How much does it really cost to paint a commercial building in DFW this year?
We asked Andrey Shelokovskiy, General Manager of Nomad Coatings, and Alan Ely, Production Manager, to break down the real factors behind the numbers — and share what every property owner or GC should know before budgeting their next project.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Commercial Exterior Painting in Dallas–Fort Worth?
Your total cost depends on surface prep, access, coating system, safety compliance, and project logistics.
Alan Ely, Production Manager, summarizes it simply:
“Prep is everything. A smooth wall might be ready to spray, but 40-year-old stucco in the Texas sun? You’ll spend half the budget fixing what paint alone can’t hide.”
1. Surface Condition & Preparation
Cleaning, patching, priming, and moisture control form the foundation of any long-lasting job. Nomad Coatings follows OSHA standards to ensure safety and coating integrity.
At the CVS in Arlington, our crew performed a complete building and lot wash, sealed cracks, and applied Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial DTM and A-100 Exterior across 20,000 sq ft — all while keeping the store open to customers. That’s what professional coordination looks like.
2. Building Size & Access
Larger buildings usually lower cost per sq ft, but height and equipment needs can offset that.
“A single-story warehouse in Arlington might run $1.80 per sq ft, but add multiple levels, parapets, or restricted access — you’re closer to $3,” explains Ely.
Example: at the Amazon Distribution Center in Mesquite, Nomad Coatings repainted more than 100,000 sq ft of industrial awnings and structural steel using Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial Multi-Surface coatings. The scale of work reduced per-sq-ft cost by 15% compared to small retail properties.
3. Coating System & Material Quality
Premium coatings matter in Texas weather. UV radiation and humidity demand high-performance systems like Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint, Conflex Sherlastic, or Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec DTM based on the substrate type.
“In North Texas, cheap paint is expensive in the long run,” says Shelokovskiy. “We specify coatings that handle 110°F heat and seasonal expansion without cracking.”
The Watermark Church project in Dallas shows how finish type impacts both price and look: our team restored 12,000 sq ft of cedar siding with a transparent stain, preserving the wood’s tone while adding a long-term barrier against moisture and sun.
4. Safety & Compliance
Safety always influences cost — and schedule.
Crews operate under OSHA 1926 Subpart M (Fall Protection) and ANSI Lift Operation to ensure zero incidents.
“It’s not a corner we cut. Safety compliance is part of cost control — accidents are always more expensive,” notes Ely.
At the Westin Hotel Rooftop in Irving, our painters applied SW Duration Exterior on elevated mechanical enclosures under full fall-protection procedures — the project finished ahead of schedule, incident-free.
5. Scheduling & Complexity
Projects with off-hour or occupied settings (medical centers, schools, retail) require careful phasing and supervision. The added coordination slightly increases cost but keeps operations uninterrupted.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Commercial Building in DFW in 2025?
Average cost ranges from $1.50 to $3.50 per sq ft, depending on building type, height, and surface condition.
Andrey Shelokovskiy adds:
“Price without context means nothing. What matters is what’s included — prep, safety, warranty, and the right system for that substrate.”
Average Cost by Building Type (2025)
| Building Type | Average Cost (per sq ft) | Notes |
| Warehouse / Distribution Center | $1.50 – $2.20 | Large open facades, minimal detail |
| Retail / Restaurant | $2.00 – $2.80 | Brand standards, signage coordination |
| Office Building (2–4 stories) | $2.50 – $3.25 | Lift work, glazing details |
| Healthcare / Medical | $2.80 – $3.50 | Limited hours, containment |
| Schools / Universities | $2.50 – $3.30 | High surface area, seasonal work |
The Turley Law Building in Dallas — a mid-rise facade restored with SW Duration and Loxon XP — shows how mixed materials (metal, EIFS, concrete) affect total cost, typically reaching $3.25 per sq ft.
Example Cost Calculator (10,000 sq ft Repaint)
A 10,000 sq ft commercial repaint in DFW typically costs $25,000–$30,000, or about $2.60 per sq ft.
Case in point: At the CVS in Weatherford, Nomad Coatings repainted roughly 18,000 sq ft with PPG Sun Proof, completing the project in under two weeks with zero disruption — a typical mid-range retail job.
“That’s what we call predictable performance — no surprises, no shutdowns,” says Ely.
Step-by-Step: Commercial Repaint Process
- Site Assessment — Evaluate access, substrate, and coating history.
- Surface Preparation — Clean, repair, and prime for adhesion.
- Coating Application — Apply specified system (1–2 coats) with controlled film thickness.
- Quality & Safety Check — Final inspection against manufacturer and OSHA standards.
| Category | Description | Unit Cost | Subtotal |
| Surface Prep & Priming | Wash, caulk, patch, prime | $0.35 | $3,500 |
| Finish Coating (2 coats) | SW SuperPaint / PPG Permanizer | $1.25 | $12,500 |
| Equipment & Access | Lifts, scaffolding, staging | $0.25 | $2,500 |
| Labor & Supervision | OSHA-certified crew + foreman | $0.75 | $7,500 |
| Total | ≈ $26,000 |
Need a ballpark estimate for your next project?
Nomad Coatings provides free estimates with full scope and cost breakdowns.
How to Choose the Right Painting Contractor in DFW?
Choose experience, compliance, and clarity over the lowest bid.
Andrey Shelokovskiy explains:
“Good contractors don’t just give prices — they give structure. We break down every line item so owners and GCs know exactly what they’re paying for.”
Contractor Checklist
- Proven experience in commercial and industrial projects
- Active insurance and OSHA-compliant crews
- Transparent, itemized proposals
- References from local DFW clients
- Flexible scheduling — night or weekend availability
Nomad Coatings delivers across sectors — from Senior Living Community in Fort Worth using Conflex Sherlastic for waterproofing, to Highland Park High School’s Practice Facility in Dallas, where coordination around daily operations was crucial.
“We adapt to your schedule, not the other way around,” says Ely.
Between $1.50 and $3.50 per sq ft, depending on scope and access.
Nomad Coatings at a Glance
- 15+ years of commercial painting experience across Texas
- OSHA-compliant and fully insured crews
- Trusted by national brands — CVS, Amazon, Westin Hotels
- Detailed estimating system covering every surface and elevation
- Focus on safety, ROI, and zero-interruption project delivery
Plan Smart. Paint Once.
“Painting is not an expense — it’s asset protection,” says Shelokovskiy. “When coatings are applied right, they pay back in fewer repairs, less downtime, and higher property value.”
From retail chains to large distribution hubs, Nomad Coatings helps DFW businesses extend the life of their assets — safely, efficiently, and transparently.
Get Your Free Commercial Estimate
Managing or upgrading a property in Dallas–Fort Worth?
Our team will calculate a detailed, transparent estimate tailored to your building type, coating system, and schedule — without interrupting your daily operations.
Call us at (817) 382‑6004 or drop us a note through the Contact form. We’ll set up a walkthrough or review your plans, and get you a clear proposal. Let’s get it done right the first time.