Choosing the right painting contractor can feel like a puzzle. But getting it right will save you
time, money, and headaches later. Whether you’re restoring a fence, updating your home’s
exterior, or staining a deck, hiring a pro who knows what they’re doing makes all the difference.

Why Hire a Reputable Painting Contractor?

Professional painting contractors don’t just slap on a coat of paint. They prep surfaces correctly,
use the right products, and finish with clean lines that last. A reputable contractor also ensures
your property is protected during the project and stands behind their work with a warranty. This
protects your investment and ensures long-term satisfaction.

How to Choose the Right Painting Contractor

Get Clear on the Scope of Work

Before contacting anyone, clarify what you need. Take photos. Specify the type of work (painting
or staining), the exact areas to be painted, and if neighbors are involved (especially for shared
fences). Know your desired paint or stain colors. It’s also helpful to decide if you want the
contractor to supply the materials or if you will.

Check Reviews

Look up potential contractors on Google and Yelp. Look for patterns. Are people mentioning
attention to detail, professionalism, or reliability? Watch for red flags like frequent complaints
about missed deadlines or lack of communication.

Visit Their Website

A professional contractor should have a clear, easy-to-navigate website. You’ll want to see
project photos, service details, and contact information. If they have a blog or FAQ section, even
better, it shows they care about educating customers.

Test Their Responsiveness

Reach out with a short message or call. Are they quick to respond? Do they seem courteous
and professional? Your experience during this first touchpoint often reflects how they’ll
communicate throughout the project.

What to Look for in a Painting Quote

Once you’ve found a few promising contractors, request written quotes. Make sure each quote
includes:

• Detailed description of the exact work to be done
• Prep steps before painting or staining
• Type, brand, and color of paint or stain to be used
• Estimated start and completion date
• Total cost
• Contractor’s name, license number, and date of quote
  

Comparing quotes apples-to-apples is only possible when these details are included.

Don’t Skip the Presentation Check

When the contractor visits to evaluate the project, take note of how they present themselves.
Are they punctual, polite, and dressed appropriately? A clean, professional appearance often
signals a high standard of work.

Ask About Insurance

Request a certificate of insurance. This protects you in case of damage or accidents during the
job. A legitimate contractor will have no issue providing this.

Verify Their License

Check with your state’s contractor licensing board to make sure the painter is licensed and in
good standing. Licensing ensures a basic level of knowledge and responsibility.

Always Get It in Writing

A professional painting contract should include:

• Surface preparation steps
• Brand and type of product to be applied
• Warranty details
• Project protection measures (overspray control, masking, etc.)
• Payment terms and timing
• Completion timeline
• Cleanup details

Never rely on verbal promises. Put everything on paper.

Smart Payment Practices

• Never pay in cash.
• Don’t pay more than 10% up front or \$1000, whichever is less (check your state laws).
• Keep written records of all payments.
• Make the final payment only after a full walkthrough and when you’re completely satisfied.

Ask About Back Brushing

One key question to ask is whether the contractor back brushes the paint or stain. Back
brushing ensures the product is worked into the surface, rather than sitting on top. If this step is
skipped, the coating is more likely to peel or flake sooner than expected. A quality contractor will
include this step for better longevity and performance.

If a Pressure Wash is Required

Pressure washing is often needed before painting or staining, especially if the surface:

• Is dirty or moldy
• Has peeling or flaking paint

Ask your contractor what solution they use. It shouldn’t just be water. A proper mix includes an
eco-friendly wood cleaner and brightener. These not only clean but also prepare the surface for
better product adhesion. Avoid any contractor who uses harsh chemicals that can damage
plants, soil, or nearby surfaces.

Know Your Paint and Stain Options

Not all paint and stain products are created equal.
Premium paint delivers smoother coverage, better durability, and longer-lasting color. Although it
may cost more upfront, it reduces the need for future maintenance.
When it comes to stains, avoid anything labeled “oil blend.” These create a film that can peel or
flake over time. Instead, choose a 100% oil-based stain. It penetrates the wood and allows for
easy maintenance down the line. Reapplying later won’t require harsh chemical stripping or
sanding, saving you a lot in the long run.
Ask the contractor to specify the exact product in the contract and confirm that’s what they
actually use.

