House painting, whether interior or exterior, involves more than choosing a color. It requires planning, surface preparation, and an understanding of what affects cost, quality, and timing.
Over the years, these have been the most common questions that come up before a painting project begins. This FAQ lays out the answers in one place so you can move forward with a clear plan and fewer surprises.
General Questions About House Painting
Whether you’re planning to paint the whole house or just gathering information, a few core questions come up time and again. These basics lay the groundwork for understanding what goes into a residential paint job—from timing and cost to hiring the right crew.
How much does it cost to paint a house?
When considering hiring painters in Orange County, most homeowners can expect to pay between $1.50 and $4.50 per square foot for exterior painting, depending on the surface material, level of prep, and overall accessibility. Interior painting often falls between $2.00 and $6.00 per square foot, especially when the job includes ceilings, baseboards, or accent walls. Homes in the area vary in size and style, so it’s important to get a quote based on your specific layout and conditions.
How often should I repaint my house?
Exterior surfaces typically need repainting every 5 to 10 years, depending on climate, sunlight exposure, and the quality of the previous paint job. Homes in coastal or high-sun areas may require more frequent maintenance. Interior walls can last longer—often 7 to 10 years—though high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms might need touch-ups sooner. Regular maintenance helps protect your home’s value and avoids more costly repairs later on.
Should I paint my house myself or hire a professional?
Painting may seem like a DIY-friendly task, but large-scale jobs often require professional painters for safety, efficiency, and long-term durability. Professionals bring ladders, sprayers, proper surface prep tools, and the right coatings for each material. Hiring a licensed painting contractor also ensures the project stays on schedule and meets local codes or HOA requirements.
How long does it take to paint a house?
A full exterior paint job usually takes 3 to 7 days, depending on weather, home size, and surface complexity. Interior painting projects can take 1 to 5 days per floor or section. Prep time, including patching, sanding, and priming, plays a major role in the timeline. Working with experienced house painters helps reduce delays and keeps the project moving smoothly.
What’s the best time of year to paint a house?
The ideal painting season depends on your region, but generally, late spring through early fall offers the best conditions. Mild temperatures and low humidity allow paint to cure properly, especially for exterior jobs. In warmer climates like Southern California, winter months can still be suitable for exterior painting if rain is minimal and temperatures stay above 50°F.
Interior Painting FAQ
A fresh coat of paint can completely change the look and feel of a room, but interior painting comes with its own set of decisions. From choosing the right type of paint to planning around furniture and drying times, here’s what homeowners should know before getting started.
What is the best type of paint for walls?
For most interior walls, high-quality acrylic latex paint offers the best combination of durability, coverage, and ease of cleaning. In high-moisture areas like bathrooms or kitchens, moisture-resistant or mildew-resistant paints help protect against peeling and staining. Flat or matte finishes work well for ceilings and low-traffic rooms, while eggshell and satin are better suited for living spaces, hallways, and bedrooms due to their slight sheen and improved washability.
How do I choose interior paint colors?
Choosing interior paint colors starts with how the room is used, how much natural light it gets, and the mood you want to create. Neutrals like off-whites, grays, and warm beiges remain popular for open spaces, while accent colors can help define smaller rooms or create contrast. Professional painters often offer color consultations to help narrow down options based on lighting, flooring, and furniture. Sampling a few shades directly on your walls is the most reliable way to make the final call.
Do I need to move furniture before painters arrive?
Yes, moving furniture makes it easier for painters to access the walls and protects your belongings from dust and paint splatter. Large items like couches or beds can usually be moved to the center of the room and covered with plastic. Fragile or valuable items should be removed completely. Some painting companies include light furniture moving and surface prep in their services, but confirming that ahead of time keeps the project running efficiently.
Is it safe to stay in the house while it’s being painted?
In most cases, staying home during an interior paint job is safe, especially with low-VOC or zero-VOC paints. These formulas release fewer fumes and dry more quickly. Good ventilation makes a big difference—keeping windows open and fans running helps clear the air. For sensitive individuals, such as young children, pets, or anyone with respiratory issues, it’s best to stay out of freshly painted rooms until they’ve fully dried and aired out.
How long does interior paint take to dry?
