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Best 5 Painters in San Diego, CA

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

A fresh layer of paint significantly increases the visual appeal of your home, whether you're going to sell or simply want a new look. However, doing a paint job alone needs a good deal of effort and time. Our guide will show you the best painting companies in the San Diego area to help you find professionals who can get the job done.

5 Best Painters in San Diego, CA

PRO PERFORMANCE PAINTING INC Logo

PRO PERFORMANCE PAINTING

4.7/5
Based on 34 customer reviews.

Services Offered

CabinetsExterior PaintingInterior Painting

Highlights

  • Informative resources
340 W 26th St Suite L, National City, CA 619-980-0978 properformancepainting.com
BULMAN PAINTING Logo

BULMAN PAINTING

4.7/5
Based on 59 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Exterior PaintingWallpaperInterior PaintingDrywall

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Free quote
  • Prompt service delivery
4414 Long Branch Ave, San Diego, CA 619-565-7704 bulmanpaintingpros.com
JCE Painting Inc Logo

JCE Painting

4.7/5
Based on 16 customer reviews.

Services Offered

CabinetsInterior PaintingDrywallExterior PaintingColor ConsultationsPower Washing

Highlights

  • Free quote
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Accessible customer support team
3966 Marlesta Dr, San Diego, CA 619-251-8513 jcepainting.com
Peek Brothers Painting Contractors Logo

Peek Brothers Painting Contractors

4.7/5
Based on 34 customer reviews.

Services Offered

DecksInterior PaintingExterior Painting

Highlights

  • Free quote
  • Informative resources
  • Clear pricing policy
8861 Balboa Ave Ste A, San Diego, CA 858-505-1361 peekbrotherspainting.com

More Local Painting Companies

Royall Painting

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

4064 Gresham St
San Diego, CA 92109

J Brown Painting

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

2037 Diamond St
San Diego, CA 92109

High-Point Painting

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

7320 Colony Rd
La Mesa, CA 91942

MobileHome Painting Specialist

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

10425 Tierrasanta Blvd #202
San Diego, CA 92124

Chism Brothers Painting

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

7958 Convoy Ct
San Diego, CA 92111

Montgomery Paint Contracting

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

719 Melrose Ave
Chula Vista, CA 91910

PB Painting of San Diego

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

947 Opal St
San Diego, CA 92109

The Right Painter

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

5043 Ensign St
San Diego, CA 92117

Precision Painting Plus of San Diego

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

402 W Broadway Office #81
San Diego, CA 92101

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 San Diego
Average Max Temp:72°F
Average Min Temp:54°F
Average Daily Sunlight:73%
Average Painting Cost Per Foot:$0.85
Median Year Houses Built:1977

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Services Offered by Professional Painters

Most professional painting contractors offer both interior and exterior painting, as well as extra services.

Interior Painting

Professional painting contractors will guide you through various interior paint, finishes, and maintenance requirements to help you decide which paint works best for your space. They'll prime and paint your cabinets, moldings, door frames, trim, and windows, depending on what your project needs. Some painters will remove existing or outdated wallpaper or textured finishings before painting for an extra charge.

Exterior Painting

Before exterior painting, painting contractors fix weathering damage, strip old coatings, seal leaks with caulk, and wash the walls. They follow by painting siding, window frames, fences, trim, decks, doors, and additional outdoor surfaces.

Additional Services

Painting contractors may also offer the following services, depending on their training and experience:
  • 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 San Diego

Below is what you should consider while choosing which residential painter to hire:
  • Cost: Talk to a few painters to get price estimates. Watch out for unusually cheap prices compared to the average.
  • Guarantees: Request guarantees in writing and ensure you know which items are covered and for how long.
  • Paint types: Ask your painting contractor to explain paint selections in detail, including the pros and cons of each. This will help you decide on the best option for your project. Some paints have better weather resistance or use more eco-friendly formulas.
  • 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, especially if they’re working with power equipment or on ladders. If your home was built prior to 1978, and you're concerned about the presence of lead, you might look for a contractor who is licensed by the EPA to work with lead-based paint.
  • Reputation and reviews: Get references from family and friends, and look at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) pages of painters you’re considering. You can also find ratings on sites such as Google Reviews or Trustpilot.

How Much Does Painting Cost in San Diego?

The price of professional painting work depends on the square footage of your home, the paint types chosen, and the season. Most painters raise their rates during the summer in response to increased demand. The standard cost of both interior and exterior house painting in San Diego is $0.85 to $3.40 per square foot. Most homes have more interior space than exterior space, which leads to higher indoor painting expenses compared to exterior painting costs. For a 2,000-square-foot home, expect to pay about $4,253 to paint the exterior, and anywhere from $1,701 to $6,804 to paint the interior. Alternatively, local San Diego painters may charge anywhere from $18.05 to $30.08 per hour. Hourly prices may save you money, especially if you're bundling services. For example, you'll pay less to have your home's exterior and interior painted together than you would if you’d scheduled the projects separately.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Painting in San Diego

How long does it take to paint a room/house?

It takes about four to six hours to paint a single 12-foot-by-12-foot room, which means you can multiply this times the number of rooms you're painting to determine how long the job will take. The total time includes prep work, priming, painting, and cleanup.

Should you tip house painters?

Painting companies don't generally expect tips, but it's considered polite to offer a small tip or a positive review after services. Some homeowners also offer painters breakfast or lunch while the crew is in their home.

Can you negotiate with professional painters?

You may be able to negotiate with professional painters, particularly if you have a flexible timeline or have received multiple quotes for comparison. If you plan to negotiate, remember to be friendly and polite.

Is hiring a professional painter worth it?

Yes, hiring a professional painter is worth it. DIY painting jobs are straightforward, but you’ll get better results faster if you hire a professional.

What should a painting quote include?

A painting quote should include a list of surfaces that need to be prepared and painted, the approximate measurements 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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