Updated on 24 June 2026 · by Pepe, painter in Elche
The outside of your house is the first thing people see, and it's what suffers most from the sun, the rain and, here near the sea, the salt air. I'm Pepe, a painter based in Elche, and I'll explain how often it's worth painting it and how to tell if yours is already crying out for it.
How many years, as a rule
As a rule of thumb, a well-painted exterior lasts between 6 and 10 years. The range is wide because it depends a lot on the aspect and how exposed it is: a wall facing south or into the sea breeze weathers much faster than a sheltered one.
In Elche and, above all, along the coast (Santa Pola, Arenales), the strong sun and salt air cut that span short. That's why it pays to check it every few years even if it 'doesn't look bad yet'.
Signs it's due a repaint now
Don't wait for the paint to flake off in chunks. If you spot any of these signs, the outside wall is warning you:
- Faded colour or 'chalking' (white comes off on your hand if you run it across).
- Fine cracks or fissures, especially at corners and under windows.
- Damp patches, green mould or mildew on the shadier areas.
- Efflorescence: that white powder that comes out of the wall itself.
- Paint bubbling or peeling off in specific spots.
What a good exterior job includes
Painting the outside of a house isn't just about adding colour: if it isn't prepared properly, it soon goes again. A job that lasts includes sorting out the wall, filling and sealing the cracks, treating the damp and applying a breathable exterior paint that resists UV rays. That way the wall stays protected and the colour really holds up.
Guide price
Painting the outside of houses, villas and ground-floor properties usually starts from around 12 €/m², and includes the preparation and the exterior paint. The final price depends on the state of the wall (how many cracks and damp patches need treating) and the accessible height. I give you a fixed price after seeing the outside wall, free and with no obligation.
| Condition of the outside wall | Guide price |
|---|---|
| In good condition (paint only) | from 12 €/m² |
| With cracks or damp to treat | 15 – 18 €/m² |
Want the exact price for your project?
I will come and see it with no obligation and give you a fixed quote, free and the same day. You deal directly with me, no middlemen.
FAQ
- Do you paint the outside of houses and villas?
- Yes: houses, villas, ground-floor units and townhouses, with exterior paint that resists the sun and rain. I renew the colour and leave the wall protected against damp.
- Do you treat the damp before painting?
- Always. Painting over untreated damp is throwing money away: it comes back. First I sort out and treat the area and then I paint, so the result lasts.