How Much Does It Cost to Paint Siding?

In this guide

Siding Paint Cost by Type

Another main component that affects the cost of painting your home’s exterior is the type of paint you choose for the finish paint, which will run, on average, $29 per gallon. The type of paint you use will depend on the material being painted and the final look you want to achieve.

You can expect to pay around $27 per gallon for acrylic exterior siding paint, a water-based paint that adds acrylic to act as a binding agent. It can be used in wood, aluminum, or vinyl ¹ siding and is popular because of its durability and longevity.

Latex paint will run around $29 per gallon and is a water-based paint, contrary to what the name may imply. It is a popular option as it is one of the easiest types of paint to keep clean and remove when needed. The main drawback is it does not have the longevity of other options.

Oil-based exterior siding paint creates one of the most durable finishes, making it one of the top choices for painting siding. On average, you can expect to pay $31 for a gallon of oil-based exterior paint. Even though this type of paint can stand up to the elements and last for years and years, it does have a few drawbacks. It takes longer to cure, has a higher tendency to crack, and emits a strong odor during the application process.

Siding Primer Cost by Type

On average, you can expect to spend $30 per gallon for primer ², depending on the type of primer you choose for the project. When painting, your exterior siding primer can give you better coverage, allow the paint job to last longer, and enhance the overall appearance of the paint job. The primer you choose will largely depend on your siding’s surface type, along with the type of paint you have chosen for your project.

Latex primer is one of the most economical primers, costing $20 per gallon on average. It is more flexible and less brittle than other primer types, making it less likely to crack or peel. Latex primer can be used on various exterior surfaces, such as brick, galvanized metals, soft wood, concrete, and some plastics. It is not as good at covering stains but is popular due to its ease-of-use and low odor.

On average, oil-based primers run about $25 per gallon. Using oil-based primer for aluminum siding provides you with a protective barrier between the oxidized aluminum and finish paint. When the painter is preparing the surface, they will use oil-based primer on any bare aluminum that will be covered. Oil-based primer is not only ideal for aluminum siding but wood as well. It can help to seal the surface of the porous wood to allow the finish coat of paint to fully cover the surface.

On average adhesive primer will cost $40 per gallon. It is an excellent option for surfaces that are hard to paint as it provides for better bonding. It can also be used in areas of high humidity and still result in a smooth base coat. It works on many types of exterior siding surfaces, including wood, metal, and plastics. It also works with various top coat options, including latex and oil-based paints. It is extremely durable and dries quickly.

Shellac primer can be expensive, costing an average of $55 per gallon. It is one of the types of primers that has been around the longest and is used to seal wood and other types of surfaces. It is known as one of the best stain-blocking primers, making it ideal for protection against the elements. It can be used on exterior surfaces made of wood, plastic, and metal and is known to be quick-drying. The primary drawback to this type of primer is the fact that it gives off stronger odors.

Average Cost to Paint Siding by Finish

Choosing the right paint finish for the exterior of your home depends on the desired look you are trying to achieve and the properties you are looking for, such as the ability to keep it clean or the amount of light it reflects. Depending on the finish you choose, you can expect to pay between $23 and $32 per gallon. When you hear the term finish, it refers to the amount of light that the paint will reflect from the surface. Paints with a sheen will reflect more than matte finished, which absorbs the light.

Flat paints are one of the most commonly used types of finishes for exterior siding. It is non-reflective, smooth, and good at hiding blemishes. They run $23 a gallon on average, making it one of the most economical options. It is easier to touch up and requires fewer coats.

Eggshell finishes run around $30 a gallon and have a little more sheen than flat paint but absorb the light more than gloss finishes. It is easier to wash than flat paint and is more resistant to stains.

One of the most popular sheens is satin, which gives a pearl-like finish to surfaces. It is mildew and fade resistant and easier to clean than flat or eggshell finishes. It works great on siding and for painting other exterior trim. You can pick up a gallon of satin exterior paint for about $26. Semi-gloss costs around $27 per gallon and produces a more sleek, shiny appearance. It is moisture-resistant and handles high levels of humidity. Semi-gloss is extremely easy to clean but shows more blemishes than more matte-like options. High-gloss exterior paint produces the most reflection and has the same moisture-resistant properties as semi-gloss. The main drawback is it can take more than one coat to achieve total coverage. A gallon of high-gloss paint runs about $32 per gallon.

