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Best 5 Painters in Santa Barbara, CA

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

A fresh coat of paint can improve a home's appearance, whether you're preparing to sell or simply want a change. However, painting requires a lot of effort and time. We put together a list of the highest-rated painting companies in Santa Barbara to help you find an expert who can get the job done.

5 Best Painters in Santa Barbara, CA

Coronado Painting Logo

Coronado Painting

4.7/5
Based on 22 customer reviews.

Services Offered

DrywallCabinetsPower WashingExterior PaintingInterior Painting

Highlights

  • Free quote
  • Prompt service delivery
  • Accessible customer support team
823 Venwood Ave, Ventura, CA 805-775-7367 coronadopainting.org
Top Tier Painting Inc. Logo

Top Tier Painting

4.5/5
Based on 32 customer reviews.

Services Offered

CabinetsExterior PaintingInterior PaintingPower WashingDrywall

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Accessible customer support team
301 E Wooley Rd, Oxnard, CA 805-832-8302 toptierpaintinginc.com
Gold Coast Painting, Inc. Logo

Gold Coast Painting

4.4/5
Based on 21 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Exterior PaintingInterior Painting

Highlights

  • Accessible customer support team
  • Free quote
  • Informative resources
1315 Util Cir, Oxnard, CA 805-983-2999 goldcoastpainting.com
Perfect Painting Logo

Perfect Painting

4.4/5
Based on 33 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Interior PaintingExterior PaintingPower Washing

Highlights

  • Accessible customer support team
  • Clear pricing policy
1336 N Moorpark Rd #252, Thousand Oaks, CA 805-729-4365 paintingcontractorthousandoaks.com

More Local Painting Companies

Top quality painting p

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

1339 Alexander St
Simi Valley, CA 93065

Clemente’s painting

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

1664 Pride St
Simi Valley, CA 93065

Local painting/SG pro painting

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

1404 4th St
Simi Valley, CA 93065

Precision Painting

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

3366 E Thousand Oaks Blvd Ste 201
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

New Life Painting

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

2225 Skyway Dr
Santa Maria, CA 93455

Central Valley Painting 805 LLC

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

154 W Bennett St
Nipomo, CA 93444

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 Santa Barbara
Average Max Temp:70°F
Average Min Temp:52°F
Average Daily Sunlight:73%
Average Painting Cost Per Foot:$0.83
Median Year Houses Built:1965

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Services Offered by Professional Painters

Many painting companies provide interior painting, exterior painting, and additional services.

Interior Painting

Professional interior painting companies can help you decide on interior paint types, textures, and finishes, and can educate you on care requirements to figure out what works best where. They can prep, prime, and paint moldings, cabinets, windows, door frames, and trim. Some professionals provide wallpaper or textured finish removal for an added fee.

Exterior Painting

Painters start exterior jobs by fixing weather damage, removing old paint, sealing leaks with caulk, and cleaning walls. They then paint siding, trim, fences, decks, window frames, doors, and other outdoor features.

Additional Services

Painting companies 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 Santa Barbara

When selecting a residential painting contractor, consider these key factors.
  • Cost: Ask for pricing from several companies before deciding. Be cautious if one company gives substantially lower estimates than others.
  • Guarantees: Ensure that you get all guarantees in writing, and that you understand the scope and duration of coverage.
  • Paint types: Ask your painter to explain paint selections in detail, covering the pros and cons of each. This will help you determine the best option for your project. Some paints have better weather resistance or use more environmentally 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, particularly if they’re working on a ladder or using power equipment. If your home was built before 1978, and you're worried about the possible presence of lead, you might look for a contractor who is licensed by the EPA to work with lead-based paint.
  • Reputation and reviews: Ask family, friends, and neighbors for references, or use the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to review providers you’re considering. You can also browse customer ratings on sites such as Google Reviews or Trustpilot.

How Much Does Painting Cost in Santa Barbara?

The price to paint your home will be determined by your home’s size, the paint you select, and the season. Painters generally quote more in the busy summer season. In Santa Barbara, painting projects for both interiors and exteriors usually run $0.83 to $3.31 per square foot. Most homes have more interior square footage, which leads to higher paint costs inside versus outside. To paint a 2,000-square-foot house’s exterior runs approximately $4,138, while the interior will cost about $1,655 to $6,621. Alternatively, painters in Santa Barbara may charge hourly rates between $17.30 and $28.83. Bundling services will usually reduce costs. If you schedule exterior and interior painting concurrently rather than as separate projects, you’ll likely pay less in total.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Painting in Santa Barbara

How long does painting a room/house take?

It takes roughly four to six hours to paint one 12-foot-by-12-foot room, and you can multiply this by the number of rooms to estimate how long the whole job will take. This time estimate includes prep work, priming, painting, and cleanup.

Should you tip professional house painters?

Painting companies don't generally expect tips, but many people choose 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 painters?

You can sometimes negotiate with professional painters, especially if your timeline is flexible or if you've gotten multiple quotes to compare. If you decide to negotiate, remember to be polite and friendly.

Is it worth getting a professional painter?

Yes, it's worth it to get a professional painter. A lot of painting jobs can be handled on your own, but professionals can produce faster and better results.

What should a painting quote include?

Painting quotes should list all areas that need to be prepped and painted, the approximate dimensions of those surfaces, and the expected cost of labor and materials.

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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