Interior vs Exterior Painting: What Homeowners Need to Know

Interior and Exterior Painting: Different Projects, Different Approaches

While both involve brushes and paint, interior and exterior painting are fundamentally different projects. Understanding these differences helps Wisconsin homeowners plan effectively, budget accurately, and achieve results that last.

Interior Painting Basics

When to Paint Interior Walls

• New construction or remodel: Fresh drywall needs primer and paint
• Before selling: Neutral colors improve buyer appeal
• After moving in: Personalize your new space
• Visual refresh: When colors feel dated or you want a change
• Damage repair: After patching holes or water damage

Interior Paint Types

Choose sheen based on the room and use:

• Flat/Matte: Hides imperfections, low durability. Best for ceilings and low-traffic areas
• Eggshell: Subtle sheen, washable. Good for living rooms and bedrooms
• Satin: More sheen, more durable. Works well in hallways and family rooms
• Semi-gloss: Easy to clean, moisture resistant. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, trim
• High-gloss: Very durable, very shiny. Used for trim, doors, cabinets

Preparation Requirements

Proper prep determines interior painting success:

• Move furniture away from walls or to room center
• Remove switch plates and outlet covers
• Fill nail holes and repair damaged drywall
• Sand rough areas
• Clean walls (dust, grease, cobwebs)
• Apply painter's tape to trim and edges
• Prime bare drywall and repairs

Interior Painting Costs

Wisconsin interior painting typically costs:

• DIY materials only: $0.50-1.50 per square foot
• Professional painting: $2-4 per square foot
• Average room (12x12): $300-600 professional
• Whole house interior: $3,000-8,000 depending on size

Higher-end paints, detailed trim work, and specialty finishes increase costs.

Exterior Painting Basics

When to Paint Exterior

• Peeling or chipping: Exposed wood risks rot and damage
• Fading: Sun bleaches colors over time
• Before selling: Curb appeal impacts buyer interest
• Every 5-10 years: Typical maintenance schedule
• After repairs: New siding or wood replacement needs finishing

Exterior Paint Types

Exterior paints are formulated to withstand weather:

• Acrylic latex: Most common, durable, easy cleanup, flexible in temperature changes
• Oil-based: Superior adhesion for bare wood, longer dry time, harder to work with
• Primer: Essential for bare wood, repairs, and color changes
• Specialty coatings: Elastomeric paints for stucco, masonry paints for brick

Preparation Requirements

Exterior prep is more extensive:

• Pressure washing to remove dirt, mildew, loose paint
• Scraping peeling paint
• Sanding rough areas
• Caulking gaps and cracks
• Repairing or replacing damaged wood
• Priming bare wood and repairs
• Covering plants, walkways, and fixtures

Skipping prep leads to premature paint failure—the paint will peel or bubble within a few years.

Exterior Painting Costs

Exterior painting typically costs more due to equipment, ladder work, and prep:

• DIY materials only: $500-1,500 for average home
• Professional painting: $1.50-4 per square foot of surface area
• Average home exterior: $3,000-8,000
• Larger or multi-story homes: $8,000-15,000+

Timing Considerations in Wisconsin

Interior Painting: Year-Round

Interior painting works any time of year. Considerations:

• Winter painting is fine but requires proper ventilation
• Spring and fall offer comfortable working temperatures
• Summer heat can make enclosed spaces uncomfortable

Exterior Painting: Weather Dependent

Wisconsin's weather limits exterior painting season:

• Ideal conditions: 50-85 degrees, low humidity, no rain for 24 hours
• Prime season: Late May through early October
• Avoid: Direct sun on the surface (follow the shade around the house)
• Never: When frost is possible within 24 hours of application

Book exterior painters early—their season is compressed, and good contractors fill up quickly.

DIY vs Professional

Interior: More DIY-Friendly

Interior painting is achievable for most homeowners:

• Lower risk if mistakes are made
• No ladder work required for most rooms
• Can work at your own pace
• Mistakes can be fixed easily

Consider professional help for: High ceilings, extensive prep work, detailed trim, or time constraints.

Exterior: Often Better to Hire

Exterior painting favors professionals:

• Ladder safety concerns
• More extensive prep requirements
• Weather timing pressure
• Specialized equipment (scaffolding, sprayers)
• Experience with different surfaces and conditions

The cost difference often justifies hiring professionals, especially for two-story homes.

Choosing Colors

Interior Colors

• Test colors on the actual wall (lighting matters)
• Consider the room's function and mood
• Coordinate with existing furnishings
• Neutral colors have broader appeal if selling

Exterior Colors

• Check HOA restrictions before deciding
• Consider neighboring homes
• Test samples in different lighting (morning, afternoon, shade)
• Remember that colors look more intense on large surfaces
• Classic combinations maintain curb appeal and resale value

Quality Paint Matters

Premium paints cost more but provide:

• Better coverage (often one coat vs two)
• Superior color retention
• Longer lifespan
• Better washability
• Lower VOC options for indoor air quality

The paint itself is typically 15-25% of a professional job's cost—upgrading quality adds little to the total while extending results by years.

Get Your Painting Project Started

Whether you are refreshing a single room or painting your entire home's exterior, professional guidance helps you achieve lasting results. HomeHelpersCo connects Wisconsin homeowners with experienced, reliable painters.

Ready to transform your home? Get free quotes from trusted local painting contractors today.