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myCost to Paint a House (Exterior)
At a Glance
- The average cost of exterior house painting is £850.
- It will take roughly 3 to 5 days to complete.
- A breakdown of pricing information for different types of exterior painting and sizes of property.
- How long exterior house painting takes, and a general overview of what the job entails.
- How to find and hire an exterior house painter using MyJobQuote.
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Want to discover how much painting the outside of your house will cost?
You can expect to pay exterior painters between £500 to £1,500 to paint the outside of your house, depending on the size of your home, the type of outdoor house paint you choose, and other factors.
This guide discusses everything you need to know about painting the exterior of your home. Including outdoor painters' fees, exterior paint prices, things to consider and our frequently asked questions.
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£850
Table of Contents
- How Much to Paint Outside of House?
- Supply Cost to Paint Exterior of House
- Labour Cost to Paint Exterior of House
- Factors That Impact Exterior Painting Costs
- Additional House Exterior Painting Costs
- What's Involved in Painting a House Exterior?
- Different Types of Exterior Paint
- Checklist: Hiring an Exterior House Painter in the UK
- FAQs
How Much to Paint Outside of House?
Looking for the price to paint your house exterior?
On average, the price of painting a two-storey, three-bedroom house in the UK is estimated at around £850.
However, always keep in mind that this price is an estimate, and many cost-varying factors will affect the actual expense of your project.
These factors include things such as the:
- Size of your home
- Design of your home
- Materials used
- Tradesperson's daily or hourly rates
When hiring a professional painter and decorator to paint the exterior of your house, you will usually be covering the cost of all materials, supplies, and their labour.
Some smaller companies will likely charge a lower rate to paint the outside of your home, in comparison to a larger painting organisation.
Will you need scaffolding?
In most cases, you may need to erect scaffolding before having the exterior of your home painted.
Another overlooked cost-varying factor when hiring a tradesperson is the area in which you live.
For example, if you live in an expensive city such as London, you will likely pay higher rates for the work. Companies that supply the use of their own tools and equipment may work out more affordable as they do not have to include their hire costs in the quote.
So, how can a professional painter help?
A professional external painter and decorator will likely suggest the best quality paints and materials used for your project. However, you should consider shopping around if you have to source the paint yourself to find the best value for your budget.
How much per square metre in labour and materials to paint the exterior masonry on red brick and render?
"Painters usually don't charge per square metre, especially outside, as all houses are different and in different conditions. Pictures of the house will help to quote the job."
Exterior House Painting Prices
As we mentioned previously, the average cost of painting a house exterior in the UK varies on many factors. A significant cost-varying factor would be the size and style of your home, as larger or more complex designs can take longer than painting a straightforward wall.
Below is a table in which we have demonstrated an example of how much the cost may vary when hiring a tradesperson to carry out the work on your property.
Please keep in mind that these costs are estimates and should only be used as a rough guide when budgeting for your project, likewise in terms of duration.
| House Type | Size | Estimated Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terraced House | 2 – 3 Bedrooms | 3 – 5 Days | £550 – £750 |
| Semi Detached | 3 Bedrooms | 4 – 5 Days | £700 – £1,000 |
| Detached | 3 – 4 Bedrooms | 4 – 5 Days | £900 – £1,500 |
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Supply Cost to Paint Exterior of House
If you want to combat painting exterior walls yourself, you may need to know the supply-only costs.
This means without any labour cost, and including only the cost for materials needed to complete the job:
| Type of Exterior Paint | Average Cost per Litre |
|---|---|
| Gloss | £15 – £20 |
| Semi-gloss | £10 – £15 |
| Satin | £15 – £26 |
| Masonry | £2 – £8 |
| Wood Stain | £16 – £20 |
| Metal | £15 – £20 |
| Decking Stain | £5 – £10 |
| Decking Oil | £5 – £20 |
| Shed and Fence Treatment | £1 – £6 |
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To paint an average-sized 3-bedroom semi-detached house, you’ll typically need around 30 to 50 litres of masonry paint to allow for 1–2 coats, assuming the exterior is already rendered or brickwork has been properly prepared.
I'm having to continually re-paint the black plinth around the bottom of the exterior north-facing wall on my 1930s house with the render being very crumbly, paint always lifting/flaking off - even if I apply stabilising solution before Sandtex masonry paint. Could this be a symptom of an underlying issue?
"It sounds as if the plinth has no waterproofer added when it was mixed, and as it takes the brunt of the weather, it's done its time, but a proper inspection would determine this."
Labour Cost to Paint Exterior of House
Labour costs can vary depending on location, experience and how long the job takes. On average, most exterior painters will charge £100 to £200 per day for labour alone.
