A good paint job protects Maine homes from harsh winters and salt air — and a bad one peels in a season. This guide covers painting costs, the lead-safe rules that apply to older Maine homes, and how to hire.
What it costs in Maine
Interior room (labor + materials)
Per room; varies with ceiling height and prep.
$400–$1,200
Whole-house interior
Depends on square footage and trim detail.
$3,000–$9,000
Exterior repaint
Prep and number of stories drive the price.
$4,000–$15,000
Deck or porch staining
Cleaning and sanding add cost but extend the finish.
$500–$2,000
Ranges are typical Maine estimates — always get written quotes for your specific project.
Licensing & requirements
Maine does not license painters, but any contractor disturbing paint in homes or child-care facilities built before 1978 must be EPA Lead-Safe (RRP) certified. Ask to see that certification for older homes, confirm insurance, and get the scope and prep steps in writing.
Common jobs
Interior repainting
Exterior house painting and staining
Deck and porch staining
Trim, door, and cabinet painting
Surface prep, scraping, and priming
Lead-safe work on pre-1978 homes
Questions to ask before you hire
Are you EPA Lead-Safe (RRP) certified for pre-1978 homes?
What prep is included — scraping, sanding, priming, caulking?
What brand and grade of paint or stain will you use, and how many coats?
Are you insured?
Is there a workmanship warranty?
Maine-specific notes
Maine’s freeze-thaw cycles and coastal salt air are tough on exterior finishes, so prep — scraping, priming, and caulking — matters more than the paint brand. Exterior painting season is roughly May through October. Many Maine homes predate 1978, so lead-safe practices are a real requirement, not a formality.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint a house in Maine?
Interior whole-house jobs typically run $3,000 to $9,000, and exterior repaints $4,000 to $15,000, depending on size, prep, and number of stories.
Do Maine painters need lead-safe certification?
For homes or child-care facilities built before 1978, yes — the contractor must be EPA Lead-Safe (RRP) certified. Always ask to see it for older homes.