FAQ

  • Exterior Painting:

    A good time to paint the exterior of your home is when you start seeing signs of fading, peeling, cracking, or general wear and tear. If the paint looks chalky or is starting to separate from the surface, it’s time. Some homeowners can extend the life of their exterior paint job just by washing the house once or twice a year and staying on top of small touch-ups.

    Color also plays a big role in how long exterior paint lasts. Dark or deep-toned colors tend to fade faster because they absorb more heat, which can cause the surface to break down more quickly. High-performance paint colors — designed to resist UV fading—can help extend the life of even darker shades.

    On average, homes need exterior painting every 5–10 years, depending on the quality of the last job, the products used, sun exposure, and how well it’s been maintained.

    Interior Painting:

    Inside your home, painting timelines depend on your lifestyle and personal preferences. Some people repaint simply because they’re ready for a color change. Others wait until the paint starts to look worn or marked up—especially in high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms.

    If your home has kids, pets, or just a lot of activity, you’ll likely notice more wear and tear over time. Things like water sitting on cabinets, frequent scuffing, or toy dents can all shorten the life of an interior paint job. But with the right paint and some basic maintenance, you can keep things looking fresh for years.

    Choosing a high-quality, washable paint with a durable finish (like satin or eggshell) can help extend longevity. Some paints have a tougher membrane that resists moisture and makes it easier to clean without damaging the surface.

    Interior maintenance tips:

    • Wipe down walls and cabinets regularly with a soft cloth and mild detergent.

    • Clean up spills and moisture quickly to prevent damage.

    • Touch up scuffs or chips with leftover paint as needed.

    • Use mildew-resistant paint in bathrooms and other damp areas.

    Most interiors benefit from a fresh coat every 5–7 years, but some spaces can go longer with the right care.

  • I primarily serve all of Ventura County, including Ventura, Ojai, Camarillo, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Somis, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Meiners Oaks, and Oak View. I also work in Santa Barbara County, including Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, Carpinteria and Summerland. Depending on the scope of the job I take on projects in surrounding areas such as Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, and Westlake.

  • Painting in a coastal climate can be tricky—even homes just a few houses apart can experience noticeably different conditions. Wind, salt spray, sun exposure, and moisture can all create microclimates that affect how long your paint job will last. The most important first step is proper surface preparation. Homes near the ocean are constantly exposed to salt air, sand, mold, mildew, and biofilm. All of this needs to be thoroughly cleaned before any paint goes on. The Paint it Wright team is thoroughly knowledgeable and equipped to prepare your home to extend the paint’s lasting abilities.

    Just as important: using high-quality paint designed for coastal conditions. We use premium exterior paints with strong UV resistance, flexibility, and salt air durability. In coastal areas, your paint job is your home’s first line of defense. Good prep and the right products will protect your investment and keep it looking sharp for years.

  • Absolutely! I actually really enjoy helping people with color choices. With over 35 years of experience in the painting trade, and an art background from college where I studied color and design, I bring both practical know-how and an artistic eye to every project. I don’t just look at paint swatches; I look at the whole picture. What’s the style of the house? What kind of light do you get? What are the existing elements—flooring, countertops, landscaping, trim?

    I like figuring out how everything works together to create the right mood or look for your space. Whether you’re going for a coastal hideaway, a ranch retreat, or a Spanish oasis, I can help guide you toward colors that will not only look great but also hold up well over time. Choosing the right color can be fun, but it can also be overwhelming! I’m happy to make that process easier.

  • Yes! Matching paint color has become much easier over the years. Most major paint stores now have access to a wide database of color formulas from other brands, which makes cross-brand matching very doable. They also use digital color-matching tools and scanners that can get surprisingly close to the original color—even from a small sample. If you have a leftover paint can with a label, that helps. If not, I can usually cut a small sample from an inconspicuous spot (like behind a switch plate or vent) and take it in to get scanned. From there, we can create a custom mix that comes very close, if not spot-on. Just keep in mind: paint can fade over time due to sunlight, moisture, and age—so even a perfect match to the original color may look slightly different on the wall. In those cases, we may blend or feather the edges to make the transition seamless.

  • Yes! But it depends on your goals and budget.

    If you just need a quick refresh then a lower-cost paint might get the job done. But if you’re looking for long-term durability, color retention, and a finish that holds up under wear and tear, investing in higher-quality paint is worth it. Cheaper paints often require more coats to get solid coverage, don’t resist moisture or stains as well, and tend to fade or peel sooner—especially on exteriors or high-traffic areas. In many cases, the cost of extra materials and labor to repaint sooner can outweigh what you saved by buying lower-quality paint. I always recommend going with the best product your budget allows, especially if you want your paint job to last and look great over time.

