Led by owner Nick Barber, who joined the company in 2004 and assumed full ownership in 2020, Van Tuinen Painting operates from 5035 Meredith St in Portage with a team of full-time, in-house painters averaging over ten years of tenure. The company handles residential interior and exterior painting, kitchen cabinet refinishing, deck staining, drywall and plaster repair, wallpaper installation and removal, pressure washing, and commercial projects for businesses throughout Southwest Michigan.
Originally founded in 1974 by Jim Van Tuinen, the company has completed more than 12,000 painting projects. The fully insured team carries Workers Compensation and Liability Insurance as required by the State of Michigan and is licensed with the State of Michigan. Van Tuinen Painting uses Benjamin Moore, Pratt & Lambert, and Sherwin Williams paints and offers a one-year workmanship warranty on all projects, with extended warranties up to 20 years available on roof coating systems. The BBB-accredited company serves the greater Kalamazoo, Portage, and surrounding communities within a 60-mile radius.
Updated: 03-26-2026
Customers consistently single out individual crew members for praise. Gwen Bosma rated Steve's exterior work by declaring she would give him "a 12" on a scale of 1 to 10. Elaine Boettcher noted that David "noticed things that needed attention before I even mentioned them" during her second project with Van Tuinen Painting. Matt K earned similar recognition from Barb Atkinson, who described his cabinet work as "meticulous." The pattern reflects a team where painters take personal ownership of each project.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Multiple customers highlight the daily cleanup routine as a standout practice. Lexi Whitaker described how Steve "meticulously put back together and clean" her kitchen each afternoon and even took out the trash. Robin Novotny noted that at day's end, "all drop cloths folded and ladders put away" so the family could move comfortably through the house. Kerry Stuart praised Matt for being "very careful in covering anything that might get paint on it" and leaving the job site clean every evening.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Cabinet refinishing is one of Van Tuinen Painting's most frequently praised services. Wendy carmody said Steve delivered what looks like "a brand new beautiful kitchen" after finishing her cabinets. Tom Kallio called Steve's cabinet work "friendly, professional and easy to work with" while James Northam praised Steve Peters, saying his "skill and attention to detail was outstanding" and that he refused to leave until the customer was satisfied. Kelly Gray shared before-and-after photos showing the transformation.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Several customers addressed pricing directly after getting multiple estimates. Laura LeClear had "a much cheaper estimate and a higher one" but chose Van Tuinen Painting for the professionalism and results. JC Schneider acknowledged they were "not the cheapest company" but called the experience "a perfect example of getting what you pay for." Howard Tejchma agreed that the "extra cost over the low price companies is well worth it" for the quality of prep work and two-coat application.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
The company has handled projects on homes dating back over a century. J AND S hired Van Tuinen Painting for their "1912 Queen Anne in the Historic Vine Neighborhood" involving 7 colors and 3 stories of ladder work, noting that "prep work is second to none" on old houses. Thomas Brooks praised the crew's care on his 1920s vintage cedar-sided garage, noting they were careful "not to damage the wood siding." Jean Harden observed that Andy "loves old homes and it shows in his work."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Van Tuinen Painting's repeat customer base runs deep. Clark Smith has relied on the company "for interior and exterior projects for over 30 years." Bob Love returned for his "fourth time" and praised the consistency. Karen Sage called it her "third time" and noted she was "very satisfied" each visit. Elaine Boettcher came back for a second project and requested the same painter, David, stating she now "trusts him completely." The company reports that 75% of its business comes from referrals or returning customers.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Communication is woven into every stage. Tom Eldred described a 10-day interior project where "Steve and Joey showed up every single day before 8:00 AM" and kept him "informed on progress every day." Virginia Lammers noted "good communication with the project manager, Jason" throughout a two-week exterior project that ended with a walk-around inspection. Jessica Toporek said David Turney "explained every morning what the game plan was" and after daily cleanup reviewed what he accomplished.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Michigan requires a Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license through LARA for painting projects over $600. Van Tuinen Painting states on its website FAQ that the company is "licensed with the State of Michigan" and "fully insured" with Workers Compensation and Liability Insurance. The business is registered as Van Tuinen Painting, Inc., a Domestic Profit Corporation, Entity No. 800438235, initially filed 7/24/1996 with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The entity status is Active with Good standing. Resident Agent and President is Nicholas M. Barber at 5035 Meredith, Portage, MI 49002.
-Verification Sources: Michigan Business Entity Registry, Van Tuinen Painting FAQ page
Updated: 03-26-2026