How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?

DIY: $800-$2,500 for a typical 2,000 sq ft house. Professional: $4,000-$12,000 (average $5,000-$8,000). Multi-story or large homes: $8,000-$20,000. Cost factors: size (square footage of paintable surface). Stories (scaffolding adds 20-40%). Condition (more prep = more cost). Siding type (wood is most labor-intensive). Trim and detail work. Number of colors. The investment is worth it: quality exterior paint protects your home from weather, moisture, and UV damage. It also adds significant curb appeal and resale value.

How often should you paint a house exterior?

Wood siding: 5-10 years. Aluminum siding: 5-10 years. Stucco: 5-10 years. Fiber cement (Hardie): 10-15 years. Brick (if painted): 15-20 years. Vinyl siding: rarely (but can be painted to change color). Factors that shorten the interval: direct sun exposure (south and west facing). Moisture problems. Poor prep on the last paint job. Low-quality paint. Dark colors fade faster. Factors that extend it: quality paint (premium paints last longer). Proper prep. Protected surfaces (covered porches). Light colors.

What is the best exterior house paint?

Top-rated (consistently in professional and consumer testing): Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior: excellent coverage, durability, and color retention. Premium price ($55-$75/gallon). Sherwin-Williams Duration: self-priming, great durability. Premium ($55-$70/gallon). Behr Marquee Exterior: one-coat coverage claim, good value. ($40-$55/gallon). PPG Timeless: good all-around performance. ($40-$55/gallon). Key features to look for: 100% acrylic (not vinyl-acrylic). UV resistance. Mold and mildew resistance. Flexibility (temperature changes). Self-priming (convenient but still prime bare wood). General rule: buy the best paint you can afford. The difference between $30 and $60 per gallon is small over the total project but the quality and longevity difference is significant.

Can I paint my house exterior myself?

Yes, but consider: time commitment: a typical house takes 3-7 days (prep + painting). Physical demands: ladder work, reaching, repetitive motion. Safety: working at heights is the biggest risk. For a one-story home: very doable DIY. Buy quality paint, invest in prep, and take your time. For a two-story home: scaffolding rental is recommended over ladder work. More risky and physically demanding. Consider hiring for the high areas. Best DIY strategy: do a one-story house yourself. Hire professionals for multi-story or complex exteriors. The prep (power washing, scraping, caulking) is the most time-consuming part. If you do it yourself: invest in quality tools (good brushes and rollers make a huge difference). Do not skip prep. Two coats always.

Article

Siding & Exterior

Exterior Painting Guide: Cost, Prep & Best Paint

Lumberama Editorial Team, Exterior Painting & Home Maintenance Specialists Oct 22, 2026 10 min read

When to Paint

Signs it is time: Peeling, cracking, or flaking paint. Fading or chalking (white powder on the surface). Bare wood visible. Caulk cracking around windows and doors. Mold or mildew stains (even if the paint looks intact underneath).

How often: Wood siding: every 5-10 years. Aluminum siding: every 5-10 years. Stucco: every 5-10 years. Fiber cement (Hardie): every 10-15 years (factory finish lasts longest). Brick: 15-20 years (if painted; many prefer unpainted).

Best season: Late spring, summer, or early fall. Temperature: 50-85F (most paints). No rain for 24-48 hours before and after. Avoid direct sunlight on the surface (paint dries too fast). Paint follows the shade around the house.

Preparation

Exterior prep is even more critical than interior:
Power wash: remove dirt, mold, mildew, and loose paint. Let dry 24-48 hours.
Scrape: remove all loose and peeling paint with a scraper and wire brush.
Sand: smooth rough edges where paint was scraped. Scuff glossy surfaces for adhesion.
Repair: fill cracks and holes with exterior wood filler or caulk. Replace rotted wood (do not paint over rot).
Caulk: seal all gaps around windows, doors, trim, and joints. Use paintable exterior caulk.
Prime: prime all bare wood, repairs, and stain-prone areas. Use exterior-grade primer.
Protect: cover windows, doors, fixtures, plants, and walkways.

Paint Types

Acrylic latex (water-based): The standard for most exterior applications. Flexible (expands and contracts with temperature changes). Breathable (allows moisture to escape). UV resistant. Easy cleanup. Self-priming formulas available.

Oil-based (alkyd): Better adhesion on chalky or problem surfaces. More durable on high-traffic areas (porches, steps). Longer dry time. Harder cleanup. Less flexible (can crack in extreme temperatures).

Best exterior paints (consistently top-rated): Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior. Sherwin-Williams Duration. Behr Marquee Exterior. PPG Timeless.

Primer: Exterior primer is essential on bare wood and repairs. Oil-based primer: best adhesion on bare wood and chalky surfaces. Latex primer: good general purpose. Stain-blocking primer: for tannin bleed (cedar, redwood) and water stains.

Costs

DIY: Paint: $35-$75 per gallon (15-25 gallons for a typical house). Primer: $25-$50 per gallon. Supplies (brushes, rollers, tape, caulk, drop cloths): $100-$300. Scaffolding or ladder rental: $50-$200. Total: $800-$2,500 for a typical 2,000 sq ft house.

Professional: Per square foot: $2-$6. Average house (2,000 sq ft): $4,000-$12,000. Large or multi-story: $8,000-$20,000.

What professionals include: Power washing. Scraping and sanding. Caulking. Priming. Two coats of paint. Cleanup.

Cost factors: Stories (multi-story requires scaffolding, adds 20-40%). Condition (more prep = more cost). Siding type (wood requires more prep than vinyl). Number of colors and detail work. Trim painting (adds significantly).