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Best 5 Painters in Chicago, IL

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

A fresh layer of paint greatly improves the visual appeal of your home, whether you're going to sell or simply want a change of scenery. However, doing a paint job alone needs a good deal of effort and time. We put together a list of the top painting professionals in Chicago to help you find a specialist who can get the job done.

5 Best Painters in Chicago, IL

Marty Mar Construction, LLC Logo

Marty Mar Construction

4.7/5
Based on 30 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Interior PaintingExterior PaintingDrywall

Highlights

  • Informative resources
3350 S Paulina St, Chicago, IL 872-218-4271 martymarconstruction.com
OnDemand Painters Logo

OnDemand Painters

4.7/5
Based on 87 customer reviews.

Services Offered

DecksColor ConsultationsExterior PaintingInterior PaintingDrywall

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Accessible customer support team
  • Clear pricing policy
2333 N Southport Ave Apartment 1, Chicago, IL 312-638-0560 ondemandpainters.com
North Shore Painting & Restoration Logo

North Shore Painting & Restoration

4.7/5
Based on 69 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Exterior PaintingDrywallInterior PaintingCabinets

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Accessible customer support team
  • Informative resources
3432 W Diversey Ave Suite 210, Chicago, IL 708-307-3317 northshorepaintingrestoration.com
O. A. Construction Logo

O. A. Construction

4.7/5
Based on 18 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Color ConsultationsExterior PaintingWallpaperDrywallInterior PaintingPower WashingCabinets

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Accessible customer support team
6552 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 312-358-4906 oaconstructionservices.com

More Local Painting Companies

T and Z House Painters La Grange

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

905 S Kensington Ave
La Grange, IL 60525

Fulton Revivals

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

2201 S Union Ave
Chicago, IL 60616

Artisons Painting and Remodeling Chicago Painters IL

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

3334 W 61st St
Chicago, IL 60629

Thomas Painting Service

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

1332 W Erie St
Chicago, IL 60642

Windy City Painters

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

2101 W Rice St
Chicago, IL 60622

Greenworks Painting, Inc.

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

2320 N Damen Ave #1ER
Chicago, IL 60647

Blue Door Painting

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

3453 N Hamlin Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Rons Tru-Perfection Painting

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

4930 W 106th Pl
Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Fresh Coat Painters of Metro Chicago

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

50 E 16th St Unit 1012
Chicago, IL 60616

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 Chicago
Average Max Temp:57°F
Average Min Temp:41°F
Average Daily Sunlight:52%
Average Painting Cost Per Foot:$0.92
Median Year Houses Built:1966

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Services Offered by Professional Painters

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

Interior Painting

Interior painting pros will go over the different interior paint types, finishes, and maintenance needs to help you decide what’s best for each room. Services can include prepping, priming, and painting moldings, trim, cabinets, door frames, and windows. Optional pre-painting groundwork such as removing wallpaper or textured coatings may result in additional charges.

Exterior Painting

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

Additional Services

Painters with the right training may also provide the following additional services, depending on their expertise:
  • 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 Chicago

Below are some factors to consider when choosing which painting professional to hire:
  • Cost: Request price estimates from at least three companies. Be cautious of any company that offers a substantially lower price than competitors.
  • Guarantees: Make sure you get all guarantees in writing and that you know the scope and duration of coverage.
  • Paint types: Your painter can advise you on the different paint choices and their pros and cons to help you determine the best one for your needs. Certain paint types, for instance, withstand weather damage more effectively or are more eco-friendly.
  • Qualifications: Ensure your painter is properly licensed in Chicago and in the state of Illinois. Make sure your painter is properly bonded and insured. This is especially important if they’re working with power equipment or on ladders. If your home was built before 1978, and you're concerned about the 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: Obtain references from family, friends, and neighbors, or verify the Better Business Bureau (BBB) profiles of local painters. You can also find customer ratings on websites such as Google Reviews or Trustpilot.

How Much Does Painting Cost in Chicago?

What you'll pay to paint your house depends on its square footage, the type of paint, and scheduling. Paint companies commonly charge higher prices during the summer. The typical cost of both interior and exterior painting averages $0.92 to $3.70 per square foot. Since most homes have more inside than outside space, painting the interior tends to cost more than painting the exterior. For a 2,000-square-foot home in Chicago, you can expect to pay around $4,624 to paint the exterior and $1,850 to $7,399 to paint the interior. Some Chicago painting providers may offer alternative rates of $20.49 to $34.14 per hour. Bundling services can help you save with these hourly rates. Having interior and exterior painting completed simultaneously instead of separately, for instance, may result in a lower bill.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Painting in Chicago

How long does painting a room/house take?

It generally takes between four and six hours to paint a 12-foot-by-12-foot room. This estimate includes prep work, priming, painting, and cleaning. Multiply that by the number of rooms you want to paint to figure out how long painting your house will take.

Should you tip house painters?

Painting companies don't generally expect tips, but it's polite to offer a small tip or a positive review for good service. You can also offer snacks and drinks while the crew is working.

Can you negotiate with painters?

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

Is it worth getting a professional painter?

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 a lit of all areas to be prepped and painted, the approximate dimensions of those surfaces, and expected labor and material costs.

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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