House Painting – 12 Most Important Questions

House painting is one of the most visible and impactful ways to maintain and refresh your home or property. Painting is not just an aesthetic upgrade – it protects the building from weather and wear over time, increases property value, and can even affect residents’ comfort. Before starting a painting project, however, it’s important to consider several questions related to choosing the right type of paint as well as determining the appropriate timing and technique.

In this article, we’ll go through the 12 most important questions that anyone planning to paint their house should consider. Whether you’re picking up the brush yourself or hiring a professional, these questions will help you ensure the project succeeds and the result is durable and beautiful.

House Painting – 12 Most Important Questions

1. Can you paint over old paint?
2. Should you wash a wooden house before painting?
3. When is the best time to paint a house?
4. Can you paint if it’s going to rain the next day?
5. How much paint does it take to paint a house?
6. In what order should you paint a house?
7. How much does it cost to have a house painted?
8. How long does it take to paint a house?
9. How many coats does a house need?
10. Can you paint a house with a sprayer?
11. Do you need a permit to paint a house?
12. How to have your house painted?

You’ll find answers to these 12 questions in this article.

1. Can you paint over old paint?

You can paint over old paint, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The old paint surface must be intact and clean. If the paint is peeling or cracked, it should be removed. Additionally, old paint and new paint can react with each other, so before painting you should make sure you’re using the right type of paint over the old paint surface. For example, water-based paint doesn’t always adhere well to heavily chalking oil-based paint without primer or careful preparation. You can test the durability of old paint according to Dulux instructions:

“Ensure the surface is sound by cutting a small X through the existing paint with a sharp blade, press tape firmly over the cut and rip the tape off. If paint comes away, it is not sound and must be removed. Repeat randomly on several areas to test the surface.”

Usually when painting over old paint, one coat is enough, as long as bare wood areas have been primed, but sometimes it’s good to apply two coats of topcoat. Especially if the old paint is dark and the new color is lighter, or if the paint is worn and dirty. If the paint is flaking and in poor condition, it’s better to remove it completely in those areas before repainting.

2. Should you wash a wooden house before painting?

Often washing doesn’t need to be done on the entire house, but it’s essential that the surface is clean before painting. All dirt, dust, mold spots, or other impurities should be washed from the wood surface so the paint adheres properly and lasts longer. A clean surface ensures better adhesion for the new paint and makes sure no dirt or mold gets trapped under the paint. This is especially important when starting a painting project on an old house. Jeff Baldwin shares good tips related to house painting and cleaning in his article:

“Remember to wash from top to bottom and allow the surface to dry thoroughly before continuing with painting.”

You shouldn’t paint a wet surface, as it can prevent the paint from adhering. Dry wood absorbs paint better and ensures a better result.

3. When is the best time to paint a house?

The ideal temperature for painting is around 5–25 degrees. In too cold conditions, paint dries slowly, and in too hot conditions it can dry too quickly and cause uneven surfaces. As we state in a previous article:

“The timing of exterior painting depends on weather conditions, temperature, and paint type. Generally speaking, the ideal time for exterior painting is from May Day to Midsummer, but early spring, late summer, and early fall also work well for exterior painting. Spring brings suitable temperatures, and often in Finland it’s still warm enough for painting in the fall.”

In summary, the best time for painting is spring and early summer. Painting also works at other times considering suitable weather conditions. If your house needs a new coat of paint, it’s good to remember that right now is the best time to book next summer’s painting project! Request a free assessment visit.

4. Can you paint if it’s going to rain the next day?

Most exterior paints require the paint to dry for 2-6 hours after the first coat. You can paint the day before, as long as you stop painting well before the evening dew.

Generally, rainy days should be kept as wall-washing days. So on a rainy day you can wash the house and paint the next dry day, provided the house surface has dried.

5. How much paint does it take to paint a house?

The amount of paint needed for a house depends on many factors, such as the size of the house, the condition of the surface, the type of paint, and how many coats you plan to apply. Generally, estimates can be given for how much paint is needed per square meter, but the exact amount becomes clear when you know more precisely the surface condition, area, and paint being used.

If your house’s exterior wall area is 200 m² and the paint covers about 5 m²/liter, you’ll need about 40 liters of paint for one coat. Two coats of paint will take about 70 liters. It’s good to add some safety margin to the amount, as the quantity of paint can vary depending on weather and paint application technique.

