Thinking about a fresh coat of paint for your Melbourne home? One of the biggest questions is: how long does house painting take in Melbourne? Whether you’re planning an interior refresh or a full exterior job, understanding the timeline matters. In this article, Chumz Painting will walk you through every stage—from prep to the final brushstroke—giving realistic estimates, helpful tips, and insight into what affects timing. By the end, you’ll know how to plan for minimal disruption and a stunning finish.
Why Timeline Planning is Important
Painting is more than just colour—it’s about transforming your space while managing cost, inconvenience, and quality. Knowing the timeframe helps you:
- Plan around daily routines
- Minimize disruption during open homes
- Avoid rushed, subpar finishes
- Make smart decisions between DIY and hiring pros
Interior Painting Timelines
Small Rooms and Accent Walls
- Single accent wall: 1–2 hours prep, 2 coats in a few hours
- Small room (10–12 m²): Prep + 2 coats in 1–1.5 days
DIY weekend projects or fast professional jobs fit this size well.
Medium Rooms and Combined Spaces
- Living room or bedroom (15–20 m²): Prep and painting in 1–2 days
- Connected spaces: Hallways and doors included, expect 2–3 days
Full Apartment or Multiple Rooms
- 2–3 rooms plus hallways: 4–6 days
Factors: how many doors, high ceilings, wall condition, trim work
Exterior Painting Timelines
Factors That Affect Exterior Work
Exterior painting takes longer due to:
- Prep (washing, scraping, filling)
- Safety measures (ladder, scaffolding, PPE)
- Weather conditions in Melbourne
Typical Projects
- Small house front façade: 2–3 days
- Whole house exterior: 5–10 days
Larger homes, complex detailing, or weather delays extend the process.
Two-Storey & Heritage Homes
Why They Take Longer
- Scaffolding setup and height access
- Detailed trim, cornice, or ornate work
- Engineered preparation for paints to adhere
Realistic Timelines
- Two-storey home exterior: 7–14 days
- Heritage terrace (exteriors only): 10–15 days
What Influences the Total Duration?
Surface Preparation
Proper prep is vital and time-consuming:
- Cleaning, sanding, scraping
- Filler and caulking
- Primer for raw or stained areas
Paint Drying and Weather
Drying takes hours. Melbourne weather fluctuates—rain, cold, humidity slow the process and may cause day delays.
Accessibility & Complexity
High ceilings, odd angles, or tricky architectural details take specialists longer to achieve precision.
Team Size and Experience
More experienced teams work faster and more efficiently. A well-coordinated crew can halve the project time compared to DIY or small teams.
Tips to Speed Up the Process
Plan Your Work Window
Avoid painting during Melbourne’s stormy spring or cold mid-winter. Aim for autumn or late spring—dry and mild weather help with drying times.
Get a Detailed Schedule
Ask your painter for a day-by-day breakdown. It helps you track progress and know when to expect each phase.
Declutter Before They Arrive
Make sure rooms or exterior areas are ready. A clear workspace allows painters to start immediately.
Prepare with Chumz Painting Tools
Purchase quality primer, masking tape, edge guides, and drop sheets to help streamline DIY prep for our exterior painting jobs.
DIY vs Professional: Time Differences
DIY Timelines
DIY is flexible but often slower:
- Small room: 2–3 days
- Whole house: 2–4 weeks
Fatigue, inexperience, and inconsistent work patterns can drag out timelines.
Professional Timelines
Professionals paint more efficiently:
- Small room: 1 day
- Medium home interior: 3–5 days
- Whole exterior: 5–10 days
Chumz Painting completes quality jobs in minimal timeframes thanks to planning and experience.
Case Studies
3-Bedroom House Interior
- DIY: 3–4 weeks
- Pro: 5 days with full prep and quality finish
Standard Colonial-Style Exterior
- DIY: 4–6 weeks
- Pro: 7–10 days including scaffolding, prep, and painting
FAQ: How Long Does House Painting Take?
Conclusion
Knowing how long house painting takes in Melbourne helps you budget time, avoid surprises, and communicate clearly with your painter. Interior jobs typically take a few days, while exterior and two-storey homes require one to two weeks. Choosing a pro from Chumz Painting can significantly shorten timelines while delivering great quality.
If you’re ready to talk through your project, get detailed timelines, or arrange a no-obligation quote, Chumz Painting is here when you’re ready. It’s your home, your schedule, your finish.