Tacoma receives roughly 41 inches of rain per year, and its proximity to Puget Sound means winter months can see relative humidity levels above 85 percent, conditions that are hard on exterior paint and create consistent mildew and algae growth on siding, decks, and trim. The city has a substantial stock of historic homes in neighborhoods like the North End and Hilltop, many of them built in the early 20th century with wood siding that demands careful preparation and moisture-resistant coatings to remain protected through long wet seasons. Fall is considered the prime exterior painting window, when temperatures hold in the 50-70 degree range that premium paints need for proper curing before winter rains arrive.
Tacoma homeowners are attuned to the specific challenges of the Pacific Northwest climate and tend to seek out painters who understand mildew-resistant formulations, proper surface drying protocols, and the difference between a paint system that will last five years versus one that peels after two wet winters. Historic home experience is a meaningful differentiator in this market, where many of the city’s older properties require careful attention to trim details and period-appropriate finishes.
Impact Painting Services
Founded: Not specified
Address: 4111 Brouse Blvd, Tacoma, WA 98466
Phone: (253) 961-3689
Website: https://impactpaint.com
Services: Residential painting, commercial painting, cabinet painting, interior painting, exterior painting, carpentry and drywall repair, popcorn ceiling removal, dry rot repair
Products Used: Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore
Impact Painting Services is a locally owned contractor serving Tacoma and Pierce County with a focus on the specific conditions of the Pacific Northwest, from salt air exposure in coastal properties to the shifting weather patterns that affect inland homes. They carry two million dollars in general liability insurance and a thirty thousand dollar bond, hold full workers’ compensation coverage, and use exclusively premium Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore products on exterior and interior projects.
Flying Colors Painting
Founded: 1980
Address: 5047 S Washington St, Tacoma, WA 98409
Phone: (253) 588-6911
Website: https://flyingcolorspaintingtacoma.com
Services: Interior painting, exterior painting, historic home painting and restoration
Products Used: Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams
Dustin Wilson founded Flying Colors Painting in 1980 with a vision of serving Tacoma’s residential community through careful craftsmanship, and the company has built particular expertise in the restoration of the city’s historic homes, blending traditional techniques with modern best practices to preserve architectural character. They back all interior painting projects with a one-year warranty and use above contractor-grade Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams paints.
Destiny Painting
Founded: Not specified
Address: 4619 Pacific Ave, Suite A, Tacoma, WA 98408
Phone: (253) 271-3501
Website: https://destinypaintingwa.com
Services: Interior painting, exterior painting, cabinet painting, commercial painting, custom carpentry, color consultations
Products Used: Sherwin-Williams
Destiny Painting is owned and operated by Mark Woolum and serves Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and neighboring communities with a straightforward approach, exterior projects start with a pressure wash and paint scraping before airless sprayer application, and cabinet work receives two high-build primer surfacer coats before topcoats are applied. The company holds an A+ BBB rating and a 5.0-star Google review average from 95 reviews, and donates a portion of profits to the Tacoma Rescue Mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does interior painting cost in Tacoma?
A: Interior painting in Tacoma typically runs $400 to $900 per room for standard residential work, with whole-home projects commonly ranging from $3,500 to $8,000. Tacoma’s cost of living runs about 23 percent above the national average, which is reflected in local painting rates relative to less expensive Washington markets.
Q: When is the best time to schedule exterior painting in Tacoma?
A: Fall, specifically September through mid-November, is the most recommended window for exterior painting in Tacoma. Daytime temperatures typically hold between 50 and 70 degrees, which falls within the curing range for most premium exterior paints, and rainfall is less frequent than in the winter months. Scheduling earlier in the fall allows paint to fully cure before the heavy rains of December and January begin.
Q: Do Tacoma painters offer dry rot repair before painting older homes?
A: Many established local contractors include dry rot assessment and repair as part of their exterior painting service, since untreated rot will cause new paint to fail quickly regardless of product quality. Impact Painting Services specifically lists dry rot repair among their services, and it is worth confirming whether any contractor includes this in their estimate or charges for it separately.
Tacoma’s older neighborhoods and wet climate create a painting market where preparation matters as much as the paint itself, and the contractors who thrive here are those who treat pressure washing, priming, and surface repair as essential steps rather than optional add-ons before the first coat goes on.