  • The best way to protect your paint job—inside or out—is with simple, consistent maintenance. Keeping painted surfaces clean and catching small issues early can extend the life of your paint and help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

    For exterior surfaces, it’s a good idea to:

    • Wash the surface once or twice a year to remove dirt, dust, mildew, or salt buildup (especially in coastal areas)

    • Inspect for signs of cracking, peeling, or bubbling

    • Check caulking joints around windows, doors, and trim—replace or reseal as needed

    • Touch up any damaged or bare areas to prevent moisture damage

    For interior surfaces, you can:

    • Wipe down walls, doors, and trim periodically using a soft cloth and mild detergent

    • Clean up spills, water spots, and scuff marks as soon as you see them

    • Keep an eye out for wear in high-traffic areas and touch up paint as needed

    To make it easier to stay on top of things, here’s a quick seasonal paint maintenance checklist:

    Spring

    • Wash exterior walls to remove dirt, mildew, and salt

    • Check for peeling or cracking paint

    • Inspect and recaulk joints and seams

    • Touch up bare spots or exposed wood

    • Clean interior walls and high-touch areas

    Summer

    • Check sun-exposed areas for fading or chalking

    • Reseal caulking if it’s shrunk from heat

    • Touch up trim, doors, or fencing if needed

    • Plan any repainting before fall weather hits

    • Refresh outdoor painted features like doors or furniture

    Fall

    • Clear debris and leaves from around siding and base of the home

    • Look for mildew or moisture damage in shaded areas

    • Repair cracks or caulking before rain/cold set in

    • Seal or repaint where needed before temperatures drop

    • Wipe down and inspect interior walls as you settle in for the season

    Winter

    • Focus on interior upkeep—scuffs, stains, or chips in high-use rooms

    • Touch up trim and walls around the holidays or during downtime

    • Monitor indoor humidity to prevent cracking or peeling paint

    • Use this slower season to plan color changes or repainting for spring

    Staying on top of seasonal maintenance helps your home look better, last longer, and saves money in the long run. I also offer seasonal check-ins and small touch-up services—feel free to ask if you’d like help with upkeep.

  • Absolutely! We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all painting projects. Whether you’re looking to paint a single room or your entire home, we’re happy to come out, assess your needs, and give you a detailed quote—no strings attached.

  • I offer professional painting and surface restoration services throughout Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and surrounding areas includingVentura, Ojai, Camarillo, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Somis, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Meiners Oaks, Oak View, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, Carpinteria, Summerland, Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, and Westlake. With over 35 years of experience in the industry—and a background in art and design—I take pride in delivering high-quality craftsmanship and personalized service on every job.

    Whether it’s a custom interior, exterior repaint, or solving a tricky repair issue, I bring practical expertise and attention to detail to help protect and beautify your home or business.

    Interior Painting

    Flawless wall, ceiling, trim, and cabinetry painting with an artistic eye for color, clean lines, and long-lasting finishes.

    Exterior Painting

    Full-service exterior paint jobs with expert surface prep, UV/salt-resistant paint products, and protection for coastal and inland homes alike.

    Stain Matching & Wood Finishing

    Precise wood stain and finish matching to blend old and new surfaces—ideal for cabinetry, beams, custom trim, and restoration work.

    Drywall Repair & Texture Matching

    Hole patching, crack repair, and seamless blending of wall textures so painted walls look like new.

    Stucco Repair & Repainting

    Restoration and repainting of damaged or weathered stucco—perfect for homes along the coast where salt and moisture wear down finishes.

    Wood Repair & Custom Carpentry

    From repairing rotted fascia boards to building and refinishing baseboards, casings, crown molding, and built-ins—high-level carpentry that complements every paint job.

    Custom Finishes & Problem Solving

    I specialize in diagnosing and solving challenging paint and finish issues—whether it’s adhesion problems, previous coating failures, or matching a complex finish from another era.

  • It really depends on the scope of the job. Every project is different, and there are a lot of variables—size, condition of the surfaces, prep work, weather (for exteriors), custom finishes, and even how many colors or surfaces are involved.

