How Much Does it Cost to Remove Paint? [2026 Data]

Paint removal costs $600 on average, but there are many factors at play that can leave your total as low as $150 or as high as $80,000. Understanding what affects pricing can help you budget more accurately and find a good deal on professional paint removal services.

In this guide, we’ll explain what affects paint removal costs to help you get a better idea of your total.

Paint Removal Cost Factors

Paint removal costs can range widely, with prices falling anywhere between $150 and $80,000. The following factors will have the biggest impact on your total.

Square Footage and Project

The most important factor to consider is the square footage of the material from which you need paint removed. You can expect to spend between $9 and $12 per square foot, so the size of the project will have a significant impact on your total.

Some smaller paint removal projects, like stripping paint from stair banisters, will often be the most affordable. The most extensive and costly projects will be removing paint from wood siding, and mid-range projects like stripping paint from stair steps or windows will have prices that fall somewhere in the middle.

Material

Removing paint from wood averages between $9 and $12 per square foot, while removing paint from metal like a wrought iron fence sits between $2 and $8 per square foot. Wood is porous and more susceptible to damage and discoloration from paint strippers and scraping, and it also holds onto paint more readily, so it requires more labor to remove the paint. Paint sits on top of metal, which is more durable, so removing paint takes less labor.

Removing paint from brick will cost between $4 and $8 per square foot, but prices can rise to around $17 per square foot if the paint tests positive for lead.

If you need other services to rectify painting accidents, like removing paint from tile or vinyl flooring, your total will often include a flat fee of between $150 and $250. However, that can increase depending on how much paint you need to remove.

Paint Removal Method

There are a few ways a professional can remove paint, and the one that works best depends on the material and how smooth the surface is. Your expert can help you determine the best option for your project.

Job Complexity and Safety

Nearly 100% of your total cost will go toward labor, as the materials to remove paint are affordable and often reusable. Anything that makes the work take longer will drive up your prices.

For example, removing paint from a wood window may require removing the sashes to access the surfaces more easily, which will increase labor costs. Similarly, removing paint from wood shingles will become more expensive if you have multiple floors that require using ladders and safety equipment to reach the materials.

Location

Labor costs often scale based on the cost of living in your area, so more expensive places to live will likely have higher prices for paint removal jobs. You’ll often see the highest prices in metropolitan areas, as they tend to have the highest cost of living, but prices can also vary by state.

Surface Prep for New Finish

After your professional strips the old paint, you may need to allocate some money to prepare the surface for a new finish, whether that’s a fresh coat of paint, varnish, or something else. Surface prep can add between $1 and $5 per square foot, depending on the project, the material, and the condition of the surface.

Why You Should Hire a Paint Stripping Pro

Paint removal becomes more involved once you factor in the size of the surface, the material, and the prep. If you’re planning a paint removal job, getting quotes from paint stripping specialists near you is the best way to understand what your specific project requires.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a paint removal pro

Paint removal often requires careful technique to get clean, even results. Here's how paint specialists make the process work:

• Whether it’s wood, metal, brick, or trim, pros know how to match the right removal method to each material.

• They can move through the job efficiently, which helps keep labor hours, and your total cost, in check.

• A professional can handle doors, cabinets, windows, and siding without damaging the underlying surface.

• Pros are equipped to reach tougher areas like trims, tight corners, or multi-story siding.

• They know how to prep the area correctly so the new finish applies smoothly.

• Contractors bring tools and products that streamline the process and produce a cleaner final result.

• Paint removal companies often offer warranties or service guarantees.

If you want to DIY paint removal

There are a few DIY paint stripping tasks that are manageable for homeowners: 

• Clear furniture or décor from the work area to open up the space.

• Remove simple pieces, like cabinet doors, hinges, or loose trim, to make surfaces easier to reach.

• Organize materials like drop cloths, gloves, scrapers, or brushes.

• Sand light spots or otherwise prep the surface for new paint.

Cost of Common Paint Removal Add-Ons

While you’re budgeting for your paint removal job, you may want to consider the cost of some common add-on services that will take your project to the next level.

• Cost to paint siding: $600–$7,600

• Cost to repaint stairs: $590 on average

• Cost to paint or stain a fence: $300–$4,800

• Cost to paint trim: $500–$3,750

• Lead paint inspection cost: $200–$800

How to Save Money on Paint Removal Costs

There are a few things you can do to keep your paint removal costs as low as possible.

• DIY as much as you can. Since most of your paint removal costs will go toward labor, doing any prep work yourself will help keep costs down. You can take out windows or remove doors to prepare for paint removal, or even consider using mineral spirits, paint stripper, or acetone to remove as much material as you can before your professional takes over.

• Tackle the refinishing yourself. Removing old paint is very time-consuming, but applying new paint, stain, or another finish afterward is a much faster process. You can save between $300 and $8,000 by doing this part of the project yourself instead of hiring a painter, depending on the size of the surface.

• Consider replacement over refinishing. In some cases, it might be more cost-effective to replace wood material than pay to remove paint and refinish. This is especially true for more intricate paint removal jobs, like windows, doors, and banisters that have a lot of nooks and crannies to treat before refinishing.

• Consider just applying new paint. If you confirm that your old paint doesn’t contain lead and it’s in relatively good condition with no flaking, peeling, or other paint problems, you can consider just painting over the surface to breathe new life into it while saving money on paint removal costs.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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