Repaint vs New-Construction Painting Cost
Bare new siding needs a prime coat before the finish coats; a repaint over sound paint often skips full priming. See the difference that prime coat makes, from your own prices.
A repaint of 2,000 sq ft over sound paint is about $4,000.00; bare new siding needs a prime coat plus the finish coats — about $5,000.00, a $1,000.00 difference. A labeled compare from YOUR prices, not a verdict.
Calculator inputs
“Repaint” and “paint the new siding” are not the same job, and the gap is mostly the prime coat. Bare or new siding has to be sealed before the finish coats or the paint will not last; a repaint over sound, similar-color paint can often go straight to finish coats with only spot-priming. This tool lays the two side by side from your rates so the cost of that prime coat is explicit, not buried.
It is a labeled compare from your prices, not a verdict on which you need — that depends on the condition of the surface. And it is a paint job either way, not a re-siding estimate.
Formula
repaint = siding_area × finish_$/sq ft
new construction = siding_area × finish_$/sq ft + siding_area × prime_add‑on_$/sq ft
difference = new − repaint = siding_area × prime_add‑on_$/sq ft
Worked example
For 2,000 sq ft, finish coats at $2.00/sq ft and a prime add-on of $0.50/sq ft:
repaint = 2,000 × $2.00 = $4,000.00
new = $4,000.00 + 2,000 × $0.50 = $5,000.00
The prime coat adds $1,000.00 — the honest cost of sealing bare siding before the color goes on.
When the prime coat is non-negotiable
- Bare or new siding: prime it. Skipping the seal coat is the classic way to a repaint two years early.
- Sound existing paint, similar color: often finish coats plus spot-priming — set the prime add-on low.
- Chalky, failing or bare patches: treat it closer to new construction; the surface needs sealing to hold.
- Big color change: a tinted primer can save a finish coat — worth pricing both ways.
- Estimate, not advice. Whether your siding needs full priming is a painter’s call on the actual surface.
Reference table
| Exterior surface | Coverage (sq ft/gal, one coat) |
|---|---|
| Exterior lap / vinyl siding (smooth) | 300–400 |
| Bare / rough wood | 200–300 |
| Stucco / rough masonry | 150–250 |
| Brick (unpainted) | 100–200 |
| Primer (drywall / general) | 200–300 |
Coverage is labeled and per one coat — rough, porous or bare surfaces sit at the low end and often need a primer/sealer pass. Confirm the number on the can’s stated spread rate and round up to whole gallons.