6-foot privacy fence | $5 to $14 per linear foot |
| Per square foot | $1 to $3 |
| About 150 feet | $750 to $4,000, average $2,000 |

### What changes the price?

- Cleaning or power washing first
- Stripping an old finish
- Railings, spindles and stairs, which take more time than flat boards
- Paint versus stain, and the number of coats

### When should it be done in NJ?

In dry weather that meets the product's temperature range. See [the best time to paint outside](https://www.ahtown.com/guides/painting#best-time-to-paint-exterior-nj).

**Sources:** Inch Calculator, [Deck paint and stain cost](https://www.inchcalculator.com/deck-paint-stain-cost-guide/) and [Fence painting cost](https://inchcalculator.com/much-cost-paint-stain-fence/).

## How Do Painters Charge, and What Should a Quote Include?

> **Quick answer:** Painters charge $20 to $50 an hour for standard work, and $40 to $100 an hour per painter by some estimates. Most quote by the job, based on square footage. A complete quote spells out the prep work, the primer, the number of coats, the exact paint brand and line, and who moves furniture and cleans up.

### How painters price

| Method | Typical rate |
|---|---|
| Hourly | $20 to $50 standard; $75 to $100 for specialty work (Angi) |
| Hourly, per painter | $40 to $100 (This Old House) |
| Per square foot, walls | $2 to $6 |
| Average job | $2,400 |

### What a quote should spell out

- **Prep:** patching, sanding, scraping, caulking, power washing
- **Protection:** moving furniture, drop cloths, taping
- **Primer:** where and what kind
- **Coats:** how many
- **Paint:** the brand, the product line and the finish
- **Surfaces:** walls only, or ceilings, trim, doors and closets too
- **Cleanup** and leftover paint
- **Dates** and payment schedule

Two quotes can differ by thousands because one includes two coats and full prep and the other doesn't.

### How good should the finished job look?

The Painting Contractors Association's standard says a properly painted surface is uniform in appearance, color, texture and sheen when viewed without magnification from 39 inches away under normal lighting. That's a fair test for your walk-through.

### How much should you pay up front?

NJ consumer offices suggest one-third in advance, one-third halfway and one-third at completion. New Jersey's rules also bar a contractor from asking for final payment before the job is done.

**Sources:** Angi, [How much do painters charge](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-do-painters-charge.htm); This Old House, [Exterior painting cost](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/painting/reviews/cost-to-paint-house-exterior); Painting Contractors Association, [Standard P1](https://www.pcapainted.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PCA-Industry-Standards_20230918-P1.pdf); Monmouth County Consumer Affairs, [Home improvement tips](https://www.visitmonmouth.com/page.aspx?Id=4927); N.J.A.C. [13:45A-16.2](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-13-45A-16-2).

## How Often Should You Paint Your House?

> **Quick answer:** Outside, it depends on the siding: wood every 3 to 7 years, aluminum about every 5, stucco every 5 to 6, fiber cement every 10 to 15 and painted brick every 15 to 20. Inside, kitchens and bathrooms need repainting every 3 to 5 years, family rooms every 5 to 7, and ceilings about every 10. These are painting companies' guidelines, not hard rules.

### Exterior

| Siding | Repaint about every |
|---|---|
| Wood | 3 to 7 years (4 if stained) |
| Aluminum | 5 years |
| Stucco | 5 to 6 years |
| Fiber cement | 10 to 15 years |
| Painted brick | 15 to 20 years |

This Old House says an exterior paint job should last 5 to 10 years.

### Interior

| Room | Repaint about every |
|---|---|
| Kitchens and bathrooms | 3 to 5 years |
| Family rooms | 5 to 7 years |
| Ceilings | 10 years |
| Adult bedrooms and formal rooms | When you want a change |

### What are the signs it's time?

- Peeling, cracking or bubbling paint
- Chalky residue when you rub the siding
- Fading on the sunny sides of the house
- Bare wood showing
- Cracked caulk around windows and trim

### Why not wait?

Outside, paint is what keeps water out of wood. Once paint fails, repairs get added to the painting bill.

**Sources:** WOW 1 DAY Painting, [Exterior painting frequency](https://www.wow1day.com/blog/budgeting-project-planning/exterior-painting-frequency); CertaPro Painters, [How often to paint interiors](https://certapro.com/rock-hill/?p=1345); This Old House, [Exterior painting cost](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/painting/reviews/cost-to-paint-house-exterior).

