Our Chooz Score evaluates 44 factors across reviews, digital presence, and business credentials. Here's what stands out for New Mexico's Painting Specialists
Eddie Gaxiola and Mandi Loudenback founded New Mexico's Painting Specialists in 2022, building on a family painting legacy spanning three generations. Eddie learned the trade from his stepdad Gilbert Gaxiola, a master craftsman with over 60 years of experience who still contributes to select projects. The Albuquerque-based team includes lead painters Chris Gaudette and Oscar Palacios, crew leader Christian Sanchez, concrete coating specialist Nick Gaudette, and apprentices Riley Keene, Mekhi Aragon, and Alex Aragon.
The company handles residential and commercial painting throughout the entire state of New Mexico, with particular expertise in Southwest architectural elements. Projects range from single-room refreshes to complete commercial transformations, including specialty work on stucco, vigas, latillas, corbels, and canales. Nick Gaudette leads a dedicated concrete coating division offering epoxy floor systems for garages and commercial spaces.
The team operates exclusively with W2 employees and uses no subcontractors. They won Albuquerque The Magazine's "Best of the City" recognition in 2022, 2023, and 2024. New Mexico's Painting Specialists serves all cities statewide from their Albuquerque headquarters.
Updated: 04-06-2026
Punctuality appears consistently across reviews. Customers describe crews arriving when promised and completing projects efficiently. One reviewer noted the team painted their "entire house in one day" while another mentioned work was "completed ahead of schedule." Eddie and Mandi coordinate scheduling personally, and multiple reviews praise the team for respecting customers' time and maintaining clear communication throughout projects.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Detail-oriented work stands out as a recurring theme. Reviewers frequently mention "attention to detail" and "precision" when describing finished results. One customer highlighted that their painter was "meticulous with trim and edges" while another noted the crew "took their time to get everything perfect." The team's approach to preparation, including proper masking and surface work, contributes to the consistently praised finish quality.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Cleanliness receives particular praise in reviews. Customers report crews protecting furniture and floors carefully, with one noting they left the home "cleaner than when they arrived." Another reviewer described how the team "cleaned up everything at the end of each day" during a multi-day project. The company emphasizes their process is "clean, courteous, and efficient" on their website, and reviews confirm this standard is maintained.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
The company explicitly states on their website that they hire only "full time professionals" with "NO SUBCONTRACTORS." Reviews support this with consistent crew names appearing across multiple projects. Customers mention specific painters by name repeatedly, including Chris, Riley, Nick, Mekhi, and Alex. This W2 employee model means the same trained team members customers meet during estimates often complete the work.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Company Website
Cabinet work receives strong praise in reviews. Customers describe transformations that made existing cabinets look "brand new" without the cost of replacement. One reviewer noted their refinished cabinets "exceeded expectations" while another mentioned the team "matched the color perfectly." The company offers both painting and refinishing options for kitchen and bathroom cabinets, with the crew providing color consultation as part of the process.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Multiple factors distinguish this company. Reviews frequently mention the family atmosphere and personal service, with one customer noting they felt like "more than just another job." The company's expertise in Southwest-specific elements (stucco, vigas, canales) addresses regional needs. Their "Best of the City" recognition three consecutive years reflects consistent community approval. Additionally, customers appreciate that owners Eddie and Mandi remain personally involved in projects.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Albuquerque The Magazine
Commercial work comprises a significant portion of their portfolio. Customers praise their flexibility with business scheduling, with one noting the crew "worked weekends so we didn't have to close." Projects include offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and multi-unit properties. The team understands commercial timeline pressures and works efficiently to minimize business disruption while maintaining their quality standards.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
The company maintains a perfect 5.0-star rating across Google, Yelp, and Facebook with 73 reviews in the past two years. Customers consistently use words like "professional," "excellent," and "highly recommend." One reviewer summarized by calling them "the best painting experience" they have had. Owner responses appear on 97% of reviews, demonstrating ongoing engagement with customer feedback and appreciation for their business.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Yelp, Facebook
Updated: 04-07-2026