How Long Does It Take to Paint a House Exterior?

If you're wondering just how long it takes to paint a house, this article has the answers! In the diverse neighborhoods of Denver and the Front Range, the time to paint a house exterior can vary greatly. We unveil the details of an exterior house painting timeline so you'll have a clear idea of how to plan your time.

Although the size of a home is the main factor that determines how long it will take to paint a house, there are additional factors that will also influence the timeline. Getting a handle on those factors will help you understand the scope of the job.

brown house exterior

As you start the planning process, it's easy to access a number of exterior house painting services that will help fastrack the job. 

Factors Influencing the Timeframe of Painting a House

Painting can bring new life to your home's exterior, will add protection from the elements, and boost curb appeal. But if you're worried the job could be too disruptive and take too much time, you may be curious to know – just how many days does it take to paint a house exterior? Although professional painters work efficiently, the actual number of days will depend on these variables:

Size of the House

The total exterior square foot surface is typically the number one factor that will determine how long it takes to paint a house.

Exterior Details 

Difficult access to upper stories and eaves, quantity and type of trim, the number of colors you choose, and transition scheme changes are additional factors that can extend the timeframe. 

Number of Crew Members

A professional painting service will usually assign a crew of two people for a small home. Three or even four crew members can be assigned to larger projects. When getting an exterior painting estimate, be sure to ask how many painters will be assigned to your job.

Condition of the Surfaces

Your home's exterior is exposed to the elements 24/7, and Colorado's 300 days of annual sunshine are especially hard on exteriors. Considering Denver's unique climate, regular maintenance and preparation become even more important. In addition to sun exposure, your siding accumulates dirt, mildew, pollen, and debris. Therefore, the siding will need to be power washed to ensure the new paint will adhere properly.

Also, rotting wood or deteriorating siding will need to be repaired or replaced before painting so that you don't waste money on paint that won't adhere. Repairing or replacing deteriorating wood and siding repairs can add to the overall timeline.

Weather Conditions During Painting

Exterior paints are generally formulated to be applied when outside temps are over 40 degrees. In Colorado, spring, summer, and fall are ideal times to paint the exterior of your home.

Paint bonds best to dry surfaces. Pros keep an eye on long-term weather forecasts so they can complete the exterior paint job between weather events. Fortunately, Colorado's climate provides favorable windows for planning an exterior paint job. But if a surprise storm blows in, plan on a longer timeline to complete the project.

Complexity of the Project

The painting timeframe can also depend on your home's substrate. Wood siding may require additional prep work compared to unpainted stucco or raw brick. 

If a home hasn't been painted for some time, the siding may need extensive scraping and priming due to the existing paint peeling; fresh caulk may need to be applied in joints, especially around windows and doors; and siding panel joints may need to be resealed.

DIY versus Professional Painters

If you think you can deal with the mess and stress involved in painting the exterior of your home on your own, be sure to get plenty of willing help. Gather all of your supplies before you start in order to save frustration and repeated trips to the home improvement store.

If an efficient no-stress painting timeline is important to you, no one can do it faster than a pro painting team. They have the experience, skills, tools, and materials to complete an exterior paint job far faster than a DIYer. Check out things to expect from professional painters before considering a DIY paint job.

 

Ready for a Fresh Start? Request Your Quote from Singletrack Painting Now!

 

How Long Does It Take to Paint a House: A Step-by-Step Overview

A crew of two can complete painting the exterior of a 2,500-square-foot one-story house in two to four days. Plan on up to two weeks from start to finish for a very large home with complicated conditions. However, a few critical steps need to be completed before your home's exterior is ready for paint:

One to Two Days for Cleaning, Preparation, and Drying

Power washing your walls, taping and masking, covering landscaping, scraping old paint, siding repairs, and caulking are the main jobs involved in cleaning and prep. This can usually be completed in one day but can sometimes last two days.

Two to Three Days for Painting

A 2,500-square-foot single-story house can be painted in one to two days. If your property is regulated by an HOA, be sure to read these HOA guidelines for exterior painting before you begin your project. A larger house can take up to four or five days to paint.

Additional Time for Cleanup

Cleanup involves removing painter's tape, paper, or plastic from windows and doors, removing plastic tarping from plants and walkways, and disposing of all debris off-site. Cleanup will reveal how beautiful your home looks with its quality, long-lasting paint job.

Singletrack Painting Works Quickly and Efficiently

Avoid the stress and frustration of trying to paint your home by yourself. For a high-quality paint job that's completed efficiently and without stress, hiring a professional painter is definitely the way to go. For your Denver or Front Range home, trust Singletrack Painting to deliver a quick and efficient exterior paint job.

It's fast and simple to get an estimate from Singletrack Painting, Colorado's top-tier interior, exterior, and residential painting service. Request a quote from Singletrack Painting today and you'll reap the benefits from our many years of quality professional painting.

 

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Drew Witt

Drew was raised in a family of construction professionals who owned a civil engineering firm. He studied business at Clemson University and ventured into the painting industry while pursuing his graduate degree in North Carolina. In 2011, Drew relocated to Denver to assist in establishing a church in the RiNo neighborhood while simultaneously launching a painting business. His areas of expertise encompass project management, estimating, leadership, and overall company vision.

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