Painting metal siding typically costs $1.50-$4.00 per square foot, or about $2,250-$6,000 for a 1,500-square-foot exterior. The final price depends on siding condition, rust removal, home height, paint quality, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paint metal siding | $1.50 per sq ft | $2.50 per sq ft | $4.00+ per sq ft | Includes typical prep and labor |
| 1,500-sq-ft exterior | $2,250 | $3,750 | $6,000+ | More for extensive rust or difficult access |
| Paint and primer | $0.35 per sq ft | $0.60 per sq ft | $1.00 per sq ft | Varies by coating and coverage |
Typical prices for a 1,500-square-foot metal-sided home
For a straightforward repaint, homeowners commonly pay $2,250-$6,000, with an average near $3,750. These figures assume roughly 1,500 square feet of paintable siding, standard-height access, washing, minor surface preparation, primer where needed, and two finish coats. The home’s floor area is not the same as its siding area; a contractor should measure the exterior wall surface and subtract large openings.
Budget around $2.50 per square foot for a typical job, then adjust for condition and access. A small, one-story house with sound factory-finished panels may fall below the average, while a large or weathered exterior can exceed the high estimate. Assumptions: U.S. mid-market labor rates, standard exterior acrylic coating, normal access, and minor repairs only.
What metal siding painting quotes include
Quotes often combine washing, scraping, rust treatment, masking, primer, paint, and application labor. Ask whether the price includes caulking, replacement fasteners, window protection, and cleanup. A low bid may exclude rust repair or primer, which can affect adhesion and the useful life of the finish.
| Cost component | Typical range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Paint and primer | $0.35-$1.00 per sq ft | Coat count, product grade, and metal-compatible primer |
| Washing and prep | $0.25-$0.90 per sq ft | Chalking, peeling paint, mildew, and rust |
| Application labor | $0.70-$1.75 per sq ft | Spraying, back-brushing, masking, and wall access |
| Equipment and access | $100-$800 per job | Ladders, lift rental, tall walls, and setup time |
| Removal and disposal | $150-$700 per job | Scraping debris, damaged panels, and jobsite cleanup |
Labor and surface preparation usually make up the largest share of the bill. Painters may charge about $45-$85 per hour, but most residential bids use a project or square-foot price rather than billing each hour separately.
How rust, siding profile, and house height change the estimate
Rust is a major price variable: spot treatment may add $0.25-$0.75 per square foot, while widespread corrosion or peeling can push the total above $4.00 per square foot. Replacement is often more sensible where panels have holes, deep pitting, or loose seams. Surface oxidation without metal loss is usually less costly to prepare.
Corrugated or deeply ribbed panels take longer to coat than flat siding because paint must cover the edges and channels. A two-story wall, steep grade, or roofline above about 20 feet may add 10%-25% for slower work or lift access. Measure paintable wall area and identify rust before comparing per-square-foot bids.
Can washing and small repairs lower the painting bill?
Homeowners can reduce labor costs by clearing shrubs and outdoor furniture, trimming branches away from walls, and making gates accessible. Contractors should handle pressure washing near delicate seams and any scraping or sanding that could release old coating. DIY prep that leaves chalk, grease, or loose paint can undermine the new finish and lead to extra work.
Limit the scope to sound siding rather than automatically painting every trim surface or detached structure. If only a few panels are damaged, price panel replacement separately before approving full-wall repairs. Get the same preparation, primer, coat count, and repair allowances written into every quote.
How many labor hours does a metal siding repaint take?
A two-person crew may spend 2-4 days on a typical 1,500-square-foot exterior, including washing, drying time, masking, preparation, and painting. Extensive rust removal, complex trim, or high access can extend the job to a week. Weather also matters: paint needs suitable temperatures and a dry surface, so rain or cold conditions can delay application.
Ask whether the estimate includes separate visits for washing and painting, and whether lift delivery or rental is billed as a separate line item. A rushed schedule may require extra crew members or equipment. Allow time for proper drying between cleaning, primer, and finish coats rather than judging bids by crew size alone.
Regional labor rates can shift the metal siding price
Prices in high-cost metro areas and coastal markets may run 15%-30% above a national mid-market estimate because of wages, insurance, and access constraints. Smaller towns and rural areas may be 5%-15% below it, although travel charges can erase the difference. Local competition and seasonal demand also affect contractor availability.
Climate influences product selection more than a fixed regional surcharge. In hot, sunny areas, a UV-resistant coating may cost more; in damp locations, careful cleaning and mildew treatment can add prep time. Compare at least three local estimates using the same siding area and coating specifications.
Repairing metal panels versus repainting the whole exterior
Touch-up painting can cost $150-$500 for a small, accessible area, but color and sheen may not match faded siding. Repainting one full wall may run $600-$2,000, depending on its size and access. These options can make sense when damage is isolated and the remaining coating is firmly attached.
Repaint the whole exterior when chalking, fading, or peeling is widespread; spot work may leave a visibly uneven finish. Replace panels with perforation or severe corrosion rather than covering damage with paint. Choose repair for isolated defects and full repainting when coating failure is broad.
Three sample quotes for metal siding projects
A 1,000-square-foot single-story exterior with sound panels, basic washing, and two coats might cost $1,800-$2,800, or $1.80-$2.80 per square foot. A 1,500-square-foot home with moderate chalking and spot rust treatment could run $3,600-$5,400, or $2.40-$3.60 per square foot.
A 2,000-square-foot two-story home with widespread scraping, primer, and lift access might total $6,000-$8,800, or $3.00-$4.40 per square foot. Those examples assume professional labor and ordinary paint products; extensive panel replacement is separate. Use the scope and condition—not just the home’s square footage—to judge whether a quote is comparable.