## How Long Does It Take to Paint a House?

> **Quick answer:** A professional crew paints most home interiors in 2 to 3 business days and an average exterior in about a week. Doing it yourself takes about a day per room. Latex paint is dry to the touch in about an hour and ready for a second coat in 1 to 4 hours, but takes 2 to 4 weeks to fully cure.

### How long the job takes

| Job | Professional crew | DIY |
|---|---|---|
| One room | Part of a day | About a day; up to 10 hours for a 10x10 room |
| Whole interior | 2 to 3 business days | 3 to 7 days for 2,000 to 3,000 sq ft |
| Exterior | About a week with a crew of three | Longer |

### How long paint takes to dry

Using Benjamin Moore's Regal Select as an example:

| | Interior | Exterior |
|---|---|---|
| Dry to the touch | 1 hour | 1 hour |
| Ready for a second coat | 1 to 2 hours | 4 hours |

### When is paint fully cured?

Latex paint takes 2 to 4 weeks to cure. Until then:

- Go easy on scrubbing. Benjamin Moore says its exterior paint can be washed after two weeks
- Wait before hanging heavy pictures or pushing furniture against walls

### What slows a job down?

- Wall repairs and heavy prep
- Dark-to-light color changes that need extra coats
- Rain, cold or high humidity on exterior jobs
- Lead-safe work practices in homes built before 1978

**Sources:** Fresh Coat Painters, [How long to paint an interior](https://freshcoatpainters.com/resources/blog/tips/how-long-to-paint-a-house-interior/); CertaPro Painters, [How long does it take to paint](https://certapro.com/san-francisco/community/how-long-does-it-take-to-paint/); Benjamin Moore, [Regal Select Interior](https://benjaminmoore.com/en-us/product/N549); Bob Vila, [How long paint takes to dry](https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-long-does-it-take-paint-to-dry/).

## When Is the Best Time to Paint a House Exterior in NJ?

> **Quick answer:** May through September. Standard exterior latex paint needs temperatures of about 50 to 60°F or higher, day and night, to cure. New Jersey's average lows are in the 50s and 60s from May through September. Low-temperature paints rated to 35°F stretch the season into April and October. The surface must be dry, and the temperature must stay above the dew point for 48 hours.

### What temperature does exterior paint need?

| Source | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams | Traditional latex needs above 60°F to cure properly. Newer products work as low as 35°F |
| Behr | Best between 50°F and 90°F. Its main exterior lines are rated to 35°F |
| Benjamin Moore | Regal Select exterior: 35°F minimum, air and surface |

Check the label of the product your painter is using.

### NJ temperatures by month

NOAA's 30-year averages for Newark:

| Month | Average high / low |
|---|---|
| April | 62.6 / 44.1°F |
| May | 72.6 / 53.9°F |
| June | 81.8 / 63.6°F |
| September | 77.7 / 60.7°F |
| October | 66.0 / 49.0°F |
| November | 54.9 / 39.0°F |

The May through September window is our reading of that data against the paint makers' rules.

### What else matters besides temperature?

From Sherwin-Williams and Behr:

- The temperature should stay above the dew point for at least 48 hours after painting
- Wait at least a day after heavy rain
- Avoid painting in direct, hot sun
- Leave at least 4 hours of drying time before evening dew
- In cool weather, paint between about 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Check the surface temperature, not only the air

### Can you paint in October?

Yes, with a low-temperature paint and a dry forecast. Ask your painter which product they're using and its minimum temperature.

**Sources:** Sherwin-Williams, [Exterior application FAQs](https://www.sherwin-williams.com/home-builders/products/resources/faqs/exterior-product-application-faqs); Behr, [Cold weather painting](https://www.behr.com/pro/onthejob/blog/cold-weather-painting/); Benjamin Moore, [Regal Select Exterior data sheet](https://media.benjaminmoore.com/WebServices/prod/assets/production/datasheets/TDS_0403/20201103%20F403%20TDS%20CE%20OKF.pdf); NOAA NCEI, [1991-2020 monthly normals, Newark](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USW00014734&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL&format=csv&units=standard).