6. In what order should you paint a house?

House painting should start with larger surfaces, such as walls, and leave smaller parts, such as window trim and corner boards, for last. Paint from top to bottom first, so splashes remain hidden, and use a larger brush on large areas and a small brush in more precise places. You ensure a good result by painting 3-5 panels at a time from end to end. Edges and corners are painted last. If you’re painting for the first time or changing color, it’s recommended to apply two topcoats. In the finishing stage, check for any errors and remove masking tape. This house painting order ensures an even and durable result.

7. How much does it cost to have a house painted?

The cost of having a house professionally painted varies according to several factors, such as the size of the house, the surface to be painted, the price level of the area, and the type of paint. As we state in a previous article (House Painting Cost 2025):

“The cost of house painting typically ranges between 5,000-20,000 euros. This is affected by the size of the house and the height of the walls, the amount of preparation work, and the quality of the materials chosen. In addition to these, the price is also affected by, for example, the age of the building. Painting an old house is often more expensive than a new one, as the exterior cladding of old houses usually requires more preparation work.”

DIY house painting cost

We’re often asked how much it costs to paint a house. The cost of painting a house yourself varies according to several factors, such as the size of the house, the amount of paint needed, the type of paint, and the tools required. Generally speaking, painting yourself is a cheaper option than hiring a professional, but it requires considerably more time and effort.
On average, when painting yourself, the cost consists of the price of paints and necessary tools. This typically costs 800-2,500 euros.

Professional house painting cost

Generally speaking, the cost of having a house painted by an outside contractor is on average 20-40 euros per square meter. The price is significantly affected by the amount of preparation work and the quality of the materials chosen. For example, old
houses usually have more extensive preparation work, which increases the cost of the painting project.

8. How long does it take to paint a house?

House painting time depends on several factors, such as the size of the house, the painting method, weather conditions, and how many coats of paint are needed. We’re often asked how long it takes to paint a single-family home. On average, painting a single-family home takes 2-8 days, depending on the size of the house. If you paint yourself without much experience in painting work, painting can take 1-4 weeks.

9. How many coats does a house need?

Generally speaking, a house needs two coats of paint on the first painting. Repainting is necessary every 10-15 years depending on how well the chosen paint withstands weather conditions and wear. Sarah Robinson writes in her article:

“All in all, high-quality lighter-colored paint lasts longer, especially if it’s applied in two or three coats instead of one.”

Especially in areas with lots of rain, humidity, or extreme temperature fluctuations, paint wears out faster. For example, in coastal areas or in the south, where temperatures can vary greatly, paint can wear out faster than usual.

10. Can you paint a house with a sprayer?

You can use a sprayer to help with house painting, and it’s favored by many professionals. Using a sprayer for paint application is especially suitable for large surfaces, such as the exterior walls of a house, and can save a lot of time compared to traditional brush painting. In spray painting, protecting the environment is especially important. Everything you don’t want to paint, such as windows, doors, ground areas, and plants, must be carefully protected with protective plastic and tape.

Traditional brush painting is the most popular way to paint a wooden house even among professionals. The surface of a wooden house requires that paint be applied with a brush even in spray painting, so often house painting is done with a brush from start to finish.

11. Do you need a permit to paint a house?

Generally speaking, ordinary exterior house painting does not require a building permit, as it is not construction work, but only surface renovation. If the painting does not significantly change the appearance of the building, a permit is usually not needed. In a color change situation, you may need a separate permit, especially if your house is located in a zoned area with special zoning regulations. You should check that the painting does not violate the area’s rules, especially regarding colors and appearance.

If your house is protected as a culturally or historically significant building or is located in a protected area, changes to the house’s appearance may require a permit. This especially applies to old buildings, whose color choices and surface treatments may be regulated.

12. How to have your house painted?

We at Väriset have made having your house painted easy for our customers. We take care of everything – from choosing the right paints and careful preparation work to finishing and a durable result. By choosing us, you invest in ease and stress-free service as well as quality workmanship and friendly customer service.

Request a quote today and let us handle the work for you!

Sources

House Exterior Painting – Frequently Asked Questions

House Painting Cost 2025

Can I just paint over old paint? Tips from the professionals

How to Paint a House

How Often Should I Paint the Exterior of My House?