📍 Des Moines, Iowa · 24/7 emergencyLicensed & insured · [📞 (321) 485-8144](tel:3214858144) [Des Moines Painting Company](/) [Home](/)[Services](/services/)[Coverage](/areas/)[FAQs](/faq/)[Blog](/blog/)[About](/about/)[Contact](/contact/)🌐 EN ▾[English](/blog/painting-a-rental-property-in-des-moines-landlord-tips/)[Español](/es/blog/painting-a-rental-property-in-des-moines-landlord-tips/) [📞 Call now](tel:3214858144)☰ [Home](/) › [Blog](/blog/) › Painting a Rental Property in Des Moines: Landlord Tips Blog · 2026-07-15 # Painting a Rental Property in Des Moines: Landlord Tips DEDes Moines Painting Company Editorial Team Licensed painting professionals In this article [1. Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Durability](#sec-choosing-the-right-paint-finish-for-dura)[2. Color Selection: Neutral and Tenant-Friendly](#sec-color-selection-neutral-and-tenant-frien)[3. Preparing the Property for Painting](#sec-preparing-the-property-for-painting)[4. Timing and Scheduling Between Tenants](#sec-timing-and-scheduling-between-tenants) Owning a rental property in Des Moines comes with its own set of responsibilities. One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your property attractive to tenants is a fresh coat of paint. But painting a rental is not the same as painting your own home. You need to think about durability, turnaround time, and what will appeal to a wide range of renters. The right approach can save you money, reduce vacancies, and protect your investment for years. ## Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Durability The finish you choose matters more than the color. In a rental, walls take a beating. Tenants might hang pictures, move furniture, or have children and pets. Flat paint looks nice but shows every scuff and is hard to clean. For rental properties, you want a finish that stands up to scrubbing and light wear. - For walls, an eggshell or satin finish is a good middle ground. It offers a slight sheen, resists stains, and can be wiped clean. - For trim, doors, and cabinets, use a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish. These are tough and easy to clean, and they hold up well to repeated contact. - In kitchens and bathrooms, consider a satin or semi-gloss to handle moisture and grease. Des Moines has humid summers and cold, dry winters. This can cause paint to expand and contract. A quality paint with a flexible acrylic base will perform better than cheaper options. If your property has a basement unit, be aware that below-grade walls may need a moisture-resistant primer and paint. Talk to a professional about the best products for Iowa's climate. ## Color Selection: Neutral and Tenant-Friendly Color is a major factor in how quickly a rental rents. Bright, bold colors might be your personal taste, but they can turn off potential tenants. Most renters want a blank canvas they can decorate around. Stick to neutral, light tones that make rooms feel larger and brighter. - Warm grays, light greiges, and off-white are popular choices in the Des Moines market. They work well with any furniture style. - Avoid stark white, which can feel cold and shows dirt easily. Instead, choose a warm white or a soft beige. - For accent walls, it is safer to keep them neutral. If you want a pop of color, consider a subtle blue-gray or sage green that still feels calm. Neutral colors also help you avoid frequent repaints. If you choose a color that appeals to most people, you can often go several turnovers without needing to repaint the entire unit. Just spot-paint any scuffs or touch up the trim. This saves time and money between tenants. ## Preparing the Property for Painting Proper preparation makes the paint job last longer. In a rental, shortcuts often lead to peeling or chipping down the road. Start by cleaning the walls to remove dust, grease, and cobwebs. Fill all nail holes and cracks with spackle, then sand smooth. If the previous tenant had dark or bold colors, you will need a good quality primer to prevent bleed-through. For older homes in Des Moines, many were built before 1978. If your property was built before that year, lead-based paint may be present. Federal law requires that you disclose this to tenants, and any renovation that disturbs paint must be done by a certified lead-safe contractor. Professional painters can handle this safely and comply with EPA regulations. Even if your property is newer, priming is still important for even coverage and adhesion. Another consideration: if you are painting over a dark color, or if the walls are stained, a stain-blocking primer is essential. This prevents odors and stains from bleeding through the new paint. In basements, consider a mold-resistant primer, which is helpful in Des Moines damp conditions. ## Timing and Scheduling Between Tenants The best time to paint is when the unit is empty. This allows painters to work quickly without moving furniture, and it gives the paint time to cure properly. Ideally, schedule painting after the unit has been cleaned and any repairs are done, but before new flooring is installed. This way, you avoid drips on new carpet or hardwood. Des Moines weather can affect drying times. In the summer, high humidity may slow down drying, so plan for extra ventilation. In the winter, cold temperatures can make paint thick and difficult to apply. Most professional painters can work year-round, but they will adjust their process to the conditions. Aim for a window of several days between tenants to allow for painting, drying, and a final walkthrough. If you have a quick turnover, a professional crew can often complete a standard two-bedroom apartment in one to two days. They know how to work efficiently without sacrificing quality. This is where hiring a local painting company saves you time and stress. A well-painted rental property is one of the best investments you can make as a landlord. It boosts curb appeal, helps you attract quality tenants, and protects your walls from everyday wear. For reliable, professional painting in Des Moines, consider Des Moines Painting Company. They understand the local climate, rental market, and the specific needs of rental properties. To learn more about how they can help you prepare your property for your next tenant, visit their website or call to schedule a consultation. Need help with painting in Des Moines? [📞 Call now](tel:3214858144) ## Related guides [Blog · 2026-07-15Best Interior Paint Colors for Des Moines Homes in 2025](/blog/best-interior-paint-colors-for-des-moines-homes-in-2025/)[Blog · 2026-07-15How to Choose a Painting Contractor in Des Moines](/blog/how-to-choose-a-painting-contractor-in-des-moines/)[Blog · 2026-07-15Preparing Your Des Moines Home for an Exterior Paint Job](/blog/preparing-your-des-moines-home-for-an-exterior-paint-job/)[Blog · 2026-07-15Top 5 Paint Finishes for High-Traffic Areas in Des Moines](/blog/top-5-paint-finishes-for-high-traffic-areas-in-des-moines/) ## Need help in Des Moines today? 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