
Chipped paint is such an eyesore on walls. It looks terrible and can make your home look old and unkempt.
If you also have some chipped paint on your walls and ceilings, you may wonder how much it will cost to repair.
The good news is that the average cost to repair chipped paint is not as expensive as you may think. In most cases, you can fix the problem yourself with just a few supplies from the hardware store.
- If it’s minor damages such as peeling paint, the repair can generally be done for between $75 to $150.
- For moderate damages (such as noticeable holes on the drywall with cracking paint), you may have to spend slightly more, which can range from $150 to $450.
- For severe damages (such as large holes or cracks on your walls), fixing the paint chip can cost upwards of $600.
However, the cost of repairing chipped paint will also depend on a few other factors, and you will keep those in mind.
Below in this today’s article, I will show you all the nitty gritty details about it, how to repair the paint chip on your wall (if you plan to do it yourself), the materials you will need for it, and what if you need to hire the pro to help you with the job.
So, let’s not waste any time and get started…
Wall Paint Repair Cost Breakdown
Depending on the level of paint damage on your walls, the cost to repair will differ.
If the old paint is developing just some hairline cracks or smaller peel-offs, it would be a minor repair job that can be done with DIY skills and a little elbow grease. All you will require is some paint, a putty knife, sandpaper, and time to repair the walls properly.
The cost for all these materials would be less than $100. And sometimes, you might already have some of these things lying around the house.
If the paint damage on your drywall is more significant, such as large holes or water damage, it would need to be sanded down and re-painted; this would be a significant repair job needing expert help.
The cost to hire a professional for the project can range from $500 to $1000, depending on the repair size and if they need to replace any drywall.
In per-square-foot terms, a typical wall repair will cost between $3 and $10 per square foot, depending on whether you need to do a minor or major repair job. Repairing yourself will be on the lower end of this average cost range, while hiring a professional will be on the higher end.
What Causes Chipped Paint on Your Wall?
Chipped paint on a wall is usually caused by inadequate surface preparation, poor quality paint, or improper application.
- Firstly, if the surface wasn’t properly cleaned and primed before painting, the new paint will have trouble adhering to the surface and will likely chip fast.
- Secondly, using low-quality paint will also lead to chipping because it’s not as durable as higher-quality options.
- Lastly, if the paint was applied too thickly or in uneven strokes, it’s more likely to chip.
The chipped paint problems are generally visible faster on exterior walls and other surface areas like decking, siding, etc., as they are exposed to the elements and wear and tear.
Fortunately, you can prevent these problems from occurring in the first place by making sure to clean and prime the surface before painting and using high-quality paint applied evenly in 2-3 thin layers while following the manufacturer’s instructions.
How Do You Fix Chipped Paint on a Wall Yourself?
As I said, minor paint chip repair is not complex but requires some time and effort. Below is a step-by-step DIY process you can follow.
Supplies you will need:
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- Sandpaper
- Putty knife
- Spackle
- Primer
- Instructional video (optional)
Instructions to fix paint chips on your walls:
- Clean the wall with soapy water to remove dirt or grease, and let the area dry completely.
- Sand down the area around the chipping paint to create a smooth surface.
- Once the area is sanded, use a putty knife to apply spackle or joint compound.
- Once the compound is dry, sand the area again until it’s smooth.
- Apply a coat of primer to the area using a paintbrush or a roller.
- Once the primer dries, paint the area the same color as the rest of the wall.
- Let the paint dry completely before touching or using the area.
If you’re not comfortable doing this repair yourself, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. Also, more serious problems may always require the services of a professional painter so that you do not damage the wall further.
Hiring a professional will cost more than repairing yourself, but it will likely be worth it in the end. Not only will they have the proper tools and supplies, but they will also know how to properly fix the problem so that it doesn’t occur again.
What Factors Influence the Cost If You Hire a Professional?
First and foremost, it’s the labor cost that comes into play.
In major cities like New York, LA, or San Francisco, you can expect to pay around $50-$100 per hour for painters, handyperson, drywall fixers, electricians, and construction contractors.
In rural areas, the labor cost for similar services will be lower, around $30-$70 per hour.
Of course, the size and scope of the job also influence the cost. For example, if you only have a few chips to fix on the wall, the job will obviously be on the lower end of the cost range. However, the job will be more expensive if you need to repair larger or more complex areas like tall walls, ceilings, under sinks, or around old cabinets.
These repairs require not only the basic materials like spackle, putty, wood, and sandpaper but also the equipment like ladders. It also requires more time and effort, ultimately adding to the cost.
Where to Find Pro Help and How to Save on Chipped Wall Paint Repairs?
If you’ve decided that you need to hire a professional to fix the chipped paint on your wall, your next step is to find a reputable company to do the job.
One way to do this is to ask friends or family members for recommendations. Or, if you are searching online, read reviews from past customers to get an idea of what to expect.
Another option is to search for painters in your area online by contacting expert companies like NETWORX.com.
NETWORX is a free service that will connect you with top painters and contractors in your area qualified to do the specific job. With them, you can also rest assured that they will find the pros for your project based on your specific requirements and budget.
Once you’ve found a few companies you’re interested in, you can get estimates from each one before making your final decision. This will help you to compare pricing and try negotiating with the company to see if they’re willing to lower their price to get the best deal. Some of them might be willing to lower the costs, especially if you’re hiring them for a larger job.
If you want to discover the finest wall paint chipping repair service in your region at the most incredible price and with NETWORX’s assistance, follow these steps:
Step 1- Go to the homepage of NETWORX.com and put your zip code.

Step 2- Choose a professional based on the service you seek. Here, in our case, we are looking for an expert for paint chipping repair, so choose remodeling pro.

Step 3- Next, check the service needed. In our case, it’s painting at home.
But if you want, they can also provide a professional in a wide range of services, including roofing, carpentry, and much more.

Step 4- Next, give some specific details of the problems you are facing so that they can help you find the best professional services based on that.

Step 5- Finally, you will need to add your contact details so the company can get in touch with you with the right quotes and services.
And you are done. Just wait for their call or message and be ready to ask any questions related to the job.

The bottom line
Fixing chipped paint on your wall is not difficult, but it requires time and effort.
The cost to repair wall paint damage can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars or even more, depending on the severity of the damage and whether or not you hire a professional to do the job.
If you’re not comfortable repairing yourself, it would be best to hire an expert via online channels who can deal with severe damages like big holes or cracks and provide preventive treatments to stop the problem from recurring.
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Jack Luis is a semi-retired painter who loved painting his clients’ ideas on their walls.
He had worked as a painter for over a decade serving customers in areas such as Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Beaufort, and Georgetown, SC (South Carolina). Today in his free time, he likes to read and write about the newer techniques implemented in his profession. You may read more about him here or get in touch with him here.