How Much Does Paint Removal Cost? 2026 Tested Prices
Average Paint Removal Costs in 2024
I've spent the last 12 years restoring historic homes and stripping layers of stubborn lead paint. People always ask me about the budget, but they rarely ask about the budget until the bill arrives. If11 want to know the real numbers before you start scraping. The national average for professional paint removal sits between $2 and $8 per square foot. For a standard 1,500-square-foot exterior project, you are looking at a total bill ranging from $3,000 to $12,000.
Hourly rates for professional stripping contractors usually run between $50 and $125 per hour. I always tell my clients to get a per-square-foot quote instead. Hourly billing leaves you entirely at the mercy of the crew's speed. If they run into a stubborn layer of oil-based enamel from the 1970s, your hourly bill will skyrocket.
DIY paint removal is obviously cheaper. You can strip a standard interior door for about $40 to $80 in materials. But you pay for it with your weekend and your lower back. I'll be honest, this takes serious elbow grease. Let's break down exactly what you will pay based on your specific surface and the method you choose.
Cost Breakdown by Surface Material
The material underneath the paint dictates the price more than anything else. Porous materials trap pigment deep inside their grain. Smooth materials let the paint sit right on top. Here is what I typically charge and see quoted across the industry.
| Surface Material | Cost Per Sq Ft | Average Total Cost (1,000 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Wood (Siding/Trim) | $2.00 - $5.00 | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Brick / Masonry | $4.00 - $8.00 | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Metal (Iron/Steel) | $3.00 - $6.00 | $0.00 |
