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Best 5 Painters in Berkeley, CA

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Written By Callie Marsalisi|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

A fresh layer of paint significantly increases the curb appeal of your home, whether you plan to sell or simply want a change of scenery. However, doing a paint job alone requires a good deal of work and time. To connect with Berkeley's best painting companies, check out our best suggestions for your area.

5 Best Painters in Berkeley, CA

STAHLSCHMIDT PAINTING & RESTORATION LLC Logo

STAHLSCHMIDT PAINTING & RESTORATION

4.7/5
Based on 16 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Interior PaintingExterior Painting

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
1446 Scenic Ave, Berkeley, CA 510-848-4040 stahlschmidt-painting.com
SF Bay Murals Logo

SF Bay Murals

4.7/5
Based on 23 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Exterior PaintingInterior Painting

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Prompt service delivery
2743 Ninth St, Berkeley, CA 760-803-8045 sfbaymurals.com
EAG Painting & Decoration Logo

EAG Painting & Decoration

4.7/5
Based on 27 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Exterior PaintingCabinetsPower WashingColor ConsultationsInterior Painting

Highlights

  • Prompt service delivery
  • Accessible customer support team
  • Free quote
1644 36th Ave, Oakland, CA 510-901-5494 eagpainting.com
Lamorinda Painting Logo

Lamorinda Painting

4.7/5
Based on 17 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Exterior PaintingInterior Painting

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Informative resources
  • Free quote
3559 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 925-890-0361 lamorindapainting.com

More Local Painting Companies

Fresh View Painting

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

1024 Second St
Lafayette, CA 94549

Prestige Custom Painting

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

100 Pine St #1250
San Francisco, CA 94111

Bay Area Painter

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

550 Jessie St
San Francisco, CA 94103

MB Jessee Painting Inc.

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

1552 Beach St ste g
Oakland, CA 94608

Omni Painting and Waterproofing Inc.

User Reviews: 4.0/5 

5495 Claremont Ave suite b
Oakland, CA 94618

Oakland Painters: Arana Craftsman Painters

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

819 San Leandro Blvd
San Leandro, CA 94577

Endure Painting

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

1031 San Leandro Blvd
San Leandro, CA 94577

SF House Painting

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

4220 18th St
San Francisco, CA 94114

Woodiwiss Painting

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

171 Mayhew Way Suite 210
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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Facts about Berkeley
Average Max Temp:70°F
Average Min Temp:51°F
Average Daily Sunlight:68%
Average Painting Cost Per Foot:$0.92
Median Year Houses Built:1960

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Services Offered by Professional Painters

Many painting companies offer both interior and exterior painting, plus other services.

Interior Painting

Interior painting companies have the expertise to help you select interior paints, textures, and finishes and can explain the upkeep requirements of your selections. This helps you find the best paint for your space. As part of the project, your provider will prime and paint trim, door frames, windows, cabinets, and moldings. Some (for an added fee) will strip wallpaper or textured surfaces prior to painting.

Exterior Painting

Before exterior painting, painters mend weathering damage, strip old paint, seal any leaks with caulk, and wash the walls. They follow by painting window frames, decks, siding, doors, trim, fences, and additional outdoor areas.

Additional Services

Skilled painting crews with the right training and experience can also handle additional work, such as the following:
  • Concrete staining
  • Crown molding installation and repair
  • Drywall and plaster repair
  • Popcorn ceiling removal
  • Pressure washing
  • Wallpaper hanging or removal

How To Choose a Painter in Berkeley

When searching for a residential painting contractor, consider these key factors.
  • Cost: Get price ranges from at least three contractors. Use caution if one provider's estimates are significantly lower than others.
  • Guarantees: Make sure you get a written contract outlining any guarantees and that you know the scope and duration of coverage.
  • Paint types: Your painting company can guide you through the different paint choices and their advantages and disadvantages to help you pick the best one for your needs. Certain paint types, for instance, protect against weather damage more effectively or are more eco-friendly.
  • Qualifications: Painters who work on jobs valued at over $500 must be licensed by the California Contractors State License Board. To obtain this license, a contractor must have proof of experience and must have workers' compensation insurance if they have employees. Any contractor you hire should be properly bonded and insured, particularly if they’re working with power equipment or on ladders. If your home was built before 1978, and you're worried about the possible presence of lead, you may want to look for a contractor who is licensed by the EPA to work with lead-based paint.
  • Reputation and reviews: Get family and friends to provide references, or use the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to review companies you’re considering. You can also read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews.

How Much Does Painting Cost in Berkeley?

The price of professional painting work is influenced by the size of your home, the paint types chosen, and the season. Most painters increase their rates during the summer due to increased demand. Both interior and exterior painting jobs typically cost between $0.92 and $3.69 per square foot. Most homes have more interior surface area than exterior surface area, which means the cost to paint inside will be more expensive than the cost to paint outside. The average price to paint a 2,000-square-foot home in Berkeley is $4,607 for exterior work and $1,843 to $7,371 for interior work. Berkeley's local painters may offer alternative rates from $20.37 to $33.96 per hour. Getting interior and exterior painting bundled together may mean lower overall costs than if you'd split them into separate projects.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Painting in Berkeley

How long does painting a room/house take?

It takes approximately four to six hours to paint one 12-foot-by-12-foot room. You can multiply this times the number of rooms that need to be painted to figure out how long the job will take. The total time includes prep work, priming, painting, and cleanup.

Should you tip house painters?

You're not normally expected to tip painters, but it's considered polite to offer a small tip or a positive review for good service. Some homeowners also offer painters breakfast or lunch while the crew is in their home.

Can you negotiate with professional painters?

Some professional painters may be willing to negotiate, particularly if you have quotes from multiple companies or a flexible timeline. Be friendly and polite if you plan to negotiate.

Is hiring a professional painter worth it?

Yes, it's worth it to get a professional painter. While DIY painting can be very straightforward, you'll get better results faster when you hire a professional.

What should a painting quote include?

Painting quotes should include all the surfaces that need to be prepared and painted, the approximate sizes of those surfaces, the cost of materials, and the cost of labor.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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