6 Best Painters in Santa Fe, NM - Chooz Score Ranked

Why Customers Choose New Mexico's Painting Specialists

Hundreds of Happy Customers

The last time we conducted our Chooz Score analysis, New Mexico's Painting Specialists had over 65 Google reviews with a perfect 5.0-star rating, along with 5.0 stars on Yelp and 100% recommended on Facebook. This company earned a Chooz Score of 89.5%. A flawless rating across every major platform is exceptionally rare in the painting industry:

• A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, accredited since October 2022
• Won Albuquerque The Magazine's "Best of the City" recognition three consecutive years: 2022, 2023, and 2024

"I can't recommend New Mexico Painting Specialists highly enough! They painted my entire home in just ONE day, and the results were nothing short of incredible. My expectations were already sky-high, and somehow, they still managed to exceed them." - Andra K., Google Review

Their Team, Not Random Subs

The company explicitly states on their website that they hire only full-time professionals with no subcontractors. The Chooz Score's in-house crews component confirms this: the same crew names appear across reviews spanning two years. Customers praise Chris, Riley, Nick, Mekhi, Alex, Christian, and Elijah by name repeatedly:

• Multiple customers describe requesting the same painters for return projects, noting their consistency and attention to detail
• Three generations of family painting expertise, with master craftsman Gilbert Gaxiola contributing over 60 years of experience to select projects

"Christian, Mekhi, Riley, and Oscar are an outstanding team! I can't say enough about the attention to detail and how friendly they were. Eddie and Mandy the owners made this experience a pleasure." - Megan S., Google Review

A Familiar Face in the Community

What sets them apart is the family atmosphere combined with serious community recognition. Owners Eddie Gaxiola and Mandi Loudenback remain personally involved in projects, and customers consistently mention feeling like more than just another job:

• Eddie and Mandi personally handle estimates, color consultations, and follow-up, building relationships that lead to repeat business
• Reviews mention using the company multiple times for different projects, from cabinet refinishing to full exterior transformations

"Eddie and Mandi are an absolute joy to work with. Hiring any sort of contractor is hard and very nerve racking. Eddie and Mandi made it so easy from start to finish." - Jessie H., Google Review

Why Customers Choose Knight's Painting

Hands-On Leadership

Owner Gary Knight stays personally involved in every project from estimate to final walkthrough. The Chooz Score's owner engagement indicators are strong: Gary is mentioned by name in the majority of reviews and responds to customer feedback with personalized messages that reference specific project details, customer names, and even their pets. This level of attention is rare in the painting industry:

• Gary personally provides estimates, explains the process step-by-step, and checks in with clients daily during projects
• Customers consistently describe Gary's manner as professional, kind, and personable, building trust from the first meeting

"Gary gave a thorough estimate with photos that pointed out important touchup areas. He checked work done by the painting crew and was easily accessible for any questions throughout the process." - Candace B., Google Review

Familiar Faces, Consistent Results

The same crew names appear across dozens of reviews, a sign of genuine in-house teams rather than rotating subcontractors. High marks on the Chooz Score's in-house crews component: Bear and Eric Carnero, supervisor Ernesto, project manager Juan, and crew members like Jose, Adam, and Rene are praised repeatedly for their craftsmanship and professionalism:

• Bear and Eric handled historic home restorations including properties over 100 years old with what customers call "attention to detail, professionalism, and knowledge of the art of painting"
• Ernesto and his crew receive consistent praise for showing up at 7:00 AM sharp, working efficiently, and completing projects on or ahead of schedule

"Bear and Eric were extremely friendly, easy to talk to, and very professional throughout the process. They showed up on time, kept me updated, and made sure I was 100% happy with the finished product." - Joe P., Google Review

The Reviews Speak for Themselves

The last time we conducted our Chooz Score analysis, Knight's Painting had over 110 Google reviews with a perfect 5.0-star rating. This company earned a Chooz Score of 88.0%. With 9 years in business serving Las Cruces and surrounding communities, they've built a reputation that extends across multiple platforms:

• Strong presence on HomeAdvisor with 4.5+ stars and over 15 reviews praising their stucco repair expertise and fair pricing
• Nextdoor Favorite status with over 12 recommendations from local neighbors

"This is the 2nd time we have used Knights painting. They are simply the best. On time. On budget. Always pleasant to work with. Would recommend without reservation." - Joseph M., Google Review

Why Customers Choose Mike's Quality Painting

Crews You Can Trust

Crews like Frank, Simeon, Chris M., and Xavier get called out by name in review after review. The Chooz Score's in-house crews component shows consistency: the same crew names appear across multiple reviews spanning months and even years. This company employs W2 painters with full benefits including health insurance, 401K, and paid time off, not rotating subcontractors:

• Frank, Simeon, and Chris M. appear repeatedly across dozens of reviews for attention to detail and professionalism
• Crew members like Dusty, Joe, Castro, and Manuel show up together on project after project, working as a coordinated team

"The crew that painted our house did an outstanding job, Frank, Daniel, Martin, Pedro, and Jose. We can't thank them enough." - BBB Review

Years of Consistent Results

The last time we conducted our Chooz Score analysis, Mike's Quality Painting had over 850 Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating. This company earned a Chooz Score of 87.1%. With 14 years in business, they've built one of central New Mexico's most recognized painting operations:

• A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, accredited since 2020
• The last time we conducted our Chooz Score analysis, reviews spanned multiple platforms including 96% recommended on Facebook, 4.9 stars on Angi with over 90 reviews, and Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite from 2021 through 2023

