How long does it take to paint a house? Consider these factors.
Painting your home can give it a fresh, new look, whether you’re brightening the exterior or updating the interior. One of the first questions homeowners ask is, “How long will it take?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a few key factors can help you understand what to expect. When in doubt, the professionals at Columbia Paint Company can help you navigate this process with informed answers and guidance.
The Size and Layout of the Home
Naturally, bigger homes take more time to paint than smaller ones. But it’s not just about square footage, your home’s layout also plays a big role. High ceilings, intricate trim, staircases, or architectural details can add hours (or even days) to the job.
For exterior painting, the number of stories, roof pitch, and how easy it is to reach each wall also matter. A single-story ranch might be finished in a few days, while a large, multi-story home could take a week or more.
How Much Surface Preparation Is Needed
Before you start to paint your house, prep work has to be done, and it’s one of the most time-consuming parts of any project. This can include removing peeling paint, repairing wood rot, filling cracks, cleaning mildew, and re-caulking gaps.
The more repairs your surfaces need, the longer it will take to paint your house. While this step adds time, it’s essential for creating a smooth, durable finish that lasts. Keeping your walls well-maintained between paint jobs can reduce prep time in the future.
The Number of Coats Being Applied
Some painting jobs require just a primer and one coat of paint, while others need multiple coats for full coverage, especially if you’re making a big color change. For example, going from a dark navy to a crisp white will likely require extra coats.
Drying times also vary by product and finish, whether it’s matte, satin, or semi-gloss. Your painters will factor in these drying times to ensure each layer is applied under the best conditions.
Weather Conditions for Exterior Painting
If you’re painting the outside of your home, weather is a major factor. Rain, high humidity, strong winds, or extreme heat can all slow down progress or affect paint adhesion. Professional painters will monitor the forecast and choose the best days for painting, even if it means adding an extra day or two to the schedule.
So… What’s the Timeline?
Most straightforward home painting projects can be completed in just a few days, while more complex ones may take one to two weeks. The best way to get an accurate timeline is to consult your painting team—they’ll account for all the factors specific to your home.
In the end, a little extra time spent ensuring a perfect paint job is worth it for a finish that looks beautiful and lasts for years.
NEW LOCATIONS! VISIT THE US AND EXPLORE!
We’ve moved from the Dobbin Road location to our new, roomy location just down the road:
Columbia Paint and Decorating, a Benjamin Moore Dealer
6822 Oak Hall Lane, Suite C2, Columbia, MD 21045
443-319-4001
Expect the same one-stop shopping for all your decorating needs. We are a full-service Benjamin Moore dealer offering the best quality decorating products at the best prices. We have an ample supply of paint and paint supplies, wallcoverings, custom window treatments, fabrics, and now NEW flooring selections from Kaleen Rugs and Luxury Vinyl Tile samples.
And, of course, the same excellent customer service, knowledge, and customer satisfaction that you’ve come to expect.
ANNOUNCING OUR SECOND LOCATION:
Clarksville Paint & Decorating, a Benjamin Moore Dealer
12447 Clarksville Pike, Suite 1A, Clarksville, MD