Cost to Paint a Door Frame [Pricing Guide 2025]
Painting a door frame can be a small but impactful home improvement project, refreshing the look of a room or preparing for new paint. Understanding the costs involved is key, whether you plan to tackle it yourself or hire a professional. The price can vary significantly based on several factors, from the condition of the frame to the type of paint used.
Factors that influence door frame painting costs
Several elements come into play when determining the total cost of painting a door frame.
Type of door frame and condition
The material and current state of your door frame are major cost drivers.
Material:
Wood Frames: Most common. If in good condition, they require standard prep (cleaning, light sanding). If there are chips, cracks, or rot, repair work (wood filler, sanding, possibly wood replacement) will increase labor and material costs.
Metal Frames: Often found in commercial buildings or older homes. May require specific primers for adhesion and rust prevention, potentially increasing material costs. If rusted, significant prep is needed.
MDF/Composite Frames: Generally smooth and easy to paint if new. Older or damaged MDF can swell with moisture and require extensive repair or replacement.
Current Condition:
Good Condition: A frame with minimal dents, scratches, or old paint issues will only need light cleaning and sanding, keeping costs down.
Minor Damage: Small dings, chips, or nail holes will require wood putty or spackle and extra sanding, adding a small amount to labor and material.
Extensive Damage: Frames with peeling paint, deep gouges, significant water damage, or mold will demand thorough scraping, sanding, priming, and potentially structural repair or replacement, substantially increasing the overall cost. More prep time means higher labor costs.
Existing Color: Painting a light frame a darker color is usually straightforward. Painting a dark frame a much lighter color might require extra coats of primer and paint to achieve full coverage, increasing material and labor.
Paint quality and finish selection
The choice of paint can have a noticeable impact on your budget and the longevity of the finish.
Paint Quality:
Standard Interior Paint: While cheaper, basic flat or eggshell paints are not ideal for door frames due to their low durability and cleanability.
High-Quality Enamel Paint (Semi-Gloss or Satin): Recommended for frames. These are more durable, washable, and resistant to scuffs and fingerprints. They cost more per gallon but offer better protection and a longer-lasting finish, reducing the need for frequent repainting.
Specialty Paints: Certain situations might call for mildew-resistant paints (for bathrooms) or epoxy-based paints (for extreme durability), which are generally more expensive.
Finish/Sheen:
Satin or Semi-Gloss: These popular finishes are more reflective and durable, making imperfections more visible, which means more meticulous prep work (and thus potentially higher labor costs if done professionally).
Matte/Flat: Less common for frames due to low durability but hides imperfections better.
Primer: A good quality primer is essential, especially for raw wood, metal, or when changing colors drastically. Specialty primers (e.g., stain-blocking, metal-bonding) can be more expensive than general-purpose ones.
Labor costs vs DIY expenses
This is often the largest differentiating factor in the total cost.
DIY Expenses: When you paint yourself, you only pay for materials:
Primer: $20−$50 per gallon
Paint: $30−$80 per gallon (enough for several frames)
Supplies (brushes, rollers, painter's tape, drop cloths, sandpaper, putty, cleaner): $30−$70
Total DIY Material Cost per Frame: Often falls between $10−$30, assuming you already have some basic tools and are buying a gallon of paint for multiple projects. The per-frame cost significantly decreases if you're painting many frames with one gallon of paint.
Professional Labor Costs: Hiring a professional includes their expertise, time, and overhead.
Hourly Rates: Painters typically charge $40−$100 per hour.
Per Project/Per Frame: Many painters will give a flat rate per door frame. This rate includes prep work, priming, painting, and cleanup.
Complexity: Intricate trim details, significant prep work, or working in a confined space can increase labor costs.
Location: Labor rates vary by geographic region, with urban areas generally having higher costs.
Average cost ranges for painting door frames
Considering the factors above, here's a general idea of what you might expect to pay:
DIY Cost (Materials Only):
For one or a few frames, expect to spend $50 - $150 on all necessary materials (including paint and supplies that will last for multiple frames/projects).
The per-frame material cost if you're painting many frames from one gallon of paint could be as low as $10 - $30 per frame.
Professional Cost (Labor & Materials):
Basic Frame (Good Condition): For a standard interior door frame in good condition, requiring minimal prep, you might pay $75 - $150 per frame.
Moderately Damaged Frame: If some light repairs (e.g., filling small holes, light sanding) are needed, the cost could range from $120 - $250 per frame.
Heavily Damaged or Intricate Frame: For frames requiring extensive scraping, filling, or intricate detail work, expect to pay $200 - $400+ per frame.
These ranges are estimates and can vary based on your specific location, the painter's experience, and the details of the job. It's always best to get multiple quotes from local painters for an accurate estimate.
Tips to save on painting door frames without losing quality
Want to refresh your door frames without breaking the bank? Here are some smart ways to cut costs while maintaining a high-quality finish:
Do the Prep Work Yourself: This is where you can save the most on professional jobs. Clean the frames, remove hardware, sand lightly, and mask off surrounding areas yourself. This reduces the labor time for the painter.
Buy Quality Materials on Sale: Don't skimp on paint and primer quality, but look for sales. Hardware stores frequently offer promotions on popular paint brands. Buying a gallon instead of a quart is often more cost-effective if you have multiple frames or other trim to paint.
Opt for DIY: If you have the time and patience, painting door frames is a manageable DIY project. The only cost will be materials, which are significantly less than labor. Watch tutorials and take your time for a good result.
Bundle Projects: If you're hiring a professional, ask them to paint all your door frames, baseboards, and perhaps even interior doors at once. Painters often offer a better rate for larger, bundled projects than for individual small tasks.
Choose Standard Colors: If you're using a professional painter, custom color matching might add a small fee. Sticking to readily available, standard paint colors can sometimes be slightly cheaper.
Maintain Your Frames: Regular cleaning and quick touch-ups of minor scuffs can prolong the life of your paint job, reducing the frequency (and cost) of full repaints.
Painting your door frames can significantly impact the overall look of your home. By understanding the factors influencing cost and implementing smart saving tips, you can achieve a fresh, clean aesthetic that fits your budget.
Ready to update your home's look? Whether you're planning a DIY project or seeking professional help, start by gathering estimates and selecting the perfect paint for your door frames!