    That said, here are some general timelines to give you a ballpark idea:

    • Small touch-up or single-room projects: A few hours to 1–2 days

    • Typical full interior repaint: 1 to 4 weeks, depending on size and detail

    • Typical exterior repaint: 1 to 2 weeks, weather permitting

    • Kitchen cabinet painting or refinishing: 1 to 4 weeks, depending on prep, curing time, and number of coats

    • Custom projects or extensive repairs: Varies widely—some may take several weeks to months depending on complexity

    I always provide a clear estimated timeline as part of the free estimate, and I keep communication open throughout the process. My goal is to complete your project efficiently without ever sacrificing quality.

  • It’s easy—just give me a call, text, or email and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. I offer free estimates and I’m happy to talk through your project, answer any questions, and help you find the right time to get started. You can reach me at:

    (805) 901-1777

    shayne@paintitwright.com

    Or use the contact form right here on the website.

  • Yes, absolutely—we offer a full range of professional staining services for both interior and exterior projects.

    There are several different types of staining, and each one requires a unique approach:

    • Exterior Staining: We stain decks, fences, siding, wood trim, and outdoor structures using transparent, semi-transparent, or solid-body stains, depending on the look you want and the level of protection your wood needs.

    • Interior Staining: We also stain cabinets, doors, windows, mantels, and other woodwork—achieving rich, even finishes that bring out the natural beauty of the wood.

    • Custom Finishing: In addition to traditional stains, we specialize in custom finishes using techniques like toners, glazes, and layered effects to achieve the exact tone, warmth, or aged look you’re going for.

    We’re fully set up with a spray booth, which allows us to control the environment and deliver clean, consistent, high-end finishes for cabinetry, millwork, and furniture-grade pieces.

    Whether you’re restoring existing wood, matching already stained wood in your home, or starting fresh with raw material, we’ll help you choose the right stain and finish for your vision and the wood’s long-term health.

  • Yes, we do offer stucco repair—especially for common issues like cracks, chips, or damage around the base of the home where water tends to hit. These types of small to moderate repairs are usually straightforward and can be cleaned up, patched, and blended to match the existing texture before repainting.

    That said, if the damage is more extensive—like large sections falling off, major water intrusion, or poor original installation—we may recommend bringing in a licensed stucco or plastering specialist to ensure the structural integrity is properly addressed.

    For typical repairs and repainting, we’ve got you covered. We’ll assess the damage, let you know what’s realistic, and make sure the finished product looks seamless and holds up over time.

  • Pricing depends on several factors, and I tailor each estimate based on the specific needs of the project. Here are some of the main things I consider:

    • Square footage – For larger areas, pricing is often based on square footage, including walls, ceilings, or trim.

    • Time and labor – Some projects are priced based on how long they’ll take, especially if there’s detailed prep work, repairs, or custom finishes involved.

    • Level of prep and surface condition – Peeling paint, drywall damage, stucco cracks, or failing coatings may require additional prep time and materials.

    • Material and product needs – I factor in the quality of paints or specialty products being used, especially for stains, primers, or high-performance coatings.

    • Project complexity – Cabinets, stairwells, vaulted ceilings, tight access, or detailed finishes may require extra care or equipment.

    Every job is a little different, which is why I always offer free estimates. After seeing the space and discussing your goals, I’ll provide a clear breakdown of what the project will cost and why, no surprises!

  • The most important thing is finding a painting contractor that fits your specific needs. Not every painter works the same way, and not every project calls for the same approach.

    Some painters are built for speed and basic coverage—like for rental units, house flips, or tenant improvements. They can get in and out quickly with minimal prep. Others, like myself, focus more on craftsmanship, thorough surface prep, durable finishes, and custom work that’s meant to last. It really depends on what you’re looking for.

    Here are a few tips when choosing the right fit:

    • Ask for referrals – Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find someone reliable. If a friend or neighbor had a good experience, that goes a long way.

    • Read online reviews – Google, Yelp, and other sites can show you how a contractor communicates, follows through, and handles issues.

    • Look at past work – Visit their website or portfolio. Does the quality and style match what you’re after?

    • Have a real conversation – Talk through your expectations, timeline, and goals. A good contractor will be honest about whether it’s the right match.

    At the end of the day, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” painter. Just make sure the person you hire aligns with the kind of project you’re doing—and the kind of result you want.

  • Not really—we’ve got it covered. Part of hiring a professional is letting us handle the heavy lifting. In most cases, we move furniture, cover floors, mask off surfaces, and protect your home as part of our standard prep process. You’re paying for a full-service experience—you shouldn’t have to stress about moving couches or taping off trim.

