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How to Choose a Painter in Denver (2025 Guide)

Painting is one of the most competitive contractor markets in Denver — and one where quality varies most. A great paint job lasts 8–12 years. A poor one peels within 2–3. Denver's UV intensity and temperature swings make prep work especially critical. Here's how to hire right.

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Key Takeaways

1
Verify general liability and workers' comp insurance — painting is largely unregulated in Colorado
2
Prep work should represent 40–60% of exterior labor time in Denver's climate
3
Ask for specific paint brand and product line — premium paints matter in Denver's UV environment
4
Get 3 quotes that each specify paint product, prep process, and number of coats
5
Minimum 2-year labor warranty for exterior painting in Denver

Licensing and Insurance for Denver Painters

Colorado does not require a state license for painting contractors. Denver requires a city contractor license for commercial work, but residential painting is largely unregulated.

This makes due diligence especially important. At minimum, require: general liability insurance ($1M minimum) and workers' compensation. Ask for certificates and verify they're current.

Uninsured painters working on your property create significant liability exposure if someone is injured.

Surface Prep Is Everything in Denver's Climate

Denver's 300+ days of sunshine at high altitude degrades paint faster than lower-elevation cities. UV radiation breaks down paint film, causing chalking, fading, and peeling.

Proper prep for exterior painting in Denver: pressure washing, scraping all loose paint, sanding rough edges, caulking all gaps and penetrations, priming bare wood and repaired areas.

Ask: What is your prep process? How long does prep take relative to painting? A quality exterior job should spend 40–60% of labor time on prep. Painters who skip prep produce work that fails in 2–3 years in Denver's climate.

Paint Quality Matters More in Denver

Premium exterior paints (Sherwin-Williams Duration, Benjamin Moore Aura, PPG Timeless) cost $60–$90/gallon but are specifically formulated for UV resistance and flexibility.

Ask: What brand and product line of paint will you use? The answer should be specific. 'A good quality paint' is not an acceptable answer.

Flexible acrylic latex paints handle Denver's dramatic daily temperature swings (40°F common) better than oil-based options. Avoid contractors who propose oil-based exterior paint.

What a Good Painting Quote Includes

A complete painting quote should specify: paint brand, product line, and number of coats; prep work included (pressure wash, scrape, caulk, prime); areas included and excluded; whether furniture moving is included; cleanup and protection of landscaping; and a warranty on labor (minimum 2 years for exterior).

Get 3 quotes. Significant price differences usually reflect differences in prep, paint quality, or number of coats — ask each contractor to explain their process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a painter need to be licensed in Colorado?

Colorado does not require a state painting license. Denver requires a city contractor license for commercial work. Always verify general liability and workers' comp insurance regardless.

What paint is best for Denver's climate?

Premium 100% acrylic latex paints with UV inhibitors — Sherwin-Williams Duration, Benjamin Moore Aura, or PPG Timeless. These handle Denver's UV intensity and temperature swings better than standard grades.

How long should exterior paint last in Denver?

Quality exterior paint with proper prep should last 8–12 years in Denver. Poor prep or standard-grade paint may fail in 3–5 years due to UV degradation and temperature cycling.

How do I get an accurate painting quote in Denver?

Get 3 written quotes that each specify paint brand and product, prep process, number of coats, and a labor warranty. Significant price differences usually reflect prep and paint quality differences.

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