Washington, D.C. contains one of the densest concentrations of historic brick rowhouses in the United States, with many dating to the Federal and Victorian periods of the 1800s and some of the oldest stock predating the Civil War. Painting these attached structures requires specialized masonry skills because once brick is painted, the surface enters a cycle of repainting every three to five years, and improper products can trap moisture inside the wall. Many rowhouses in Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Columbia Heights, and Petworth also fall within historic districts that impose restrictions on exterior color choices and surface modifications, meaning painters must be familiar with local preservation guidelines before committing to materials.
Homeowners in D.C. typically look for contractors experienced with both masonry and standard interior finishes, since the typical rowhouse combines painted brick exteriors with plaster or drywall interiors that may have suffered settling cracks over decades. Painters who can handle surface repairs, lead paint encapsulation (relevant in pre-1978 buildings), and color consultation for historic streetscapes are in steady demand throughout the District’s established neighborhoods.
Klappenberger and Son
Founded: 1989
Address: 1775 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (240) 512-6477
Website: https://klappenbergerandson.com
Services: Interior painting, exterior painting, power washing, wallpaper removal, deck and fence sealing and staining, lead paint encapsulation
Products Used: Not specified
David Klappenberger founded this company in 1989, and it has grown into a multi-location operation serving the D.C. metro area with a full range of residential and commercial painting services. The company’s Washington office has completed projects at notable government and institutional sites including the Pentagon, the Smithsonian, and the White House, giving their crews experience with historically sensitive and architecturally complex structures. Klappenberger and Son offers exterior warranties of up to seven years and interior warranties up to 10 years, and reports that 94 percent of clients recommend them to others.
HomePro DMV Painters
Founded: 2005
Address: 2446 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
Phone: Not publicly listed
Website: https://homeprodmv.com
Services: Interior painting, exterior painting, drywall repair, wallpaper installation, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, flooring installation, deck repair
Products Used: Not specified
Family-owned since its founding in 2005, HomePro DMV has built a reputation for high-quality interior work across D.C., Bethesda, Potomac, Arlington, and Northern Virginia. The company was recognized as the Best Painter DC in 2024, a designation reflecting consistent performance across residential projects throughout the District. Their service scope extends beyond painting into broader remodeling work, making them a practical option for homeowners managing renovation projects that require coordinated trades.
Image Painting
Founded: 2001
Address: 200 Little Falls Street, Suite G-201A, Falls Church, VA 22046
Phone: (703) 256-2271
Website: https://imagepainting.com
Services: Interior painting, exterior painting, wallpaper installation, drywall repair, carpentry
Products Used: Not specified
Image Painting has served the Washington D.C. metropolitan area from its Falls Church base since 2001, operating as a locally owned and family-run contractor. The company maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has received 5-star ratings from 95 verified customer reviews. All painters on staff wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and have completed criminal background checks, a standard the company has held since its founding to support client confidence in at-home access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does interior painting cost in Washington, D.C.?
A: Interior painting in Washington, D.C. typically runs between $600 and $4,200 per room depending on room size, with per-square-foot rates ranging from $1.80 to $4.20 plus materials. Labor constitutes 60 to 75 percent of most project totals in the D.C. market, which has higher contractor rates than many U.S. cities.
Q: Can historic rowhouses in D.C. be painted on the exterior?
A: Many D.C. rowhouses can be painted, but properties in designated historic districts are subject to review by the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board, which may restrict exterior color palettes and surface treatments. Properties outside historic districts generally have no such restrictions, though once brick is painted, ongoing repainting every three to five years becomes a maintenance commitment.
Q: Do D.C. painters need to handle lead paint concerns?
A: Yes, in any home built before 1978, lead paint may be present and federal law requires contractors to follow EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rules, which include certified lead-safe work practices. Homeowners should confirm that any contractor working in older D.C. properties is EPA RRP certified before work begins.
Washington’s built environment gives painters here a broader skill requirement than most markets: masonry knowledge for the brick-heavy housing stock, familiarity with historic preservation standards that vary by neighborhood, and the standard interior expertise that every residential project demands. Contractors who have been working in the District for a decade or more are typically the most prepared to navigate that range.