2026 Denver Interior Painting Cost Guide

Home > Painting Services > Interior Painting > Denver Interior Painting Cost Guide

What Professional Interior Painting Really Costs — and Why

In the 2026 Denver market, labor and material costs are at historic highs. This guide explains current, real-world interior painting prices, what those prices actually include, and where fine-finish and luxury craftsmanship clearly exceed mid-range pricing.

This is a pricing and decision guide, not a sales pitch.

Denver Interior Painting Costs (2026 Market Data)

For mid-range painting contractors in Denver — licensed, insured, and performing standard preparation — pricing typically falls within:

• $2.00 – $6.00 per square foot

• 2,000 sq ft home: $4,500 – $12,000

• Market average: ~$7,699

These figures reflect competent professional work. They do not represent entry-level crews, nor do they include full luxury or millwork-grade finishes.

Average Cost by Room

Room pricing varies based on ceiling height, surface condition, and trim complexity.

• Standard Bedroom (12×12): $400 – $800

• Kitchen (walls only): $600 – $1,200

• Living / Dining Combination: $1,400 – $2,800

• Bathroom: $300 – $600

Denver-Specific Cost Drivers

Several local factors routinely push pricing higher in Colorado homes:

• Labor Rates: $40 – $100 per hour

• Preparation Work: $0.50 – $3.00 per sq ft

  • Settlement cracks

  • Textured walls

  • Drywall repair and sanding

• Paint Quality:

  • Standard professional paints: $45 – $70 per gallon

  • Premium coatings: $75 – $100+ per gallon

• Ceiling Height: Vaulted or cathedral ceilings increase costs by 25–40% due to access and safety requirements

Special Services (Common Add-Ons)

• Cabinet Painting: $2,000 – $7,500

• Wallpaper Removal: ~$3.00 per sq ft

• Popcorn Ceiling Removal: $1.00 – $2.00 per sq ft

Paint Quality Matters (Important)

The pricing above assumes budget-friendly to mid-grade professional coatings.

Premium and boutique products — including:

• Farrow & Ball

• Fine Paints of Europe

• Benjamin Moore Aura systems

— increase total project cost due to:

• Higher material pricing

• Additional coats

• Longer cure times

• More intensive sanding and surface preparation

Understanding Pricing Tiers (How to Read Estimates)

• Entry / Budget Crews

  • Below $2.00 per sq ft

  • Minimal preparation

  • Limited insurance or warranty coverage

• Mid-Tier Professionals (Market Data Above)

  • $2.00 – $6.00 per sq ft

  • Standard preparation and materials

  • Licensed, insured, reliable workmanship

• Fine-Finish / Luxury Craftsmanship

  • Above published mid-range pricing

  • Common on complex interiors, cabinetry, and millwork

  • Includes full mechanical sanding, substrate correction, multi-stage priming, and inspection cycles

Key 2026 Market Reality

Preparation accounts for 50% or more of total labor. Any quote that does not clearly reference drywall correction, sanding, or surface prep is not directly comparable.

In the current Denver market, quotes below $2.00 per square foot typically indicate skipped preparation or uninsured labor.

Experience & Market Position

• Daeco Painting: 23 years in business

• Focus: cost transparency, contractor tiering, and market-based pricing logic

• Approach: publish real numbers — even when they eliminate budget shoppers

This guide reflects how professional interior painting is actually priced in Denver in 2026, not outdated or idealized figures.

Final Clarification

These figures reflect typical Denver professional pricing.

True fine-finish and luxury craftsmanship is priced above these ranges due to deeper preparation, higher-spec materials, and increased labor intensity.

Use This Guide To:

• Set realistic budgets

• Compare estimates accurately

• Understand why prices differ — not just how much

Ready for a Project Assessment?

As you’ve seen, we consider every aspect of your home when determining the true cost of a professional paint project. We’d love to talk and provide a detailed, transparent proposal tailored to your home.