What painting actually costs in Denver, without the runaround.
Published 2026 price ranges, the twelve factors that move them, and a simple calculator so you can sanity-check any quote you receive.
The short answer
In 2026, published cost data for the Denver area puts exterior house painting at roughly $1.55 to $4.10 per square foot of paintable surface and interior painting at about $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, while professional cabinet refinishing typically runs $2,000 to $8,000 per kitchen. Height, surface condition, trim detail, color changes and product line move the number more than square footage alone. Denver Paint Contractors provides free written estimates, and projects booked by October 31, 2026 receive 25% off labor. Call 720-208-5645.
Sanity check any quote
Denver painting cost calculator
Enter your numbers for a published-range ballpark. This is a market range, not a quote, and it does not replace measuring your actual home.
Calculator uses published 2026 Denver-area ranges. Your written estimate is measured on your property.
Published 2026 ranges
Denver painting prices at a glance
| Project | Typical published range | Biggest cost drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior house painting | About $1.55 - $4.10 per sq ft of paintable surface | Stories, prep, siding type, trim detail |
| Interior painting | About $1.50 - $3.50 per sq ft | Ceiling height, repairs, trim and doors, color change |
| Kitchen cabinet refinishing | About $2,000 - $8,000 per kitchen | Door and drawer count, existing finish, boxes included |
| Cabinet replacement (for comparison) | Commonly $15,000 - $30,000+ | Cabinetry, demolition, installation, countertops |
| Deck and fence staining | Priced by deck area, railings and fence linear feet | Wood condition, railing count, stain type |
| Commercial painting | Measured per project after a walkthrough | Access, substrate, coating system, phasing |
Where the money goes
Twelve factors that move a Denver painting price
Height and access
Two-story walls, walkout basements and steep lots mean ladders, staging and slower movement.
Surface condition
The single biggest swing on exteriors. Peeling and chalking add hours before any finish coat.
Substrate
Wood, fiber cement, stucco, brick and vinyl each need different prep and products.
Trim detail
Older Denver homes carry far more trim per wall, and trim is slow, precise work.
Number of coats
Coverage depends on color, surface porosity and product. More coats, more material and labor.
Product line
Top-tier coatings cost more per gallon and generally buy years of additional service life.
Color complexity
Multiple accent colors and two-tone schemes add cutting-in time on every elevation.
Home age
Pre-1978 homes may require federally mandated lead-safe practices, which add containment and cleanup.
Repairs needed
Rotted trim, failed caulk and damaged siding get corrected before coatings go on.
Season and schedule
Exterior weather windows are limited here, and rush scheduling costs more than flexible scheduling.
Occupancy
Working around furniture, pets and business hours takes longer than an empty property.
HOA requirements
Color approvals and submission timelines affect scheduling more than price, but they affect both.
Get the number that actually matters
A free written estimate measured on your home, with 25% off labor through October 31, 2026.
Questions, answered
Denver painting cost questions
How much does it cost to paint a house in Denver in 2026?
Published 2026 Denver cost data puts exterior house painting at roughly $1.55 to $4.10 per square foot of paintable surface, and interior painting is commonly quoted around $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot. Condition, height, trim detail and product choice decide where a specific home lands.
How much does cabinet painting cost in Denver?
Published Denver data puts professional cabinet refinishing at roughly $2,000 to $8,000 for a typical kitchen, driven by the number of doors, drawer fronts and boxes. Replacement is commonly quoted from around $15,000 into the $30,000s.
Why do painting quotes vary so much?
Because quotes include different work. Preparation, primer, number of coats, product line and warranty are the four places a lower number usually comes from. Compare those line by line before comparing totals.
Is painting cheaper in the off-season?
Interior work runs year-round and is often easier to schedule in colder months. Exterior work depends on weather windows. Flexible scheduling helps, and booking by October 31, 2026 locks in 25% off labor.
What is included in your estimate?
Surfaces, preparation steps, product lines and sheens, number of coats, protection and cleanup, schedule, payment terms and the 5-year workmanship warranty, with the discount applied.
Do you charge for estimates?
No. Estimates are free and written, with no obligation, anywhere in the Denver metro.
More from Denver Paint Contractors
Keep exploring
Free estimate
Get your free painting estimate
Tell us about the project and we'll come take a look. Free, in writing, no pressure.
Name and phone are all we need to get started.