Des Moines experiences some of the most demanding weather conditions for exterior paint in the Midwest, with humid summers regularly pushing above 90 degrees followed by winters that drive temperatures well below zero. That freeze-thaw cycle is hard on painted surfaces, and the city’s substantial stock of older homes, many built in the early-to-mid 20th century, means exterior repainting is a regular maintenance need rather than an occasional luxury. Spring and fall are the prime painting windows, as contractors and homeowners both know that applying paint outside the 50-85 degree sweet spot invites adhesion problems.
Homeowners in Des Moines tend to prioritize painters who understand Iowa weather and can recommend products rated for temperature swings and moisture exposure. Word-of-mouth referrals carry significant weight in this market, and local contractors who have built reputations through CityView’s annual reader polls or neighborhood networks tend to book out faster than those relying on online advertising alone.
Peterson Painting
Founded: 1969
Address: 2110 63rd Street, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
Phone: (515) 274-1883
Website: https://petersonpainting.net
Services: Interior painting, exterior painting, stain and varnish, drywall and plaster repair, cabinet refinishing, wallpaper removal and installation, high-pressure cleaning, elastomeric application, specialty coatings
Products Used: Not specified
Started by Bob Peterson as a passion project while he was a first-generation college student, Peterson Painting has been a fixture in the Des Moines metro since 1969. His son Cary took over the family business and has kept the focus on relationship-building over volume, serving both residential and commercial clients across central Iowa from their Windsor Heights location.
GLS Painting
Founded: 2017
Address: 23257 120th Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
Phone: (515) 441-1048
Website: https://www.glspainting.com
Services: Interior painting, exterior painting, deck staining and restoration, cabinet refinishing, pressure washing
Products Used: Benjamin Moore
Owner Chris Signs launched GLS Painting with a straightforward approach, quality over quantity, and the company has earned Cityview’s Best Home Painter Award for 2023 along with a seven-year product and workmanship guarantee on completed projects. They serve Des Moines and surrounding communities and are fully licensed and insured, with a decade of hands-on painting experience behind the founding team.
Zoab Painting
Founded: 2019
Address: 309 Court Ave, Suite 841, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 414-8441
Website: https://zoabpainting.com
Services: Interior painting, exterior painting, cabinet refinishing, siding repairs
Products Used: Not specified
Patrick Bardwell founded Zoab Painting after training in interior design at the Colorado Institute of Art and returning to Iowa to build a painting business rooted in design sensibility. The company holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and serves the Des Moines metro area with a focus on residential projects ranging from single rooms to full home interiors and exteriors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does interior painting cost in Des Moines?
A: Interior painting in Des Moines typically runs between $2,800 and $6,500 for a full home, depending on square footage, number of rooms, and prep work required. Single-room projects generally fall in the $400 to $900 range. Independent local contractors often price lower than national franchises.
Q: When is the best time to schedule exterior painting in Des Moines?
A: Spring and early fall are the optimal windows, when temperatures hold between 50 and 85 degrees and humidity is manageable. Contractors book up quickly during these periods, so scheduling two to three months in advance is advisable. Avoid late fall and winter exterior work, as low temperatures interfere with paint adhesion and curing.
Q: Do Des Moines painters handle both residential and commercial projects?
A: Most established local painters take on both, though some specialize. Peterson Painting has a dedicated commercial division, and GLS Painting handles apartment complexes and small commercial spaces in addition to residential work. Always confirm the contractor has experience relevant to your specific project type before signing a contract.
Des Moines continues to see steady demand for painting services as the metro area grows and its older neighborhoods undergo renovation. The combination of aging Victorian and Craftsman bungalows in neighborhoods like Sherman Hill and the ongoing development in the suburbs keeps both interior and exterior painters consistently busy across the city.