Painting costs in Renfrew County reflect both the typical rural-Ontario market and some unique local considerations — notably the high proportion of older homes that may contain lead paint and the climate factors that affect exterior paint longevity. Here is what to expect for interior and exterior work in 2026.
Interior Painting Costs
Interior painting quotes include surface prep (filling holes, light sanding, masking), primer where needed, and paint application. Labour is the primary driver — paint itself is a smaller share of total cost than most homeowners expect.
- Single room, average 12×12 ft (walls + ceiling): $300–$600 labour and paint
- Master bedroom or larger room (14×16 ft or more): $500–$900
- Full home interior, average 1,200 sq ft bungalow: $4,000–$7,000
- Full home interior, two-storey 2,000+ sq ft: $7,000–$10,000+
- Kitchen cabinets (spray finish, professional): $1,500–$3,500 depending on number of doors and drawer fronts
These ranges assume normal prep requirements. Homes with significant surface damage, water staining, or heavily textured walls requiring skim coating will cost more.
Exterior Painting Costs
Exterior painting is more complex than interior work — it requires more preparation, is weather-dependent, and must account for substrate type and condition.
- Average 1,500 sq ft home with wood or vinyl siding: $4,000–$8,000
- Average home with brick, stucco, or complex trim detail: $5,000–$12,000+
- Garage or outbuilding: $800–$2,500 depending on size and condition
- Deck staining or painting: $500–$2,000 for average residential deck
Renfrew County's climate — with freeze-thaw cycles, harsh winters, and significant UV exposure — means exterior paint wears faster than in milder regions. Investing in a premium exterior product ($50–$80+/gallon vs. $30–$45 for entry-level) and thorough prep pays off in longevity. A well-applied quality paint job can last 8–10 years; a cheap product applied without proper prep may fail in 3–4.
Lead Paint Testing and Remediation
This is a critically important cost factor for older Renfrew County homes. Homes built before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint — and Renfrew County has significant housing stock from the 1930s through 1970s, particularly in Pembroke, Renfrew, Arnprior, and rural townships.
Lead paint is not dangerous unless disturbed — sanding, scraping, or power washing can create lead dust that poses a serious health risk, particularly for children and pregnant women. Health Canada classifies deteriorated or disturbed lead paint as a health hazard.
- Professional lead paint assessment (XRF testing or lab samples): $200–$500
- Lead paint remediation/encapsulation: cost varies significantly by scope — budget $1,000–$5,000+ as a starting point for significant remediation
Any painter working on a pre-1978 home should be familiar with lead-safe work practices (PPE, wet methods, HEPA vacuum use, waste disposal requirements). Professional testing before any sanding or scraping is strongly recommended.
Key Factors That Affect Your Quote
- Surface prep required — the single biggest variable; prep is approximately 70–80% of a quality paint job and the primary driver of labour cost
- Number of coats — colour changes and new surfaces typically require a primer plus two finish coats; same-colour refreshes on good existing surfaces may need only two total
- Paint quality selected — premium exterior products at $50–$80+/gallon significantly outperform budget options over a Renfrew County winter
- Lead paint situation — testing, remediation, or lead-safe work practice requirements all add cost and time
- Trim and detail complexity — multiple window profiles, ornate trim, or Victorian-era detail work adds significant labour hours
- Access requirements — multi-storey homes requiring scaffolding or elevated lifts cost more than single-storey work
HST Considerations
HST at 13% applies to all painting services in Ontario and adds meaningfully to total project cost. If painting is part of a substantial renovation (as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency — generally converting a property or renovating more than 90% of a residential unit), a portion of HST paid may be recoverable through the GST/HST New Housing Rebate or Substantial Renovation Rebate. Consult a tax professional or the CRA directly to determine if your project qualifies.