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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →For a U.S. budgeting estimate, 2026 guides put exterior painting at roughly $1,819–$8,800 for many projects, but those figures use different methods and are not directly interchangeable. Angi reports a typical range of $1,819–$4,551, while This Old House estimates $4,400–$8,800 for 2,000 square feet of paintable exterior area. Your home’s actual price depends on its paintable area, condition, access, preparation, and local labor.
How much does exterior house painting cost?
Angi’s U.S. cost guide, updated July 20, 2026, reports an average of $3,178, a typical range of $1,819–$4,551, and a broader range of $600–$7,700. It also gives a price range of $1.50–$4 per square foot of paintable exterior area. Angi’s 2026 exterior painting cost guide presents these as planning estimates, not a quote for a particular home.
This Old House’s U.S. guide, updated March 6, 2026, estimates $4,400–$8,800 for 2,000 square feet of paintable exterior area, with a midpoint of about $6,600. Its per-square-foot estimate is $2.20–$4.40. This Old House’s 2026 estimate differs from Angi’s because the guides use separate estimates and project assumptions; treat them as a range of published reference points, not two parts of one price formula.
These square-foot figures refer to paintable exterior area, not automatically to a home’s interior floor area. A house with 2,000 square feet of living space does not necessarily have 2,000 square feet of exterior surface to paint. Use a measured exterior-area estimate when comparing per-square-foot costs.
#1 Best Overall
- Use for a variety of indoor and outdoor project surfaces including wood, metal, plaster, masonry or unglazed ceramic
- Water-based acrylic formula is low odor, resist chips and provides long-lasting protection
- Covers up to 120 sq ft and dries to touch in 30 minutes for quick project completion
- Semi-gloss finish minimizes surface imperfections, goes on smoothly and provides excellent hide
- Prior to application sand surfaces with 180/200 grit sandpaper, then wash with a degreaser, allow the surface to dry and apply paint
What makes one quote higher than another?
The total is shaped by more than the amount of paint. Angi and This Old House identify home size or paintable area, siding material, number of stories, access, existing paint condition, preparation and repairs, paint selection, labor, and location as relevant factors.
- Surface and prep: Peeling or damaged coating, cleaning, scraping, sanding, bare areas that need primer, and repairs affect the work required.
- Access and layout: Multiple stories and difficult-to-reach areas can add complexity. Angi notes that these conditions can increase cost; its published ranges should not be read as a universal fixed surcharge.
- Materials and finish: Paint choice and the specified coat count affect material needs and labor.
- Location and labor: Published U.S. averages cannot establish the price a contractor will charge at a specific address.
The guides provide estimates rather than a named market survey with an established methodology, so their averages are useful for budgeting—not a promise of what a local painter will bid.
Rank #2
- Ready to use, pre-mixed door and trim paint offers a fresh new look on interior or exterior metal, wood and fiberglass
- Water-based paint formula emits less odor and withstands fading for a long lasting finish
- Dries to the touch in 45 minutes, up to 3X faster than traditional oil-based paints
- Durable, chip resistant coating provides ultimate protection with modern curb appeal
- Beautiful satin door paint is available in 6 pre-mix color options for the perfect look
How to compare local painting bids
Request written estimates based on the same scope. A lower total is difficult to evaluate if one quote leaves out repairs, trim, or a coat of paint that another includes.
- Ask each painter to identify the surfaces included, such as siding and trim, and how the paintable area was estimated.
- Have the scope specify cleaning, scraping, sanding, and any repairs, including what happens if additional damage is found.
- Confirm whether primer is included, where it will be used, and how many finish coats are proposed.
- Ask how difficult access, multiple stories, and trim are accounted for in the price.
- Compare the paint and material assumptions, the work included, and the written total—not just a headline price per square foot.
This checklist reflects the cost factors identified by Angi, This Old House, and Sherwin-Williams; it is a way to make bids comparable, not a claim that every contractor uses the same estimating method.
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Rank #3
- Flows on smoothly and dries to a tough, durable finish
- Fade and weather resistant
- Ideal for exterior surfaces including wood, masonry, primed metal, weathered steel and aluminum siding
Should you hire a painter or do it yourself?
Professional painting and DIY work have different costs and demands. A contractor’s estimate includes labor for the stated scope; a DIY budget needs to account for paint, primer, preparation and repair materials, tools, access equipment, and the homeowner’s time and ability. The published guides do not establish a universal dollar amount saved by doing the work yourself.
DIY is most practical when you can prepare the surface correctly, work safely at the required height, and follow the chosen paint’s instructions. If repairs or difficult access are substantial, include those demands in the comparison rather than treating materials as the whole project cost.
Rank #4
- ALL-IN-ONE PAINT AND PRIMER: Saves time and effort by priming, sealing, and finishing in one step for smooth, efficient coverage
- MULTIPLE SHEENS & SIZES – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR: Ultimate White bright white paint and primer is available in Flat, Eggshell, Satin, and Semi-Gloss sheens for walls, trim, doors, and more. Offered in 1-Gallon and 5-Gallon sizes to suit any interior or exterior painting project.
- SEMI-GLOSS SHEEN – HIGH-IMPACT SHINE: Reflective, durable finish ideal for interior & exterior trim, doors, cabinets, and high-touch areas. Moisture- and stain-resistant for lasting beauty.
- DURABLE & EASY TO CLEAN: Water-based, fast-drying formula delivers a washable finish designed for everyday wear in moisture-prone areas.
- EXCEPTIONAL HIDE & COVERAGE: High-opacity formula delivers brilliant white coverage with fewer coats, even over darker colors.
Estimating DIY paint and supplies
Sherwin-Williams gives a general exterior coverage estimate of 250–400 square feet per gallon. Coverage varies with the product and surface, so use the instructions and calculator for the paint you plan to buy rather than assuming the high end of that range. Its guidance recommends two coats for best results.
To make a rough quantity estimate, measure the paintable area, divide by the product’s stated coverage per gallon, and account for the number of coats. Treat the result as an estimate: surface condition, application, and the particular paint can change how much is needed. Sherwin-Williams’ exterior painting guidance recommends cleaning and drying surfaces, addressing peeling or cracked paint, repairing and sanding, and priming appropriate bare surfaces.
Best Value
- Ready to use, pre-mixed door and trim paint offers a fresh new look on interior or exterior metal, wood and fiberglass
- Water-based paint formula emits less odor and withstands fading for a long lasting finish
- Dries to the touch in 45 minutes, up to 3X faster than traditional oil-based paints
- Durable, chip resistant coating provides ultimate protection with modern curb appeal
- Beautiful satin door paint is available in 6 pre-mix color options for the perfect look
Possible supplies include exterior paint, primer, sandpaper, painter’s tape, drop cloths, trays, and a sturdy ladder. Application tools may include quality brushes and rollers or a paint sprayer; a sprayer is optional, and the suitable method depends on the surface, project, your skill, and product instructions. Sherwin-Williams’ supply list and project advice do not establish that any one tool is necessary for every home.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