Choosing the right painting contractor isn’t just about the lowest price. It’s about hiring a
professional who communicates clearly, respects your property, and uses high-quality materials.
Taking the time to vet your contractor now means less stress later and results you can be
proud of.

Choosing between staining and painting your fence might seem like a simple aesthetic decision. But the right choice goes much deeper—literally. At Tom Sawyer Fence Painting San Diego, we help homeowners choose finishes that protect, enhance, and last in our local climate. In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both options, cover costs, visual differences, longevity, and what to expect in terms of maintenance.

What’s the Difference Between Paint and Stain?

Paint coats the surface of the wood, creating a solid barrier that hides the wood grain. Stain, especially oil-based stain, penetrates into the wood, highlighting its natural beauty while also protecting it from within. Each has its benefits, but the best option often depends on your wood type, style preference, and how much upkeep you’re willing to do.

The Case for Stain

At Tom Sawyer, we use Stain and Seal Experts Oil Stain because it delivers professional-grade protection with a beautiful, natural finish. Penetrating oil has less pigment, meaning it will require more regular maintenance to retain its appearance. However, the trade-off is unmatched protection. This oil penetrates deep into the wood, helping to reduce warping and cracking by up to 98%. It also protects against termites, fungus, and other organic growth. Even when the visible pigment fades due to sun exposure, the oil inside the wood continues to keep it healthy.

1. Types of Stain

• Transparent: Shows off the natural grain and color of the wood. Best for new or high-quality wood.
• Semi-Transparent: Adds subtle color while still revealing the grain. A balanced, popular choice.
• Semi-Solid: Offers more color coverage but still allows texture to show. Ideal for older fences with wear.

2. Longevity and Maintenance

• Transparent stains: 1-3 years
• Semi-transparent: 2-4 years
• Semi-solid: 4-6 years

While stain does fade over time, it does so evenly, making re-coating easy without stripping. Our oil stains penetrate deep into the wood—not just sitting on top—which extends their protective power.

3. Key Considerations

• Oil Bleed-Through: If your neighbor’s side of the fence isn’t stained with the same product, our oil stain can bleed through to their side. Coordinating finishes is key.
• Concrete Contact: Oil stains can discolor concrete if not properly masked off. We take steps to ensure clean application with full prep and taping.
• Maintenance Coats: When it’s time for a refresh, we do a light cleaning and reapply the stain. No sanding or stripping required—simple and cost-effective.

Explore our color gallery to see stain options.

The Case for Paint (Solid Stain)

We use Behr Premium Solid Color Stain for clients who want a painted look with extra durability. Acrylic solid stains are flexible, making them an excellent choice for softwood fences that expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Unlike latex paint, which can harden and crack, acrylic stain flexes with the wood. However, it does not penetrate the wood and therefore won’t protect the inside from rot, termites, warping, or fungal growth. It’s ideal if aesthetics and minimal maintenance are your primary concerns, but it offers less structural protection.

1. Visual Appearance

Solid stain gives a rich, uniform look that mimics paint while still allowing wood texture to peek through. It’s great for older wood that may have imperfections or for clients who want bolder color choices.

2. Application Process

We apply two coats with a back-brush technique. This ensures the stain gets into every fiber of the wood, improving adhesion and longevity. It’s more labor-intensive, but the result is worth it.

3. Longevity and Maintenance

• Behr solid stain lasts 10 to 15 years on vertical surfaces.
• When it starts to fade or peel, touch-ups require pressure washing and full repainting for uniformity. In some cases sanding may be required if the fence was not well maintained.

Check out the Behr color collection for inspiration.

Matching New and Old Fence Sections

If you’re adding a new section of fencing to an existing structure, achieving a seamless color match can be challenging. As wood ages, it becomes more porous and the grain opens up. This aged wood absorbs more stain than new lumber, often resulting in a darker, uneven tone even when using the same product. Even with expert application, it’s nearly impossible to get a perfect match. We help clients understand these limitations upfront and offer blending techniques to minimize the contrast, but some visual difference is always to be expected.

Cost Considerations

• Initial cost: Paint (solid stain) tends to be slightly more expensive due to the extra labor and prep.
• Long-term cost: Stain, especially oil-based, is more affordable to maintain over time. However, it requires more frequent upkeep. 

