How often should you paint your house?

Author: Russ Bahringer  |  Last update: Thursday, April 10, 2025

Most experts say that you'll need to paint every five to ten years, depending on factors such as where you live, climate and weather, and the previous paint job. Also, keep in mind that every surface will be a little different. For example: Wood siding - every 3-7 years, or every 4 years if it's stained.

How often should you paint your house interior?

While it differs from room to room due to varying degrees of traffic and usage, the general rule is you should repaint your house interior every 3-5 years. Keep in mind that not every household is the same. Maybe you rarely use your dining room except for the holidays.

How often should you paint your exterior house?

It's generally recommended to repaint a house's exterior every 5-10 years, but this can vary depending on factors like climate, quality of previous paint job, and type of siding. Regular maintenance and inspections can help determine when it's time for a fresh coat.

How often do most people paint their house?

Most people paint the inside of their house every five to 15 years on average, depending on foot traffic, climate, paint quality, and other factors. The primary motivation for painting usually involves a desire to change colors rather than too much wear and tear.

How long should house paint last?

A house can go five to ten years without a new coat of paint, depending on the original paint quality and the location of the house. Many factors can also lengthen the lifespan of the paint. Find detailed descriptions below that will help homeowners enjoy their home's exterior for years to come.

How Often Should You Paint Your House? And How Long Should Your Paint Job Last?

What are the best months to paint a house?

Paint will usually dry the best when it's not overly humid. As we mentioned earlier, you'll usually find the best temperatures during the early summer and early fall, depending on where you live. Stick to these times of the year, and you'll probably end up with fantastic painting weather!

What house paint color lasts the longest?

In the battle of colors, the lighter shades—white, beige, and grey—claim victory in longevity. These hues cleverly reflect sunlight and heat, preventing the paint from succumbing to expansion and contraction, thus preserving its life.

When should you not paint your house?

According to The Paint Quarterly Institute, most latex paints shouldn't be applied when the air temperature gets below 35°F to 50°F. There are a few reasons for this: The paint takes longer to dry. Wet paint, as a result, is more vulnerable to collecting dirt, insects and pollen.

Why are house painters so expensive?

Labor Costs: The biggest chunk of your estimate usually goes to labor. This includes the time the painters spend prepping, painting, and cleaning up afterward. Materials: Paint, primer, brushes, rollers, and other supplies all add up. If your painter is using premium paints, this cost can skyrocket.

What exterior paint lasts 10 years?

A well-applied coat of acrylic exterior paint generally lasts 5-10 years, while latex and oil-based paints don't hold up as long.

What weather should you not paint in?

At temperatures over 90°F, bubbles and blisters form in the paint. Once the paint cures, it could start to peel away from the surface.

Is 3 coats of exterior paint too much?

You will want between two and three coats of paint depending on the situation. After the first two coats are applied and dry, take a look to see if the old paint is showing through. You may just need to touch up a few areas, or if lots of paint is showing through, you'll need an entire third coat.

Is more expensive exterior paint worth it?

Advantages of Investing in Expensive Paint

Better Coverage – More pigment and resins and fewer solvents create smooth flow and superior coverage. As a result, fewer coats are needed. Better Durability – High-quality resins result in strength and durability.

How many days does it take to paint a whole house?

An average-size house will take an average of three to four days to paint with a team of two to three people. In this case, average means a home with one to two stories and four or fewer bedrooms. A large house, such as a three-story or five-plus-bedroom home, will take five to six days.

How often should I touch up paint in my house?

Living Areas and Hallways

Living rooms, the backdrop for many of life's moments, might need a new coat of paint every 5-7 years, ensuring they remain a welcoming heart of the home. On the other hand, Hallways bear the marks of our comings and goings, necessitating a touch-up more frequently, around every 2-3 years.

How often should a ceiling be painted?

How Often Should I Paint My Ceilings? Ceilings typically don't need to be repainted unless the room has sustained water or mold damage.

How much do professional house painters charge per hour?

Professional house painters typically charge an average of $3 to $6 per square foot, $20 to $50 per hour, or $200 to $500 per day. The average cost to paint a 10-foot by 12-foot bedroom is $391 for just the walls or $815 for a full paint job that includes ceiling, walls, baseboards, and trim.

Do house painters expect a tip?

House painter

Tipping is not required or expected, but if you are especially pleased with your new paint job, you can give each painter $10 to $20, depending on the scope of the work. Even better than a tip, however, would be to give the painter a positive review on Yelp, HomeAdvisor or similar websites.

Does painting increase home value?

This will lead to more competitive offers. The significant ROI you can expect from a fresh coat of paint on your home's interior and exterior is an average $4,000 increase in your home's value. This means a 107% ROI for new interior painting and a 55% ROI for exterior painting.

What is the best month to paint a house?

The best time of year to paint the exterior of your home is early summer and fall. During these seasons, the weather is typically nice, meaning the temperatures aren't too high or low, there are no pollen particles that can stick to the paint, and there are fewer chances of storms getting in the way of your project.

How many years does house paint last?

A general rule of thumb is that a well-done interior paint job will last between 5-10 years, and potentially even longer. However, your paint's longevity is based on a bunch of different factors.

Can I paint over old paint on a house?

A prime may not be necessary if the old paint is in good condition and adequately adhered to the surface. However, if the old paint is peeling, chalking, or flaking, it's best to prime it before applying a new coat. Primer helps create a smooth surface and promotes better adhesion between the old and new paint layers.

What is the hardest paint color to maintain?

Lighter colors like silver, gray, and beige are easier to maintain and show less dirt, while darker colors like black, red, and dark blue can be more challenging but offer a striking appearance when freshly cleaned.

What color house never goes out of style?

Gray: Gray has become a popular neutral recently, and for a good reason. It's a sophisticated color that can work with various decor styles. Whether you choose a light or dark gray, it's a timeless color that will never go out of style.

What color paint fades the fastest on house?

Choosing a bold, bright color can make your house stand out from the others on the block. However, it can also fade a lot quicker! Red paint specifically fades faster than other colors due to the interaction between its color pigment and UV rays.

Previous article
What does index rating mean?
Next article
Why did I only find 2 bed bugs?