How Long Does House Painting Take?

One of the most common questions we receive is "how long will it take to paint my house?" The answer depends on several factors, but this guide will give you realistic expectations for your Melbourne painting project.

Typical House Painting Timeframes

Interior Painting

• Single room: 1 day
• 2-bedroom unit: 2-3 days
• 3-bedroom house: 3-5 days
• 4-bedroom house: 5-7 days
• Large home (5+ bedrooms): 7-10+ days

Exterior Painting

• Single storey house: 3-5 days
• Double storey house: 5-8 days
• Large or complex home: 8-14 days
• Weatherboard home: Add 1-2 days for extra prep

Factors That Affect Painting Duration

1. Surface Preparation Required

Preparation is often the most time-consuming part of a quality paint job. Surfaces that need extensive prep work will take longer:

• Filling holes and cracks
• Sanding rough surfaces
• Removing old wallpaper
• Treating mould or water damage
• Scraping peeling paint
• Pressure washing exteriors

2. Condition of Existing Paint

Painting over well-maintained surfaces is much faster than dealing with deteriorated paint. Exterior painting on weathered surfaces requires more preparation.

3. Number of Coats Needed

Most quality paint jobs require:

• Same colour refresh: 2 coats
• Colour change (light to dark or vice versa): 2-3 coats
• New plaster/drywall: 1 primer + 2 finish coats

4. Paint Drying Time

Each coat needs to dry before the next can be applied. Drying times vary by paint type and weather conditions, typically 2-4 hours between coats.

5. Weather (Exterior Projects)

Melbourne weather can extend exterior house painting timelines. Rain, extreme heat, or high humidity may cause delays.

6. Complexity and Access

These factors add time to any painting project:

• High ceilings requiring scaffolding
• Detailed trim work and mouldings
• Multiple colours or accent walls
• Hard-to-access areas
• Furniture that needs moving

What's Included in the Timeline?

A professional painting timeline includes:

• Setup: Protecting floors, furniture, and fixtures
• Preparation: Cleaning, sanding, filling, priming
• Painting: Cutting in, rolling, multiple coats
• Touch-ups: Final inspection and corrections
• Cleanup: Removing protection, final clean

How to Speed Up Your Project

You can help reduce painting time by:

• Moving small furniture and personal items before painters arrive
• Ensuring clear access to all areas being painted
• Making colour decisions before the project starts
• Addressing any repairs before painters begin

Why Quality Takes Time

Beware of painters who promise unrealistically fast timelines. Rushing leads to:

• Poor surface preparation
• Thin, uneven coverage
• Visible brush marks and roller lines
• Paint that peels or chips prematurely

A quality paint job that lasts for years is worth the extra time.