Cost to Paint Siding

It is best to have your home’s exterior painted by a professional painter. They have the experience to make sure that the siding is properly prepared and the desired coverage is achieved so that you end up with a professional-looking appearance. The cost to paint exterior siding includes the cost of material and an hourly painting rate that runs between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on the average labor rates in the area. Most professionals will paint in teams, usually consisting of two to three painters. You can expect it to take three to four days to paint a 1,500 to 2,000 square foot home, including prep time and time for coats to dry. This runs on average between $2,000 and $3,500 for this type of job.

Cost to Paint Siding per Square Foot

The cost per square foot to paint exterior siding ranges between $0.50 per square foot and $2.50 per square foot, with an average of $2.00 per square foot. Lower square footage costs are more common for wood and aluminum siding, where the higher cost is more common for complicated siding paint jobs, such as brick and stucco. The total cost to paint the siding on your home primarily depends on the amount of square footage that the painters will have to cover. The more square footage, the higher the costs of materials, and the longer the project will take. Below is a list of some of the most common square footage amounts and the cost of siding paint projects with the cost of labor included.

Average Cost to Paint Siding by Number of Stories

Another factor that affects the cost of painting siding is how many stories your home is. Second and third stories require additional labor and equipment, increasing the overall cost of the project. Your cost to paint siding on a second or third story may also be affected by the design of your roof. If more edging is required, the cost may increase. Below is an average price calculation for what you may expect to pay with labor costs for a siding paint job based on the number of stories your home has.

Cost to Paint Siding by Material

Siding is the bulk of your home’s exterior and the bulk of any exterior painting project. The average cost to paint just the siding is around $2,000 to $4,000 for 1,500 sq. ft., depending on the type of siding and the number of coats of paint it requires.

Cost to Paint Aluminum Siding

Aluminum is easy to paint and may use less paint than wood, so the costs are generally around $1,250 to $3,700 for a 1,500 sq. ft. home or $0.83 to $2.50 per sq. ft. Aluminum siding tends to fade and become chalky over time. When this happens, it needs to be repainted.

Aluminum siding usually requires specific types of paint to ensure proper coverage, increasing the cost by 10% to 20% over less expensive options. When painting aluminum, it is often recommended to put on two coats of paint to create a smooth look and provide maximum coverage.

Paint Engineered Wood Siding

The average cost to paint engineered wood siding is closer to $1,500 to $3,000, or $1.00 to $2.00 per sq. ft. Engineered wood siding is frequently already primed. It is also less likely to require as much paint as bare wood siding, so costs are generally lower as it takes less of both time and material to cover.

Cost to Paint Wood Siding

Bare wood siding requires a primer ². Wood in poor condition may require at least two coats of paint. You can expect to pay between $1.00 and $3.00 per sq. ft. for painting. This makes the average cost to paint wood siding around $1,500 to $4,500 for 1,500 sq. ft. Before painting, it is critical to properly prepare the area by removing loose paint and creating a smooth surface. This will allow for better adhesion and a more aesthetically pleasing finish. Even though preparation may take some time, painting wood siding can be a relatively easy process making it a more economical way to update the look of your home than replacing siding.

Cost to Paint Exterior Concrete Walls

Painting concrete runs between $1.00 and $3.50 per sq. ft. The concrete requires a primer to prevent the paint from peeling and usually requires more paint as well, for a higher cost of around $1,500-$5,250 for 1,500 sq. ft. While rare, there are some homes and some areas of homes with concrete walls. Some homeowners choose to leave these bare, while others choose to paint.

Paint Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement ³ siding is usually already painted for installation but can also be purchased pre-primed for a custom paint job. For 1,500 sq. ft., you can expect to pay $1,875 to $4,875 on average, or about $1.25 to $3.25 per sq. ft. It requires repainting after about ten years or so but is usually faster and easier than wood because it’s a non-porous surface that takes paint easily and uses less paint in general.

