Cost Guides

Cost to Paint a House in Denver (2025 Guide)

Painting is one of the highest-ROI home improvements in Denver. Denver's intense UV and weather extremes make paint quality especially important. Here's what Denver homeowners actually pay.

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Key Takeaways

  • 1
    Exterior painting in Denver: $3,500–$8,000 for an average home
  • 2
    Denver UV intensity requires premium UV-resistant exterior paints
  • 3
    Surface prep is 50–60% of the job — never skip it
  • 4
    Exterior paint lasts 5–7 years in Denver; premium products last 8–12
  • 5
    Get quotes specifying paint brand, product line, and number of coats

Average House Painting Cost in Denver

Exterior painting (1,500–2,500 sq ft home): $3,500–$8,000. Larger homes or complex trim can reach $10,000–$15,000.

Interior whole house: $4,000–$12,000 depending on square footage and ceiling height.

Single room interior: $400–$900 for a standard bedroom; $800–$1,500 for rooms with high ceilings or extensive trim.

Exterior trim only: $800–$2,500.

Denver-Specific Painting Considerations

Denver receives 300+ days of sunshine at high altitude — UV radiation degrades paint faster than lower-elevation cities. Quality UV-resistant paints are essential.

Denver's dramatic daily temperature swings (40°F common) cause paint to expand and contract. Flexible acrylic latex paints outperform oil-based options.

Hail damage often requires surface repair before painting. A good painter identifies and addresses damage during prep.

What Drives Painting Cost Up

Surface preparation represents 50–60% of labor. Scraping, sanding, priming, and caulking on homes with peeling paint or wood rot cost more.

Quality matters: premium exterior paints (Sherwin-Williams Duration, Benjamin Moore Aura) cost $60–$90/gallon vs. $30–$45 for standard grades. The premium pays off in Denver's harsh climate.

Two-story homes and steep rooflines require scaffolding, adding $500–$2,000.

How Often Should You Paint in Denver?

Exterior: 5–7 years for standard paint, 8–12 years for premium UV-resistant products. Interior: 7–10 years for most rooms; high-traffic areas every 3–5 years.

Don't wait until paint fails completely — repainting over sound paint is far cheaper than repainting over failed, damaged surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best exterior paint for Denver homes?

Sherwin-Williams Duration, Benjamin Moore Aura, and PPG Timeless are top choices for Denver's UV-intense climate.

What time of year is best to paint a house exterior in Denver?

Late spring through early fall (May–October) when temperatures are consistently above 50°F.

How long does exterior house painting take in Denver?

A typical Denver home takes 3–5 days for exterior painting including prep.

Should I paint or replace my siding in Denver?

If siding is structurally sound, painting is far more cost-effective. If more than 20% is damaged, replacement may be the better long-term investment.