How Long Does It Take to Paint Interior of House

When it comes to painting the interior of your house, one of the biggest questions on your mind might be, “How long is this going to take?” Well, the answer can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors.

First off, the size of your space matters. A small room might only take a day or two if you’re working solo, while larger areas could stretch into several days or even weeks—especially if you’ve got multiple rooms or high ceilings involved. Then there’s prep time to consider; taping edges and moving furniture can eat up hours before you even crack open that paint can.

If you’re planning to hire professionals, they’ll usually give you a timeframe based on their experience and how many rooms are involved. But if you’re going DIY, just remember: patience is key! Rushing through can lead to drips and uneven coverage. So grab your brushes and put on some tunes—painting might take some time, but it’s totally worth it when you see that fresh new look!

Factors That Affect Interior Painting Time

Several factors influence how long it takes to paint a house’s interior. Understanding these factors can help you plan your project efficiently.

1. House Size and Number of Rooms

The total square footage of the home significantly affects the painting duration. Here’s a general estimate:

• Small apartment (500-1,000 sq. ft.) – 1-3 days
• Medium-sized house (1,500-2,500 sq. ft.) – 3-6 days
• Large home (3,000+ sq. ft.) – 7+ days

2. Room Size and Complexity

Larger rooms take longer to paint, while smaller rooms can be completed within a few hours. Moreover, rooms with high ceilings, intricate molding, or multiple doors and windows require extra prep time and precision.

Estimated painting times per room:

• Small bedroom (10×10 ft.) – 4-6 hours
• Master bedroom (15×15 ft.) – 6-8 hours
• Living room (20×20 ft.) – 8-12 hours

3. Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is essential for a smooth and long-lasting paint job. The time spent on preparation depends on the wall condition:

• Minimal prep (clean and tape edges) – 30 minutes to 1 hour per room
• Moderate prep (filling holes, sanding, priming) – 2-3 hours per room
• Extensive prep (wall repairs, wallpaper removal, deep cleaning) – 4-6 hours per room

4. Number of Coats and Type of Paint

The number of coats required can impact the overall painting time:

• One coat of paint – Faster but may not provide full coverage
• Two coats of paint – Standard for a professional finish, adds 3-4 hours per room
• Primer + two coats – Required for dark-to-light color changes, adds extra drying time

The type of paint also plays a role:

• Latex paint – Dries faster (1-2 hours per coat)
• Oil-based paint – Takes longer to dry (6-8 hours per coat)

5. Painting Method: DIY vs. Professional Painters

• DIY painting – Takes longer due to breaks, inexperience, and learning curve
• Professional painters – Work efficiently and complete projects 50% faster

Step-by-Step Breakdown of Interior Painting Time

Here’s an estimated time breakdown for painting a single room:

Step 1: Preparation (1-3 Hours)

• Move furniture and cover floors
• Tape trim, edges, and ceilings
• Clean walls and patch holes

Step 2: Priming (1-2 Hours, If Needed)

• Apply primer and wait for it to dry
• Sand lightly between coats

Step 3: Painting Walls (4-6 Hours per Room)

• Cutting in (painting edges and corners) – 1-2 hours
• Rolling paint on walls – 2-4 hours
• Drying time between coats – 1-2 hours

Step 4: Painting Trim, Doors, and Ceilings (2-4 Hours per Room)

• Ceilings may require an extra 2-3 hours
• Doors and trim take additional time for detailed work

Step 5: Cleanup and Final Touches (1-2 Hours)

• Remove painter’s tape
• Touch up missed spots
• Clean brushes and tools

Total time per room: 6-12 hours depending on complexity.

How to Speed Up the Interior Painting Process

If you’re on a tight schedule, here are some tips to complete your painting project faster:

1. Plan and Prep Ahead of Time

• Move furniture the night before
• Patch holes and clean walls in advance

2. Use High-Quality Paint and Tools

• Fast-drying paints reduce waiting time between coats
• High-quality rollers and brushes improve coverage, reducing the need for extra coats

3. Work with a Team

• Having two or more people painting can cut the project time in half
• One person can handle cutting in while the other rolls paint

4. Optimize Drying Time

• Use fans or open windows for faster drying
• Choose latex paint for quicker turnaround

Factor	DIY Painting	Professional Painters
Completion Time	Slower (Takes 3-7 days for a full house)	2-3x faster (Can finish in 1-3 days)
Quality of Work	May have uneven coverage & missed spots	High-quality finish with even coverage
Effort & Hassle	Requires personal effort & time for prep, painting, and cleanup	No hassle – professionals handle everything
Cost	More affordable (Only cost of paint & tools)	More expensive due to labor charges
Scheduling Flexibility	Can be done at your own pace	Dependent on painter availability

Final Thoughts

On average, painting a single room takes 6–12 hours, while painting an entire house can take 3–7 days. The exact time depends on factors like the size of the space, the level of preparation needed, and whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring professionals. DIY projects generally take longer due to the time needed for preparation, painting, and cleanup. Meanwhile, professional painters can get the job done 2–3 times faster with high-quality results.

To make the process easier and more efficient, plan ahead, properly prepare surfaces, and use quality tools and fast-drying paint. If you’re short on time or want the best results, hiring professionals can save you effort while ensuring a flawless finish.