The Painting Edge
About The Painting Edge
Todd Cartmel founded The Painting Edge in 1995, building the company on a simple principle he calls "Only Excellence." When Susan Seal recently had her interior painted, she mentioned that she had "used Painting Edge nearly 20 years ago and knew from past experience that perfection would be the name of the game." The fully licensed and insured team operates from Carmel, Indiana, with Todd personally handling estimates and walking through each room with homeowners before work begins.
The company handles interior painting, exterior painting, kitchen cabinet lacquering, drywall repair, interior staining, carpentry, and pressure washing. Drywall specialist Ray has worked with Todd for over 20 years and handles texture matching on ceiling repairs. Jesus oversees exterior projects, while painters including Shane, Brian, Kevin, Jordan, and Willie rotate across interior work.
The Painting Edge serves Hamilton County, Boone County, and Marion County, including Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Zionsville, Noblesville, and Indianapolis within a 25-mile radius.
Updated: 01-29-2026
Q&A Based On What Customers Are Saying About The Painting Edge
Q: Does The Painting Edge use in-house employees or subcontractors?
The Painting Edge operates with in-house W2 employees rather than subcontractors. Multiple reviews mention the same crew members by name across different projects, and many painters have been with the company for years. One Angi profile notes the company has "7 employees. No subs." Cindy Kehler mentions that "two of the same guys painted both our houses, 11 years apart" and that "many of the painters stay with the company for a long time."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Angi
Q: How does The Painting Edge handle surface preparation before painting?
Customers consistently praise the extensive prep work. Gary Steichele noted the crew did "a super job prepping each wall before the first coat of paint went on." Patrick Thomas appreciated that "the prep work was detailed and thorough" on his basement project. Tom Castle called Ray "a real craftsman at matching the pattern on the ceiling and performing the repairs on cracks and seam bulges." Multiple reviews mention pole sanding walls, fixing nail pops, and careful drywall repair before any painting begins.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: Does The Painting Edge brush and roll exterior paint or spray it?
The company exclusively brush and rolls exterior work rather than spraying. George noted they "brush and roll and don't spray (and use high quality paint)" and added this justified the price because the finish lasts longer. Chris and Dave Finley confirmed the "meticulous prep work" and that crews "vacuumed our mulch at the end of the prep days to remove any and all paint chips." Jeff Groth mentioned his previous exterior job from The Painting Edge "lasted 10 years."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: What happens with kitchen cabinet lacquering projects at The Painting Edge?
Cabinet lacquering is a specialty service where cabinets are removed, coated off-site, and returned with a factory-like finish. Amy E. was impressed that "I never smelled anything while the painting was being done" and her "cabinets were put back on in about a week." Cat G. noted the lacquer means "no more chips, and a factory painted appearance and performance." Valerie posted before-and-after photos showing they "gave us the kitchen of our dreams."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: How does The Painting Edge protect furniture and floors during interior projects?
Protection is extensive. Gary Steichele noted they "did a great job covering all the furniture in every new room they started in." Erica Kloppenburg mentioned "so much work into prepping to ensure cleanliness while they painted." Alysa Miller confirmed crews "moved the furniture, painted and moved them back." Multiple customers mention plastic covering, paper paths, shoe covers, and thorough daily cleanup that leaves "no trace that any work had been done."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: Does owner Todd Cartmel stay involved throughout The Painting Edge projects?
Todd's personal involvement appears throughout reviews. He provides detailed estimates, introduces crew members on their first day, and follows up after completion. Angela Rose appreciated that "Todd took the time to meet with me twice before the project even started, walking the property with me to make sure every detail was discussed." Pam Hayes noted that "although we had a modest project, Todd's attention to detail" matched what she would "expect with a bigger more expensive project."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Angi
Q: What is The Painting Edge's reputation for showing up on time and meeting deadlines?
Punctuality is frequently mentioned. Scott Bishop noted "every single painter that was here were very friendly, considerate and did excellent work" with the team being "on time" each day. Kathryn Egan confirmed "work started promptly in the morning" on her exterior project. Cynthia Ramsey mentioned Shane and Mike "arrived each day promptly at 8:00, even when there was a snow storm the night before" and Shane "had to shovel his way to our door, but he was still here on time."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: How has The Painting Edge handled any issues or concerns raised by customers?
When issues arise, the company addresses them promptly. Zach Hess mentioned "we even made some booboos in the fresh paint (shame on us, I know), and they patched it up pronto without complaint or hesitation." Josh Heymig's updated review notes Ray and Brian came back and "did an OUTSTANDING job" on settling cracks. The pattern shows accountability and willingness to return for touch-ups without pushback.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Updated: 01-29-2026