Owner Ken Slosarik leads El Gato Painting from their Gifford Avenue headquarters in San Jose, where the company has completed over 25,000 projects across the Bay Area. The team serves 34 cities throughout Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties, handling residential, commercial, and HOA painting projects of all sizes.
El Gato Painting has built particular expertise in Victorian and Craftsman home restoration alongside standard interior and exterior work. Their proprietary 21-step preparation process has become a hallmark of the company, with customers noting results that make homes look "brand new." The team handles everything from cabinet refinishing and deck staining to complete exterior transformations and commercial building projects.
The company is fully bonded and insured, Diamond Certified, and BBB Accredited. El Gato Painting backs all work with an industry-leading 6-year unlimited and transferable warranty, reflecting their confidence in their craftsmanship and materials.
Updated: 04-06-2026
Reviews suggest El Gato Painting falls in the mid-to-upper range rather than being the cheapest or most expensive. One customer noted "they were not the cheapest bid, but neither were they the highest" while another chose them despite being "the most expensive bid" because of their thorough approach. Several reviews mention getting "the best quote without worrying that we may be sacrificing quality."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Cleanup stands out as a consistent strength across reviews. Multiple customers report sites left "spotless every day" with one noting there was "no debris or mess of any kind" after each workday. Another reviewer stated they expected some mess but found the crew "cleaned up each day" and protected all furniture and plants thoroughly.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Alberto consistently appears in reviews as a standout crew leader whose woodworking and painting skills impress customers. One homeowner noted Alberto was "so skilled as a wood worker/painter" while another praised how he took on "some of the most challenging pieces of the work to ensure they're done right." His attention to detail on trim work and rot repair draws particular praise.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
The company's 21-step preparation method receives frequent mention in reviews. Customers describe thorough processes including power washing, caulking, crack filling, and proper priming. One homeowner noted the crew "followed a 21-step preparation method with power washing, caulking and more" and praised how the result was "stunning." This extensive prep work contributes to finishes customers say last longer.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Reviews reveal a consistent core team that customers reference by name repeatedly. The same crew members (Alberto, Moises, Mario, Marlon, Oscar, Jesus) appear across different customer reviews spanning months. One customer mentioned "Moises, Mario, Marlon, and Juan" while others praise the same Alberto-led teams. This consistency suggests in-house employees with weekly training meetings.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Punctuality emerges as one of the strongest patterns in reviews. Customers consistently report crews arriving "on time each day" and projects completing as scheduled. One reviewer noted "they were punctual and excellent at answering my questions" while another described how the team "started work on the agreed date with no issues." The company stays until projects are finished.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Owner Ken Slosarik handles estimates and color consultations himself. One customer was impressed "when he spent well over an hour color matching" to get the perfect colors. Reviews describe detailed written quotes that break down costs clearly. The company provides paint samples applied to the home before final decisions, with Johnny in the office coordinating scheduling.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
California requires a C-33 Painting and Decorating contractor license for painting work. El Gato Painting & Restoration, Inc. holds CSLB License No. 711537, currently Active with an expiration date of 08/31/2027. The company is registered with the California Secretary of State as a Stock Corporation (Entity No. 1941305), Active since its initial filing on 06/07/1995. Registered agent is Kendal J Slosarik.
-Verification Sources: California CSLB, California Secretary of State
Updated: 04-07-2026