How Long Does It Take To Paint?

Last Updated: July 19, 2022

Short answer? It depends. Longer answer? Keep reading…

Staircase with black railing, white risers, and beige walls in a modern home interior

There are two questions that we get asked a lot, and particularly on our social media channels: how much does it cost to paint? And, how long does it take to paint? 
What many homeowners don’t fully realize is just how many variables are involved in the residential painting process. If you’re considering painting your kitchen cabinets for example, we can’t provide a ballpark figure for an “average” kitchen. If we tried, we’d have to give you a HUGE range - not very helpful for you as you plan your home improvement project and budget. 
The best course forward, sticking with the cabinet painting example, would be for us to send an estimator to see your space in person. We’d factor in the size of your kitchen, number of doors and drawers, current condition, material type, whether or not you have an island, type of finish you want, type of existing finish, and the list goes on… You get the idea. 
When we say that we really need to come see your home in person, it’s not a sales tactic. It’s the ONLY way for us to provide an accurate painting estimate and provide you with helpful information. 
Coming full circle, let’s talk painting duration and what goes into determining exactly how long your house painting project will take.
Developing an accurate painting timeline: how long will your project take?

Blue-gray house exterior with a red brick patio, white trim, and sloped roof.

Here’s what we factor in:
  • Specific measurements
  • Surface repairs that might be needed
  • Heights, and whether specialized equipment will be needed to safely complete your project
  • Unusual surfaces or architectural features
  • The color transition you’re looking for
  • Types of products and number of coats necessary 

The ultimate goal is to create a clear, accurate plan, also known as your “painting estimate.” This critical document lays out our plan of action and proposed timeline, as well as any and all associated costs.
If a plan needs to change for any reason, you’ll be updated accordingly and nothing additional will be done without your express permission. Sometimes this plan can change because of unforeseen circumstances, and sometimes it changes because you decide you’d like to have us complete an additional project (this is called an AWO: Additional Work Order). 
It all boils down to clear communication and effective planning. 
What impacts how long your paint job will take?
Let’s break it down into two categories: interior and exterior considerations.
Interior
  • Square footage (size of the room)
  • Number of rooms (painting more spaces at once is much more efficient than breaking a large interior repaint into a number of small projects spread out over time)
  • Number of windows and doors
  • Existing trim, molding, wainscoting, etc.
  • Condition and nature of your walls
  • Type of paint product and finish you’d like to achieve
  • Height of surfaces being painted
  • Beams
  • Whether or not wallpaper needs to be removed
  • Are ceilings being painted too?

Exterior
  • Size of your home
  • Number of stories
  • Number of windows
  • Nature and condition of your siding
  • Surface preparation and/or repairs involved
  • Color transitions that dictate the product needed
  • Considerations regarding eaves (with or without dentil trim), window lintels, shutters, etc.

Exterior painting is both a science and an art. Since weather impacts drying time, we need to take environmental factors into account, like humidity and temperature. Sometimes it’s necessary to spread your project out over a longer period of time to allow for the right curing rates. If you rush the process during a humid summer week, you can negatively impact the quality of your paint job. 
Pro Tip!
If you’re shopping professional painters, take a close look at the estimate they offer and make sure that EVERY aspect of your project is reflected and broken down. Sometimes painters will omit surface preparation, cost of materials, or other pertinent details. This less than scrupulous tactic makes your initial number look more attractive, but adds expensive surprises later on. Your proposal should be comprehensive and crystal clear.
Have more house painting questions?
Contact us at Jo ndec Painting! We’re here to help, and are committed to offering the best painting experience you’ve ever had. No mess, no stress!

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