What is the Cost of Exterior Home Painting in Portland?
Exterior home painting is one of the most transformative improvements you can make to your Portland property. It enhances curb appeal, protects your siding from the Pacific Northwest’s wet climate, and adds value to your home. But how much should you expect to spend?
The cost of exterior painting in Portland, OR can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size and condition (required painting preparation) of your home, the materials used, and whether you hire professionals or go the DIY route. In this guide, we’ll break down what affects pricing and what you can expect to pay in 2025.
Average Exterior Painting Cost in Portland
For a standard single-family home in the Portland metro area, professional exterior painting typically costs between $6,000 and $20,000. This estimate includes labor, materials, prep work, and paint.
Here’s a rough cost breakdown by home size:
- 1,000–1,500 sq. ft. home: $6,000–$9,000
- 1,500–2,500 sq. ft. home: $9,000–$15,000
- 2,500–3,500 sq. ft. home: $15,000+
Smaller homes or bungalows in neighborhoods like Sellwood or Montavilla may be on the lower end of the range, while larger homes in the West Hills or Laurelhurst with intricate trim work or multiple stories may cost more.
Factors That Affect the Cost
1. Home Size and Shape
Larger homes take more time, materials, and labor to paint. Additionally, homes with complex architecture, dormers, or multiple stories require more scaffolding and attention to detail, increasing the cost.
2. Siding Material
Different surfaces require different prep work and paint types. Wood siding (common in Portland) often requires scraping and priming, while stucco or fiber cement may need specialized products.
3. Prep Work Required
Homes with peeling paint, mildew, or rotten wood will require significantly more preparation, including pressure washing, scraping, sanding, patching, and priming. More preparation equals more labor, which equals higher costs.
4. Number of Stories
Two-story and three-story homes require ladders, scaffolding, or lifts, which adds to labor time and safety precautions, meaning higher costs.
5. Paint Quality and Type
Higher-quality exterior paints, such as Sherwin-Williams Duration or Benjamin Moore Aura, last longer and offer better protection, but they come at a premium. Expect to pay $50–$100 per gallon for premium paint, compared to $40–$60 for basic options.
6. Trim and Accent Work
Detailed trim, shutters, columns, and other accents require more precision and time. The more contrasting paint colors and fine work involved, the higher the labor cost.
Cost of DIY Exterior Home Painting vs. Hiring a Pro
DIY Exterior Painting
If you’re handy and have the time, doing it yourself can save you thousands. For a 1,500 sq. ft. home, you might spend around $800–$2,000 on paint, brushes, drop cloths, ladders, and supplies. However, DIY comes with tradeoffs:
- Significant time commitment (weeks of weekends)
- Requires safety equipment and access to high areas
- Risk of poor prep or finish that won’t last
Hiring a Professional
Hiring a licensed painting contractor means the job gets done faster, safer, and usually looks better. Pros offer warranties, use higher-end tools, and have teams that can finish a job in days instead of weeks.
In Portland, labor typically accounts for 60–70% of the cost of a paint job. You're paying for experience, expertise, and efficiency.
Weather Considerations in Portland
Painting in Portland’s climate requires planning around the rain. Summers offer the best painting window, typically between May and September, when temperatures are warm and relatively dry.
Weather that’s too humid or too cold can cause paint to dry improperly or peel prematurely. Always ensure:
- Daytime temps are between 50°F and 85°F
- No rain is expected for 24-48 hours after painting
- The surface is completely dry before the painting begins
How to Save Money on Your Exterior Paint Job
- Get 2–3 quotes from local painters to compare pricing
- Schedule during shoulder seasons (early spring or fall) when painters may offer discounts
- Use fewer paint colors to reduce the complexity
- Prep your home yourself by pressure washing or clearing landscaping
- Choose durable, high-quality paint to avoid repainting in 3-5 years
Exterior Home Painting: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely, especially in a climate like Portland's. A high-quality exterior paint job is more than cosmetic; it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your home from long-term damage. In our region, where moisture, rain, and fluctuating temperatures can cause damage to siding, fresh paint serves as a protective sealant against wood rot, mold, mildew, and sun damage.
On the aesthetic side, a new coat of paint instantly boosts curb appeal and can make an older home look years younger. If you’re thinking of selling, studies show that homes with updated exteriors tend to sell faster and for higher prices. The ROI on exterior painting in the Pacific Northwest is one of the highest among home improvements, typically recouping 50–75% or more of the investment.
