Top 10 House Painters in Santa Barbara, CA

Porch Pro Headshot New Life Painting
Painters
Serves Santa Barbara, California
(169)
"This is the most reputable and reliable company you will ever find. Their prices are fair, they do what they say they will do. They are thoughtful, kind and ethical. They stand behind their work and offer creative suggestions. I recommend them to my friends and neighbors. Many have used them a...Read more about New Life Painting
"This is the most reputable and reliable company you will ever find. Their prices are fair, they do what they say they will do. They are thoughtful, kind and ethical. They stand behind their work and offer creative suggestions. I recommend them to my friends and neighbors. Many have used them a...Read more about New Life Painting
Porch Pro Headshot New Life Bath & Kitchen
Painters
Serves Santa Barbara, California
(164)
"Very pleased with work done by company. Very pleasant personnel to work with. New Life had previously undertaken project following pipe breakages, and did an excellent job on that. The painters on recent exterior-painting project, Gabriel Urias and Eduardo Tovar, were very efficient."
"Very pleased with work done by company. Very pleasant personnel to work with. New Life had previously undertaken project following pipe breakages, and did an excellent job on that. The painters on recent exterior-painting project, Gabriel Urias and Eduardo Tovar, were very efficient."
Porch Pro Headshot Rainbow Custom Painting of Santa Barbara
Painters
Serves Santa Barbara, California
(105)
Rainbow Custom Painters of Santa Barbara is a company and painting contractors with a complete line of painting services. Serving the Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Santa Ynes areas. We offer quality work at affordable prices. Our mission is to win your trust with quality craftsmanship and honest work ...Read more about Rainbow Custom Painting of Santa Barbara
Rainbow Custom Painters of Santa Barbara is a company and painting contractors with a complete line of painting services. Serving the Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Santa Ynes areas. We offer quality work at affordable prices. Our mission is to win your trust with quality craftsmanship and honest work ...Read more about Rainbow Custom Painting of Santa Barbara
Porch Pro Headshot The French Brush
Painters
Serves Santa Barbara, California
(58)
The French Brush is the Los Angeles based art studio of Carole Da-Cruz, leading expert in decorative painting and celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2018! With exceptional creativity, care and professionalism, The French Brush provides a wide range of high-quality custom painting services, contemp...Read more about The French Brush
The French Brush is the Los Angeles based art studio of Carole Da-Cruz, leading expert in decorative painting and celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2018! With exceptional creativity, care and professionalism, The French Brush provides a wide range of high-quality custom painting services, contemp...Read more about The French Brush
Porch Pro Headshot American Home
Painters
Serves Santa Barbara, California
(15)
"Just wanted to give this company a great review for the amazing work they performed at my home. My husband and I didn't have much faith in the site but once we got over the scary part Edgar made sure that everything went according to plan. We did have a minor delay with the permits but it was handl...Read more about American Home
"Just wanted to give this company a great review for the amazing work they performed at my home. My husband and I didn't have much faith in the site but once we got over the scary part Edgar made sure that everything went according to plan. We did have a minor delay with the permits but it was handl...Read more about American Home
Porch Pro Headshot Associated Construction
Painters
Serves Santa Barbara, California
(58)
Associated Construction ACSB Enterprises, Inc. Associated Construction has been in the business of building for 80 years and 3 generations. It runs in our blood, and we love what we do. Our new homes and projects are found throughout the Santa Barbara area and we are well known and respected within...Read more about Associated Construction
Associated Construction ACSB Enterprises, Inc. Associated Construction has been in the business of building for 80 years and 3 generations. It runs in our blood, and we love what we do. Our new homes and projects are found throughout the Santa Barbara area and we are well known and respected within...Read more about Associated Construction
Porch Pro Headshot West Coast Painting and Repair
Painters
Serves Santa Barbara, California
A freshly painted home or office can make us feel refreshed and more efficient. West Coast Painting offers free consultations, detailed cost estimates, expert advice and dependable prep and clean up services, at rates that won’t break your budget.
A freshly painted home or office can make us feel refreshed and more efficient. West Coast Painting offers free consultations, detailed cost estimates, expert advice and dependable prep and clean up services, at rates that won’t break your budget.
Porch Pro Headshot Hustlin home service
Painters
Serves Santa Barbara, California
(14)
We are a handyman company in lompoc ca. We pride ourselves on our speedy response times and quality of our work . The great thing about us is we offer a wide range of home services top to bottom interior to exterior such as but not limited to : drywall , demo., painting, general construction like de...Read more about Hustlin home service
We are a handyman company in lompoc ca. We pride ourselves on our speedy response times and quality of our work . The great thing about us is we offer a wide range of home services top to bottom interior to exterior such as but not limited to : drywall , demo., painting, general construction like de...Read more about Hustlin home service
Porch Pro Headshot premier renovations
Painters
Serves Santa Barbara, California
(49)
Our goal is to do 10 million dollars per year
Our goal is to do 10 million dollars per year
Porch Pro Headshot The Wizard of Walls
Painters
Serves Santa Barbara, California
(2)
"He painted my entire house. It was way overdue for paint and is very complicated due to lots of wood porches and overhangs. The Wizard of Walls did a great job. He's very professional and thorough. I would use him again for any painting projects I may have in the future. This was an exterior paint ...Read more about The Wizard of Walls
"He painted my entire house. It was way overdue for paint and is very complicated due to lots of wood porches and overhangs. The Wizard of Walls did a great job. He's very professional and thorough. I would use him again for any painting projects I may have in the future. This was an exterior paint ...Read more about The Wizard of Walls

