Specializing in cabin staining, log home restoration, and historic home preservation across northern Minnesota, Northstar Painting and Sandblasting has worked on properties from Duluth's hillside neighborhoods to North Shore lakefront retreats. Owner Luke Clough founded the company in 1999, bringing a background in economics and finance before shifting into the painting trade full-time. His fully insured crew handles everything from single-room interior refreshes to complex multi-structure exterior projects within a 100-mile radius of Duluth.
The team includes key crew members Mike and Doc, who handle much of the on-site work alongside Luke. Services range from interior and exterior painting to sandblasting, media blasting, deck staining, cabinet refinishing, drywall repair, popcorn ceiling removal, and pressure washing. Amanda Flowers, a repeat customer over several years, describes the team as handling anything "too big or too small" without hesitation. Based at 3751 Martin Rd in Duluth, the company serves the Twin Ports, Iron Range, and North Shore communities.
Value comes up repeatedly across reviews. Michael Schmidt calls Northstar "the most reasonable estimate you will get in the twin ports area," while Sarah Olson notes other bids were "out of sight (budget) in comparison." Carrie Dittmar, Scott Judnick, and multiple others describe the pricing as very reasonable. Owner Luke confirms that estimates are locked in before work starts, with labor and materials always included.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Cabin and deck staining is one of Northstar Painting and Sandblasting's strongest specialties. Michael Fontenot says the Northstar crew "went above and beyond" staining his cabin. Amy Freed, a repeat customer, praises the "quality of work with the staining of our cabin" across two separate projects. Owner Luke has mentioned using Rynmar stain for decks, noting it performs well in northern Minnesota's climate. Scott Judnick describes the results as "first class."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Customers consistently mention how clean the crew keeps work areas. Mike Kirchoff specifically notes the team "covers all floors and personal property." Amy Freed describes the area being left "clean and tidy," and Jo Thompson confirms "everything was cleaned up within a day of completion." Multiple reviews highlight this pattern of thorough site protection and post-project cleanup.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Several reviews reference work on century-old properties. Jolane Sundstrom reports that plaster work Luke performed on a "100 yr old home" held perfectly for three years with no cracking. Cody Akason hired Northstar for full interior painting and popcorn ceiling removal on a newly purchased older home, calling Luke "amazing every step of the way." Sarah Olson describes her tall, old Duluth house as a challenge the crew handled well.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Beyond the painting itself, customers mention a personal touch. TRavis Campbell notes the crew "even went as far as to help bring in a couple bags of groceries" while painting his mother's home. Luthien Bedwyr calls the team "extremely courteous." Carrie Dittmar appreciated that crew members gave her "their honest opinion on what I was thinking for colors." Owner Luke's replies often reference personal details about each client's property.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Northstar Painting and Sandblasting has a mix of feedback. Jeff Oaks described a drywall crew that "did a horrible job and made an absolute mess," and owner Luke acknowledged the crew "was not up to par." Paul Fischer reported a no-show for a sandblasting pickup, and Luke offered to reschedule. Nine additional one-star reviews appeared on a single day in March 2026, which is an unusual pattern worth noting. Sarah Olson gave four stars due to initial contract miscommunication but was satisfied with the final product.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Several customers have hired Northstar more than once. Amanda Flowers describes years of repeat work, saying "there hasn't been a thing that I have needed that has been too big or too small" for them. Amy Freed confirms this was "the second project we have had them do and both times were great." Carolyn Olson arranged to paint one side of her house each year, calling the approach affordable. Andrew Leustek plans to continue using them in the future.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Minnesota requires contractor registration for residential projects exceeding $15,000 through the Department of Labor and Industry. Northstar Painting and Sandblasting LLC holds Contractor Registration No. IR723362, with an active status and effective date of 01/01/2026, verified at https://ims.dli.mn.gov/ims/Base/Details?EncrID=704535745. The business is registered as a domestic LLC with the Minnesota Secretary of State under File No. 1029336800029, filed 8/23/2018, with a status of Active/In Good Standing. The registered agent and manager is Luke B Clough, with the principal executive office at 3751 Martin Rd, Duluth, MN 55803.
-Verification Sources: MN Department of Labor & Industry, MN Secretary of State