Sherwin-Williams A-100 paint typically costs about $45-$85 per gallon before discounts, with a five-gallon purchase often around $220-$400. A full exterior repaint can cost several thousand dollars because surface preparation, house size, paint quantity, labor, and local rates affect the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-100 paint, one gallon | $45 | $65 | $85 | Price varies by finish, color, store, and promotion |
| A-100 paint, five gallons | $220 | $310 | $400 | May be cheaper per gallon than buying single cans |
| DIY exterior painting | $600 | $1,800 | $4,500 | Paint and supplies for a small to large house |
| Professional exterior painting | $3,000 | $6,500 | $12,000 | Typical range for preparation, labor, and paint |
What A-100 paint costs per gallon and for a house
A-100 is a Sherwin-Williams exterior paint line, and its shelf price depends on the specific product, finish, color, location, and current sale. A practical budget is $45-$85 per gallon for common options; specialty colors or less-discounted purchases can exceed that range. Five-gallon containers may lower the per-gallon price, but are useful only when the job needs that much paint.
For a basic exterior repaint, paint alone may cost roughly $300-$1,200 for a small home, $600-$2,000 for a typical home, and $1,200-$3,500 or more for a large or detailed house. These estimates assume two coats on previously painted siding and do not include contractor labor. One gallon commonly covers about 300-400 square feet on a smooth surface per coat; rough or porous siding can use more.
A-100 paint is usually a modest part of a contractor’s total bill; preparation and labor often cost more than the coating itself. Assumptions: standard exterior A-100 product, typical U.S. retail pricing, sound painted siding, and no major repairs.
How paint, prep, and labor shape an A-100 quote
A contractor’s estimate can combine paint, surface preparation, application labor, equipment, and disposal. Ask whether the quote includes the number of coats, primer, trim, and repairs. A low total may cover fewer surfaces or omit scraping and caulking, so compare the written scope rather than just the final number.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it may include | Cost note |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-100 paint | $45-$85 per gallon | Exterior coating in selected finish | Two coats increase gallons needed |
| Labor | $25-$75 per worker-hour | Preparation, masking, and painting | Access and detail work affect time |
| Surface preparation | $0.50-$2.50 per sq ft | Washing, scraping, sanding, and caulking | Extensive peeling can raise the rate |
| Primer and supplies | $100-$600 per project | Primer, tape, plastic, brushes, and rollers | More for bare or patched surfaces |
| Equipment and disposal | $100-$700 per project | Ladders, lift rental, and waste handling | High or difficult walls may need a lift |
For a crew-based labor estimate, the arithmetic can be checked with . For instance, 50-90 worker-hours at $35-$60 per hour implies $1,750-$5,400 in labor before materials, overhead, or profit. This is an estimating aid, not a universal contractor billing method; some painters price by square foot or by the complete job.
Ask for separate line items for paint, preparation, repairs, and application so the quote can be compared fairly. Assumptions: standard access, no lead-paint abatement, and ordinary residential exterior preparation.
Why siding area, coats, and surface condition change the price
Paint quantity follows paintable surface area rather than the home’s interior floor area. A 1,500-square-foot one-story house may have a different exterior area from a two-story 1,500-square-foot house, especially with gables, porches, and attached garages. Measure siding, then subtract large openings only when estimating closely; small windows and doors rarely change the result much.
At 300-400 square feet per gallon per coat, 2,000 square feet of siding generally takes about 10-14 gallons for two coats on a reasonably smooth surface. Allow 15-25% extra for rough wood, masonry, heavy texture, or significant absorption. If the existing color is dark and the new color is light, extra coverage or a primer coat may be needed.
Surface condition can be an even bigger cost driver. Repainting intact, clean siding may require light washing and spot scraping, while widespread peeling, failing caulk, or bare wood can add $500-$3,000 or more in preparation and repairs. A change from one coat to two can add approximately 50%-100% to the paint quantity, though labor does not always double because setup and masking are shared.
Confirm the measured paintable area and coat count before using a gallon estimate to judge a bid. Assumptions: 300-400 square feet of coverage per gallon per coat; actual yield varies with surface and application.
How many labor hours an A-100 exterior repaint needs
A straightforward one-story home may take a two-person crew about 2-4 working days, while a larger two-story home with trim and extensive prep can take 5-10 days. These are broad job-duration estimates; rain, drying time, crew size, access, and the amount of detail work can shift the schedule. Painting itself is only part of the hours: washing, masking, scraping, caulking, and cleanup also take time.
For a typical professional exterior repaint, labor commonly accounts for around 60%-75% of the total price. Hourly rates can range from $25-$75 per worker-hour, while contractor estimates often bundle labor into a project or square-foot rate. Steep rooflines, tall gables, tight lot access, and extensive window trim may require slower ladder work or rented equipment.
