Homeowners who have been burned by painters who vanish mid-project or pile on surprise charges know the anxiety of hiring another contractor. Chris Arnett built The Painting Craftsmen on the belief that residential painting is a craft to be perfected, not a job to be rushed. After partnering with longtime friend Josh Kennedy of First Coast Home Pros, Chris brought years of hands-on experience from Ohio and Michigan to Northeast Florida's residential market.
The team handles interior and exterior painting, with particular strength in cabinet refinishing, deck and fence staining, pool deck coatings, garage floor epoxy, drywall repair, pressure washing, and wallpaper removal. Project manager Justin coordinates scheduling and daily communication while dedicated crew members like JR, Luis, Ryan, and Malcolm maintain consistent quality across projects. The company provides free, no-obligation in-home estimates with detailed written proposals.
The fully licensed and insured, BBB-accredited team carries $2 million in general liability coverage and full workers' compensation on all employees. They offer a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee on all services and are EPA Lead-Safe Certified. Based in Jacksonville, they serve Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, and Clay counties.
Cabinet refinishing emerges as the most frequently highlighted service across reviews. MultiSchnauzermom describes JR and Horatio handling "45 doors and 16 drawer fronts" and calls the results "absolutely fabulous." Doug McDonald writes that The Painting Craftsmen gave his kitchen "a whole new look at a fraction of the cost of new cabinets or cabinet refacing." Yelp reviewer Cara G. credits JR with doing "an incredible job" and says her family feels like they are "living in a brand new home."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Yelp
Justin serves as project manager and primary customer contact, named in over 20 reviews. Richard Owen describes him as "extremely attentive and detail-oriented" with communication that "never wavered." Leigh Rollins recalls Justin spending an hour answering her many questions during the initial consultation. Julie Bailey praises his "constant communication" throughout her stair refinishing project. His consistent presence from estimate through completion establishes the reliable touchpoint customers value.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Bart Bruchok's review describes this exact scenario. After Luis completed wallpaper removal and painting faster than projected, "Juston adjusted the original estimate to reflect actual hours worked." Bruchok calls the experience "good prices, excellent quality, and honest dealing." This kind of downward estimate adjustment runs counter to the common homeowner frustration of contractors padding timelines or adding charges. J. Messervy also notes Dale went "beyond the job agreement" to improve the finished product.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Jim Beck initially gave one star after finding his front door improperly painted, missed areas, and paint drips. The Painting Craftsmen sent Mike, who spent "about 6 hours sanding down and repainting the door." Beck updated to three stars, noting the "quality of the work is 4 stars" and retracting his concern about the guarantee. He states he feels confident "they will correct any issues." Phyllis Coffey describes a similar pattern where peeling shutters were removed and reinstalled "in perfect condition."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Reviews highlight a deep roster of skilled crew members. Bart Bruchok calls Luis "a true artisan" who is "very meticulous" and "seeks constant feedback." JR draws praise as the cabinet specialist, with Ron Whittington describing a "complicated project with multiple finishes" handled beautifully. Ryan earns recognition for versatility, from Mateo R's drywall ceiling repair where he "matched the orange peel pattern perfectly" to cabinet transformations alongside Malcolm. Leigh Rollins praises Mike as "truly a craftsman who took pride in his work."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Ten reviewers within the last two years identify themselves as repeat customers. Andrew Miller notes this was "the second time we've used The Painting Craftsmen" and says he "would use them a third time." EastsideCC Treasurer mentions "3 projects at our church." Yelp reviewer Mary S., returning for a second cabinet project, praises the quality and notes "Christopher and Justin are great to work with and communication is easy." C.J. Van Casteren goes further, declaring The Painting Craftsmen have earned "a lifelong customer."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Yelp
Maddie Taylor hired The Painting Craftsmen after a previous vendor delivered subpar interior work. Her takeaway is direct, stating "cheaper is not better." She notes the crew "moved quickly but with quality workmanship" and were "mindful and respectful of my belongings." The project included a post-completion walk-through to confirm her satisfaction. Taylor now considers The Painting Craftsmen her "go to painting company." BBB reviewer Jolene F similarly notes her painter was "professional, on time, and finished, it seemed, effortlessly."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, BBB
Florida does not require a state-level painting-specific license. The Painting Craftsmen operates under Certified Residential Contractor License No. CRC1331797 issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, authorizing residential contracting work including painting. The business is registered as Joshua W. Kennedy Enterprises, LLC with the Florida Division of Corporations, Entity No. L08000117005, filed 12/29/2008 with Active status. Principal address is 2180 Emerson St, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
-Verification Sources: FL DBPR, FL Sunbiz