How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?

Professional: average home (1,500-2,500 sq ft): $3,000-$7,000. Large home (3,000+ sq ft): $5,000-$12,000. Per sq ft: $1.50-$4. DIY: $760-$1,800 (paint + supplies). The average homeowner spends $4,000-$6,000 for a professional exterior paint job on a standard 2,000 sq ft home. This includes power washing, prep, primer, two coats, and cleanup. Two-story homes cost 20-40% more due to ladder and scaffold requirements.

How long does exterior paint last?

Premium acrylic latex: 10-15 years. Standard acrylic latex: 7-10 years. Budget paint: 3-5 years. Factors: sun exposure (south-facing walls fade faster), climate (extreme heat, cold, and moisture shorten lifespan), surface preparation (the single biggest factor), and paint quality. Investing in premium paint ($40-$70/gallon) vs budget paint ($20-$30/gallon) adds 5-10 years of life. Since labor is the expensive part ($2,000-$5,000+), the extra $200-$400 in paint cost is the best investment you can make.

What is the best exterior paint color?

Most popular: white and off-white (timeless, clean, best resale value), gray (modern, sophisticated, trending), greige (warm gray-beige, universally appealing), and navy/dark blue (bold classic). For resale: stick with neutral colors (white, gray, greige, beige). Bold colors (red, bright blue, yellow) may appeal to you but can limit buyer appeal. Trim: white is the most common and safest choice. Dark body with white trim is a classic combination. Front door: a pop of color (red, navy, black, or green) adds personality without overwhelming.

Should I paint or replace my siding?

Paint if: the siding is structurally sound, not rotted or warped, and you like the style. Cost: $3,000-$7,000 (lasts 7-15 years). Replace if: the siding is rotted, warped, or damaged beyond repair. You want to change the siding type (wood to vinyl or fiber cement). The siding is past its useful life. Cost: $8,000-$25,000+ (lasts 20-50 years). Middle ground: replace damaged sections and paint the rest. Most cost-effective when 10-20% of the siding needs replacement.

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Siding & Exterior

Exterior Painting Guide: Cost, Prep & Best Practices

Lumberama Editorial Team, Exterior Painting & Maintenance Specialists Sep 21, 2026 11 min read

When to Paint

Exterior paint lasts 5-10 years depending on climate, paint quality, and surface preparation. Signs it is time: peeling, cracking, or flaking paint, fading color, chalking (powdery residue when you rub the surface), bare wood showing, and mildew or mold stains. The best time of year: late spring through early fall when temperatures are 50-85 degrees F, humidity is below 85%, and no rain is expected for 24-48 hours.

Preparation

Prep determines 80% of the result.

Steps: Power wash the entire exterior ($100-$300 rental or $200-$500 professional). Let dry completely (24-48 hours). Scrape loose paint with a paint scraper. Sand rough edges. Fill holes and cracks with exterior caulk and wood filler. Replace rotted wood (trim, fascia, window sills). Prime bare wood and repaired areas. Mask windows, doors, trim, and fixtures with tape and plastic.

Lead paint: Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint. Do NOT sand or scrape without a lead test ($10-$30 at hardware stores). If positive: follow EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) rules. Hire a certified lead-safe contractor.

Paint Types

100% acrylic latex: The standard for exterior paint. Flexible (resists cracking), durable, fast drying, and easy cleanup. Use for: 95% of exterior surfaces.

Oil-based/alkyd: Harder finish. Good adhesion to chalky surfaces. Longer drying time. Use for: metal surfaces, chalky surfaces, and some trim. Less common now due to VOC regulations.

Elastomeric: Extra-thick, flexible paint that bridges cracks. For stucco and masonry. Cost: $40-$80/gallon.

Quality matters: Premium paint ($40-$70/gallon) lasts 10-15 years. Budget paint ($20-$30/gallon) lasts 3-5 years. The labor is the expensive part, so use quality paint to maximize the investment.

Application

Brushing: Best control. Slowest. Best for: trim, edges, and detail work.

Rolling: Faster than brushing. Good for large flat surfaces (siding). Use a 3/4 inch nap roller for textured siding.

Spraying: Fastest. Best for large areas. Requires more masking. Can overspray. Airless sprayer rental: $60-$100/day. Professional painters often spray then back-roll for best adhesion.

Two coats minimum. One coat of primer (if needed) plus two coats of topcoat.

Costs

DIY: Paint (15-20 gallons for average home): $600-$1,400. Supplies (brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths, caulk): $100-$300. Sprayer rental: $60-$100/day. Total DIY: $760-$1,800.

Professional: Average home (1,500-2,500 sq ft): $3,000-$7,000. Large home (3,000+ sq ft): $5,000-$12,000. Per sq ft: $1.50-$4. Price includes: power washing, prep, prime, two coats, and cleanup.

Cost factors: Home size, number of stories (2-story costs 20-40% more), condition of existing paint (more prep = higher cost), number of colors, and trim complexity.