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.
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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
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