Paint protects and improves sound surfaces. It cannot hold together wood, plaster or metal that has failed. Here is how to tell the two apart.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Manhattan labor rates, building rules, access and the state of your walls move the number up or down. Last checked October 2026.
Should I paint or replace my kitchen cabinets?
Paint them if the boxes are solid, the doors hang straight and you like the layout. Replace them if the boxes are swollen from water, the shelves sag or the kitchen does not work for you.
The national figures are $2,000 to $6,500 to paint and $4,500 to $15,000 to replace. In a co-op or condo, new cabinets can also mean board paperwork and a longer wait.
Should I repair old plaster or replace it with drywall?
Repair it when the plaster is still firmly attached. Cracks, small holes and rough areas can be filled, taped and skim coated to a smooth wall.
Plaster that has pulled away from the lath, sounds hollow when tapped or crumbles after a leak is past patching in that area. That section is cut out and filled with drywall or new plaster, then blended in. Solid plaster is worth keeping. It is harder and quieter than drywall.
Is it cheaper to paint or replace old siding?
It is cheaper to paint old siding than to replace it. Nationally, painting vinyl siding costs $1,500 to $5,000 against $4,800 to $11,100 to replace it. For aluminum it is $1,500 to $7,000 to paint against $6,300 to $20,100 to replace.
Siding is uncommon in Manhattan, where most walls are brick or stone. You see it on some rear extensions and rooftop additions. No published figure compares painting with replacing for wood, stucco or brick.
My wood siding is faded, cracked or 30 years old: paint or replace?
Paint it if the boards are still hard. Faded color and fine surface cracks are normal on old wood siding and come right with scraping, sanding, primer and two coats.
Replace boards that are split through, cupped or soft. Age alone is not the test. Push a screwdriver into the worst spots. Wood that resists is worth painting.
Wood with some rot: paint it or replace it first?
Fix the rot first. Paint over rotted wood fails quickly, because the wood under it holds water and keeps decaying.
A few bad boards or a rotted sill can be replaced before painting, and the rest of the wall kept. Find out why it rotted too. In row houses it is usually a leaking gutter, a failed joint at a window or water running down from the cornice.
Rotting or soft window trim: fill and paint, or new trim?
Small soft spots in trim can be dug out, hardened and filled. Trim that is soft along most of its length should be replaced.
Old townhouses often have shaped wood trim that is hard to match from stock. Saving the sound parts and repairing the damaged ends keeps the original profile. On a landmarked building, new trim may need to match what was there.
Can a painter patch dry rot with epoxy or do I need a carpenter?
A painter can patch small areas of rot with a two-part epoxy wood filler. You need a carpenter when the damage is structural or covers a long run.
Epoxy works well on a sill corner, the foot of a door casing or a section of molding. A rotted door frame, a sagging window or damaged framing is carpentry. We tell you which one you have.
Should I paint or replace old windows and doors?
Paint them if they open, close and seal properly. Replace or restore them if the wood is rotted, the sashes are painted shut beyond freeing or the glass is loose.
In pre-1960 buildings, windows and doors are where lead paint most often turns to dust, because the painted parts rub. New York City's lead law has special rules for these surfaces in rentals. See our lead paint page before sanding old windows.
Should I paint or replace a rusted iron railing or fire escape?
Paint it if the metal is still thick and solid under the rust. Surface rust can be scraped, wire brushed, primed and painted.
If the metal is flaking in layers, holed or loose in the masonry, it needs a metalworker before a painter. A fire escape is safety equipment, so any doubt about its strength should go to a qualified professional.
Grey, splintering deck boards: stain or replace?
Grey boards can be cleaned and stained. Boards that splinter badly, crack along their length or feel soft should be replaced.
Grey is only sun-damaged surface wood. Cleaning or light sanding brings back a sound face. Deep splinters mean the wood has dried and split, and stain will not close those cracks.
Chalky aluminum siding or metal panels: paint or cover?
Paint them. Chalk on old aluminum is the factory coating breaking down, and it washes off. Once the metal is clean and dull, acrylic paint bonds well to it.
Wipe a hand across it. If white powder comes off, the surface must be washed until it stops before any paint goes on. Covering or replacing only makes sense when panels are dented or loose.
Is a 20-year-old deck worth painting or staining?
Yes, if the frame is sound. Check the posts, joists and the ledger where the old deck meets the building. If those are solid, new stain or a few new boards can give it more years.
If the structure is soft or loose, do not spend money on a finish. On a roof deck or terrace, the condition of the roof underneath matters more than the boards.
A free estimate with a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (917) 970-7431.