When homeowners call Cesar's Painting, Cristina Navarrete handles the first point of contact, scheduling on-site consultations and answering project questions. One customer submitted an online questionnaire and received a phone call the next day with an estimate that same afternoon. Cristina has earned a reputation for expertise during walk-throughs, explaining surface preparation methods and helping clients navigate color decisions for everything from kitchen cabinets to stucco exteriors.
Owner Cesar Navarrete Torres and Cristina founded the company in 2012, building the fully licensed and insured operation from a small apartment painting business into a full-service residential and commercial contractor. Cesar personally conducts final inspections alongside his son, walking through completed projects with clients. The team handles interior and exterior painting, cabinet refinishing, deck staining, popcorn ceiling removal, drywall repair, and commercial work using Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore products.
The family-owned team offers a two-year paint warranty and is EPA RRP lead-safe certified. Based in Newport, they serve Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Bloomington, and 100+ communities across the Twin Cities metro and western Wisconsin.
Updated: 04-06-2026
Pricing stands out as the most frequently praised aspect across reviews. Joe Tadros received five bids and called Cesar's cost "well beyond reasonable" compared to competitors. Scott Oine said the quote from Cristina "surprised us" enough to start the project immediately rather than waiting until spring. Margaret Daly found the cabinet refinishing cost "more reasonable than other companies" while Jeffery Kelting described it as a "fraction of the cost of new cabinets."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Cabinet work represents one of the company's signature services. Jeffery Kelting reported receiving step-by-step instructions on the process and called the "finished product absolutely beautiful." Margaret Daly praised how the team transformed boring white cabinets to "a rich blue green" while keeping the house spotless. Makayla Mladenovic, who has hired Cesar's for three separate jobs, highlighted their cabinetry work alongside "color drenching and white washing several areas of stone."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Cristina Navarrete manages scheduling, estimates, and client communication. Scott Oine described her as "obviously an expert" who answered all his questions about painting stucco thoroughly. Makayla Mladenovic called her "beyond amazing to work with" and noted Cristina even coordinated handyman work when their original contractor fell through, which Mladenovic called "a lifesaver to our project getting done."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Six reviewers within the last two years identify as repeat customers. Hannah Melin, whose family members first recommended the company, has completed "several projects" and plans to continue as they renovate room by room. Elizabeth U called this her second time hiring them and stated "I will continue to use them." Josh Stein has used them "over and over again" and recommended them to friends. Dawn Matuseski confirmed this was her second project, noting her doors "turned out beautiful."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Speed comes up frequently in reviews. Bernie Hubbard's project was "done in one day instead of two days." Prawnstar reported the crew restored a tigerwood deck in just five hours, and later painted an "entire outside" of a house within two days for a quick home sale. Megan Zwack noted the crew "worked long hours over the weekend" to ensure she could move in by Monday, describing the team as "incredibly helpful and cordial along the way."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Two one-star reviews exist. Theresa Hawthorne described a project running longer than estimated with items not reinstalled, and the owner responded apologizing and stating "we take these concerns seriously." Eric Ordiff reported not receiving an estimate after two and a half weeks despite follow-up calls, writing "I never did get an estimate." That review received no owner response. The pattern suggests communication gaps during the estimate phase that differ from the execution quality praised in other reviews.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
The team takes on a wide range of non-standard projects. Megan Zwack hired them for "specialty metallic paint for the kitchen and some accent walls with a special finish" and praised the crew's skilled application. Makayla Mladenovic described color drenching and "white washing several areas of stone including a fireplace." Pat Haug hired them for "commercial painting job of some lettering on the outside of a building" and rated it a five-star experience.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Minnesota requires a Residential Building Contractor or Remodeler License for residential projects exceeding $15,000. Cesar Navarrete Torres holds Contractor Registration No. IR659771 with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, effective 4/12/2022, with DBA name Cesars Painting LLC. The business is registered as Cesar's Painting LLC with the Minnesota Secretary of State, File No. 497753400027, filed 7/13/2012, with a status of Active / In Good Standing. The registered office is at 2042 Wooddale Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125, with the principal executive office at 1320 5th Ave, Newport, MN 55055. The manager is Maria Cristina Navarrete.
Updated: 04-07-2026