How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?

Professional exterior painting costs $3,000-$7,000 for an average home (1,500-2,500 sq ft). Large homes cost $5,000-$12,000. Multi-story homes add 20-40%. DIY exterior painting costs $500-$1,300 for paint and supplies. Professional pricing runs $2-$5.50/sq ft including materials and labor. How long does exterior paint last?

How long does exterior paint last?

Wood siding paint lasts 5-7 years. Fiber cement (Hardie) lasts 10-15 years. Aluminum siding lasts 5-10 years. Premium 100% acrylic latex paint lasts longest. Proper prep work (power washing, scraping, priming) is the biggest factor in paint longevity. Southern and coastal exposures fade faster. Can I paint my house exterior myself?

Can I paint my house exterior myself?

Yes for single-story homes or if you're comfortable on ladders. DIY saves 60-80% ($500-$1,300 vs $3,000-$7,000 professional). Allow 4-7 days. Key steps: power wash, scrape loose paint, caulk, prime bare spots, and apply two coats of 100% acrylic latex. Multi-story homes often warrant professional work (safety). What is the best exterior house paint?

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Siding & Exterior

Exterior House Painting Guide: Cost, Prep, Paint Types & DIY Tips

Q: What is the best exterior house paint?

100% acrylic latex is the best exterior paint type — excellent adhesion, flexibility, quick drying, and easy cleanup. Top brands: Sherwin-Williams Duration (premium, 15-year warranty), Benjamin Moore Aura (great coverage), Behr Ultra (good value). Always use two coats over properly prepped and primed surfaces.

Lumberama Editorial Team, Exterior Painting Specialists Sep 13, 2026 9 min read

When to Repaint

Signs it's time: Peeling, cracking, or flaking paint. Fading or chalking (white residue when rubbed). Bare wood exposed. Caulk cracking around windows and doors. Stains or discoloration.

Paint lifespan by surface: Wood siding: 5-7 years. Aluminum siding: 5-10 years. Stucco: 5-6 years. Fiber cement (Hardie): 10-15 years. Brick (painted): 15-20 years.

Climate impact: Southern/sunny exposure: paint fades faster. High humidity: moisture issues accelerate failure. Cold climates: freeze-thaw cycles stress paint. Coastal: salt air degrades paint faster.

Preparation (Most Important Step)

Power washing: Remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint. Use 1,500-2,500 PSI. Add mildewcide to cleaning solution. Allow 24-48 hours drying time.

Scraping and sanding: Scrape all loose and peeling paint. Feather edges of remaining paint. Sand glossy surfaces for adhesion. Fill holes and cracks with exterior wood filler.

Caulking: Replace all cracked caulk around windows, doors, and trim. Use paintable exterior caulk (silicone or polyurethane). Smooth with wet finger for clean lines.

Priming: Bare wood: always prime (oil-based or bonding primer). Stains (tannin bleed, water stains): stain-blocking primer. Previously painted surfaces in good condition: spot-prime only. Full prime coat recommended for best results.

Paint Types

100% acrylic latex (recommended): Most popular for exteriors. Excellent adhesion and flexibility. Dries quickly (2-4 hours between coats). Easy cleanup (soap and water). Low VOC options available. Breathes (allows moisture to escape).

Oil-based (alkyd): Superior adhesion to bare wood. Smoother finish. Longer dry time (24+ hours). Harder cleanup (mineral spirits). Higher VOC (more regulated). Being replaced by advanced latex in most applications.

Top brands: Sherwin-Williams Duration: premium, 15-year warranty. Benjamin Moore Aura: excellent coverage, self-priming. Behr Ultra: good value, solid performance. PPG Timeless: good mid-range option.

Cost

Professional painting: Average home (1,500-2,500 sq ft): $3,000-$7,000. Large home (3,000+ sq ft): $5,000-$12,000. Multi-story: add 20-40% (scaffolding, difficulty). Trim only: $1,000-$3,000.

Per square foot: Labor: $1.50-$4.00/sq ft. Paint: $0.50-$1.50/sq ft. Total: $2-$5.50/sq ft (professionally painted).

DIY cost: Paint (premium, 2 coats): $300-$600 for average home. Primer: $100-$200. Supplies (brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths): $100-$200. Scaffolding or ladder rental: $100-$300. Total DIY: $500-$1,300.

DIY savings: 60-80% less than professional.

Time: DIY: 4-7 days for average home. Professional crew: 2-4 days.

Application Tips

When to paint: Temperature: 50-85 degrees F. Low humidity (below 85%). No rain forecast for 24 hours. Avoid direct hot sun on the surface. Early morning start (follow the shade).

Two coats minimum: Always apply two coats for proper coverage and longevity. Allow full dry time between coats. Use backbrushing technique (brush into surface after rolling).

Order of work: Siding first (largest area). Trim and fascia second. Windows and doors third. Final touch-ups last.