Frequently asked questions about house painters

There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint in a new home. You can transform rooms with a change of color, and fresh paint breathes new life into an older home. Costs for painting homes vary. It depends on the rate of labor and on the type of paint you use. Most of the cost comes from the size of the home. The more square footage you need painted, the more expensive the job will be.

The average cost for painter services in a home is estimated at $3,500. On the low side, you can expect to pay $1,200 and $6,500 on the high side. These estimates assume you have a one-story home with around 1,000 square feet of wall to paint. More stories will mean higher costs.

The price is usually divided up into materials and labor. Labor tends to make up 85% of a job, but this can vary depending on the contractor. Most contractors charge between $2 - $6 / square foot. This calculates interior painting jobs with two coats of paint. For more specific paint jobs, such as doors or cabinets, you can expect to be charged $50 - $100 / door or drawer face.

Some contractors have different models of payment, which you may discover when looking up “painting companies near me” or “house painters near me.” You can be charged per room, which averages around $800 - $1,200 for a bedroom, and as high as $3,000 for a living room or similar large space. Some painters may choose to bill hourly, which can range from $20 - $50 / hour for basic painting, and $100 / hour or higher for specialty painting. A skilled painter should be able to cover between 150 – 350 square feet/hour but don’t forget to factor in prep time, clean up, and both coats of paint needed.

The cost of painting a home's exterior is far more variable, depending on your siding. Some sidings (like stucco) can cost up to $3,000 / 1,000 square feet, and that cost can rise if there are multiple stories. Weather can also play a major factor, which is why local painters are in high demand during the summer months. Vinyl siding expands and contracts depending on weather, so you’ll want a latex-based paint that is durable to these changes. For wood siding, latex is always a good option for allowing wood to breathe. Beware acrylic or oil-based paints, as these can create moisture stains. If you have stucco siding, you can go with latex, but it’s not your best option if the walls are damaged. Elastomeric paint will cover those imperfections while still being breathable. This paint is thick and time-consuming to apply. If you have brick siding, you’ll want a porous stain or paint so water doesn’t get trapped inside.

Siding is the biggest factor to cost, as prep and materials needed to do the job correctly can raise the price. Brick and stucco are the most expensive, while metal, wood, vinyl, and concrete tend to be on the lower end. Extra stories mean extra work for the painter, as safety measures and ladders need to be implemented. Painting a second or third story of a home takes longer than painting a single story based on logistics. It’s not just the walls, either. You may want to paint the garage, the shutters, the eaves and downspouts, and the siding and trim.

