House Painting & Stucco in Austin

How much does an exterior house painter cost in Austin? Day rates $450-$650, exterior painting $20-$35/m2. Historic Landmark rules, limestone care, and Hill Country colors.

Texas, United States Avg. house price: $540,000

House Painter Costs in Austin

Service	Low	High	Unit
House Painter	$450	$650	per day
Exterior Stucco	$60	$90	per m²
Exterior Painting	$20	$35	per m²

Prices are +5% compared to the US national average. Updated March 2026.

Architecture in Austin

Dominant Styles

Craftsman bungalow
Hill Country limestone
Ranch
Contemporary modern

Typical Materials

Limestone
Hardie board siding
Stucco
Brick veneer

Heritage Notes

City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission designates local historic districts including Hyde Park and Castle Hill. Certificate of Appropriateness required before exterior paint or material changes in Historic Landmark districts.

Historic Districts & Permit Rules

Austin has 6 historic districts, including Hyde Park, Castle Hill, Harthan Street, Swedish Hill, West Line.

Certificate of Appropriateness requirements may apply in designated historic districts, removing the right to change exterior color or material without review. Always check with your local historic preservation office before painting or stuccoing.

For individually landmarked properties, traditional finishes and historically accurate colors are typically required. Contact your local preservation officer before starting work.

Local Tips for Austin

Austin painters book out 6 to 10 weeks ahead in the October to May window: schedule early to avoid sliding into summer heat.

Native limestone is common on Hill Country homes; use a breathable mineral or silicate paint, never an impermeable elastomeric coating that traps moisture.

Hyde Park and other Historic Landmark districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness: the commission prefers period-appropriate colors consistent with early-1900s Craftsman palettes.

Most HOAs (Circle C, Steiner Ranch, Mueller) maintain an approved-color list; submit exact Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore codes for ARC approval.

Popular Paint Brands in Austin

Sherwin-Williams Behr Benjamin Moore PPG Valspar

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an exterior house painter cost in Austin?

Day rates for an exterior house painter in Austin typically range from $450 to $650 in 2026. This is +5% compared to the US national average.

Do I need a permit to paint my house in Austin?

Painting an existing residence in Austin usually does not require a permit. However, if your home is in one of Austin's 6 historic districts (such as Hyde Park, Castle Hill, Harthan Street), you may need a Certificate of Appropriateness before changing exterior colors. HOA approval is also commonly required in master-planned neighborhoods.

What is the best time of year to paint a house exterior in Austin?

The best months for exterior painting in Austin are October to May. With 871mm annual rainfall and 2650 hours of sunlight per year, this window offers the most stable surface temperatures and humidity for a quality cure.

How much does exterior stucco or rendering cost in Austin?

Exterior stucco and rendering in Austin costs $60-$90 per m2 depending on system (traditional cement stucco, acrylic stucco, or elastomeric coating). For a typical 200m2 exterior, expect to pay $12,000-$18,000.