Lui Cuglietta owns and operates Above The Cut Painting from his Chico, California base, bringing over thirty years of painting experience to every project. Lui personally handles all estimates and color consultations, often arriving the same day customers call. Crew members Eduardo, Omid, and Hugo work alongside Lui on projects ranging from single-room refreshes to complete commercial transformations.
The company specializes in interior and exterior residential painting, with particular expertise in cabinet refinishing, popcorn ceiling removal, and commercial work including apartment complexes, restaurants, rice silos, and metal buildings. Exterior projects include thorough prep work with pressure washing, hole filling, priming, and multiple coats. Customers consistently note Lui's flexibility with color changes mid-project, with one describing how he "problem solved and got us to a color we love."
Above The Cut Painting is fully licensed and insured with both general liability coverage and workers compensation insurance. They serve the greater Butte County region including Chico, Paradise, Oroville, and surrounding communities.
Updated: 04-06-2026
Reviews consistently highlight Lui's immediate availability. Ken Knirck called and Lui "came out a few minutes later to check out the job" and "started the next day." Sierra Haskins notes he "came right out to give us a quote and was able to get started within just a couple days." This responsiveness stands out in an industry where customers often struggle to get callbacks from contractors.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Thorough prep work appears repeatedly in reviews. Carissa Rystrom describes the full process, noting the crew "power-washed it, then filled holes, took down unused wires, primed it, and painted 3 coats." Tim Huckabay mentions there was "a lot of peeling paint and it took a lot of prep" that Lui handled expertly. The entire exterior process was completed in just two days.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Lui personally guides color decisions and remains flexible throughout projects. Carissa Rystrom explains that when they wanted to change colors after the first coat, Lui "problem solved and got us to a color we love." The website confirms custom and expert color matching is part of every project, with Lui working directly with customers on their preferences.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Cleanliness stands out as a consistent theme in customer feedback. Ken Knirck describes work done "neatly and cleanly." Sierra Haskins praises the crew as "super friendly, very efficient." Dr. Mark Carter notes the crew was "excellent from beginning to end (including prep-work, painting, clean-up, and touch-up)." Furniture and surfaces are masked and covered on every interior project.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Multiple customers specifically mention getting the best value after comparing quotes. Tim Huckabay states Lui's "price was also the best of the estimates we got." Dr. Mark Carter praises the work completed "at a fair and competitive price." Eric and Laura Hennum simply state they are "very pleased with our new paint job" and that "Lui has exceeded our expectations."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Review patterns show strong repeat business and referrals. Ken Knirck explains he "used Above The Cut Painting about five years ago for exterior painting" and "didn't hesitate to call on them to do the interior of my new house." He adds that "everything was done neatly and cleanly, on budget and ahead of schedule." This pattern of returning customers reflects consistent quality over time.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
California requires a C-33 Painting and Decorating contractor license for projects over $1,000. Above The Cut Painting holds California Contractors State License Board License No. 896006, verified active through the CSLB database. The license was issued on 5/7/2007 and expires 5/31/2027. The business operates as a Sole Ownership under owner Settimo Luigi Cuglietta (Lui Cuglietta) at 3076 Hudson Ave, Chico, CA 95973.
-Verification Sources: California CSLB License Lookup
Updated: 04-07-2026