Exterior House Painting Cost (2026): Per Sq Ft & by Size

Exterior paint, 2,000 sq ft home	$3,000–$10,000
Sources checked	2

HomeGuide puts exterior painting at $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, or $3,000 to $10,000 for a 2,000 sq ft house. Angi's range is $1.50 to $4 per square foot.

Cost by home size

Home size	HomeGuide	Angi
1,000 sq ft	$1,200 – $4,000	$1,500 – $4,000
1,500 sq ft	$1,800 – $6,000	$2,250 – $6,000
2,000 sq ft	$2,600 – $8,500	$3,000 – $8,000
2,500 sq ft	$3,200 – $10,500	$3,750 – $10,000
3,000 sq ft	$3,800 – $12,500	$4,500 – $12,000
4,000 sq ft	$5,000 – $16,800	–

Cost by siding (per sq ft)

Siding	Cost (HomeGuide)
Vinyl	$1.50 – $4.50
Wood	$1.50 – $5.00
Stucco	$2.00 – $5.00
Brick	$2.50 – $5.00

Labor and paint

Item	Cost	Source
Painter labor	$25 – $75 per hour	HomeGuide
Painter labor	$25 – $100 per hour	Angi
Labor share of total	70% – 90%	Angi
Trim	$1 – $4 per linear foot	HomeGuide
Exterior paint	$20 – $80 per gallon ($100+ premium)	HomeGuide
Extra coat	about $50 – $70 per 300 – 400 sq ft	Angi

HomeGuide notes multi-story homes need more paint, labor and equipment.

Siding

For new siding, see siding replacement cost.

Paintable area by home size (HomeGuide)

A 1,500 sq ft home has about 1,200 sq ft of paintable exterior, a 2,000 sq ft home about 1,700, and a 3,000 sq ft home about 2,500. A 3,500 sq ft home runs $4,400 to $14,500.

Painting other exterior surfaces (HomeGuide)

Surface	Cost
Front or exterior door	$100 – $400
Garage door	$100 – $680
Fence	$300 – $2,800
Deck	$600 – $2,000
Metal roof	$1.50 – $4.00 per sq ft
Aluminum siding	$2.00 – $4.50 per sq ft

Specialty finishes (HomeGuide)

Stucco fog coating runs $2 to $8 per sq ft; whitewashing or limewashing brick $2.50 to $6.00.

How much paint

A gallon covers about 350 to 400 sq ft, so a 2,000 sq ft home typically needs 5 to 10 gallons for two coats (HomeGuide).

Older homes

If the house has lead paint, removal runs $6 to $17 per sq ft before repainting (HomeGuide).

Why prep matters most

A paint job lasts only as long as the surface prep allows. Good prep includes washing, scraping loose paint, sanding, repairing wood, caulking gaps and priming bare areas.

Paint choices

Acrylic latex: the most common exterior paint. Flexible and long-lasting.
Sheen: flat hides flaws; satin and semi-gloss are easier to clean, often used on trim.
Quality level: better paints often last longer.

What affects the price

Home size and number of stories.
Siding type: wood, fiber cement, stucco or brick.
Prep and repair work.
Number of colors and trim detail.
Lead-safe practices on older homes.

When to paint

Paint needs dry weather and temperatures within the range on the label. Avoid painting in direct, hot sun or before rain.

Questions to ask

What prep is included?
How many coats will you apply?
What paint brand and line will you use?
Is there a warranty?

In Texas

Strong sun can fade paint faster on south- and west-facing walls. In Texas, many painters schedule work in spring and fall to avoid extreme heat.

The steps of a professional exterior paint job

Pressure washing or hand washing to remove dirt, mildew and chalky old paint. The house must dry before painting.
Scraping and sanding loose and peeling paint.
Repairs. Rotted wood is replaced or filled, cracks in stucco are patched, and nail holes are filled.
Caulking gaps around windows, doors and trim.
Priming bare wood, repairs and stains.
Masking windows, doors, fixtures and landscaping.
Painting the body, trim and accents, usually with two coats.
Cleanup and final walk-through.

Steps 1 through 5 often take more time than the painting itself.

Weather and timing

Paint needs the right conditions to cure. Most exterior paints have minimum temperature requirements, and painting in direct hot sun, in high humidity or just before rain can cause blistering, poor adhesion and an uneven finish. Painters often follow the shade around the house during the day. Spring and fall are popular seasons in many regions.

Lead paint in older homes

Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint. Scraping and sanding can release lead dust that is dangerous, especially to children. Contractors who disturb paint in pre-1978 homes must be certified under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule and follow lead-safe work practices. Ask the painter if they are RRP certified.

Choosing colors

Test colors with sample patches on different sides of the house, since sunlight changes how colors look. Check whether your HOA has color rules. Light colors reflect heat and can fade less noticeably, while dark colors show fading and can absorb more heat.

How long a paint job lasts

The life of an exterior paint job depends on the surface, the climate, the paint quality and the prep. Sun-facing walls usually wear first. Regular washing and touching up small areas can extend the time between full repaints.

Choosing exterior paint

Acrylic latex is the most common exterior paint. It stays flexible, resists cracking and fading, dries fast and cleans up with water.

Oil-based paint is less common today but is still used on some trim and metal surfaces.

Elastomeric coatings are thick and flexible, often used on stucco and masonry to bridge small cracks.

Sheen matters too. Flat or matte finishes hide imperfections on siding. Satin is a common choice for siding because it is easier to clean. Semi-gloss is often used for trim, doors and shutters because it is durable and highlights details.

Questions for painters

Ask about prep, repairs, the paint brand and line, number of coats, how they protect plants and windows, whether they are insured and RRP certified, and what the warranty covers.

Warranty

Many painters offer a written warranty on workmanship. Ask what it covers, such as peeling or blistering, and for how long. Keep the paint brand, color and sheen on file for future touch-ups.

Caulk and sealants

Quality exterior caulk around windows, doors and trim keeps water out of the walls and helps the paint last longer. Painters should use a paintable caulk rated for exterior use and let it cure before painting.

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Exterior House Painting Cost