Top 10 Best Painters in Marin County, California (Updated 2026)

What a C-33 painting license covers

A painting contractor in California holds a C-33 Painting and Decorating license from the Contractors State License Board. CSLB's C-33 classification says the contractor prepares surfaces by scraping, sandblasting or other means. The contractor then applies paints, papers, textures, fabrics, varnishes, shellacs, stains, fillers, waxes, adhesives and similar materials.

The class names four purposes for the work: decorating, protecting, fireproofing and waterproofing. Papers, fabrics and adhesives are on CSLB's list, so the class is not limited to paint.

When a painter needs a California license

CSLB requires a current, valid license from anyone who contracts for work valued at $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials. A license is required at any price if the project needs a building permit or the person uses employees or other workers. The directory lists handyman services on their own page.

CSLB's description of the B General Building class says a B contractor cannot take a prime contract for trades other than framing or carpentry unless the contract requires at least two unrelated trades. The other routes are to hold the specialty license or to subcontract the work to a licensed specialty contractor.

California's rules on home improvement contracts, down payments and mechanics liens are explained on the general contractors page. Building permits in Marin County come from the city or town where the property is, or from the County of Marin for unincorporated areas. Those offices are on the government and services page.

How to check a painter's license

1. Ask for the contractor's license number. It has up to eight digits and no letters.
2. Enter it in CSLB's Check a License tool, or search by business name.
3. Confirm the license is current and lists the C-33 classification.

The record includes complaint disclosure. CSLB also verifies licenses by phone at (800) 321-CSLB (2752).

Lead paint rules for homes built before 1978

EPA says the federal government banned consumer use of lead-based paint in 1978. Its Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule requires anyone paid to do work that disturbs painted surfaces in homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978 to be certified. EPA lists painting preparation among the covered activities and painters among the covered trades. Sole proprietorships are included.

The rule puts three duties on the painting company.

1. The firm must be certified by EPA. A firm cannot advertise or perform covered work without it.
2. A certified renovator must be assigned to each job. Everyone who disturbs paint must be a certified renovator or be trained by one.
3. Before work starts, the firm must hand out EPA's pamphlet, Renovate Right, and document that it did. EPA publishes a pre-renovation disclosure form for this.

California is not on EPA's list of states authorized to run their own RRP programs, so EPA administers the rule here. The rule has limits.

In a rented pre-1978 home, EPA says the landlord or property management company must comply when its work disturbs paint. Property managers have their own page in the directory.

How to find an EPA lead-safe certified painter

EPA's approval comes with a Lead-Safe Certified Firm logo, which the firm may use on its advertising materials. EPA's lead-safe certified firm search is the tool it gives consumers for finding a certified contractor in their area.

Paint testing is not required by the rule. EPA says that unless there is documentation that the paint is not lead-based, the requirements apply.

Lead testing and abatement in older Marin homes

EPA treats lead abatement and RRP work as two separate programs with different certifications. In California the abatement credential comes from the state. The Department of Public Health (CDPH) issues five types of lead certificate: Inspector/Assessor, Sampling Technician, Project Monitor, Supervisor and Worker.

CDPH's page on hiring a lead professional says state law requires certification for lead inspectors and risk assessors. It also requires certification for anyone who does work designed to reduce or eliminate lead hazards. CDPH adds that a contractor's license is not a substitute for its lead-related construction certificate. It verifies certificates by phone at 1-800-597-LEAD.

EPA says the older a home is, the more likely it contains lead-based paint. Its figures show that 87 percent of homes built before 1940 have some lead-based paint, against 24 percent of homes built between 1960 and 1978. About one in eight housing units in Marin County was built in 1939 or earlier, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, table B25034. The table does not show which homes have been tested or repainted.

Painters are one of the trades listed in the home services section of this directory.

Who licenses painters in Marin County?

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) licenses painting contractors across the state, including Marin County. The license class is C-33 Painting and Decorating. There is no separate county painting license. You can verify a license on the CSLB website or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752).

Does a painter need a license in California?

Yes, in three situations. CSLB says anyone who contracts for work valued at $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials must hold a current, valid license. A license is also required for any project that needs a building permit, and for anyone who uses employees or other workers.

How do I check a painter's license in California?

Use the Check a License tool on the Contractors State License Board website. You can search by license number, business name or the name of a person on the license. The record shows the license status and complaint disclosure. Confirm the license is current and lists the C-33 Painting and Decorating classification.

Does a painter need EPA lead certification?

For a home built before 1978, yes. EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule requires anyone paid to do work that disturbs painted surfaces in those homes to be certified, and that includes sole proprietorships. Workers must be certified renovators or be trained on the job by one. Housing built in 1978 or later is not covered.

How can I tell if my home has lead-based paint?

EPA says the older the home, the more likely it contains lead-based paint. It reports that 87 percent of homes built before 1940 have some, compared with 24 percent of homes built between 1960 and 1978. EPA recommends assuming a pre-1978 home has it, or hiring a certified inspector or risk assessor to check.

How do I file a complaint against a painter in California?

File a construction complaint with the Contractors State License Board, online or with a printed form. CSLB handles complaints about licensed and unlicensed contractors for up to four years from the date of the act. Suspected lead-safe work violations go to EPA, which takes reports online and through the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323.