Check out the table below to find out the time scales of different-sized houses:
| Type of House | Exterior Condition | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Terraced | Smooth | 2 – 3 days |
| Semi-detached | Smooth | 3 – 4 days |
| Detached | Smooth | 4 – 5 days |
| Terraced | Textured | 4 – 5 days |
| Semi-detached | Textured | 6 – 7 days |
| Detached | Textured | 7 – 8 days |
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Factors That Impact Exterior Painting Costs
There are a number of factors that can influence the price of painting a house exterior.
Size and Type of Property
Depending on the type and style of house, the size of the property can drastically increase the cost of getting the exterior of a house professionally painted. A terraced house costs can start from £550, whereas a large detached house can cost as much as £1,500.
Condition of Property
The state of the exterior of the house will also play a big part in the cost, as if the exterior needs fixing - such as filling cracks and replacing render - it will bump up the cost even more. Typically if you wish to repoint brick walls on a house, as an example a 30m2 wall normally costs between £600 to £1,500.
Scaffolding Costs
If you need to hire scaffolding, this can increase your project’s overall cost. The average cost of hiring scaffolding ranges from £400 to £600, depending on how much is required. For example, a bungalow could potentially not need any at all, whereas a three-storey townhouse will typically require more than the average sized home.
Garden Maintenance
If you have any garden maintenance that you want to complete to finish off the exterior, you should also budget for this. The cost of hiring a gardener will depend on the extent of work needed, but fees generally range from £14 to £25 per hour, although this will be higher in areas such as London.
Additional House Exterior Painting Costs
Once your house exterior has been painted, you may be left looking at the interior of your property and wanting to spruce that up, too. Let's look at some other costs you can budget for when having this project done.
Additional External Painting Jobs
With your walls done, your home's exterior doors may look worse for wear if they've not been updated in a few years. The cost of external door painting is around £200, taking between 2 to 4 hours to complete.
This can be a great way to utilise your external painter while they're at your property.
What is the best paint/spray paint and coating to use on exterior walls and window ledges to avoid scratches?
"I prefer to use a weathershield exterior masonry paint as it tends to keep the colour longer than most. For window sills, I avoid glossing due to cracking and use masonry paint where possible. For windows, again I prefer weathershield undercoat and gloss."
You can also take a look at your external garden fences. The cost to stain garden fences is around £400, and while this might primarily look like an aesthetic improvement, re-staining your wooden fence can help to prolong its lifespan by ensuring moisture isn't getting into the timber, preventing untimely deterioration.
While that's happening, it can be wise to have your garden shed treated too, if it needs it. Staining your sheds and fences costs around £70 to £100, depending on the size of property, making it a worthwhile investment in the longevity of your external features.
Other Painting Jobs
Painting doesn't just need to happen outside of the house - your home's interior might need some TLC, too.
The cost of painting a bedroom is typically £400, but can vary depending on the actual room size and ease of access.
If your room's skirting boards also need some attention, the price of painting painting skirting boards usually comes to around £200, again dependent upon the room size and the condition of the existing fixtures.
What's Involved in Painting a House Exterior?
You may be wondering what is involved in the process of painting a house exterior. Generally, the process is relatively straightforward if carried out by a professional painting and decorating company, whereas if you try and do it yourself, the end result could end up being patchy and with an uneven finish.
However, painting the outside of your house as a DIY project can be much more challenging than merely painting an internal wall. Not only should you have experience with working at heights, especially while climbing a ladder or using scaffolding, but you will also need to understand how to handle chemicals and paints that are specifically designed for external use on your property.
Therefore we highly recommend getting at least three quotes, from experienced tradesmen who are used to this type of work. By using MyJobQuote, you can find painters and decorators within your area who can provide free quotes, without any obligation to arrange for them to carry out the work.
Here are the steps you can expect:
Before the Job Starts
- Initial Visit — When you hire a professional to paint the exterior of your home, they will initially pay you a visit to assess the scale and complexity of the job.
- Job Assessment & Planning — They should discuss with you what results you are aiming to achieve, such as the colour and finish of your exterior. They will determine a timeframe of how long they anticipate the job to take. Your tradesperson will discuss the options and recommend whether your property requires the use of scaffolding.
- Preparing the Exterior — The exterior needs to be prepped by removing any existing flaking paint and washing down all of the walls to remove dirt and debris. Consider making any necessary repairs to the walls during the preparation stages, as they will be much more difficult to repair once they have been painted.
- Re-pointing (If Needed) — If the mortar between your bricks has started to deteriorate, it can cause a problem when decorating and if it doesn't, it certainly might at a later date. If you need to repair or renew the mortar, then re-pointing is a job for a professional bricklayer or someone with the right experience.
During the Job
- Priming the Walls — After all the preparation and repair work is done, your walls should then be primed with a specially formulated exterior undercoat, which will prepare the surface for painting.
- Masking Doors and Windows — The painters will seal any areas not to be painted, along with vents, outdoor lights and other openings with the appropriate materials for protection.
