Exterior Painting in Dallas (Homeowner Guide + Costs)

If you live in Dallas you already know how intense the weather can be. The sun is strong, summers get hot and sudden storms can beat up the outside of your house. These conditions slowly wear down exterior paint. When paint cracks or fades it is not only a visual problem. It also exposes your home to moisture, wood rot and long-term damage.
According to Sherwin-Williams homes in hot and sunny regions like Texas lose paint faster because UV rays break down paint binders at a higher rate. This makes exterior painting one of the most important home maintenance tasks for Dallas homeowners. A fresh paint job improves curb appeal, protects siding and increases the lifespan of your home’s exterior.
This guide explains when to repaint and how much it costs, what paint works best for Texas weather and how to choose the right painter in Dallas.
How Often Should You Repaint a House in Dallas?
Different parts of the country have different repaint cycles. In cooler states exterior paint can last up to 10 years. But in Dallas homes need repainting more often because of heat and UV exposure.
Benjamin Moore reports that the average repaint cycle in hot climates is 5–7 years for most surfaces.
HomeAdvisor’s 2025 data also shows that homes in Texas need more frequent repainting than homes in northern states.
Here is a simple guide based on surface type:
- Wood siding: 3–7 years
- Stucco: 5–10 years
- Fiber cement: 7–12 years
- Brick (painted): 7–15 years
If you notice fading, cracking or chalky residue on your fingers when you rub the surface your home likely needs a new coat.
Signs Your Home Needs Exterior Painting
Most people wait until paint is peeling badly but early signs help you act before damage spreads.
Look for:
- Color fading from heat
- Chipping or peeling paint
- Exposed wood spots
- Cracks around trim or siding
- Mold or mildew around shaded areas
- Water stains after storms
The EPA warns that peeling paint exposes wood to moisture and moisture is one of the fastest ways exterior surfaces begin to rot. If you notice any of these signs repainting soon can prevent costly structural repairs.
Exterior Painting Costs in Dallas (2025 Data)
Costs vary depending on home size, the paint used and how much prep work is needed. Dallas prices also depend on sun exposure and how many sides of the house receive strong UV during the day.
Average Cost Range
According to HomeAdvisor (2025) exterior painting in Texas typically costs:
$1.50–$4.00 per square foot
Angi (2025) reports that most full-home exterior paint jobs in the U.S. cost between:
$3,000–$8,000
Dallas sits in the middle of this range because of labor costs and weather conditions.
Sample Cost by Home Size
Using HomeAdvisor’s sq-ft pricing:
- 1,500 sq ft home: $2,500–$5,000
- 2,000 sq ft home: $3,000–$7,000
- 3,000 sq ft home: $5,000–$10,000
What Affects the Cost
According to the Forbes Home (2025) lists the biggest cost factors as:
- Prep work (scraping, sanding, caulking)
- Repairs for wood rot or damaged siding
- Paint quality and brand
- Number of stories
- Home design complexity
- Weather delays
Homes with peeling paint or damaged trim will always cost more because painters must fix the surface before applying new paint.
Best Paint Types for Dallas Weather
Not all exterior paints survive Texas heat. You need paint that can handle UV rays, humidity, rain and temperature swings.
Acrylic Exterior Paint
Sherwin-Williams recommends 100% acrylic paint for southern states because it resists fading and peeling better than oil-based paint. Acrylic also expands and contracts with Texas heat which helps prevent cracks.
Low-VOC Paint Options
The EPA advises choosing low-VOC paint to keep the air cleaner around your home. Many modern exterior paints now use low-odor and low-VOC formulas.
Trusted Brands for Long-Lasting Results
Consumer Reports' latest exterior paint rankings highlight these top performers:
- Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint
- Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior
- Behr Premium Plus Ultra
These paints show higher durability scores especially in sunny climates like Dallas.
Step-by-Step Exterior Painting Process
Understanding the full painting process helps you know what you are paying for and why quality prep matters.
1. Inspection and Prep Work
Painters check the exterior for damage, old paint issues, holes, cracks and moisture spots.
Then they prepare the surface by:
- Power washing
- Scraping peeling paint
- Sanding rough spots
- Caulking gaps around windows and trim
- Priming bare wood
This Old House says prep work makes up 70 percent of a long-lasting exterior paint job. If prep is weak the paint will fail faster.
2. Painting and Application
Painters may use sprayers, rollers and brushes depending on the material and the home’s design.
Key details include:
- Applying even coats
- Back-rolling after spraying
- Using the right temperature window
- Letting each coat dry properly
According to the Sherwin-Williams Application Guide the ideal temperature for exterior painting is 50°F–90°F.
3. Final Check
After painting, a professional painter inspects the work for:
- Clean edges
- Smooth finish
- No missed spots
- Proper coverage on trim and siding
Good finishing work is what separates professional painters from quick DIY jobs.
Exterior Color Trends for Dallas Homes (2026)
Color trends shift every year. Dallas homeowners are choosing cleaner and modern tones that handle sunlight well.
The Sherwin-Williams 2025 Color Forecast and Houzz Exterior Trends Report show these popular choices:
- Soft warm whites
- Earthy beige and taupe
- Charcoal gray
- Navy blue with white trim
- Greige (gray + beige)
These colors look fresh in Texas daylight and help hide dust and sun exposure over time.
DIY vs Professional Exterior Painting
DIY painting may seem cheaper but it takes time, skill and equipment.
When DIY Works
Small sheds, fences or a single wall are manageable if you have painting experience.
Why Professionals Are Better for Full Homes
- Angi reports many homeowners underestimate the time needed for exterior prep.
- OSHA data shows ladder falls are one of the top causes of home injuries.
- Sherwin-Williams warns that poor prep cuts paint life by up to 50 percent.
Hiring a pro ensures the job is safe, clean, and long-lasting.
This is why many homeowners trust services like exterior painting dallas when they want results that last.
How to Choose the Right Exterior Painter in Dallas
Picking the right painter is almost as important as choosing the right paint.
Look for painters who:
- Are licensed and insured
- Explain their prep process clearly
- Use top-rated paint brands
- Offer written quotes
- Share before/after photos
- Have strong Google and Yelp reviews
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends selecting painters with verified customer ratings and transparent service descriptions.
Exterior Painting Checklist for Homeowners
Before your painters arrive, make sure to:
- Remove outdoor décor
- Trim bushes
- Clear pathways
- Confirm paint colors
- Check the weather forecast
- Review the final quote and timeline
Simple prep can save time and prevent delays.
A Fresh Exterior Protects and Raises Value
A clean and freshly painted exterior makes your home look newer and protects it from heat, sun and storms. Zillow research shows that homes with well-maintained exteriors often sell faster and create stronger first impressions.
Whether your paint is fading, peeling or simply outdated repainting is one of the easiest ways to improve your home’s value and durability in Dallas.
If you are ready to refresh your home, start by getting a professional quote so you know your home is protected for the years ahead.