"Mike's Quality Painting is one of the most professional and organized companies we've had the pleasure of doing business with during our 5 years of living in Albuquerque." - BBB Review

Customers Keep Coming Back

Customers consistently mention the same thing: once they use Mike's Quality Painting, they don't call anyone else. High marks on the Chooz Score's customer retention indicators show multiple reviewers returning for second, third, and even fourth projects:

• Cyndi H. shared she was on her "third time" using the company, noting the crews are "incredible, professional, and skilled"
• Heidi O. wrote that "every time we need something painted I call Mike's Quality Painting," praising both affordability and quality

"We just had a second house painted by Mike's Quality Painting. We are very pleased with their workmanship. The house looks so much better now." - David, Google Review

Why Customers Choose Busby Finishes

The Boss Shows Up

Owner Richard Busby personally handles estimates and maintains on-site presence throughout projects. The Chooz Score's owner engagement indicators are strong: Richard is mentioned by name in the majority of reviews, and owner responses appear on nearly every piece of feedback. This isn't a company where you sign a contract and never see the owner again.

• Richard walks through projects with customers before, during, and after completion
• Co-owner Cari Ann Busby handles business operations and responds to reviews with genuine, personalized messages

"Richard and his team did an amazing job at painting my living room and hallways. From the time they arrived, they were focused and busy, like machines, did not stop until the job was complete. Busby Finishes has my highest recommendations." - Maximus A., Google Review

The Details Matter Here

If you're looking for a painter who can handle specialty work beyond standard interior and exterior jobs, Busby Finishes has built their reputation on skills most painters don't offer. The Chooz Score's review authenticity indicators show customers specifically seeking them out for Venetian plaster matching, faux finishes, cabinet refinishing, and furniture restoration.

• Multiple customers praise their ability to match existing faux finishes and decorative plaster, particularly valuable for Santa Fe and Albuquerque homes with unique Southwest styling
• The company offers a 5-year warranty on cabinet refinishing, significantly longer than their standard painting warranty

"Richard Busby did an incredible and fantastic job on repairing and creating Venetian plaster to fix the damage done to my entry walls and front door. His skills and experience are exceptional and are the best in the world." - Geraldine B., Google Review

Established and Still Going Strong

The last time we conducted our Chooz Score analysis, Busby Finishes had over 35 Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating, plus 5.0 stars on Yelp and 5.0 stars on Angi with over 15 reviews. This company earned a Chooz Score of 85.1%. With over 15 years in business since 2010, they've established deep roots in northern New Mexico:

• A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, accredited since 2020 with zero complaints
• Family-owned and operated by Richard and Cari Ann Busby
• 2-year warranty on standard painting work with recommended materials

"We have used them for four jobs at four different family homes and their work is always A+. Dealing with any and all of the Busby team is a real pleasure. They are helpful, friendly and consummate professionals." - Christina B., Google Review

Why Customers Choose CertaPro Painters of Albuquerque, NM

Crews You Can Trust

What sets CertaPro Painters of Albuquerque apart is the consistency of their crews. The Chooz Score's in-house crews component shows the same names appearing across dozens of reviews: Carlos, Bryan, Dewayne, Johan, Wendry, Eddie, and Horacio. This isn't a company that sends different workers to every job.

• The company states they use only their own W2 employees with no subcontractors or day laborers, and conduct background checks on all employees
• Production Associate Johan Tuggay coordinates scheduling and oversees projects, while Job Site Supervisor Hanameel Alvarez leads crews on site

"Carlos, Bryan and Chris did a great job. Very patient with me through the whole process towards the end for touch ups. They covered everything in plastic and didn't hesitate to ask me questions. I would use CertaPros again and request this crew." - Dino G., Google Review

The Reviews Speak for Themselves

The last time we conducted our Chooz Score analysis, CertaPro Painters of Albuquerque had over 85 Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating. This company earned a Chooz Score of 84.6%. With over 4 years in business under current ownership, they've built a strong local presence:

• A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, accredited since August 2020 with zero complaints
• EPA RRP Lead-Safe Certified for work on pre-1978 homes
• New Mexico Contractor License No. PFY-252 verified active

"We hired Certapro Painters 14 years ago to paint our house and they did not disappoint us. Rehired Certapro again in March 2024 to repaint our house and again they did not disappoint us. The work was done in a very short time and we were amazed how fast and how great the house looked." - Autumn B., Google Review

Craftsmanship You Can See

Customers consistently praise the attention to detail in both standard painting and specialty work like stucco repair. The Chooz Score's review authenticity indicators are strong: reviewers mention specific project details, crew members by name, and realistic timelines.

• Multiple reviews highlight expertise in stucco repair and coating, a critical service for New Mexico homes
• Prep work receives frequent praise, with customers noting how crews protect furniture, floors, and landscaping

"Mike with CertaPro Painters demonstrated the timely communication and competitive pricing that I truly value. His team of painters did a great job with the repair, prep and paint of my exterior and they provided the same quality and neatness on my interior." - Mike S., Google Review

Questions to Ask CertaPro Painters of Albuquerque, NM

Dust containment during interior projects

One reviewer noted that interior work left dust throughout the house after plaster sanding. While this appears to be an isolated incident among dozens of positive reviews, it's worth discussing expectations upfront. Ask them directly: "What specific dust containment measures do you use during interior projects that involve sanding or plaster work?"

"Decent job of plaster skim-coating and painting ceilings and walls. A bit more care could have been taken sealing off areas of work, as plaster sanding left most of the house with a layer of dust." - David P., Google Review (no owner reply)