Are you thinking about giving your home a fresh coat of paint? Whether you're gearing up for a full-blown makeover or just feel like things need freshening up, one of the first questions you'll likely have before tackling the project is, "How long is this going to take?"

It's a very fair question, and the short answer is that painting a house can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the size of your home and whether you're painting the interior or exterior. For instance, a standard three-bedroom home might take around 3-7 days for interior painting and up to 14 days for the exterior. Of course, those numbers are just averages, and every home is different. So, let's dig a little deeper into what can affect the timeline.

Exterior Painting vs Interior Painting

First things first - are you painting inside the house, outside, or both? That distinction alone has a big impact on timing. Exterior painting is more dependent on the weather, takes longer prep work, and usually involves things like ladders and scaffolding. Interior house painting, on the other hand, can often be done quicker, especially if you're not dealing with a ton of surface damage or complicated trim work.

Size Matters

Unsurprisingly, the bigger the house, the longer it's going to take to paint. For instance, a single-storey home with a basic layout is a lot quicker to cover than a sprawling two-storey Queenslander with wraparound verandahs and detailed framework. Put simply, more walls and more height equals more time.

But it's not just square footage that counts. The layout and design of the home can either speed things up or slow things down. Open-plan spaces are generally easier and faster to paint because there are fewer corners, doors, and trims to deal with. Conversely, a house with lots of small, separate rooms is going to take a bit more time to paint.

Prep Work

Here's the part that a lot of people forget when they're trying to estimate painting time. Making sure all of the surfaces are prepared correctly can often take longer than the painting itself, especially for older homes. This can include pressure washing the exterior, scraping off old flaky paint, sanding walls, filling cracks, replacing damaged boards, and applying primer.

Skipping this stage or rushing through it might seem tempting if you're in a hurry, but trust us when we say that bad prep work leads to bad results. Your new paint job won't last nearly as long, and it won't look nearly as good.

This is one of the many reasons why hiring professional painters is a good idea for any painting project. Not only do they know what to look for when it comes to surfaces, but they'll have the tools and experience to properly prepare everything for the best results.

Weather

Mother Nature calls the shots when it comes to exterior painting, and rain, high humidity, and strong winds can delay or completely derail your plans. Paint needs dry, stable conditions to cure properly, and painting in adverse weather isn't only dangerous but can lead to drips and cracking.

You're not completely off the hook if you're painting the interior of your home, either. Extreme humidity or poor ventilation inside can still affect drying times.

Paint Type

Believe it or not, the type of paint you use can also influence how long the job takes. Quick-drying paints can shave a bit of time off the schedule, especially when multiple coats are needed, but most paints still require a relatively long drying period between coats.

Then, there's the choice of matte, satin, and gloss, all of which can impact timing. For instance, glossier finishes usually need more precision and a smoother base to look their best compared to matte paints. It's all these little details that can add time to the clock.

Number of Coats

Most surfaces need at least two coats of paint for a long-lasting finish. But if you're doing a major colour change like painting over a dark wall with a lighter colour, you might need three coats or even a tinted primer underneath to get full coverage. Again, more coats means more time, not just in application but in also waiting for each coat to dry.

Why You Should Never Rush a Paint Job

Given the timelines and the fact that every job is different, it's tempting to want everything done yesterday, especially if you're preparing your house for sale or just impatient for a change. But when it comes to painting, cutting corners on timings often means sacrificing quality, and paint that hasn't cured properly can peel, bubble, and fade quickly. Likewise, poor prep work will show through, no matter how many coats go on top.

The best approach is to be realistic with your timeline, plan around the weather if you're painting the exterior, and give everything enough time to make sure the job is done right the first time. That way, you'll end up with a finish that looks fantastic and lasts for years to come.

Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote from DC Decorators for House Painting Across Brisbane, Gold Coast & The Sunshine Coast

Want to know how long your specific paint job will take and what's involved? Reach out to the experienced painting team at DC Decorators. We'll walk you through the process and give you a realistic time frame with a no-obligation free quote.

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