The question comes up often. A homeowner wants to freshen up a bedroom, a living room, a room that has aged. The quoted price varies from one to three times as much. So let's put the numbers on the table for Montreal in 2026, along with the complete reasoning.
The starting number
For a standard room of about 200 square feet (a 12×12 bedroom), repainting the walls with basic preparation costs between 300 $ and 800 $, taxes extra. If we add the ceiling, executives, and wall repairs, we're looking more like 500 $ to 1,000 $ and above.
The range is broad. That's normal. Three things cause it to vary: the quality of the paint, the condition of the walls, and what is included in the contract.
What really costs: the preparation
The part nobody sees is the preparation. Washing the walls, filling cracks, sanding, masking, priming. According to Renovation Inspiration and HomeStars, a room that requires repairs costs 50 to 100 more % than a room with clean walls.
As soon as you add drywall repairs, corners to be redone, or a change from a dark to a light color, the labor time goes up.
The hourly rate of a painter in Montreal
According to Canada's Job Bank (data updated in November 2025), the median wage for a painter in the Montreal region is 34 $/hour. The provincial median in Quebec is 34.98 $/hour, which is above the Canadian median of 28 $ per hour.
In practice, a professional contractor charges between 25 $ and 80 $ per hour in Quebec. A student painter goes down to 15 $ to 25 $ per hour, but the work takes more time. A residential contract is between 350 $ and 600 $ per day, according to RenoQuotes.
A standard room takes between 4 and 8 hours on-site for a professional, including preparation, two coats on the walls, and cleanup. At 34 $ per hour, that comes to 136 $ to 272 $ labor only, to which paint and materials are added.
Painting: Three Levels
Painting in Quebec is classified into three tiers:
- Economic : 25 $ to 40 $ per gallon. Covers less, requires more coats, and lasts less time.
- Mid-range : 50 $ to 80 $ per gallon. The break-even point. Brands such as Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore.
- Premium : 90 $ to 120 $ per gallon. Applies easily on smooth surfaces, reducing the number of coats and the time required.
A standard room consumes about 2 gallons for two coats. The difference between the budget and mid-range represents 50 $ to 80 $ in terms of equipment. Not huge, but it changes the outcome and durability.
Ceiling, frames, and the rest
Every added item has its cost. The ceiling adds 1 $ at 2.50 $ per square foot beyond the cost of the walls. The frames and baseboards cost 1 $ to 3 $ per linear foot. If the ceiling is in good condition, skipping it saves materials and a few hours.
In terms of colors, a change from dark to light requires additional coats. A two-color room costs between 340 $ and 800 $, against 200 $ to 500 $ for a single color, according to Renovation Submission.
The right time to repaint
Renovation work is cheaper in winter in Quebec. Painters have fewer outdoor contracts, deadlines are shorter, and some adjust their rates in the low season. Booking between January and mars can make a difference on the final price.
The RBQ license: non-negotiable
Every painting contractor in Quebec must hold a RBQ licence 9.0 (finishing work). CAA-Quebec explicitly recommends it: check your contractor in the RBQ online register before signing. The licence number must appear on all marketing material, business cards, and vehicles.
A licensed contractor means a confirmed price before starting, a team you can reach during the week, and recourse if something goes wrong. A business with an office, clear business hours, and a paper invoice.
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