How Long Does a Residential Painting Project Take?

Planning to refresh your home with a new coat of paint but unsure how long the project might take? Whether you're painting a single room or the entire house, understanding the timeframe involved can help you manage expectations and plan around the work.

In this blog, we’ll walk through the key factors that influence how long a residential painting project takes and what to consider when booking house painters on the Gold Coast.

One of the most important factors that affects painting duration is the size of the property. A small unit or two-bedroom home will naturally take less time than a multi-storey residence with five or more bedrooms. Painters often estimate timelines based on square metreage, but the number of rooms also plays a role in how long the work takes.

As a general guideline:

• A small home or apartment may take two to four days.
• A medium-sized three-bedroom house typically requires four to six days.
• Larger homes or properties with extra features like high ceilings may take a full week or longer.

These estimates cover both preparation and painting. Homes with more surface area, additional features, or complex layouts may require more time from painting services on the Gold Coast.

Not all painting jobs start with a clean slate. The existing condition of your walls, ceilings, and trims will have a big impact on how quickly the work can proceed. Cracks, peeling paint, mould, or water stains must be properly addressed before any new coats are applied.

Prep work may include:

• Sanding and patching damaged areas.
• Washing down walls to remove dirt or mould.
• Applying primer or stain-blockers where needed.

If your walls are in good condition, painters may be able to begin almost immediately. However, where significant surface repair is required, expect extra time to be added to the project. This step is essential for achieving a smooth, long-lasting result and is a standard part of any quality Gold Coast painting job.

Another factor influencing painting timelines is the number of coats required. Most projects will need two coats for even coverage, but darker colours, light-over-dark applications, or textured finishes may require a third coat or additional preparation.

The type of paint selected can also influence drying times between coats. Water-based paints tend to dry faster than oil-based options, allowing work to progress more quickly. Specialty finishes or feature walls, such as suede effects or high-gloss sheens, may need extra drying and handling time.



Your painter will usually space out the coats across one or two days, depending on temperature, humidity, and surface type.

Not all rooms are created equal when it comes to painting. Kitchens, bathrooms, and stairwells often take longer due to additional features or limited space. Factors like decorative moulding, detailed trims, built-in cabinetry, and feature ceilings all require precision work and slow down the process.



A single open-plan living space with minimal detailing can be painted quickly. In contrast, multiple rooms with intricate woodwork or awkward access points may extend the project timeline by a day or two. Professional house painters on the Gold Coast will usually factor this into their quoting and scheduling process.

Whether you’re painting inside or outside your home also makes a significant difference in timeframes. Interior painting is less affected by the weather and can proceed continuously across multiple days. Exterior painting, however, is often subject to weather delays.

Exterior surfaces also require different preparation, such as pressure washing, treating timber, or sealing render. Paint must be applied in the right conditions—too much wind, heat, or humidity can affect drying and adhesion.

A full exterior repaint of a standard home may take one to two weeks depending on surface condition and accessibility. For this reason, it’s best to work with painting services on the Gold Coast that are familiar with local weather patterns and seasonal conditions.

Whether the property is empty or lived in during the project can also influence how quickly the work progresses. Vacant homes are easier and faster to paint, as painters can move freely, complete prep work without obstructions, and access all areas in a single pass.

Occupied homes may require staged work—painting one room at a time, covering furniture, and scheduling around daily routines. These factors may add a day or two to the project, particularly if you’re still living in the home while work is underway.

Access issues such as tight driveways, scaffolding requirements, or restrictions on working hours can also affect the timeline. Clear communication with your painter early on will help identify and plan for any access-related delays.

Although interior work can proceed in most conditions, exterior painting is heavily influenced by the weather. Rain, humidity, strong winds, or extreme heat can cause project delays or compromise the final result.

Seasonal demand also plays a role—spring and early summer are often the busiest times of year for Gold Coast painting professionals. Booking during peak times may result in longer lead times before your project can begin. If you have a deadline in mind (e.g. before selling or hosting visitors), plan well ahead.



Painters often build weather contingencies into their schedules, particularly for exterior work. A flexible timeline allows for quality results without unnecessary risk or rushing.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long a painting project takes. It depends on your home’s size, wall condition, detailing, and the type of painting required. Working with professional house painters on the Gold Coast helps streamline the process and avoids common pitfalls that can delay the job.

At TMM Painting, we offer tailored painting services on the Gold Coast to suit every home—big or small, inside or out. From detailed prep work to colour advice and smooth finishes, our team is equipped to deliver professional results with minimal disruption.

Contact us today to arrange a quote and start planning your next Gold Coast painting project.