How long does a typical residential painting job take in Ottawa?

You want a straight answer.

You also want to know why your neighbor’s “two-day job” turned into two weeks.

Time depends on scope, prep, and dry time.Not the calendar. Not guesswork.

Here’s what actually happens on real homes across Ottawa neighborhoods.

Interior Room Painting (Walls, Ceilings, Trim)

Average time: 1–2 days per room

What controls the clock:

• Furniture moving and floor protection

• Drywall repairs and sanding

• Caulking gaps in trim

• Two full coats with proper cut lines

• Dry time between coats (winter helps here)

Example:

• Bedroom or office → 1 day

• Large living room with ceilings and trim → 2 days

If you hear “we’ll be in and out in a few hours,” prep is getting skipped.

Whole Interior Repaint

Average time: 3–6 days

Typical Ottawa detached home (1,800–2,500 sq ft):

• Day 1: Protection, prep, repairs

• Day 2–4: Ceilings, walls

• Day 5–6: Trim, doors, touchups

Why winter is faster:

• Low humidity

• Faster curing

• Windows stay closed so dust stays out

This is why winter is prime time for interior projects.

Kitchen Cabinet Painting (Spray Finish)

Average time: 7–10 days total

This surprises most homeowners.

Because cabinet painting is not “painting in your kitchen.”

Process used by Ottawa Cabinet Painting:

• Day 1: Remove doors/drawers, label, transport to spray booth

• Day 2–6: Clean, sand, prime, spray multiple coats in a dust-free booth

• Day 7: Cure time with hardeners

• Day 8–10: Reinstall and final adjustments

Your kitchen stays usable the entire time.

That timeline is about curing, not labour.

Exterior House Painting

Average time: 3–5 days

Depends on:

• Height and ladder work

• Scraping and sanding peeling areas

• Weather windows

• Sun exposure by elevation

Small bungalow → 3 daysTwo-storey with trim detail → 5 days

Rain resets the clock. Prep cannot be rushed outdoors.

Trim, Doors, and Detail Work Only

Average time: 2–3 days

This takes longer than people expect.

Why:

• Dry time between enamel coats

• Sanding between coats for smooth finish

• Clean lines where trim meets walls

This is where “crisp lines” come from.

What Slows Projects Down

These add days fast:

• Poor prep from previous painters

• Dark colors being covered with white

• Heavy drywall repairs

• Occupied rooms with lots of contents

• Rushed crews trying to “save time”

You don’t see these in quotes. You see them in delays.

What Speeds Projects Up

• Large, organized crew

• Clear rooms before painters arrive

• Choosing colors before start day

• Doing work in winter months

• Hiring a team that does prep first, paint second

That’s how Axcell Painting & Decorating finishes full homes in under a week when timelines matter.

Quick Timeline Cheat Sheet

• 1 room → 1–2 days

• Whole interior → 3–6 days

• Cabinets (spray booth) → 7–10 days

• Exterior → 3–5 days

• Trim & doors only → 2–3 days

If a quote promises faster than this, ask what step is being skipped.

Want a Real Timeline for Your Home?

Every house is different.

You can get a clear plan in under 48 hours.

Call 613-722-1059 or request a quote at www.axcellpainting.com

You’ll know exactly how many days your project needs. And why.