Compare Local Pros
California Paint Company vs Northstar Painting
Solano Painting Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
California Paint Company is a 15-year paint supply store, while Northstar Painting is a 2-year-old painting contractor that performs the actual work.
| California Paint Company | Northstar Painting | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.5 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 15 years | 2 years |
| License # | 959128 | 1124468 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Vacaville, CA | Fairfield, CA |
| Website | www.californiapaint.com | painterfairfield.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
California Paint Company
Customers value California Paint Company's accurate color matching capabilities and access to specialty products unavailable at big box stores, though some note a contractor-oriented service focus.
Northstar Painting
Northstar Painting receives consistent praise for punctuality, detailed preparation work, professional communication, and organized execution on complex residential projects including older homes.
Key Takeaway: California Paint Company's feedback centers on product availability and retail service quality, while Northstar Painting's reviews focus entirely on completed project outcomes and contractor reliability—reflecting their fundamentally different business models.
Customer Reviews
California Paint Company
Buen trabajo
Local shop. Staff are all friendly and helpful.
This place does not like to deal with non-professionals. They've got a good selection of products but they clearly have an attitude towards individuals that are only coming in to buy one can of finish...
Northstar Painting
A job well done for sure! The owner and the crew paid attention to every detail of the job.
Jose and his incredible team did an outstanding job. From his professionalism responding to my request for quote and quick responses to every question. The team showed up on time every day and went a...
Jose from NorthStar painted my home and did an amazing job! Him and his team were amazing to deal with!
Consider California Paint Company if...
- ✓ You're a confident DIYer or working with your own contractor who needs Benjamin Moore paint, specialty primers like Gardz, or professional products like Abaton liquid epoxy not available at Home Depot.
- ✓ You need precise color matching for touch-ups or repairs and value accuracy over convenience.
- ✓ You prefer supporting a veteran local business with 15 years serving Solano County contractors and homeowners.
- ✓ You want access to expert product advice without committing to a full-service contractor.
Consider Northstar Painting if...
- ✓ You need someone to actually paint your home and want a contractor with strong feedback on punctuality, communication, and attention to detail.
- ✓ Your project involves complex prep work like popcorn ceiling removal, cabinet refinishing, or painting an older home requiring extensive surface preparation.
- ✓ Competitive pricing matters and you're comparing multiple contractor estimates for the same scope of work.
- ✓ You value responsive communication and organized crews who respect occupied homes during the work process.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → If considering Northstar Painting: Ask for references from projects completed in the past year similar to yours, particularly if your home has complications like lead paint or extensive rot repair needs.
- → If considering Northstar Painting: Request details about how they handle unexpected discoveries during prep work and whether their estimates include contingency provisions.
- → If considering California Paint Company for supplies: Confirm they can provide product recommendations for your specific surface conditions and clarify whether they offer any application guidance or just product sales.
The Bottom Line
These companies serve entirely different needs. If you're painting your home yourself or managing your own contractor, California Paint Company offers 15 years of product expertise, accurate color matching, and Benjamin Moore specialty materials. If you need someone to actually perform the painting work, Northstar Painting is the only relevant option here—a newer contractor with strong feedback on punctuality, detailed preparation, and organized execution. Choose California Paint Company for supplies and product advice; choose Northstar Painting for complete painting services with materials and labor included.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You're likely deciding between DIY with quality materials versus hiring professional labor. California Paint Company provides the supplies and color matching if you or your own contractor does the work. Northstar Painting provides the complete service including labor, materials, and project management. The choice depends on your skill level, time availability, and project complexity.
The licensing period shows limited time as a business entity, which matters for handling unexpected complications like hidden damage or complex problem-solving. However, customer feedback consistently mentions successful work on older homes requiring extensive prep, suggesting practical competence. Ask specifically about the owner's total years working in painting and request references from projects similar to yours.
The data indicates they're oriented toward serving professional contractors, so they likely interact with local painters regularly. However, their business model is retail supply, not contractor referral. If you're considering DIY because you already have a trusted painter, California Paint Company can provide professional-grade materials your contractor may prefer.
Contractors typically have preferred suppliers and paint lines based on their experience and pricing arrangements. If you specifically want Benjamin Moore products, discuss this during the estimate process with Northstar. Some contractors include materials in their pricing while others work with homeowner-supplied materials, though the latter can complicate warranty issues.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top painting contractors in Solano.
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How We Compare Contractors
License Verification
All license data is sourced from official California CSLB records and verified regularly.
Review Analysis
Customer reviews are aggregated from Google and analyzed to identify patterns in service quality.
Detailed Comparison
We analyze credentials, insurance, experience, and feedback to highlight meaningful differences.
Not all licensed contractors are created equal. While a valid license is the baseline requirement in California, contractors can vary significantly in experience, insurance coverage, and customer satisfaction.
- Experience matters: A contractor with 15+ years of experience has likely encountered and solved problems that newer contractors haven't faced yet.
- Workers' compensation protects you: If a contractor without workers' comp insurance has an employee injured on your property, you could be held liable.
- Reviews reveal patterns: Individual reviews can be misleading, but patterns across many reviews often reveal a contractor's true strengths and weaknesses.
- Bond amounts vary: A contractor's bond provides financial protection if they fail to complete work as agreed. Higher bonds offer more protection.
Taking time to compare contractors on these factors can save you from costly mistakes and help ensure your project is completed by a qualified professional.
Data Sources: License information from California CSLB. Ratings and reviews from Google. Last verified March 08, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
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