Cost to Paint Vinyl Siding

Vinyl ¹ siding is often touted as being maintenance-free, but if you want to change the color, it is possible to paint it. Vinyl siding must be cleaned then coated in an adhesive primer before being coated with at least two coats of acrylic latex paint. Therefore, it has a higher cost to paint vinyl siding than other types of siding, with starting costs closer to $2,025 to $4,000 for 1,500 sq. ft. The higher cost is directly related to the need for specialized paint, which can cost between 10% and 20% more. You can expect to pay between $1.35 and $2.75 per sq. ft. to get the job done.

Paint Steel Siding

Steel siding is handled almost identically to aluminum siding in most instances. It costs between $1.50 and $2.50 per sq. ft. to paint. Some types of steel siding are designed to never need painting again. These types may require special primers before painting. It’s best to check with the manufacturer. Other types can be painted like aluminum for around the same cost of $2,250 to $3,700 for 1,500 sq. ft.

Paint T-111 Siding

Painting a 1,500 sq. ft. home with T-111 siding will cost between $2,250 and $6,000 or $1.50 to $4.00 per sq. ft. T-111 is plywood ⁴ siding or painted osb siding, designed to give a more natural appearance to exteriors. Each piece is routed to give the appearance of wooden planks. Acrylic exterior paint works best when painting new T-111 siding. It will need to be repainted or touched up about every ten years to combat the effects of weathering.

Before painting, all of the siding will need to be cleaned, have previous paint removed, and have any damaged or loose boards replaced or repaired. This type of siding requires a primer and typically needs two coats to achieve full coverage. It also requires special brushes to get into the routed areas. After the second coat has been given time to completely dry, it may need some minor retouching as it is a more absorbent siding type.

Cost to Paint Brick House

Homes done entirely in brick can be painted for between $3,600 and $6,300, or between $2.40 and $4.20 per sq. ft. Brick takes less paint but requires more labor to get a solid coat. Brick siding is porous. The lack of a smooth surface requires the use of smaller painting equipment, which takes longer to complete. Even though it can take longer to paint, it requires less time to prep. Often, only power washing is required before the primer is applied.

It is important to note that painting on brick needs to be redone every four to six years. You want to be sure that all of the brickwork and mortar ⁵ is repaired before beginning the painting process.

Paint Stone Siding

Stone siding on homes can be painted for $2.40 to $5.00 per sq. ft., around $3,600 to $7,500 for a 1,500 sq. ft. home and give an updated appearance to stone that has become weathered. While most stone exteriors boast a smooth finish, it is not flat siding, so it can require additional painting equipment and more labor to complete the job. Prep time is minimal, the same as with brick exterior, and it can sometimes be covered in one coat when using high-quality paint. Homeowners should be aware that once stone is painted, it needs to be touched up or repainted every few years to maintain a fresh appearance.

Painting Exterior Stone Veneer

Painting stone veneer costs between $2.50 and $4.50 per sq. ft., which will be between $3,750 and $7,500 for a 1,500 sq. ft. home. If you have engineered stone on your home, it is possible to paint it a solid color to help it blend in with the rest of the exterior. Most stone siding is not actually stone but is a type of fiber cement. Therefore, it holds paint similarly to fiber cement, but because it’s not primed the way that planks are, it will need to be primed and then painted.

Paint Brick Veneer Siding

Homes will brick veneer ⁶ siding will cost between $3,750 and $6,750 or $2.50 to $4.50 per sq. ft. to paint for an average 1,500 sq. ft. home. Brick veneer requires minor preparation before painting, including peeling away loose paint and removing any mineral deposits. After washing, the veneer should be allowed to dry overnight to avoid trapping moisture during the painting process.

Brick veneer should be primed using a 100% acrylic exterior primer and 100% acrylic exterior paint. It will require both roll and brush painting to properly cover the entire surface. In most cases, a second coat is required to achieve the desired look.

