How much does it cost to paint vinyl siding?
How much does it cost to paint vinyl siding?
$1 – $3 cost per square foot
$1,500 – $5,000 total cost for an average house
Cost to paint vinyl siding
The cost to paint vinyl siding is $1,500 to $5,000 for an average house. Painting a vinyl siding exterior costs $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the prep work, paint prices, repainting labor, and cleanup. Vinyl siding paint prices are $30 to $80 per gallon for products like Vinylsafe®.
| Home size (square feet) | Paintable area (square feet)* | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 – 1,500 | 800 – 1,200 | $800 – $3,600 |
| 1,500 – 2,000 | 1,200 –1,700 | $1,200 – $5,100 |
| 2,000 – 2,500 | 1,700 – 2,100 | $1,700 – $6,300 |
| 2,500 – 3,000 | 2,100 – 2,500 | $2,100 – $7,500 |
| 3,000 – 4,000 | 2,500 – 3,350 | $2,500 – $10,100 |
*Approximate paintable surface area.
Paint on vinyl siding lasts 5 to 10 years.
Painting vinyl siding costs 50% less than vinyl siding replacement but lasts half as long, making it a short-term option for enhanced curb appeal.
In comparison, replacing vinyl siding costs $4,800 to $11,100 on average.
Average cost to paint vinyl siding house
The following table shows the average cost to paint vinyl siding on a house.
| National average cost | $3,300 |
| Minimum cost | $1,000 |
| Maximum cost | $7,500 |
| Average cost range | $1,500 to $5,000 |
* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Vinyl painting prices per square foot
Vinyl siding painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot on average. Labor accounts for 70% to 80% of the exterior house painting cost due to the prep work involved and the two coats of paint required when painting a home's exterior.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $0.30 – $0.60 |
| Labor | $0.70 – $2.40 |
| Total | $1.00 – $3.00 |
Cost to paint vinyl siding by house stories
Painting the vinyl siding on a multi-story home costs up to 50% more and requires more labor and extra equipment like extension ladders, scaffolding, and lifts.
| Number of stories | Home size (square feet) | Paintable surface area (square feet) | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,000 – 1,500 | 800 – 1,200 | $1,000 – $3,600 |
| 2 | 1,500 – 2,500 | 1,200 – 2,100 | $1,500 – $7,900 |
| 3 | 2,500 – 3,500 | 2,100 – 2,900 | $3,200 – $13,100 |
Cost factors to repaint exterior vinyl siding
The following factors affect the cost:
Labor – The average cost to hire a painter is $20 to $50 per hour.
Home size – Larger homes require more paint and labor.
Accessibility – Multi-level homes and houses with unique features or lots of trim require more labor and equipment.
Siding condition – Caulking gaps and edges and stripping old paint costs $2 to $8+ per square foot.
Prep work & cleaning – Power washing a house costs $90 to $250. Vinyl should be cleaned gently but thoroughly to remove any dirt or grime before painting or repainting. Bleach may be required to remove mold or mildew.
Paint type – High-quality 100% acrylic siding paint costs more but is thicker, more durable, mildew resistant, and longer-lasting than cheaper options.
Exterior detail
Exterior door painting costs $100 to $225 per door.
Painting exterior trim costs $1 to $4 per linear foot.
The cost to paint fascia or soffit is $2 to $7 per linear foot.
Permits – Scaffolding permits cost $100 to $300. Contractors typically need a scaffolding permit when painting a multi-story home.
Hazardous material testing – Homes built before 1978 may need lead paint testing and removal:
Lead paint testing costs $300 to $600.
Lead paint removal costs $8 to $15 per square foot.
Vinyl siding paint prices
Vinyl siding paint prices are $30 to $80 per gallon. Water-based 100% acrylic and latex paints are ideal for vinyl siding due to their weather and fade resistance, flexibility, leveling, and adhesive properties.
| Brand | Price per gallon |
|---|---|
| Behr | $30 – $50 |
| Benjamin Moore | $50 – $80 |
| Sherwin-Williams | $40 – $80 |
| Valspar | $30 – $60 |
Satin and eggshell finishes hide blemishes and wash easier than flat, matte, and high-gloss finishes.
One gallon of quality paint covers 250 to 400 square feet with one coat. Two coats provide optimal coverage and longevity.
Primer costs $20 to $50 per gallon and is recommended for worn or porous siding.
One gallon of primer covers 200 to 300 square feet with one coat.
An electric paint sprayer applies the paint smoothly and evenly.
Vinylsafe paint cost
Vinylsafe® paint costs $50 to $70 per gallon. Vinylsafe® is a Sherwin-Williams paint line specifically formulated to resist the panel warping associated with darker color use. Other brands also offer paint that is safe for vinyl siding.
Painting vinyl siding vs. replacing cost
Replacing vinyl siding costs $3 to $11 per square foot or $4,800 to $11,100 on average. Consider replacing siding that is damaged, distorted, or nearing 20 years old.
Painting vinyl siding pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Vinyl siding painting FAQs
Can you paint vinyl siding?
You can paint vinyl siding in good condition. Painting vinyl siding is typically easier than painting wood or masonry because vinyl siding dries faster. New paint extends the life of dull or faded vinyl siding but may void the siding manufacturer's warranty.
How long does paint last on vinyl siding?
Paint on vinyl siding lasts 5 to 10 years if the siding is adequately cleaned and prepped before painting. Vinyl siding in areas that experience extreme weather may require repainting every 2 to 5 years. Darker colors absorb heat and may cause panel warping or paint bubbling and peeling.
Use vinyl-safe paint with a 55+ light reflective value (LRV) rating to prolong the paint's life.
Do you need to prime vinyl siding before painting?
Vinyl siding that is clean, in good condition, and exposed to the weather for at least a year does not need priming. Worn, faded, pitted, or porous vinyl siding needs a primer coat. Some brands offer self-priming paint, which reduces labor hours.
Hiring a vinyl siding painter for a house exterior
Before hiring exterior painting companies, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Look for licensed and insured painters with experience painting exterior vinyl siding.
Ask for references or a portfolio of past projects going back at least five years to see how their work holds up over the long term.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for more than five years.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What experience do you have painting vinyl siding?
Do you have a portfolio of your previous paint jobs?
What brand and type of exterior paint do you recommend, and why?
How many coats of primer and paint will you use?
What is and is not included in the estimate?
What additional costs should I expect?
How long will the painting project take?
How long will the paint take to dry?
Do you need a permit to paint exterior vinyl siding? If so, do you handle the permitting process?
How long should the paint job last?
Do you offer a warranty, and if so, what does it include?