When Marlin Nelson needed his new sliding doors to match trim that Calco had spray-painted a decade earlier, he called them without hesitation because the original work was "still literally flawless." Brandon and Alex returned, masked his living room into what resembled "a paint booth in my house," and left no trace beyond fresh-painted doors. That kind of callback, where a customer reaches out ten years later because the first job still impresses visiting guests, reveals something about how Calvin Raisanen and his son Brandon run this Duluth-based operation.
Calvin founded Calco Painting Inc. in 2004 and built a team of in-house painters who handle residential, commercial, and industrial projects across the Duluth/Superior region and Minnesota's Arrowhead country. The company operates with a no-subcontractor guarantee and maintains an off-site spray booth for controlled-environment finishing. Core crew members Brandon, Lance, Alex, and Joe appear by name across years of customer feedback.
The registered contractor team serves Duluth, Superior, Cloquet, Two Harbors, and surrounding communities within approximately 25 miles. Calco partners with Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Sikkens, Valspar, Cabot, and Diamond Vogel products.
Ryan Kern, a 15-year repeat customer, points to "the prep work alone they put in to making sure there is no paint splatter with pre-taping, and floor paper." Conrad Beaulieu described how Lance and the crew "masked the windows and doors as they followed an ordered process." Sheryl nelson praised the crew's thorough preparation and noted she "couldn't be more pleased with their cleanliness, quality and professionalism."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Eight confirmed repeat customers appear in recent reviews alone. Ryan Kern has "been using Calco for 15 years since we built our home" and says "we wouldn't use anyone else." Carrie W. states Calco painters are "the only painting company I will ever use." Rita Baumgardner's homeowners association has hired them three times, and Katie Kaz reports hiring them for "multiple home/work projects" over the years.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Jen Thackery hired them for a very large interior job and they finished "within 2 days as promised due to a very stressed kitty situation." Angela Steenberg needed a vacation rental painted on a precise schedule, and Brandon "saw my project through from the first estimate to the final touch up" with what she called "total perfection from every painter." Creston Dorothy noted the crew "completed the project way faster than I expected."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Xtra Gizmo hired Calco to restain a 75-year-old cabin, and the crew "did a color blend to get the replaced siding to match closer the older existing wood." Nelson French had them apply two coats of clearcoat to a True North Log Home. Blake Shippee called them "the best in the business" after they stained his log cabin north of Duluth. Sandi Daytner was impressed they "were able to match them perfectly" when original paint colors were unavailable.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Eric Larson worked with Calvin on material selection and then collaborated with Brandon, who "provided daily text updates and photos to keep me informed of the progress." This was particularly valuable since Eric was not on-site. Conrad Beaulieu praised Lance for "letting us know what was next on their agenda so we would be prepared" and noted the crew "always made a way for us to get out and into the house."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Ryan Flynn noted "a few spots were missed and Brandon quickly responded with when they would be back to do touch ups" and added that Brandon "was very respectful and took the time to listen." M B experienced a miscommunication during a wallpaper removal and kitchen paint job but confirmed "they made it right." The pattern shows accountability and willingness to return rather than defensive reactions.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Multiple customers comment on value. Jon Chapek summarized it as "you get what you pay for" after Brandon handled his ghosting issue on super tall ceilings. Kim Parrish said the estimate was "more than fair" and that Brandon completed the work in less than two days. Donald Wallgren recommended them to "anyone who values quality and craftsmanship at a fair price." Several Google reviews carry the "Reasonable price" tag.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Minnesota requires a Residential Building Contractor or Remodeler registration for projects over $15,000. Calco Painting Inc. holds Contractor Registration No. IR654862 with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, effective since September 14, 2012. The business address on file is 5904 McQuade Road, Duluth, MN 55804 with phone (218) 591-7350. Additionally, CALCO PAINTING, Inc. is registered as a Business Corporation (Domestic) with the Minnesota Secretary of State under File No. 3143403-2, filed December 31, 2008, with a status of Active / In Good Standing. The CEO is Calvin Raisanen, with a renewal due date of December 31, 2026.
-Verification Sources: MN Dept of Labor & Industry, MN Secretary of State