On average, homes in the Portland metro area need to be repainted every 7 to 10 years, but the exact timeframe depends on a few things:
- Siding type: Wood requires more frequent maintenance (every 5–7 years), while fiber cement and vinyl last longer.
- Paint quality: Premium paints with UV protection and moisture resistance last longer and are more fade-resistant.
- Sun exposure: Homes with full southern or western exposure may see more fading and blistering, requiring more frequent repainting.
- Previous prep: If your last paint job skipped proper surface cleaning, priming, or caulking, you’ll probably see peeling and bubbling much sooner.
A professional painter can help assess your home’s current condition and offer recommendations to extend the life of your paint job.
Most residential exterior paint jobs in Portland take between 3 and 7 days, depending on the size of the home, prep requirements, and the weather. Here’s a typical timeline:
- Day 1: Power washing and surface cleaning
- Days 2–3: Scraping, sanding, caulking, and repairs
- Days 3–5: Priming and painting
- Days 6–7: Second coats, touch-ups, and clean-up
However, rain can significantly delay the process. Many professional painters maintain flexible scheduling during rainy periods to ensure the paint adheres properly. It’s not uncommon to pause for a day or two if weather conditions shift.
In most cases, no permit is required for exterior house painting in Portland or Vancouver. However, there are some exceptions:
- If your home is located in a historic district, such as Irvington or Ladd’s Addition, the city may require approval before altering the exterior color.
- If you're changing your siding material or making structural modifications in addition to painting, permits may apply.
- Homeowners associations (HOAs) in some suburban neighborhoods may require color approval.
When in doubt, check with the City of Portland Bureau of Development Services or the City of Vancouver Permitting Office to make sure your project is in compliance.
The best time is between late May and early October when the Pacific Northwest enjoys longer dry spells and temperatures stay consistently warm. Ideal painting weather includes:
- Daytime temperatures between 50°F and 85°F
- Dry air with lower humidity
- No rain is forecasted for at least 24–48 hours
Avoid painting during Portland’s rainy winter months (November through March), as moisture can prevent paint from adhering and cause blistering or mold growth under the finish. Even in summer, be cautious of overcast days or unexpected showers; always check the weather forecast before starting a project.
A comprehensive painting quote from a reputable contractor should include the following:
- Surface preparation: Power washing, scraping, sanding, and caulking
- Minor repairs: Replacing damaged trim or siding, patching holes
- Primer and paint materials: Specified brand, color, and quality level
- Labor costs: Total labor hours, number of crew members
- Cleanup and disposal: Removal of paint chips, masking, and site cleanup
Ask for a written estimate and confirm whether it includes color consultations, two coats of paint, and fees for accessing upper stories or hard-to-reach areas.
Yes, you can, but it comes with trade-offs. DIY painting can save $4,000+, depending on your home size, but it’s a labor-intensive job. Expect to spend 40-80+ hours on prep, priming, and painting. You’ll also need to rent or buy:
- Ladders or scaffolding
- Power washer and safety gear
- Drop cloths, brushes, rollers, and sprayers
- High-quality paint (expect 10–20 gallons)
DIY is best for single-story homes with minimal damage and homeowners with painting experience. Keep in mind: a rushed or poorly prepped DIY job can peel within 2–3 years, wiping out any initial savings.
In the Pacific Northwest, moisture resistance is critical. Look for 100% acrylic latex exterior paints that are formulated for wet or coastal environments. Recommended brands include:
- Sherwin-Williams Duration or Emerald
- Benjamin Moore Aura or Regal Select
- Behr Premium Plus Ultra
These premium options offer better adhesion, mildew resistance, and UV protection, which is especially important in areas with heavy rainfall and prolonged gray seasons. Also, be sure to match the paint type to your siding (wood, stucco, fiber cement, etc.) for the best results.
Ready to Paint Your Portland Home?
Amplified Renovations is a trusted home painting company serving Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA. Whether you're refreshing your Craftsman’s classic color palette or modernizing your bungalow’s curb appeal, we’re here to help with expert advice and flawless execution.
Contact us today to request a complimentary quote for your exterior painting project and discover how our team can breathe new life into your home.