Your brand of paint can alter costs, as well as the cost of your finish. Flat paint tends to be the cheapest, but is also the least durable. Mid-range finishes, including eggshell and satin, can be good choices, depending on what you’re looking for. Semi-gloss finish will showcase imperfections and dents but is also resistant to cleaning. High-gloss is the most expensive type of finish and is recommended for small areas, such as trim, windows, and doors. While it is possible to DIY your home’s exterior, a professional comes with all the needed materials and is knowledgeable about what will work best and how to stay safe on the job. They are worth serious consideration.

Yes, you can paint vinyl siding. Years ago, this answer was no because paint continued to slide off the siding. We’ve come a long way since then. The best paint for vinyl is latex urethane paint, as it can cope with the constant contracting and expanding of the siding. Many paint companies create paint specifically designed for siding.

Painting vinyl is similar to painting other exteriors. You’ll want to coat it with primer (something designed for vinyl) and use a brush for the tricky spots. Otherwise, you can use a roller and cover a lot of ground. Once you have the primer, add the topcoat. Vinyl has one more caveat that you should be aware of. Dark colors tend to trap a lot of heat. Most vinyl paints will be light colors as a result, so it reflects heat rather than absorbs it. Weather can be a factor in painting vinyl, and the best weather is overcast, comfortable conditions. Sun, humidity, direct heat, and wind are not your friends when it comes to painting vinyl. You’ll want to ensure that painting your siding doesn’t void its warranty before you begin.

As with any painting, you’ll want to ensure you clean the area thoroughly first. For vinyl, a pressure washer is the best choice. You’ll want to find a recipe that tackles mold and mildew or buy a TSP solution. Mold and mildew tend to get between the paint and the siding, so it’s imperative you deal with them before you paint.

The quick answer is 350 – 400 square feet. This is generally true of wall, ceiling, and trim paint. Primer tends to go less, giving you 250 square feet on average. If you’re painting a dark room with a light color, you may need more primer coats, so keep that in mind. Be aware that fresh drywall is extremely porous and may absorb more paint than expected. Most drywall tends to arrive pre-primed, but be ready if it isn’t. If you have a textured wall (think popcorn ceilings, for example), you should use 20% more paint. If you need to paint 100 square feet of ceiling, it’s recommended you buy enough paint to cover 120 square feet to make up for the texture. You can stretch your paint with the correct tools. A nine-inch roller usually gives the best results for a coat of paint. For textured walls, consider a 1/2-inch nap over a 3/8-inch nap.

Let’s dive into the math. You know how much paint you need per square foot, but how do you calculate that square footage? First, measure the height of every wall, and add it together. Then, do the same for the length of each wall. Multiply those two numbers together, and you have the square footage. If you divide that number by 400 (how much a gallon of paint should cover), you know how many gallons you need to buy. This works for trim and doors as well. Multiply the total lengths and widths together, and divide it by 400. It’s never a bad idea to round up or ensure you have extra paint left over. You may need it for touch-ups or if a specific section requires more paint than you anticipated. It’s better to have too much than too little and have the hardware store mix you more paint. What if the color is off by even a slight bit? That’s a frustration you can easily avoid.

No, you can’t use exterior paint inside. Exterior paint is designed to hold up against weather extremes and, as such, contains more VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). These compounds were not designed for enclosed spaces; they can smell funky and release toxins that might make you or your pets sick. Exterior paint doesn’t settle in a short amount of time. In cold weather, exterior paint could continually release those toxins for a month or more. In warmer weather, this timeframe may be reduced to weeks. The process of releasing these toxins is called curing. Most professionals will wear masks when painting outside for this reason.

Exterior paint is softer by nature. It needs to be able to breathe and contract or expand with the home. It doesn’t stand up as well to the wear and tear that interior paint deals with on a daily basis. While all paint contains mildewcides and fungicides, the ingredients in exterior and interior paint are very different. The VOCs are needed in both paints to hold the pigment in. If you use exterior paint on indoor surfaces, ventilation is your first concern. This becomes a greater concern when spraying paint instead of rolling it, as spraying it makes it airborne that much quicker.