Before accepting a quote, check whether it specifies washing, scraping, sanding, spot priming, caulking, and cleanup. Ask whether the crew will spray, brush, or roll the A-100; many jobs use a combination, and spraying generally still requires careful masking and back-brushing where the surface needs it.
More preparation and difficult access can add days even when the house’s paintable area is moderate. Assumptions: professional residential crew, normal weather, and no structural siding replacement.
How A-100 painting prices vary across U.S. regions
Labor and project totals can vary substantially by location. As a broad planning adjustment, quotes in high-cost coastal cities may run 15%-35% above a national midrange, while many lower-cost rural markets may be 10%-20% below it. These are general comparisons, not guaranteed regional price schedules; local demand, contractor availability, and housing style also matter.
For example, a $6,500 midrange repaint might land around $7,500-$8,800 in a high-cost metro or about $5,200-$5,900 in a lower-cost market, assuming the scope remains the same. A local contractor may charge more where homes have extensive trim, narrow lots, or tall elevations. Paint-store pricing can also differ, but discounts and promotions can narrow the gap.
Request two or three local estimates with matching specifications. A regional comparison is useful only when all bids cover the same surfaces, preparation, paint system, coat count, and warranty terms. Compare labor and materials separately when possible, especially if one contractor includes a lift or repairs and another does not.
Use regional percentages as a budget adjustment, then rely on quotes based on the actual house and job scope. Assumptions: comparable project scope and ordinary local access; regional differences vary by market.
Three A-100 exterior painting quotes by house size
A small, simple home with 1,200 square feet of paintable siding might use 8-10 gallons for two coats after allowing for waste. At $55-$75 per gallon, paint could cost $440-$750. With limited prep, supplies, and about 30-45 worker-hours, a DIY budget may be $700-$1,400; professional quotes may fall around $3,000-$5,000.
A 2,000-square-foot siding area may need about 12-16 gallons for two coats, depending on coverage and surface texture. Paint at $55-$75 per gallon totals roughly $660-$1,200. If a two-person crew spends 50-80 worker-hours on washing, scraping, masking, and painting, a professional estimate might be $5,000-$8,500, including typical supplies and overhead.
A detailed 3,500-square-foot exterior with two stories, gables, and peeling sections may require 22-30 gallons for two coats. At $60-$85 per gallon, paint totals approximately $1,320-$2,550. Add 90-140 worker-hours and potentially $800-$2,500 in repair and access costs; an overall quote could reach $9,000-$15,000 or more.
These examples show how area, surface condition, and access can move a total more than a small difference in gallon price. Assumptions: U.S. midrange labor, two finish coats, and typical supplies; actual bids depend on measured exterior area.
When another exterior paint or a repair costs less
A-100 is one option among exterior paints, and the lowest price per gallon does not always mean the lowest project cost. Compare products intended for the same substrate and use, and ask the store or contractor to confirm the specific product’s exterior suitability, finish, coverage, and warranty terms. A premium coating may cost $70-$110 per gallon, while other exterior products may be available around $35-$65 per gallon.
For a small, localized failure, scraping, spot priming, and repainting a limited area may cost $150-$700 when done by a contractor, depending on access and minimum charges. A whole-house repaint is more appropriate when paint is failing across multiple elevations or when color and finish are inconsistent. A patch may be conspicuous if the existing coating has faded.
DIY can reduce labor expense but requires safe access, preparation tools, and enough time to complete the work correctly. For tall walls, extensive peeling, or homes built before 1978 with potentially lead-containing paint, professional assessment and safe work practices are important. Removing or disturbing lead paint can require specialized procedures and substantially increase the cost.
Compare the full coating system and the condition being addressed, not only the price printed on the gallon. Assumptions: product prices are broad retail ranges and vary by brand, finish, region, and discount.
Which A-100 project costs can be trimmed safely
Keep the scope limited to surfaces that need coating, and identify whether shutters, doors, foundation walls, and detached structures are included. Removing optional trim or accessory work can reduce labor, but cutting a required coat or skipping preparation may shorten the finish’s useful life. Ask the contractor to price necessary repairs separately from optional upgrades.
Compare quotes from at least three painters using the same paintable area, coat count, and prep list. Check whether the quote includes primer on bare areas, caulk, masking, cleanup, and disposal. A bid that excludes these tasks may look less expensive but lead to add-on charges once work starts. Confirm the exact A-100 product and finish in writing.
Buy only the quantity the job is likely to use, but include a modest allowance for touch-ups. A five-gallon pail is often cheaper per gallon than individual cans, yet excess paint ties up money and may be difficult to use later if the color or batch changes. Scheduling during a painter’s less-busy period may help availability, but weather and required drying conditions still determine when exterior work is suitable.
Preserve sound preparation and the specified coat count; control extras, waste, and unclear scope instead. Assumptions: savings depend on local contractor schedules, store discounts, and the home’s condition.