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You’ve looked at the peeling trim, faded siding, and sun-bleached color long enough. Now you’re ready to take action. But before you buy that first can of paint, one essential question needs a clear answer:
How long does it take to paint a house exterior?
This isn’t just a matter of curiosity, it’s about time, planning, and setting realistic expectations. Whether you’re hiring a crew or doing it yourself, you want the job done efficiently, correctly, and without unnecessary stress.
In this blog, we’re going deep. You’ll get everything you need to plan your project like a pro and understand every factor that affects how long it takes to paint a house exterior, from start to flawless finish.
Factors That Impact Exterior Painting Timelines
No two homes are alike, which means timelines can vary. Before we start counting days, we need to look at the variables.
Size of Your House
The bigger your home, the more surface area there is to prep, prime, and paint. It’s that simple.
General time estimates with a professional crew
- Small (1,000–1,500 sq. ft.): 3–5 days.
- Medium (1,500–2,500 sq. ft.): 5–7 days.
- Large (2,500–4,000+ sq. ft.): 7–10+ days.
Doing it yourself? Expect double that time.
Surface Condition
If your home hasn’t been painted in 10 years or more, chances are the surface is in rough shape. Cracked paint, mildew, or damaged siding all require attention before painting.
Prep work may include
- Power washing
- Scraping old paint
- Repairing wood rot
- Caulking gaps
- Spot priming
Prep is often the most time-consuming part of the job, and it directly impacts how long does it take to paint a house exterior.
Type of Exterior Surface
Different materials require different approaches. For example
- Wood: May need sanding and multiple coats.
- Vinyl: Easier to cover, dries fast.
- Stucco: Needs specialized rollers or sprayers.
- Brick: Usually requires sealing and extra labor.
These details affect both the duration and complexity of the job.
Weather Conditions
Paint doesn’t cure correctly in rain, extreme heat, or high humidity. The wrong weather can stop you mid-job and delay everything.
Ideal conditions
- 50–85°F.
- Low humidity.
- No rain forecast for 48 hours.
If the weather’s perfect and you’re ready to get it done right, you’re probably asking: how long does it take to paint a house exterior? A pro crew could finish in under a week. Add bad weather, and it could stretch to two.
Let’s break it down step-by-step to understand where your time actually goes.
1. Prep Work (1–4 Days)
What this includes
- Washing dirt, grime, or mildew.
- Scraping and sanding.
- Caulking cracks.
- Covering windows and landscaping.
- Priming raw surfaces.
If the home is in great condition, prep could be done in one day. If there’s peeling paint or repairs to be made, it could take 3–4 days or more.
2. Priming (0.5–1 Day)
Not all jobs need full priming, but when you do, allow time for proper application and drying.
- Priming bare wood is essential.
- Tinted primers can improve coverage.
- Drying time adds several hours minimum.
Think skipping primer saves time? It’ll cost you in the long run. For results that actually last, primer isn’t optional, it’s essential.
3. Painting (2–5 Days)
Painting is where everything comes together. But don’t rush, precision and proper technique are what lead to a lasting, professional finish.
Here’s how time breaks down
- Main siding: Usually requires two coats.
- Trim and accents: Slower, more detail work.
- Second coat: Requires drying between coats.
How long does it take to paint a house exterior, If your siding is smooth and the crew is experienced, expect about two days for the main exterior, and another day or two for trim and doors.
4. Cleanup & Final Touches (1–2 Days)
The job’s not done until the details are sharp.
- Touch-ups and second looks.
- Removing tape and masking.
- Final walkthrough and cleanup.
- Proper disposal of materials.
The final stage often gets overlooked, but this is where you separate a good job from a great one. Taking time for details and touch-ups ensures your home looks polished and complete.
Book Your Free Estimate Today!
Ready to transform your space? Our team is here to help you get started with a no-obligation, on-site estimate. Whether it’s a quick refresh or a full makeover, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
DIY vs. Pro: Which Takes Longer?
This is where timelines really differ. If you’re painting it yourself, how long does it take to paint a house exterior?
DIY Timeline (for 2,000 sq. ft. house)
Stage
Time Estimate
Prep
Priming
Painting
Touch-ups & cleanup
Total
3–4 days
1 day
5–7 days
1–2 days
10–14 days
That’s assuming you work full days, which most homeowners don’t. Working evenings or weekends could stretch this over 2–3 weeks or more.
Professional Timeline
Stage
Time Estimate
Prep
Priming
Painting
Touch-ups & cleanup
Total
1–2 days
0.5–1 day
2–3 days
1 day
4–6 days
Pros have the crew, the tools, and the process to finish efficiently, without cutting corners.
How to Speed Up the Exterior Painting Process
You want results, and you want them on schedule. Here’s how to paint smarter, not harder.
1. Plan Ahead
- Schedule in dry seasons (spring or early fall).
- Reserve enough consecutive days to finish one section at a time.
- Order all materials in advance.
2. Use the Right Tools
- Paint sprayers (ideal for large, flat surfaces).
- Extension poles for higher areas.
- Drop cloths and plastic sheeting to protect landscaping.
3. Use High-Quality Paint
Better paint means better coverage, faster drying, and longer-lasting results.
Recommended brands
- Sherwin-Williams Duration
- Benjamin Moore Aura
- Behr Marquee
Cheaper paints require more coats, which adds days to your timeline and lowers durability.
Common Causes of Project Delays
Even when you’ve planned perfectly, unexpected issues can slow things down. Knowing them helps you stay prepared.
Top Delays to Expect
- Bad weather.
- Damaged or rotting siding.
- Inadequate tools.
- Running out of paint mid-project.
- Permit issues or HOA delays
Give yourself at least two buffer days to account for delays like weather, drying time, or unexpected repairs. That way, if you stay on track, you finish early, and if something goes wrong, you don’t panic.
Conclusion
If you’re asking how long does it take to paint a house exterior, here’s the bottom line:
- Professionals: 4–7 days
- DIY: 10–14+ days (working full-time hours)
This varies by home size, material, weather, and project complexity. But what matters most is how you prepare, the quality of your products, and how focused you are on the finish.
You’re not just changing a color. You’re increasing curb appeal, protecting your investment, and upgrading the place you call home.
Don’t just ask, how long does it take to paint a house exterior?
Ask: How well am I going to do it?
Because done right, this project is one you won’t need to repeat for another 8–12 years.