    That said, if there are personal or fragile items you’d prefer to move yourself (like artwork, family heirlooms, or electronics), it’s always appreciated. But otherwise? Relax. We’ll take care of it so you can enjoy the finished result.

  • In almost every case—we provide the paint. That allows us to ensure we’re using the right products for your project, with professional-grade quality and the correct finishes for durability and appearance. It also helps us streamline the job and stand behind the results.

    That said, if you have a specific brand or product you’d like to use, we’re happy to work with it—just let us know in advance. But 99% of the time, we supply everything needed, so you don’t have to worry about running to the paint store.

  • Yes, we do! We offer commercial painting services for a variety of businesses and properties throughout Ventura County and Santa Barbara County including Ventura, Ojai, Camarillo, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Somis, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Meiners Oaks, Oak View, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, Carpinteria, Summerland, Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, and Westlake.

    Over the years, we’ve handled everything from tenant improvements and office spaces to retail locations and small commercial buildings. It’s actually a fun change of pace from residential work—we enjoy the different challenges and timelines that come with commercial projects, and we’ve gotten pretty good at dialing in efficiency while still delivering a clean, professional finish.

    Whether it’s a full interior repaint, exterior maintenance, or detailed custom work, we bring the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that we’re known for in homes—just on a different scale.

  • You don’t have to worry about that—we take care of it. Protecting your space is part of our process. We cover floors with drop cloths or protective sheeting, move or carefully cover furniture, and mask off areas as needed to ensure everything stays clean and protected throughout the project.

    From prep to cleanup, your home is treated with care and respect. You’re hiring professionals—we’ve got it handled.

  • Fortunately, in Southern California, we don’t deal with a lot of extreme weather—but when it does happen, it can occasionally delay an exterior project. Rain, high humidity, or extreme heat can all affect how paint dries and adheres, so we’ll pause when conditions aren’t right to ensure you get the best possible results.

    If weather delays your job:

    • We’ll communicate with you right away and adjust the schedule as needed.

    • We’ll never rush or cut corners just to stay on schedule—quality comes first.

    • As soon as conditions are safe, we’ll pick right back up and keep the project moving efficiently.

    In most cases, weather delays are short and manageable, and we build a little flexibility into our scheduling just in case. Your home’s finish is an investment, and we treat it with the care it deserves.

  • We primarily use Dunn-Edwards, Sherwin-Williams, and Benjamin Moore, three of the most trusted brands in the industry. These companies offer high-performance, durable coatings that not only look great, but also hold up over time whether it’s on interior walls, exterior stucco, or cabinetry.

    We also use top-quality primers, sealers, and fillers to ensure the surface is properly prepped and the finish lasts. The products we choose are based on your specific project. Things like surface type, weather exposure, color retention needs, and durability all play a role.

    We don’t cut corners with cheap box-store paints unless it’s specifically requested (and even then, we’ll explain the pros and cons). Our goal is always to give you a long-lasting, beautiful result and that starts with using the right materials.

  • Yes, absolutely! It’s more important than most people realize. Choosing the right sheen (or finish) affects not just the look of the room, but also how well the paint performs over time.

    There are a few key factors to consider:

    • Lighting – The more reflective the sheen, the more it highlights texture or imperfections.

    • Durability – In general, the higher the sheen (like satin or semi-gloss), the more durable and washable the surface will be.

    • Mood and feel – Sheen plays a big role in the atmosphere of a room. Flat or matte finishes feel softer and more relaxed, while glossier finishes are brighter and crisper.

    So sometimes you’re trying to balance aesthetic goals (like a warm, subtle wall finish) with practical needs (like scrubbability for a kitchen or kids’ room). That’s where I come in. I’ll walk you through the options and help you choose the right finish that gives you both the look and longevity you want.

  • Dark and bold colors absolutely impact longevity, especially on exteriors or interior walls that get a lot of natural light. Darker pigments absorb more heat, which can cause the surface (especially exterior siding or trim) to expand, contract, and wear down faster. Bold and saturated colors tend to fade more quickly—especially when exposed to UV light. Some manufacturers rate colors by lightfastness or color performance (like a “Light Reflectance Value” or LRV)—generally, lighter and more muted tones last longer and hold up better over time.

    That said, if you’re set on using a deep or vibrant color (which can look amazing), the best approach is to use a high-quality paint with UV resistance and color-retention technology. I can guide you to the best product lines for that. Some paints are specifically made to protect bold colors from early fading or chalking. In short: bold colors are totally doable, but you’ll get the best results by investing in the right materials—and applying them properly.