Interior paint typically dries to the touch within a few hours, but full curing can take up to two weeks, depending on the product, temperature, and humidity. Most walls can be recoated after four to six hours, while trim and detailed areas may need more time. Even if the surface feels dry, it’s best to avoid washing or placing furniture flush against it until the paint has fully cured.
Exterior Painting FAQ
Painting the outside of your home not only boosts curb appeal but also adds a protective layer against sun, moisture, and wear. Whether you’re repainting stucco, siding, or trim, these key questions help clarify what to expect from an exterior paint job.
How long does exterior paint last?
Most exterior paint jobs in Orange County last 7 to 10 years, depending on sun exposure, material type, and the quality of the previous application. Homes near the coast often face added wear from salt, humidity, and UV rays, which can shorten the life of the paint. Stucco tends to hold paint longer than wood, but proper prep and high-grade products are key, no matter the surface.
What is the best exterior paint for durability?
Acrylic latex paint is the most common choice for residential exteriors due to its strong adhesion, UV resistance, and flexibility in shifting temperatures. For areas that see extreme sun or coastal moisture, premium elastomeric coatings or hybrid enamel-latex formulas can offer longer-lasting protection. Matching the product to your home’s material—whether stucco, siding, or wood—is essential for lasting results.
Should I pressure wash before painting my house?
Yes. Washing the exterior is a non-negotiable step before painting. Pressure washing removes dirt, chalking, mildew, and loose paint, creating a clean surface for the new coat to bond properly. In some cases, soft washing may be used instead, especially for delicate surfaces or older homes. Skipping this step leads to poor adhesion and premature peeling.
Can you paint a house in cold weather?
Painting in cold weather is possible, but temperature and moisture control become more critical. Most paints require a surface and air temperature above 50°F to cure properly. In coastal or inland Orange County areas, winter days often stay warm enough for exterior painting, but early morning moisture and cooler evenings must be factored in. Specialized low-temp formulas can extend the painting season safely.
How many coats of paint does a house need?
Most exteriors require two coats of paint for solid coverage and durability. In some cases—such as color changes, porous materials, or repairs—a primer coat is also needed. Skimping on coverage can save money in the short term but often leads to uneven color, faster fading, and shorter repaint cycles. Professional painters typically assess each surface and build the paint system based on condition and goals.
Cost and Preparation FAQ
Knowing what drives painting costs and how to prepare your home before work begins helps avoid delays and surprises. This section covers what impacts pricing, how painters handle surface prep, and how you can help the project go more smoothly.
How much does it cost to paint a 2,000 sq ft house?
For a 2,000-square-foot home in Orange County, painting costs typically range from $3 to $6 per square foot, depending on the surface material, paint quality, and level of prep required. That includes labor, basic materials, and two coats of paint. Trim, shutters, doors, and multi-story access can raise the total. Accurate pricing starts with a walk-through to assess surfaces, repair needs, and design preferences.
What factors affect house painting costs?
Several factors shape the total cost of a paint job: square footage, number of stories, type of siding, condition of the surfaces, paint brand, and access to hard-to-reach areas. Labor is the biggest portion of the budget, especially for exterior work that involves ladders, scaffolding, or extra prep. Color changes, detailed trim, and custom finishes also increase complexity and cost. Choosing quality over shortcuts tends to save money in the long run.
What should I do to prepare my house for painting?
Before the crew arrives, remove wall hangings, secure valuables, and clear space near walls, windows, and doorways. Trim landscaping away from the exterior and take down anything mounted to the walls. For interior jobs, cover furniture and take down curtains or blinds. Some painters handle light prep, but the more access you provide, the smoother and faster the job will go.
Do painters clean the walls before painting?
Yes, reputable painters start with clean, dry surfaces. For exteriors, this often means pressure washing or soft washing a few days before the project begins. Indoors, walls are usually wiped down to remove dust, oils, or residues—especially in kitchens, bathrooms, or near vents. Clean surfaces help the paint adhere properly and ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Ready to Get Started?
Every house painting project comes with its own questions, and this guide covers the ones that come up most often. If you’re planning a repaint in Orange County and want a quote, timeline, or product recommendation tailored to your home, BuiltPro Painting is here to help.
Don’t see your question answered here? Or ready for an estimate? Give us a call today and speak with a local painting professional who knows what works for homes in Southern California.