National Average Improvement and Repair Cost
Pro
DIY
Hours:
1.4
2
Cost:
$ 174
$ 40
Would you do this project? According to our survey, 35% of respondents preferred DIY compared to hiring a pro.
The average price to Paint Exterior Siding noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.
What’s the cost to paint exterior siding? The contractor cost to paint exterior siding is $1,673 and the do-it-yourself cost is $375 with an 85 percent saving.
A coat of paint on wood siding provides a protective coating on the surface, but for strict aesthetics, the paint can transform an ordinary house into one that stops traffic. Any professional painter will tell you the devil is in the details, and the best looking and longest lasting job is the result of time spent preparing the surface before rolling on a good quality latex exterior paint.
To prepare, prime and paint 1500-square-feet of wood siding on a house, a painting contractor will charge $1,673, which includes the material and labor. You can buy the materials and do it yourself for $375 and pocket a 78 percent saving. If the siding is damaged or requires removing layers of paint and repair work, the time and cost will be considerably more.
To unify a house with different types of siding or odd-sized and ill-placed windows, choose a monochromatic color scheme that has shades of one color. This blending of shades might be a deep shade of tan on the siding and a lighter shade of tan on shutters and trim.
Sherwin Williams suggests color schemes here Exterior Color Schemes.
The painting process includes several phases. If the siding has areas that are dirty or covered with mildew, wash them using a garden hose with a scrub brush attachment or rent a power washer. Scrape any loose or flaky paint and sand them; also sand any bare spots so they’re smooth. Then apply the first coat of primer, followed by a topcoat of paint to all the surfaces allowing it to dry between applications. Protect the surrounding plants and shrubbery with drop cloths while doing the prep work and painting.
If you haven't chosen a painting method, read our article about paint sprayer vs roller to know what suits you. But if you're in a hurry, we suggest going for a sprayer-- particularly, an airless type.
If your house was built before 1978, it is possible that lead paint was applied to your siding. If lead is present, dry scraping and sanding the old paint is highly toxic to you and your neighbors, especially to small children. It is a job that should only be done by professionals trained in lead-safe practices. To learn more about dealing with lead paint download this brochure from the EPA.
That sums it up. Knowing the average cost to paint exterior siding lets you compare doing it yourself with what you can expect to pay a contractor.
