Exterior painting – the right paint, preparation and painter

Painting a façade should protect the house for many years, and how long it lasts depends mostly on the preparation. Here is what affects the price, how to choose the type of paint and what the painter's quote should include.

By the Fixtorget editorial team · Updated 8 November 2026 · 3 min read

What exterior painting involves

Painting a façade consists of several steps: washing to remove dirt, algae and mould, scraping off loose paint, repairing timber or render where needed, priming bare surfaces and then one or more coats. Windows, doors, barge boards and corner boards are often painted in the same project but may require other types of paint.

The preparation often takes longer than the painting itself. A painter who promises a very quick job sometimes skips parts of the preparation, and then the paint flakes sooner.

What affects the price?

Ask several painters for quotes. The factors that matter most are:

The area of the façade and the height of the house.
How much old paint needs scraping off.
Whether cladding or render needs repairing before painting.
The number of windows, doors and details to be painted in a different colour.
Type of paint, for example Falu red-style slurry paint, linseed oil paint, alkyd or acrylic.
Scaffolding or a lift.

Choosing paint

The most important rule is that the new paint must be compatible with the old. Slurry paint works best on sawn timber that has previously been painted with slurry paint, linseed oil paint suits older houses painted with linseed oil, and modern acrylic paints suit surfaces that already have plastic-based paint. Applying the wrong type of paint over the old one can lead to flaking.

Render and brick should usually be painted with a paint that lets moisture through, such as lime or silicate paint, depending on the type of render. Ask the painter which paint they suggest and why.

The colour also affects durability. Dark colours get hotter in the sun, which can make the timber move more, and some pigments fade faster than others. Ask for a test patch on the house and look at it in different light before you decide.

Safety, permits and timing

Changing the colour of the façade may require a building permit, particularly within an area covered by a detailed development plan or if the house is of cultural or historical value. Contact the municipal building committee before choosing a new colour. Repainting in the same colour normally does not require a permit.

Work on scaffolding must be planned in accordance with the Swedish Work Environment Authority's rules. Older layers of paint may contain lead, so scraping should be done using dust-limiting methods and the waste disposed of correctly. Do not paint in rain, strong sun or when it is too cold – follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for temperature and humidity.

ROT tax deduction

The labour cost of painting the façade of your home normally qualifies for the ROT deduction of 30 %. Paint, scaffolding material and other materials do not qualify. ROT is capped at SEK 50,000 per person per year, within the overall cap of SEK 75,000 for ROT and RUT.

What the quote should include

Which surfaces are included: façade, windows, doors, barge boards, corner boards, plinths.
Preparation: washing, scraping, repairs and priming.
Paint type, brand, colour and number of coats.
Scaffolding or lift and who erects it.
How repairs to rotten timber or loose render are priced.
Protection of the ground, plants and windows, and cleaning.
Labour and materials listed separately, the estimated ROT deduction and a timetable.

Questions to ask and common mistakes

Ask how they test which paint is currently on the house, how many coats they plan for and how they handle bad weather. Ask to see a test-painted section before the whole house is painted, especially if you are changing colour.

Common mistakes include painting a dirty or damp surface, using the wrong type of paint over the old one, skipping primer on bare surfaces and starting so late in autumn that the paint does not have time to dry properly.

Getting quotes via Fixtorget

Take photos of the façade from all sides and close-ups of flaking areas, and preferably state the approximate area when you post the job on Fixtorget. Up to four vetted painting firms can contact you. You can ask for insurance documents in the chat, and the price is locked in a cost specification that you approve in the portal.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a building permit to paint the façade?

Not if you paint it the same colour. If you change colour, a permit may be required – ask the municipal building committee.

Do I get the ROT deduction for exterior painting?

Yes, for the labour cost at 30 %. Paint and materials do not qualify.

How often does the façade need repainting?

It depends on the type of paint, which way the wall faces and how well the preparation was done. South- and west-facing walls usually wear fastest. Let the painter assess the condition.

Can acrylic paint be applied over linseed oil paint?

It is generally not recommended, as the paint types behave differently and it can lead to flaking. Ask the painter which paint suits your surface.

This information is general and may change. Always check the current rules with the relevant authority, for example Skatteverket, Elsäkerhetsverket or Transportstyrelsen.

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