Don Howard Painting
About Don Howard Painting
With over 50 five-star Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating, Don Howard Painting has built an exceptional reputation across Maryland's Eastern Shore since 1972. This family-owned contractor, currently run by Donald A Howard Jr, specializes in both residential and commercial painting with particular expertise in cabinet refinishing, drywall repair, deck staining, and pressure washing. Their portfolio spans everything from single-room updates to complete historic restorations across Queen Anne's, Talbot, Caroline, Kent, and Anne Arundel Counties.
What sets Don Howard Painting apart is their attention to detail and cleanliness. Customers consistently praise crews who protect surfaces thoroughly and maintain professional standards throughout projects. Reviews frequently mention properties left "cleaner than when they started" and painters who take time to prep surfaces properly rather than rushing through jobs. Lead crew member Santos brings over 20 years of painting experience to every project.
The company operates with old-school reliability. Crews arrive on schedule, complete projects within promised timeframes, and maintain clear communication from estimate through final walkthrough. Owner Don Howard personally oversees major projects while experienced team members handle everything from interior refreshes to exterior transformations. With decades serving the Chesapeake Bay area, they understand Maryland weather challenges and use appropriate materials for coastal conditions.
Updated: 11-18-2025
Q&A Based On What Customers Are Saying About Don Howard Painting
Q: Does Don Howard Painting actually complete projects on schedule?
Multiple reviews emphasize punctuality and timeline reliability. Mike Whitcomb notes the team was "courteous and professional" while completing their entire house interior, and Chico Moline describes them as "professional, punctual, and detail-oriented." Crews maintain daily schedules and communicate any weather delays for exterior work proactively.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: How does Don Howard Painting handle surface preparation before painting?
Reviews consistently mention thorough prep work. Chico Moline specifically states the crew "took time to properly prep the space" including covering floors, trim, and outlets. Greg Lotze describes "the best mud and sand prep job I've seen, as good as if it were a room inside the house" for his garage project. Surface preparation receives as much attention as the actual painting.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: What makes Don Howard Painting's cabinet refinishing different from other contractors?
Maurice Garcia reports cabinets that "look brand new" after refinishing, while Megan Gasch had a "great experience" with kitchen cabinet work. The company uses specialized techniques for cabinet surfaces, ensuring smooth finishes without brush marks. Multiple customers mention cabinet projects specifically in their recommendations.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: Is Don Howard Painting's cleanup really as thorough as reviews suggest?
Rhonda Adams provides detailed praise, noting the crew "tidied up at the end of each day, no equipment was left on site, and all brush and paint cleanup was done back at the shop." Bob Knotts describes service as "fast and courteous" with everything looking great after pressure washing. Daily cleanup maintains accessible living spaces during multi-day projects.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: Does Don Howard Painting handle both small touch-ups and large projects?
Nathan Sancarranco hired them for drywall repairs and touch-ups after a leak, stating "you honestly can't tell where the repairs were anymore, the color match and finish are spot on." Rhonda Adams had their entire three-story house painted. Project range spans from single-room updates to complete home transformations and commercial buildings.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: How does Don Howard Painting approach communication during projects?
Sheldon Massey received "photo updates during the process" for a brick fireplace whitewash project and notes "communication with Don was excellent." Lisa Garber confirms the owner was "always available for any questions" and work started shortly after estimates. Regular updates keep customers informed throughout project timelines.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: What do customers say about Don Howard Painting's crew behavior and professionalism?
Paula Hubbard describes workers as "polite, and very respectful" who were "clean and careful with my belongings." Jim Hall calls the entire team "respectful, easy to work with, and very responsive." Crew training emphasizes courtesy and property respect, with painters treating customer homes professionally.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: Does Don Howard Painting work on historic properties and specialized surfaces?
Ben Pontano hired them for mahogany house trim requiring extensive prep sanding, calling the work "very professionally" done. Michael Goldberg mentions repairs where "some of the siding needed to be replaced" during a cedar siding home project. The company handles historic restorations, wood replacements, and specialty surfaces beyond standard painting.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Updated: 11-18-2025