Exterior painting is one of the most effective ways to protect your home and improve kerb appeal. But prices vary widely depending on the size of the property, the condition of the surfaces and how much preparation is needed. We've painted exteriors across Croydon, Purley, Kenley, Caterham, Warlingham, Redhill, Coulsdon and Whyteleafe for over 15 years, and the biggest price difference is always the prep.
This guide gives realistic cost ranges for exterior painting in Surrey and explains what pushes the price up or down.
"We are hard working professional tradesmen who charge fair price for good quality work and no nonsense. If you spot a defect, we will come to rectify for free."
— Fred, Recommended Tradesmen, Kenley
Exterior Painting Cost Guide
| Project | Typical cost | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Front door | £150–£350+ | 1 day |
| Window frames (up to 6) | £400–£900+ | 1–2 days |
| Fascias and soffits | £600–£1,400+ | 2–3 days |
| Fence (small garden) | £350–£700+ | 1–2 days |
| Decking (clean and treat) | £400–£900+ | 1–2 days |
| Exterior walls (3-bed semi) | £1,500–£3,500+ | 3–7 days |
| Full exterior (3-bed house) | £3,000–£7,000+ | 1–2 weeks |
Prices include labour, materials and VAT where applicable. These are guide prices only — every job is different, so all quotes are bespoke to the property. Get a free quote for an exact figure.
What Affects Exterior Painting Costs?
1. Access. Higher work may need scaffolding or ladders with platforms. This adds cost but is essential for safety and quality.
2. Surface condition. Rotten wood, loose render and peeling paint add preparation time.
3. Number of storeys. Two-storey and three-storey homes take longer than bungalows.
4. Type of paint.Exterior-grade paints from Dulux Weathershield, Sandtex or Farrow & Ball cost more but last longer.
5. Weather. Exterior painting needs dry conditions above 10°C. Delays for rain can extend the schedule.
When to Paint Exterior Woodwork
The best time is late spring to early autumn when temperatures are mild and rain is less likely. Avoid painting in direct hot sun or when rain is forecast within 24 hours. For a month-by-month breakdown, see our exterior woodwork timing and weather guide.
"We get a lot of calls in October from people who want their exterior done before winter. Sometimes we can fit it in, sometimes the weather won't let us. April to September is the sensible window."
— Fred, Recommended Tradesmen
Why Preparation Matters More Than the Topcoat
We've been called to homes in Coulsdon where the previous painter painted over rotten window sills. It looked fine for six months, then the paint peeled and the wood got worse. Exterior paint is only as good as the surface underneath. Rot needs cutting out, bare wood needs priming, and loose paint needs removing.
Most of an exterior job is preparation — scraping, sanding, filling and priming before any topcoat goes on.
How Often Should Exterior Paint Be Redone?
- Woodwork: every 5–7 years
- Render and masonry: every 7–10 years
- Fences and decking: every 2–4 years depending on exposure
Surrey homes get plenty of rain and sun. Using the right products and doing the prep properly extends the life of the finish significantly.
Should You DIY or Hire a Professional for Exterior Painting?
Small jobs like a front door or a garden gate are possible for a confident DIYer. But anything involving ladders, scaffolding, rotten wood or second-storey work is usually better left to someone with the right equipment and insurance. We carry £1M public liability insurance and work with scaffolders when needed. Exterior work isn't just about the finish — it's about safety and making sure the preparation is thorough enough to last. Our DIY vs professional guide goes deeper on where the line sits.
What We Check Before Quoting Exterior Work
- Type and condition of existing paint
- Rotten or damaged wood that needs replacing
- Access requirements (ladders, scaffolding, platforms)
- Weather forecast and timing
- Number of coats needed
- Whether primer or stabilising solution is required
This is why a free, no-obligation visit is the only way to get an accurate price. Photos can help, but they don't show whether the wood behind the paint is sound.
Exterior Painting and the British Weather
The UK climate is hard on exterior paint. Wet winters, sudden frosts and strong summer sun all stress the finish. That's why preparation matters so much. A well-prepped exterior with quality paint can last twice as long as a quick coat over loose paint. We check the weather forecast carefully before starting exterior work — painting in the wrong conditions is a waste of money because the finish won't bond properly.
Front Door Painting Tips
A freshly painted front door is one of the cheapest ways to improve kerb appeal. We usually:
- Remove or mask hardware
- Sand the door lightly
- Clean with degreaser
- Prime bare wood or exposed metal
- Apply two topcoats of exterior-grade paint
- Allow proper drying time before closing the door
A rushed front door repaint often ends up with the door sticking to the frame. Patience pays off.