## Lead Paint Rules for Painting an Older NJ Home

> **Quick answer:** If your home was built before 1978, any company you pay to disturb more than 6 square feet of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet outside, must be an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm. Sanding and scraping count. About 64% of New Jersey homes were built before 1980. Fines for violations can reach $49,772 each. Homeowners working on their own home are exempt, with exceptions.

### Who does the rule apply to?

The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule covers anyone paid to do work that disturbs painted surfaces in homes and child-care facilities built before 1978.

| | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Interior | More than 6 square feet of painted surface per room |
| Exterior | More than 20 square feet of painted surface |

Below those amounts, the work is exempt as minor repair. Window replacement never counts as minor.

### What does the painter have to do?

- Be an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm, with a trained renovator on the job
- Give you the EPA's "Renovate Right" pamphlet before starting
- Contain the work area, avoid creating dust and clean up thoroughly

Look up a firm with the EPA's [certified firm locator](https://cdxocsppapps.epa.gov/ocspp-oppt-lead/firm-location-search).

### Why does this matter so much in NJ?

The state Department of Health reports 63.6% of New Jersey housing units were built before 1980. In Monmouth County it's 57.2%.

### Does it apply if you do the work yourself?

No, in a home you own and live in. The EPA says the exemption does not apply if you rent out all or part of the home, run a child-care center there, or buy and renovate homes to sell.

### What about NJ rental properties?

New Jersey requires lead-safe inspections of rental homes built before 1978: at tenant turnover or every three years, whichever comes first. The lead-safe certificate is good for two years. Penalties run up to $1,000 a week.

**Sources:** EPA, [Lead RRP program](https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program), [RRP for do-it-yourselfers](https://www.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-program-do-it-yourselfers), [Renovate Right](https://www.epa.gov/lead/renovate-right-important-lead-hazard-information-families-child-care-providers-and-schools); 40 CFR [745.83](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/40/745.83), [745.84](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/40/745.84), [19.4](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/40/19.4); NJ Department of Health, [Pre-1980 housing](https://www-doh.nj.gov/doh-shad/indicator/view/pre1950home.pre1980pct.html); NJ DCA, [Lead-based paint in rental dwellings](https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/resources/leadpaint.shtml).

## Do Painters Need a License in NJ? Do You Need a Permit to Paint?

> **Quick answer:** Painters in New Jersey must be registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs as home improvement contractors, because the state's definition of home improvement names painting. They must carry $500,000 in liability insurance and give you a written contract for jobs over $500. You don't need a permit: exterior and interior painting is ordinary maintenance. Some historic districts require approval for new exterior colors.

### What does NJ require of a painter?

- **Home improvement contractor registration** with NJ Consumer Affairs
- **$500,000** per occurrence in general liability insurance, plus workers' compensation where required
- **A compliance bond** of $10,000 to $50,000 under a 2024 law
- **A written contract** for any job over $500, with the registration number, the insurance certificate, the work and materials, the price and the dates
- **Three business days** for you to cancel after you receive a copy

A 2024 law will also add a licensing exam for new contractors. Sources from mid-2026 say that part was not yet in effect.

Check a painter at [newjersey.mylicense.com/verification](https://newjersey.mylicense.com/verification/) or call NJ Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846.

### Do you need a permit to paint in NJ?

No. New Jersey's construction code lists exterior and interior painting as ordinary maintenance, which needs no permit and no notice to the town.

### What about historic districts?

Rules vary by town:

| Town | Paint colors |
|---|---|
| Ocean Grove (Neptune Township) | New exterior colors need a Certificate of Appropriateness. Pre-approved palettes are available |
| City of Burlington | Painting and color combinations are reviewed |
| Plainfield | Painting existing structures is exempt |

If you live in a historic district, call the historic preservation commission before choosing colors.

**Sources:** N.J.A.C. [13:45A-16.1A](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-13-45A-16-1A) and [13:45A-16.2](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-13-45A-16-2); N.J.S.A. [56:8-151](https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-56/section-56-8-151/); P.L. 2023, c.237, [full text](https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2022/PL23/237_.PDF); N.J.A.C. [5:23-2.7](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-5-23-2-7); Neptune Township, [Historic Preservation Commission](https://neptunetownship.org/departments/historic-preservation-commission-hpc); City of Burlington, [Historic Preservation Commission](https://www.burlingtonnj.us/historic-preservation-commission/); City of Plainfield, [Code](https://ecode360.com/34635360).