VOCs can cause lightheadedness, headaches, nausea, irritated eyes and throat, and respiratory issues. This can be an even greater hazard for those with compromised immune systems. Exterior and interior paints are vastly different, so you shouldn’t combine them. It compromises the quality of both paints. Plus, exterior paint isn’t designed to look good inside. Both varieties of paint are highly specialized, and you’ll likely regret using them where they are not intended.

The average cost to paint a 12x12 room is $650, with $400 being on the low end and $900 on the high end. Several factors can change these costs or cause them to rise. If you need drywall or plaster repaired before the job, that will cost time and effort. The higher your walls rise, the more time or paint it might take to finish the job. If you want to use designer paints, you may spend more on the materials. Your cost will also change based on the finish you choose.

Square footage is the most important consideration when factoring the price of a room. A large room, such as a living room, will cost more than a small bedroom or bathroom. Kitchens tend to cost the most since the painting is specific. They require far more attention to detail when you consider backsplashes, cabinets, and trims. Textured walls can add to that cost since it eats up more materials. Different types of paint can change the cost as well. On average, eggshell, satin, and flat are the cheapest paints. Matte, semi-gloss, latex, and oil are mid-range and all competitively priced. High-gloss paint is expensive and best used on small surfaces like trims.

You have the option to do the work yourself, of course. Be aware that it’s never as simple as splashing paint on the walls. You’ll need to purchase all the required materials, such as brushes, painter’s tape, rollers, trays, and plastic to prevent spillage. You’ll need to clean the walls and remove outlet covers and switch plates. Once that’s done, you can use painter’s tape on all the edges and then start. The big question you will need to ask yourself is whether you have the time. Painters are efficient, have all the tools, and do the job constantly. They will know immediately the best way to handle it.

Now that you know the scope of your project in terms of cost and effort, you can start dreaming in color.

Recent reviews for Santa Barbara Painters

100576

I want to thank the crew and entire team of American Home for getting my roof and patio done. Everything was to my expectations and from this experience I would recommend them to anyone doing any project. From start I was very Informed about the process, ...

- Ricardo Gonzalez
100556

Had a great experience with these guys since the beginning and always kept me in the loop throughout the project. Project went smoother than I expected and I will definitely use this company again in the future and would recommend them to friends and fami...

- Juan Gonzalez
486485

Needed to have interior walls and ceiling redone and painted. Wizard of walls did a terrific job. On time, professional and best price after shopping around

- David Mackinnon
337575

Excellent! True BBC attention to detail & customer satisfaction.

- david broida
22733

I had Rainbow custom painting do some exterior painting on my windows and doors. Richard the painting contractor of the company and me discussed different options to cover some old oil finish on the trim. Richard came up with a great plan that save me mon...

- Lisa Coper
26751

Richard Negrete from Rainbow Bright Painting (805)453-1802 just painted my house. Richard and his team did an outstanding job painting my house. Richard himself is very professional. He shows a lot of pride in his job. His workers were also very ...

- suzanne johnson
337574

Excellent! True BBC attention to detail & customer satisfaction.

- david broida
184830

Grat cabinet refinishing work and excellent service.

- richard negrete
337573

Professional, detailed, timely, fair, clean, quiet, honest and efficient. Without question;Richard$ Rainbow are excellent., David Broida

- david broida
231925

If you have any type of home disaster or just want to upgrade from what you have. Call NewLife, they are amazing! Fast, responsive, professional, they have fabulous choices in their brilliant showroom. Each team member from the owner on down - takes each ...

- Lisa Lichtenfels
229959

Thank you New Life for our house exterior & inside of our garage paint job. Mike was our first contact & he answered our questions in a knowledgable and friendly manner. Traci was our contact at the office and was friendly and timely in her communication ...

- Marie Stoll
228941

Best quality of work and service ever. We. have had New Life paint our home, do a mud room /laundry room remodel and come repair home after a major water leak. From the office to the crew doing the work this is top notch. They also assisted with the insur...

- Rick Jenny Davis

Everything You Need to Know About Santa Barbara House Painters

How many painters does Santa Barbara have?

There are around 50 companies throughout Santa Barbara to help you with your next painting services job.

  • 16 of them have an A or A+ rating from Better Business Bureau.

