Painting siding that has never been painted before, whether it is newly installed wood siding or vinyl siding being painted for the first time, will require a primer. Paint should not be applied directly to bare wood, while some materials like vinyl need a primer to bond the paint to the surface. A few materials, such as fiber cement and some engineered woods, may arrive pre-primed and ready for painting, which can save time and money on the project.
The average cost to paint the interior of a house falls between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot. If you’re doing the ceilings, walls and trim, the cost per square foot will likely fall between $3 and $4. If there is damage to the walls that needs to be repaired before painting can proceed, you’ll pay extra. These are the average costs if you pay a service provider to paint your home for you. You may also choose to do the paint job yourself.
Choose the best quality paint you can afford; it lasts longer. Experts estimate that the outside of a house should be painted every 5-7 years, but less-expensive paint may start peeling or fading in 4 years or less while really high-quality paint will hold up a bit longer. Better Homes & Gardens[1] describes and compares the different types of exterior paint while FastFacts.com[2] reviews specific brands.