Cost to Paint Stucco House

Stucco also has specialty processes, and your project will often include needing to make some minor repairs to the surface before it can be painted. This makes the cost of painting stucco slightly higher, around $4,500 to $9,000, or roughly $3.00 to $6.00 per sq. ft. Also, damaged areas should be patched, and any peeling areas should be removed and re-stuccoed. Painting the stucco on the exterior of your home is a great way to update the look and hide stains and blemishes. If your home has been freshly stuccoed, let it cure for at least 60 days before attempting to paint. Your painter should have special tools, depending on the texture of the stucco, to ensure proper coverage.

Cost to Repaint Siding

Over time paint may begin to chip or peel. In these situations, painting old siding will be necessary to maintain a clean look on your exterior. Depending on the type of weather it is up against and the painted material, it may begin to look damaged in as little as four years. In this case, you may want to consider having your siding repainted and touched up. On average, repainting siding costs less than painting, running between $2,000 and $3,000. The cost will vary and depend on whether you choose a completely new paint color and whether or not repairs will be made. If painting with a completely new color, you may need to remove the old paint, reprime, and repair, which can be the same cost as the initial painting. But if you are repainting with the same color, or a darker one, you may paint over the previous paint and primer as long as it is smooth and properly cleaned. This will significantly reduce the overall cost.

Preparing Siding for Painting

The key to effectively painting your siding is preparing it properly. Your painting professional will start the process by performing a full examination of the siding. They will check for the presence of asbestos, dirt, mold, and mildew. If any of these items are found, it can require additional cleaning and preparation, which will increase the cost of the job and the length of time for it to be completed. Removing asbestos siding runs between $10,500 and $13,500. An inspection for mold adds about $400 to $800.

The siding will be inspected for damage. If repairs are needed, they will be addressed before the cleaning process begins. If, upon inspection, water damage, cracked stucco ⁷, or rusty nails are found, your home may need to be checked for structural damage before the process moves forward.

Once everything has been inspected and all repairs have been made, it is time for your professional to begin the cleaning process. Depending on the extent of cleaning needed, you may pay between $500 and $700 to get your siding ready to paint. Any loose paint needs to be removed, and dark stains should be addressed so they do not bleed through. If there are rough surfaces, they should be sanded down. While your professional will have addressed repairs before the cleaning process, they may need to complete additional caulking ⁸ and filling of cracks after the process if new ones have formed during preparation. Once the cleaning has been completed, the siding needs to dry for at least 24 hours before the primer can be added, and the painting process can begin.

Siding vs Painting Cost

Painting siding is a significantly cheaper option than replacing siding. Painting siding can run between $1,000 and $7,000 depending on the size of the house and material being used, and averages around $3,000 for a 1,500 sq. ft. home. Installing new siding will cost, on average, $13,500 for a 1,500 sq. ft. home and can run between $7,500 and $22,500. Repainting will likely be the best option if your siding is weathered, faded, or needs a new look. Minimal damage can be repaired before painting, even if it includes replacing a few pieces. But if your siding is significantly damaged or has damage over more than 50% of it, it may be more cost-effective to replace your siding.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

² Primer: Preparatory coat applied to materials (drywall, wood, metal, etc.) before painting to ensure paint adhesion, extend paint durability, and help seal and protect the surface to be painted

³ Fiber cement: A building material made with cellulose fiber, concrete, and recycled materials such as glass

⁴ Plywood: An engineered construction material manufactured from thin slices of wood glued together in alternating grain patterns for strength

⁵ Mortar: A mixture of Portland cement or lime or a combination of both, sand, and water used to bind bricks, stones, and concrete masonry units together

⁷ Stucco: A type of durable plaster finish made of aggregates, a binder, and water (traditionally Portland cement, sand, and water) used on masonry, walls, ceilings, and decorative moldings

⁸ Caulking: A chemical sealant used to fill in and seal gaps where two materials join, for example, the tub and tile, to create a watertight and airtight seal. The term "caulking" is also used to refer to the process of applying this type of sealant