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Best 5 Painters in Santa Cruz, CA

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

A fresh coat of paint can enhance a home's appearance, whether you're getting ready to sell or just want a change. However, painting requires a lot of time and energy. Our guide profiles the best painting contractors in the Santa Cruz area to help you find experts who can get the job done.

5 Best Painters in Santa Cruz, CA

Watercolors Logo

Watercolors

4.7/5
Based on 34 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Interior PaintingColor ConsultationsDrywallExterior Painting

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Informative resources
  • Accessible customer support team
232 Shoreview Dr, Aptos, CA 831-840-4765 watercolorspaint.com
Superpro Painting Logo

Superpro Painting

4.6/5
Based on 20 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Interior Painting

Highlights

  • Accessible customer support team
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Free quote
1200 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 831-400-7471 superpropainting.com
JustFaux Logo

JustFaux

4.7/5
Based on 20 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Interior Painting

Highlights

  • Accessible customer support team
  • Free quote
  • Clear pricing policy
1252 Chateau Dr, San Jose, CA 408-310-9126 justfaux.business.site
The Painting Pros, Inc. Logo

The Painting Pros

4.7/5
Based on 48 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Color ConsultationsDrywallDecksExterior PaintingInterior Painting

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Prompt service delivery
14960 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 408-583-5866 paintingpros.com

More Local Painting Companies

Commercial Painting Inc.

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

6830 Vía del Oro # 230
San Jose, CA 95119

DJS Painting

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

1472 Revere Ave
San Jose, CA 95118

Sunwest Painting

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

6288 San Ignacio Ave STE B
San Jose, CA 95119

Davey Painting

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

1057 Cochrane Rd #160-212
Morgan Hill, CA 95037

WOW 1 DAY PAINTING San Jose

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

16120 Caputo Dr Unit F
Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Cartwright Painters

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

998 Ramona Ct
San Jose, CA 95125

El Gato Painting

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

379 Gifford Ave
San Jose, CA 95126

Proactive Painting

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

805 State St
San Jose, CA 95110

J Milliman Painting

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

4123 Ambler Way
San Jose, CA 95111

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 Cruz
Average Max Temp:70°F
Average Min Temp:49°F
Average Daily Sunlight:67%
Average Painting Cost Per Foot:$0.85
Median Year Houses Built:1973

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Services Offered by Professional Painters

Many professional painters provide interior and exterior painting, plus supplementary services.

Interior Painting

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

Exterior Painting

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

Additional Services

Contractors that have the right training and experience can also complete 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 Cruz

When searching for a residential painting company, consider these key factors.
  • Cost: Get price quotes from at least three companies. Be cautious of any contractor that offers a substantially lower price than others.
  • Guarantees: Make sure you get a written contract outlining any guarantees and that you know the duration and scope of coverage.
  • Paint types: Your painting pro can guide you through the different paint choices and their pros and cons to help you choose the best one for your needs. Certain paint types, for instance, resist weather damage more effectively or are better for the environment.
  • 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 prior to 1978, and you're concerned about the presence of lead, consider looking for a contractor who is licensed by the EPA to work with lead-based paint.
  • Reputation and reviews: Request references from family and friends, and check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) profiles of painters you’re considering. You can also check reviews on sites such as Google Reviews or Trustpilot.

How Much Does Painting Cost in Santa Cruz?

Home painting rates vary depending on project size, your paint selections, and seasonal demand changes, with summer's busy months being the most expensive. The standard price for both interior and exterior home painting in Santa Cruz is $0.85 to $3.41 per square foot. Most homes have more interior space compared to exterior space, which leads to higher indoor painting expenses compared to exterior painting costs. For a 2,000-square-foot home, anticipate paying about $4,264 for exterior painting and anywhere from $1,706 to $6,822 for interior painting. Alternatively, painters in Santa Cruz may charge you an hourly rate between $18.12 and $30.21. It usually costs less to schedule exterior and interior painting together rather than as separate services.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Painting in Santa Cruz

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

It takes an average of four to six hours to paint a single 12-foot-by-12-foot room. You can multiply this by the number of rooms that need to be painted to determine how long the 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 after services. Some homeowners also offer painters a simple 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 your timeline is flexible or if you've received multiple quotes to compare. If you decide to negotiate, remember to be polite and friendly.

Is hiring a professional painter worth it?

Yes, it's worth it to get a professional painter. DIY painting jobs are straightforward, but you’ll get better results faster if 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 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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