- Painting and Details — Once the walls are prepped and ready, the painting can begin. Trims, doors and sills should be painted last if you have chosen to do so.
After the Job
- Final Inspection — Once the paint has fully dried, your painter will carry out a final inspection to ensure that the finish is smooth, even, and meets the agreed standards.
- Touch-Ups and Clean-Up — In the event of any small imperfections, these will be corrected before removing any masking materials, coverings, and equipment. The area around your home will be tidied, and waste or debris disposed of.
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Different Types of Exterior Paint
Choosing the style and finish of your exterior paint can seem somewhat overwhelming. With so many colours, textures and finishes to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
Exterior paint can come in a range of different finishes, such as:
- Flat (Matt)
- Gloss
- Semi-Gloss
- Satin (Eggshell)
Flat exterior paint, or matt as it is commonly referred to, has a non-reflective finish, which makes it appear slightly chalky when dry. Thanks to its non-reflective surface, matt paint tends to disguise uneven surfaces and bumps in walls.
Gloss and semi-gloss exterior paints are typically used only for trims, sills and doors, and other areas which may be susceptible to high levels of wear and tear. The glossier the paint, the more durable it tends to be, and it is a perfect option for areas that may need to be washed or scrubbed frequently.
Satin or eggshell exterior paints are somewhere in between matt and semi-gloss. They have a slightly higher reflective finish than Matt paints. However, they are nowhere near as glossy as a semi-gloss or gloss paint.
Satin exterior colours are also a great washable option, with their shiny finish lasting longer than Matt paints. However, if the paint is mixed incorrectly, the finish tends to appear patchy and uneven.
What is the best paint brand for painting the outside of a house, or would it depend on factors like the type of house I have?
"Depends on the age of the house - if it's Regency or Georgian, then oil-based masonry is by far the best choice as its adhesion is second to none. If you're painting modern render, then Sandtex or Dulux weathersheild is very good as well. It all boils down to type of property and condition."
Flat or matt exterior paints are expected to last between 5 to 10 years before they start to deteriorate and may require some touching up or repainting, whereas satin is more likely to last the full 10 years.
Gloss exterior paint is the most durable when compared to alternative finishes and is anticipated to continue upwards of 10 years, if applied correctly, before needing re-touching.
However, these are rough estimates under typical conditions - whereas the quality of paint, how well the area has been prepared and painted, along with expose to the elements all impact their actual lifespan.
Checklist: Hiring an Exterior House Painter in the UK
Before hiring a professional painter for your exterior painting there are some things you should consider. Below is a checklist for you to follow before committing to a painter:
- Does the tradesperson need insurance? It’s important they’re insured to cover for any accidental damage or injuries during the job.
- How experienced are they? Ask to see their portfolio of examples of work on previous projects that are similar to what you need doing.
- How many quotes should you get? Aim to compare prices from at least three contractors to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.
- What should a written quote include? Ask for a detailed breakdown of all costs so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
- Do they offer any guarantees? A reputable painter should provide a warranty on their work, which will also provide you with peace of mind.
- Can they provide references or reviews? Ask for client testimonials or check online platforms like MyJobQuote to verify their reputation.
- How can you find reliable tradespeople nearby? Start by searching MyJobQuote for any suitable painters or decorators.
FAQs
What Is The Best House Exterior Paint?
Sandtex Ultra Smooth finish is often considered the best quality outdoor paint for renovations of all sizes. Dulux Weathershield is also one of the UK's leading brands in masonry paint ranges.
Can I paint the exterior of my house myself?
Technically yes, although it's not as straightforward as an internal wall as it can often also include repairing brickwork, along with priming, and cleaning walls before painting. If not done properly, mistakes can be costly or the job may need redoing sooner than anticipated.
How Should I Prepare the Exterior Before Painting?
If you are carrying out the preparation work yourself, then ensure to thoroughly clean the area, removing any loose and flaky paint. Sand any rough areas, fill in any holes and cracks, then apply the primer if needed.
What Qualifications Are Needed to Paint a House?
No qualifications are legally required, however, many professional painters and decorators hold NVQs or City & Guilds certifications. This goes towards proving their training, alongside hands-on experience.
Is It Better To Spray On Exterior Paint?
Not necessarily. In fact, one advantage of using a roller and brush when applying exterior paint is precision. Spraying the paint will result in thinner layers being applied, often needing more coats to achieve even coverage. An experienced decorator will be able to advise you on which method they suggest for your project.
What Is The Most Popular House Colour?
Last year, the UK's most popular choice for exterior paint colours were strong neutrals such as greys, beige and clay.
When Is The Best Time To Be Painting A House Exterior?
The best time of year is usually late Spring to early Autumn, as mild and dry weather is well-suited to allowing the paint to dry naturally rather than in the heat of summer. Avoid painting during cold and wet conditions as moisture and cold air can affect paint adhesion and impact drying times.