How does invoicing/payment work for most Painter projects in Santa Barbara?

Every project differs, but you should ask any painter for an estimate, before they do any work. In fact, ask for their general payment terms before any painting services work is done.

If the job is large and going to take longer than a day, it's common practice for painters to request a down payment. Usually, this will be around 25% so they can commence work on your painter project.

If it's a quick job, you'll likely be given an invoice/bill when the job is complete. Then it's up to you and the painter to determine if you pay immediately or can send payment at a later date.

Who should I hire if I need Painting Services in Santa Barbara?

Right now there are about 50 companies in and around Santa Barbara ready to help you with your painting services project.

    Below we've listed a few of the top Painters on Porch:

    All House Painters in Santa Barbara, CA

    Porch Pro Headshot Crawford Painting
    Painters
    Serves Santa Barbara, California
    Since 1999 Crawford Painting has earned it's sterling reputation in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties based on four qualities: integrity, customer service, outstanding workmanship, and extensive product knowledge. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured, our clients can be assured that their job will b...Read more about Crawford Painting
    Since 1999 Crawford Painting has earned it's sterling reputation in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties based on four qualities: integrity, customer service, outstanding workmanship, and extensive product knowledge. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured, our clients can be assured that their job will b...Read more about Crawford Painting
    Porch Pro Headshot B&I Painting
    Painters
    Serves Santa Barbara, California
    (10)
    As a Santa Barbara painting specialist, our commitment to customer service and product quality is second to none. Painter, Interior Painting Contractor, Commercial Painting Contractors, Commercial Painter, Painting Contractors
    As a Santa Barbara painting specialist, our commitment to customer service and product quality is second to none. Painter, Interior Painting Contractor, Commercial Painting Contractors, Commercial Painter, Painting Contractors
    Porch Pro Headshot GoGreen Home Improvements
    Painters
    Serves Santa Barbara, California
    (5)
    Porch Pro Headshot CHRIS HANDYMAN
    Painters
    Serves Santa Barbara, California
    (3)
    Porch Pro Headshot SAGEBRUSH PAINTING INC
    Painters
    Serves Santa Barbara, California
    Porch Pro Headshot The fence guys
    Painters
    Serves Santa Barbara, California
    Porch Pro Headshot repairs unlimited
    Painters
    Serves Santa Barbara, California
    Porch Pro Headshot Sea Breeze Painting
    Painters
    Serves Santa Barbara, California

    Latest projects near Santa Barbara

    Recent projects booked on Porch
    Santa Barbara 93101
    Color Consulting
    Service needed
    Color Consulting
    Start Date
    Within a month
    Goleta 93117
    Lead Paint Inspection
    Service needed
    Lead Paint Inspection
    Start Date
    Within a week
    Santa Barbara 93105
    Drywall Installation
    Start Date
    Within 48 hours
    Project type
    Install drywall where none exists
    Rooms to install drywall
    Kitchen, Bedroom, Living room, family room, or entertainment room
    Surfaces to drywall
    Ceilings
    Who will provide materials
    The contractor will need to purchase materials for the project
    Goleta 93117
    Drywall Installation
    Start Date
    I'm flexible
    Project type
    Install drywall where none exists
    Rooms to install drywall
    Garage
    Surfaces to drywall
    Walls
    Who will provide materials
    The contractor will need to purchase materials for the project
    Goleta 93117
    Drywall Repair
    Start Date
    Within 48 hours
    Amount to repair
    More than one area the size of a quarter or larger
    Surfaces to repair
    Walls
    Any repair above 15ft
    No
    Goleta 93117
    Drywall Repair
    Start Date
    Within a week
    Project type
    Repair existing drywall
    Amount to repair
    One or more minor repairs
    Surfaces to repair
    Both walls and ceilings
    Any repair above 15ft
    No
    Goleta 93117
    Drywall Installation
    Start Date
    I'm flexible
    Rooms to install drywall
    Garage
    Surfaces to drywall
    Walls
    Who will provide materials
    I will provide materials, just need installation
    Santa Barbara 93101
    Lead Paint Inspection
    Service needed
    Lead Paint Inspection
    Start Date
    Within a week