Exterior painting in Ottawa costs between $3,000 and $8,000 for a typical single-storey home, $5,000-$12,000 for a two-storey home, and $8,000-$18,000+ for large homes with complex architecture, multiple colours, or extensive prep work. Per square foot, expect to pay $2.50-$5.50 for standard exterior painting in Ottawa. This includes surface preparation, primer where needed, and two coats of premium exterior paint. The wide price range reflects differences in surface condition, accessibility, p...
Wood siding painting costs $3-$5 per square foot. Wood requires thorough preparation — scraping loose paint, sanding, priming bare wood, and caulking gaps. A typical home with wood siding needs repainting every 5-7 years in Ottawa's climate. Vinyl siding painting costs $2-$4 per square foot. While vinyl is designed to be maintenance-free, faded or outdated colours can be refreshed with paint formulated specifically for vinyl. Use 100% acrylic latex paint and never paint vinyl a darker colour th...
Prep work is the biggest variable in exterior painting costs. A home in good condition needs minimal prep (washing, light scraping, caulking) at $500-$1,500. A home with peeling paint, rotted wood, or failed caulking may need $2,000-$5,000+ in prep work before painting can begin. Accessibility dramatically affects cost. Single-storey homes with simple rooflines are the least expensive to paint. Two-storey homes require scaffolding or extension ladders, adding $500-$2,000 to the project. Homes w...
Premium exterior paints from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, or Dulux in their top-tier lines ($60-$80 per gallon) are the best investment for Ottawa homes. These paints contain higher percentages of acrylic resins and titanium dioxide, providing superior adhesion, colour retention, and weather resistance. For Ottawa's freeze-thaw climate, look for paints rated for extreme temperature flexibility. 100% acrylic latex paints are the standard for most surfaces. They expand and contract with temp...
DIY exterior painting can save 50-60% on costs, but there are important considerations. The materials alone for a typical Ottawa home cost $500-$1,500 (paint, primer, caulking, brushes, rollers, tape). Add equipment rental costs of $200-$500 for scaffolding, pressure washer, and extension ladders. The biggest DIY risks are safety (falls from ladders are a leading cause of home injury) and quality (poor prep work and application technique lead to premature paint failure). Two-storey homes should...
A single-storey home costs $3,000-$8,000, a two-storey home costs $5,000-$12,000, and larger homes cost $8,000-$18,000+. The average per square foot cost is $2.50-$5.50 including prep, primer, and two coats of paint.
With premium paint, every 8-12 years for wood siding, 10-15 years for brick, and 7-10 years for stucco. Budget paints may need refreshing every 3-5 years. Ottawa's harsh climate shortens paint life compared to milder regions.
The best months are June through September when temperatures are consistently above 10°C and humidity is moderate. May and October can work but risk weather delays. Avoid painting in direct hot sun — early morning or shaded sides are best.
Paint provides a thicker, more protective coating and comes in unlimited colours. Stain allows wood grain to show through and is easier to maintain (no peeling). For wood siding, both are viable. For brick and stucco, paint is the only option.
Choose 100% acrylic latex paint from a premium line (Benjamin Moore Aura, Sherwin-Williams Duration, or Dulux Diamond). These paints handle Ottawa's extreme temperature swings without cracking or peeling and provide 8-12 years of protection.