## Which Paint Finish Goes Where? Flat, Eggshell, Satin or Semi-Gloss

> **Quick answer:** Use flat on ceilings and low-traffic rooms, eggshell or satin in hallways, kids' rooms and family rooms, and semi-gloss in kitchens, bathrooms and on trim. Shinier finishes clean more easily but show more wall flaws. A gallon of quality interior paint covers about 400 square feet and costs roughly $25 to $100.

### Finish by room

Following Sherwin-Williams' sheen guide:

| Finish | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Flat | Ceilings, adult bedrooms, formal living rooms, uneven walls |
| Matte | Living rooms and dining rooms |
| Eggshell or satin | Hallways, kids' rooms, family rooms, exteriors |
| Semi-gloss | Kitchens, bathrooms, trim |
| Gloss | Trim, doors, cabinets |

### How much paint do you need?

Benjamin Moore lists 400 to 450 square feet per gallon for its Regal Select interior paint. Rough or unpainted surfaces soak up more. Exterior paint covers less: 275 to 375 square feet per gallon for the same brand's exterior line.

### What does paint cost?

| Product | Per gallon |
|---|---|
| Flat interior | $25 to $60 |
| Semi-gloss | $35 to $100 |
| Primer | $20 to $50 |
| Benjamin Moore Regal Select (example) | About $85 |

### Why should the quote name the paint?

Because "two coats of paint" can mean a $25 gallon or an $85 gallon. Ask for the brand, the product line and the finish in writing.

**Sources:** Sherwin-Williams, [Paint sheen guide](https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/project-center/paint-sheen-guide); Benjamin Moore, [Regal Select Interior](https://benjaminmoore.com/en-us/product/N549) and [Regal Select Exterior data sheet](https://media.benjaminmoore.com/WebServices/prod/assets/production/datasheets/TDS_0403/20201103%20F403%20TDS%20CE%20OKF.pdf); Inch Calculator, [Room painting cost](https://www.inchcalculator.com/room-painting-cost-guide/).

## Should You Paint Yourself or Hire a Painter?

> **Quick answer:** Painting a room yourself costs about $150 to $300 in supplies plus paint and takes about a day. A pro charges $240 to $720 for a bedroom and finishes in half the time. DIY saves the most on simple interior rooms. Hire out for exteriors, high ceilings and stairwells, and for any home built before 1978 where paint will be sanded or scraped.

### DIY vs. pro

| | DIY | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| One bedroom | $150 to $300 in supplies, plus paint | $240 to $720 |
| Whole interior | Saves about $1,700 to $1,800 (HomeAdvisor) | Average about $2,000 |
| Exterior | $500 to $1,000 in materials (Angi) | Average about $3,200 |
| Time | About twice as long as a pro | 2 to 3 days for most interiors |

### When does DIY make sense?

- Bedrooms and living rooms with standard ceilings
- Walls in good shape
- You have a free weekend and don't mind the prep

### When should you hire a pro?

- **Exteriors and second stories,** where the work is on ladders
- **Homes built before 1978** if paint will be sanded or scraped. Paid work needs a lead-safe firm, and lead dust is a real hazard to children whoever does it
- **Cabinets.** A smooth finish takes spraying and 20 to 40 hours
- **High ceilings and stairwells**

### What do you need to paint a room?

Paint, primer, a roller and covers, an angled brush, painter's tape, drop cloths, spackle, sandpaper and a tray.

**Sources:** HomeAdvisor, [Interior painting cost](https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/painting/paint-a-home-interior/); Angi, [Cost to paint a house](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-paint-house.htm) and [Cost to paint kitchen cabinets](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-paint-kitchen-cabinets.htm); Inch Calculator, [Room painting cost](https://www.inchcalculator.com/room-painting-cost-guide/); Fresh Coat Painters, [How long to paint an interior](https://freshcoatpainters.com/resources/blog/tips/how-long-to-paint-a-house-interior/); EPA, [Lead RRP program](https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program).

## Should You Paint Your House Before Selling? Which Colors?

> **Quick answer:** Usually yes, where it shows. Repaint rooms in strong or worn colors with a light neutral, starting with the living room, kitchen, entry and halls, then touch up trim, baseboards and the front door. Outside, fix peeling paint around windows and doors rather than repainting the whole house. If the home was built before 1978, a paid painter who sands or scrapes must be EPA lead-safe certified.

