Furniture painting price guide: 2025 costs + keep 85 % profit
A fresh coat of paint can turn a worn dresser into a showpiece—and the average furniture painting cost sits between $200 and $500 per item in 2025, according to Airtasker’s latest nationwide data Airtasker. Smaller projects cost less, elaborate tables or multiple-color finishes climb higher, and pros bill $40–$100 an hour when detail work is involved FreshBooksHomeAdvisor. Below you’ll find clear price charts, cost drivers, DIY savings ideas, and how selling on Asherfield lets you pocket 85 percent of every sale while only dealing with buyers who’ve already paid a 15 percent deposit.
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National averages
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard dresser repaint | $150 | $275 | $500 Airtasker |
| Dining table & 4 chairs | $700 | $1,200 | $2,400 (quote example) Reddit |
| Hourly labor (pro shops) | $40 | $70 | $100 HomeAdvisorReddit |
| Low-VOC furniture lacquer (per gal) | $45 | $60 | $85 Healthier HomesThe Washington Post |
Key takeaway: materials stay affordable; labor hours and intricate details push the bill.
What raises—or lowers—cost
- Surface prep: heavy lacquer or peeling varnish means chemical stripping and more labor Craftsman Book Company.
- Detail level: turned legs and carvings can double sanding time FreshBooks.
- Paint quality: cabinet-grade urethane enamels run $80+ per gallon but wear longer The Washington Post.
- Location: Bay Area quotes reach $100 +/hr, rural rates hover near $40 Reddit.
- Delivery needs: pros may tack on pickup fees if they transport large pieces.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
| Option | Out-of-pocket | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY paint refresh | $70–$120 supplies | Cheap; total creative control | Time-heavy, learning curve The Spruce |
| Hire a painter | $200–$500+ per item | Fast, flawless finish | Higher cost Airtasker |
Paint types & costs
| Finish | Typical price/gal | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Chalky paint | $35–$45 | Vintage matte looks The Spruce |
| Acrylic latex | $30–$55 | Everyday dressers/side tables |
| Low-VOC urethane enamel | $52–$120 | Kitchens, high-touch pieces The Washington Post |
| Metallic spray | $8–$15/can | Accent pulls, frames Architectural Digest |
Flip it on Asherfield (keep 85 %)
- Serious buyers only – 15 % deposit slashes no-shows Growth Rock.
- Fast payout – you collect the remaining 85 % at pickup or delivery.
- Free-delivery badge – boosted conversions 19 % for a furniture e-commerce site Growth Rock.
- List from home – posts go live in minutes; edit price anytime.
Pro tip: fold delivery cost into price—most buyers still see it as a deal.
Internal links
- Furniture refinishing cost – full price overview
- Dining table refinishing cost – detailed table rates
- Antique furniture restoration cost – specialty pricing
- How to refinish wood furniture (beginners) – step-by-step DIY
- Furniture upcycling business – turn skills into steady income
FAQ
How much should I charge to paint a dresser?
Most pros quote $200–$350; DIYers spend about $100 in supplies Airtasker.
Is low-VOC paint worth it?
Yes—safer indoors and durable; expect $45–$85 per gallon The Washington Post.
What’s the cheapest way to repaint furniture?
Light sanding plus chalk paint—many flips finish under $120 The Spruce.
How long does pro painting take?
One to three days, including dry time; detailed items add hours FreshBooks.
Can I earn money on a repaint?
List on Asherfield; keep 85 % once the buyer pays their deposit.
Sources
- Airtasker, Furniture Painting Cost (Mar 25 2025) Airtasker
- Reddit r/homeowners, Dining set quote (Mar 2025) Reddit
- FreshBooks, Painters’ Rates 2025 (May 1 2025) HomeAdvisor
- GrowthRock, Free Shipping Boosts Conversions 19 % (2019) Growth Rock
- Bob Vila, Furniture Painting Dos & Don’ts (2023) Bob Vila
- Healthier Homes, Non-Toxic Furniture Lacquer Prices (2025) Healthier Homes
- Washington Post, Best Cabinet & Furniture Paints (May 2 2025) The Washington Post
- Craftsman Book Co., 2025 Painting Cost Estimator (2025) Craftsman Book Company
- Reddit r/paint, Hourly Rate Thread (2024) Reddit
- HomeAdvisor, Refinishing Cost Factors (2024) FreshBooks
