Pre-1978 homes almost certainly contain lead paint. Federal law requires EPA-certified contractors for renovation work that disturbs painted surfaces. The specialists listed here are certified and experienced with historic paint removal, preparation, and application.
Ask to see the contractor's EPA RRP certificate and verify it directly. Ask how they contain and dispose of lead paint debris.
Only EPA RRP-certified contractors may legally disturb lead paint in pre-1978 homes. Uncertified work creates liability for both the contractor and homeowner — fines up to $37,500 per violation.
Read the full guide →18 yrs · 90/100 historic score · Alexandria, VA
Old Town Exterior Painters has been painting historic homes in Old Town Alexandria since 2006. We work closely with the Alexandria Board of Architectural Review on approved paint colors and techniques for historic district properties.
14 yrs · 87/100 historic score · Washington, DC
Historic Hues Painting is an EPA RRP-certified firm serving DC's historic neighborhoods. We specialize in lead-safe paint removal and application of period-appropriate exterior paint schemes using historically accurate color palettes.
14 yrs · 87/100 historic score · Fredericksburg, VA
Fredericksburg Period Painters provides historically sensitive painting services for homes in Fredericksburg's Historic District. We offer period paint color research using the original paint samples whenever available.
11 yrs · 85/100 historic score · Baltimore, MD
Historic Baltimore Painters is an EPA-certified lead renovation, repair, and painting (RRP) company serving historic homes across Baltimore. We provide detailed paint history analysis and period-appropriate color consultation.
9 yrs · 83/100 historic score · Arlington, VA
Arlington Historic Painters provides EPA-certified lead-safe painting services for pre-1978 homes throughout Arlington County. We are experienced in the paint requirements of Arlington's historic overlay districts.
10 yrs · 83/100 historic score · Bethesda, MD
Bethesda Historic Painters provides EPA-certified lead-safe painting services for historic homes in Montgomery County. We specialize in the careful preparation of wood surfaces before applying historically appropriate paints.
8 yrs · 80/100 historic score · Silver Spring, MD
Silver Spring Historic Painters brings experience and care to painting historic homes throughout Silver Spring and Takoma Park. We are EPA-certified and provide detailed color history analysis for every project.
7 yrs · 77/100 historic score · Rockville, MD
Rockville Historic Painters serves the older neighborhoods of Rockville with careful, EPA-certified lead-safe painting services. We offer a complete exterior painting service from surface preparation through final topcoat application.
6 yrs · 76/100 historic score · Falls Church, VA
Falls Church Historic Painters provides expert painting services for historic homes in Falls Church and the surrounding Northern Virginia area. We are lead-safe certified and experienced with the specific paint challenges of pre-war wooden siding.
Showing 9 specialists in the DMV.
Why It Matters
General contractors are rarely trained in the materials and methods used in pre-1950 construction. Hiring a non-specialist for painting work on a historic home can cause damage that is expensive — or impossible — to reverse.
Federal law requires certified contractors for lead paint disturbance in pre-1978 homes. The homeowner shares legal liability for uncertified work.
Proper containment and disposal of lead paint dust and debris protects your family and meets regulatory requirements.
Oil-based paints, milk paints, and lime washes used on historic homes require specific preparation and application knowledge.
20x
more expensive to fix a wrong repair than to hire right the first time
Historic exterior and interior painting with lead-safe practices.
The DMV area has a rich architectural heritage spanning colonial-era stone construction through early 20th century brick rowhouses. Each era presents unique challenges that require specialists who understand the original materials, methods, and the historic district requirements that govern exterior modifications.