### Where should you start?

| Priority | Why |
|---|---|
| Living room, kitchen, entry, main halls | Buyers see them first, and they fill the listing photos |
| Any room in a strong color | Buyers price in repainting it |
| Trim, baseboards and interior doors | Scuffs make a fresh wall look old |
| Front door | The first thing a buyer touches |
| Peeling exterior trim around doors and windows | A home inspector will note it |

### Which colors?

Light neutrals: soft whites, warm grays, pale beiges and greiges. They photograph well and let buyers picture their own furniture. Use one wall color through connected rooms so the house reads as one space. The front door is the one place a stronger color can work.

### Should you paint the whole outside?

Usually not. A full exterior job runs $3,000 to $6,200 for a two-story house by Angi's 2026 data. Scraping, priming and painting the peeling trim, doors and window frames costs far less. Repaint everything only when the whole exterior is failing.

### What about an old house?

About 64% of New Jersey homes were built before 1980. If yours was built before 1978, anyone you pay to disturb more than 6 square feet of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet outside, must be an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm. You must also tell buyers about any lead paint you know of. See [lead paint rules](https://www.ahtown.com/guides/painting#lead-paint-rules-nj).

### Paint quality

Use a paint that covers in two coats. Labor is 75% to 95% of an interior paint job, so a cheap paint that needs a third coat costs more in the end.

### More on getting ready to sell

See [The AhTown Guide to Getting Your New Jersey Home Ready to Sell](https://www.ahtown.com/guides/selling-a-home-nj).

**Sources:** Angi, [Cost to paint a house](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-paint-house.htm); HomeAdvisor, [Interior painting cost](https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/painting/paint-a-home-interior/); EPA, [Lead RRP program](https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program) and [Lead-based paint disclosure rule](https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-based-paint-disclosure-rule-section-1018-title-x); NJ Department of Health, [Pre-1980 housing](https://www-doh.nj.gov/doh-shad/indicator/view/pre1950home.pre1980pct.html).

## How to Hire a Painter in New Jersey: Questions to Ask

> **Quick answer:** Check the painter's NJ home improvement registration, ask for proof of liability insurance, and get a written scope that names the prep, the number of coats and the exact paint. For a home built before 1978, ask for their EPA lead-safe firm certificate. Pay in stages, such as thirds, and don't make the final payment until the job is done.

### Ten questions to ask

1. What's your NJ home improvement contractor registration number?
2. Can you send your liability insurance certificate? Do you carry workers' comp?
3. Who does the work: your employees or subcontractors?
4. What prep is included: patching, sanding, scraping, caulking, power washing?
5. How many coats, and is primer included?
6. Exactly which paint: brand, product line and finish?
7. My house was built before 1978. Are you an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm?
8. Who moves and covers furniture? Who cleans up?
9. What's your warranty, in writing?
10. What's the payment schedule?

### What must be in a NJ contract?

For any job over $500: the contractor's name, address and registration number, a copy of the insurance certificate, a description of the work and main materials, the total price, and start and completion dates. You have three business days to cancel.

### Red flags

From the FTC:

- They knocked on your door because they're "in the area"
- They have materials left over from another job
- They push for a decision today
- They want all the money up front, or cash only

Also be careful with a quote that says only "paint house" with no prep or paint named.

### Where do you find one?

AhTown features one company per trade per ZIP code in New Jersey. Painting listings are opening soon. Featured Pros pay for placement. AhTown does not endorse, verify or guarantee any provider, so run the registration check above for any painter you call. [See who's featured in your ZIP](https://www.ahtown.com).

**Sources:** N.J.S.A. [56:8-151](https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-56/section-56-8-151/); N.J.A.C. [13:45A-16.2](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-13-45A-16-2); Monmouth County Consumer Affairs, [Home improvement tips](https://www.visitmonmouth.com/page.aspx?Id=4927); FTC, [Avoiding home improvement scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-home-improvement-scam); EPA, [Lead RRP program](https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program); Angi, [How much do painters charge](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-do-painters-charge.htm).

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AhTown features one company per trade per ZIP code in New Jersey. Painting listings are opening soon. Featured Pros pay for placement. AhTown does not endorse, verify or guarantee any provider. See who's featured in your ZIP: https://www.ahtown.com

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