Render and Masonry Painting
Painting exterior render is different from painting woodwork. Render needs breathable paint that allows moisture to escape. Using standard masonry paint on old lime render can trap water and cause damage. We use the right products for the surface, whether it's modern silicone render, traditional lime render or pebbledash.
Decking and Fence Maintenance
Fences and decking need regular treatment to survive Surrey weather. A simple clean and re-oil can transform tired decking. Fences usually need cleaning, any rotten boards replaced, and then a good quality stain or paint. These are smaller jobs but they're easy to get wrong if the wood isn't dry when treated.
How to Get an Accurate Exterior Painting Quote
For the most accurate quote, a painter needs to see:
- Which areas need painting (walls, windows, doors, fascias, soffits, etc.)
- The condition of existing paint and woodwork
- Access requirements
- The type of surface (render, wood, metal, etc.)
- Any repairs needed before painting
- Your preferred paint brand or finish
Photos help but they don't replace a site visit. Rotten wood, loose render and hidden damage only become obvious up close.
How Long Does Exterior Paint Last in Surrey?
With proper prep and quality products:
- Front doors: 5–7 years
- Window frames: 5–7 years
- Fascias and soffits: 7–10 years
- Render and masonry: 7–12 years
- Fences and decking: 2–4 years
South-facing elevations fade faster. North-facing ones stay damper. Both affect maintenance schedules.
Done properly, an exterior repaint protects the house for 7–12 years and transforms kerb appeal.
Why We Don't Quote Exterior Work Without a Visit
Photos and descriptions help, but exterior painting needs a site visit. We need to check whether ladders are enough, whether scaffolding is safer, whether woodwork is rotten, and what condition the existing paint is in. A quote without seeing the job is usually either overpriced or missing something. Our site visits are free and no-obligation. We'll walk around the property with you, point out any repairs needed, and give you a clear written quote.
Surrey Weather and Exterior Painting Timing
We do most exterior work between April and September. Even then, we watch the forecast. Painting just before rain, frost or extreme heat is a waste of money. We'll always be honest about whether conditions are right to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should exterior paint be redone?
Woodwork typically needs repainting every 5–7 years. Render and masonry every 7–10 years.
Can you paint over old exterior paint?
Only if it is sound. Loose or peeling paint must be removed and primed.
Is scaffolding always needed?
For second-storey work it is usually safer and faster. Some small jobs can be done with ladders.
Does exterior paint need a primer?
Bare wood, render and metal need a suitable primer. Sound painted surfaces may just need cleaning and a top coat.
Can exterior painting be done in winter?
No. Most exterior paints need temperatures above 10°C and no rain during drying.
What is the best exterior paint for woodwork?
Dulux Weathershield, Sandtex and Sadolin are popular in Surrey. Microporous paints let the wood breathe, which helps in damp climates.
How long does exterior paint take to dry?
Touch-dry in a few hours, but full curing can take several days. Avoid rain for at least 24 hours.
Do I need to sand exterior wood before painting?
Yes — sound old paint should be lightly sanded. Loose or flaking paint must be stripped back to bare wood.
What is the cheapest exterior painting job?
A single front door repaint is usually the smallest job, typically £150–£350+.
Can you paint exterior walls yourself?
Ground-floor render or masonry is possible for a competent DIYer. Anything involving ladders, scaffolding or wood repairs is usually better left to a professional.
Related Posts
Exterior Woodwork Painting: Timing, Weather & Prep Guide
The month-by-month companion to this cost guide
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room in Surrey?
The interior counterpart — realistic 2026 room pricing
DIY vs Professional: When to Hire a Painter
Where the line sits on ladders, scaffolding and second-storey work
Services We Offer
Exterior work is quoted properly, in person, every time. Here's how we can help:
Exterior Painting
Walls, windows, fascias, soffits and doors — prepped to last.
Carpentry
Rotten sills and damaged woodwork repaired or replaced before paint.
Interior Painting & Decorating
Once the outside is protected, the inside deserves the same care.
Handyman Services
Gates, fences and the smaller exterior jobs done properly.
Need an Exterior Painting Quote in Surrey?
We paint doors, windows, fascias, soffits, fences and full exteriors across Croydon, Purley, Kenley, Caterham, Warlingham, Redhill, Coulsdon, Whyteleafe and surrounding areas.
Or email: info@recommended-tradesmen.co.uk
Last updated: October 2026. Based on 15+ years of painting and decorating homes in Surrey.