Interior vs. Exterior Painting: What Austin Homeowners Need to Know

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most transformative and cost-effective home improvements you can make. But painting in Austin comes with unique considerations due to our climate and the variety of home styles across the city. Here is what you need to know about interior and exterior painting in Central Texas.

Best Time to Paint Exteriors in Austin: The ideal window for exterior painting in Austin is spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). Summer temperatures above 95 degrees can cause paint to dry too quickly, leading to brush marks and adhesion issues. Winter can bring unexpected cold snaps that interfere with curing. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and lower humidity for optimal results.

Interior Painting Considerations: Interior painting can be done year-round in Austin since temperature and humidity are controlled indoors. However, proper ventilation is important for paint fumes. Many Austin homeowners schedule interior painting during mild weather so they can open windows. Low-VOC and zero-VOC paints are increasingly popular for health-conscious families.

Choosing the Right Paint: For Austin exteriors, we recommend 100% acrylic latex paint with UV protection. Our climate's intense sun exposure degrades cheaper paints quickly. Sherwin-Williams Duration and Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior are excellent choices that hold up to Austin's heat. For interiors, eggshell and satin finishes are most popular for living areas, while semi-gloss works best for bathrooms and trim.

Prep Work Makes the Difference: The most important factor in a long-lasting paint job is preparation. For exteriors, this means pressure washing, scraping loose paint, caulking gaps, priming bare wood, and protecting landscaping. For interiors, it involves patching holes, sanding rough spots, taping edges, and priming stains. At Castilleja Construction, we spend as much time on prep as on painting itself.

Cost Expectations: Interior painting in Austin typically costs $2-$6 per square foot depending on the condition of walls, number of colors, and ceiling height. Exterior painting ranges from $3,000-$10,000 for an average Austin home, depending on size, stories, and prep work needed. Homes in areas like West Lake Hills and Dripping Springs with larger footprints may cost more.

Whether you are refreshing your living room or protecting your home's exterior, professional painting is an investment that pays off. Contact Castilleja Construction for a free painting estimate in Austin and the surrounding areas.