Which Is Right for You?

If you want a natural, breathable, low-maintenance finish and love the look of wood, oil-based stain is your best bet. But if you prefer a bolder, painted look and don’t mind more intensive upkeep down the line, solid stain is a great option.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose stain or paint, the most important factor is quality preparation and proper application. At Tom Sawyer Fence Painting San Diego, we don’t cut corners. Our team ensures every fence we finish not only looks amazing but holds up beautifully for years.

Need help deciding? Get in touch for a consultation—we’ll walk you through color choices, timelines, and care.

When it comes to curb appeal in San Diego, CA, your fence plays a bigger role than you might think. Whether it’s a charming white picket fence or a sleek modern privacy wall, the right coat of paint can protect your investment and elevate your home’s appearance. But with California’s unique climate—sun-soaked summers, mild winters, and the occasional bout of Santa Ana winds—choosing the right paint isn’t just about color. It’s about performance.

1. Understand San Diego’s Weather Challenges

Before choosing paint, you’ve got to know what it’s up against. San Diego, like much of Southern California, experiences:

• High UV exposure: Constant sunshine can cause paint to fade, crack, and peel.
• Low humidity: Dry conditions can lead to faster drying times—great for painting, but harsh on wood.
• Occasional rainfall and morning dew: You need a finish that repels water to prevent rot, especially for wood fences.
• Salt air (if you’re near the coast): Salt in the air can be corrosive to metal fences or affect certain coatings over time.

Your paint choice needs to defend against all of the above.

2. Choose Paint Over Stain If You Want Longevity and Coverage

While stain is popular for showcasing wood grain, paint offers better UV protection and longer-lasting results—especially in high-sun regions like San Diego.

Paint provides:

• Thicker coverage
• More color options
• Better protection from moisture and sun

Go with 100 % acrylic solid‑color stain and sealer for wood fences. It’s flexible, breathable, and adheres well even in fluctuating temperatures.

3. Pick Light-Reflecting Colors to Combat Heat

In San Diego, darker paint colors can absorb too much heat, which leads to faster deterioration. Lighter shades—like off-white, beige, light gray, sage green, or soft blue—not only reflect heat but also blend beautifully with California-style homes.

That said, if you’re set on a darker hue, make sure to use UV-resistant paint with fade-blocking technology.

4. Use UV-Resistant and Fade-Resistant Formulas

San Diego sunshine isn’t going anywhere, so it’s smart to choose paint that’s formulated for high UV exposure. Look for labels that mention:

• UV blockers
• Fade resistance
• Exterior-grade protection
• Long-lasting color retention

A few trusted paint brands that do well in hot, dry climates include:

• Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior Paint
• Sherwin-Williams WoodScapes Solid Color

5. For Metal Fences: Rust Protection Is Key

If you’re painting a metal fence in San Diego, choose a rust-inhibiting paint and primer combo. Even in dry climates, overnight dew and occasional rain can trigger corrosion.

Steps for success:

• Remove any old rust or peeling paint with a wire brush or grinder.
• Apply a rust-converting primer.
• Top it off with an Waterborne acrylic-urethane enamel

Oil-based paints are common for metal, but newer water-based metal paints offer similar durability with easier cleanup and lower VOCs.

6. Check VOC Levels for California Compliance

California has strict regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in paints and coatings. Always choose low-VOC or no-VOC paints to stay compliant and eco-friendly or make your life easier and hire professional fence painters.

Not only is this better for your health and the environment, but it also reduces fumes during application—especially important if you have pets or kids around.

7. Maintain Your Fence Regularly

Even the best paint won’t last forever. Regular maintenance keeps your fence looking fresh and extends the life of the paint job.

• Rinse the fence once or twice a year to remove dust and grime.
• Touch up chips or scratches as soon as they appear.
• Trim nearby vegetation to prevent moisture buildup.
• Repaint every 10–15 years depending on wear and tear.

Final Thoughts: Invest Smart, Paint Right

Fence painting in San Diego isn’t just about picking a pretty color—it’s about choosing a paint that’s tough enough for California weather. With the right products, prep, and timing, you can transform your fence into a durable, beautiful feature that enhances your home’s value and charm.