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The quality of your previous paint job, your climate and your home’s siding material may also factor in. Vinyl siding might never require repainting, but many homeowners choose to paint it once the original color starts to fade, usually after 10 to 15 years. Wood siding usually needs to be repainted every three to seven years, stucco every five to 10 years, brick and concrete siding every 10 to 15 years and metal siding every five years. Acrylic latex works well for painting vinyl siding, and it cleans up easily. Oil-based paint takes longer to dry and requires mineral spirits for cleanup.
Tips to Save on Exterior House Painting Costs
While not essential for aluminum siding, a coat of paint can further protect the siding from moisture damage and weather extremes. Generally, aluminum siding requires minimal prep work, but if the existing paint is badly chipping and flaking, it may require stripping and priming before painting. Aside from the actual cost of paint and the labor required to apply it, there are a variety of other cost factors that influence the final price of your house exterior painting project. Location, climate, and the amount of prep work all directly impact how much your contractor will charge for the work.
House Painting Cost Factors
Paint needs to be applied to a dry surface and it shouldn’t be exposed to moisture while it’s drying. It also needs to be warm enough to allow the paint to dry, but not so hot that it causes the paint to bubble. Extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night can also cause drying issues. Since September 2020, she has been offering readers advice about general home improvement, kitchen renovation, service and product costs, and repairs. Visible mold or moisture stains can either be a slight blemish or the first sign of a serious problem. In some cases small sections with mold growth can be power washed and repainted, but a severe problem will need to be dealt with by a professional.
Exterior house painting cost per square foot
Fresh paint can take your home from good to great, and there’s no better time for an exterior paint job than the warm months. While you might be willing and able to tackle an interior paint job, painting the outside of your home is typically reserved for professionals. For a rough estimate of your paint needs, divide the square footage of your home’s paintable surface by the coverage of a gallon of paint. A gallon of paint covers 250 and 400 square feet, and a gallon of primer can cover 200 to 300 square feet. Multi-story homes require extension ladders and possibly scaffolding and lifts.
Location and Climate
Therefore, investing in these brands can lead to a longer-lasting finish that requires less maintenance over time. The cost to paint stucco or plaster averages $1,500 to $4,000, or $1.50 to $4 per square foot. Stucco requires substantial prep work such as cleaning and caulking, and it requires more paint to cover the textured surface adequately. The labor costs may be more expensive because of the extended time needed to do the job right. In order for the home’s paint job to last as long as possible, it’s a good idea for the homeowner to do some occasional maintenance.

You may end up spending more if you buy high-quality products from specialized shops. Professionals can get the same supplies for about half of what you’ll pay. If the exterior doesn't need priming, you can reduce this cost by 50%. However, if any remedial work is necessary, the labor cost can increase by 100% or more, depending on the problem that needs rectifying.
Gutter and downspout painting is not always included in an exterior house painting estimate. The average cost to paint siding is $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot, depending on the home's exterior size and material type. Painting exterior siding adds curb appeal and increases its lifespan.
This can usually be accomplished by pressure washing the siding when visible dirt or moss starts to show up. A pressure washer costs between $100 and $1,000, though homeowners may prefer to leave this job to a professional since the cost to pressure wash a house is relatively low. This is also a good opportunity to inspect for termite damage, rotting wood, or mold problems so they can be tackled before they have a chance to get out of hand. The average cost to paint a 2-story house is $2,000 to $10,500 or 25% to 50% more than a single-story home. Multi-story homes require more paint and supplies, prep work, labor, and ladders or scaffolding. Depending on your level of experience, prep work can be difficult and time-consuming, especially in hard-to-reach areas, like a second floor exterior wall.
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How many coats of paint does the exterior of a house need?
Prep work might include siding repair, filling holes and cracks, power washing, and sanding. If experienced professionals do the prep work, they can guarantee the project is done right. On average, the costs for house prep can range from $25 to $50 per hour, depending on the exterior material and the extent of the repairs. The cost to paint a house exterior yourself is $400 to $1,800 for supplies, equipment, and paint for a 1,500 square foot home, including renting a paint sprayer for up to 5 days. Painting concrete siding costs $1.00 to $3.50 per square foot or $1,700 to $6,000 on average. Concrete or fiber cement siding is porous and absorbent, requiring a sealant, primer, and multiple coats for complete coverage.
The following are some frequently asked questions about the cost to paint a house to help guide these decisions. Exterior paint costs $30 to $80 per gallon and is formulated to withstand weather exposure and resist dirt, moisture, and UV rays. These estimates offer a range of $3,500 to $14,000 to paint the exterior of a 2,000-square-foot home. You will likely pay more if you have a large home or a home with multiple stories. A two-story home can cost as much as 50% more to paint than a one-story home.
The majority of the cost to paint a house exterior comes from labor. Most professionals will charge between $25 and $100 per hour to paint a house, and that price is usually folded into the quote. An experienced house painting contractor will know how long it will take to complete the project and how many painters to use to get the job done right. Regional house painting prices will differ due to the overall cost of living in that area.
Painting steel siding costs $1.50 to $2.50per square foot, or $1,500 to $2,500 per 1,000 paintable square feet. Steel siding is extremely durable and non-porous, so it doesn't actually need painting, but it is paintable and doesn’t usually require priming. You can further hone in on the cost to paint an exterior by specifying the type of siding on the home. Each exterior material option requires a different amount of prep work, amount of painting supplies and number of coats, so the prices will vary accordingly. If a homeowner has a 1-story home, a few weeks to set aside, and already knows how to paint a house, this could be a viable DIY project. Homeowners can expect to pay between $500 to $1,000 to paint a house and an extra $200 to $300 on materials and equipment, depending on what is needed.
Primer is also required if there is a change of paint type, such as switching from latex to oil-based paint. The price of primers can range from $15 to $80, depending on the kind of primer. A fresh coat of paint can quickly transform the exterior of a house from drab to dazzling, but painting a home can be a labor-intensive job. Although some homeowners may prefer to tackle this project themselves, many prefer to leave the work to the pros. A professionally painted exterior can improve the home’s appearance and can even add to its marketability and resale value.