About Markantone Painting
Markantone Painting brings three generations of painting expertise to Pittsburgh homes and businesses from their Verona, PA headquarters. Founded in 1958 by Samuel Markantone with a wagon and a few ladders, the company has grown into a full-service painting firm now led by Micah Markantone. Holding PA Home Improvement Contractor License #001565 and EPA Lead-Safe Certification, the team handles projects ranging from Victorian-era historical restorations to modern cabinet refinishing built on AWI Factory Finish Standards.
The crew brings specialized capabilities that set them apart in the Pittsburgh market. Verometal Certified Application Specialist and Fine Paints of Europe specialist credentials allow them to deliver finishes most painting companies cannot offer, including liquid metal coatings, high-gloss lacquer work, and European oil-based applications. Their preservation of National Historic Landmarks like the Woodville Plantation and Old St. Luke's Church speaks to a level of trust earned through decades of meticulous craftsmanship.
Every employee is background-checked, drug-tested, and trained through monthly safety meetings, and the company maintains a firm no-subcontracting policy. Customers working with Markantone Painting receive a designated project supervisor, a personalized color consultation, and a two-year written warranty on completed work. The company's mission statement captures their approach in two phrases that guide every project from estimate to final walkthrough.
Updated: 05-28-2026
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Additional Questions Answered
How does Markantone Painting solve the prep-work shortcuts that plague the painting industry?
Customers who have hired other painters before consistently note the difference in preparation. Alan West described how previous painters skipped prep steps and left drips, while Markantone was different and took obvious pride in the work. Eric Flint's review detailed how the crew informed him about areas needing extra wood work before proceeding, rather than painting over problems. The company addresses this through their designated supervisor model and weekly safety meetings that reinforce proper technique.
What makes the cabinet refinishing process worth the investment compared to a basic repaint?
The refinishing process follows AWI Factory Finish Standards using KCMA/ANSI Certified Industrial Wood Coatings designed to withstand daily kitchen demands. John Power noted that his newly painted cabinets looked great and the timeline exceeded expectations. The Fox Chapel project case study demonstrates the anti-glare coating application that creates a soft matte finish reducing light reflections while keeping cabinets looking pristine with minimal upkeep.
How does the team handle older homes with challenging surfaces and decades of previous paint layers?
Working in Pittsburgh's older housing stock is a core strength. Jane Liebschutz described how the crew sanded and treated all the trim in her 120-year-old house before painting, noting the varnished windows and doors were in rough shape. Marian Allen echoed this, praising the superb job on her own 120-year-old home despite the challenges that older houses present. The company's PDCA membership keeps their painters educated on the newest products for these exact situations.
What happens when unexpected issues surface during a project?
Rather than ignoring problems or charging surprise fees, the team communicates proactively. Gina Fitzsimmons highlighted how they worked with her budget when a few surprises were discovered on the job, going the extra mile to complete quality work on time. Andrew Watson noted they handled complexities and took care of details he would not have thought of. This approach reflects the designated supervisor model where one person owns logistics and concerns for the entire project.
Why do long-term customers keep returning to Markantone Painting over decades?
Patricia Hren has used the company for all painting needs for over 30 years. Ann Thomas described counting on Markantone for interior, exterior, and specialty coating projects over the years, calling them extremely knowledgeable about paint and coatings. Chris Johnston has had two homes painted plus multiple jobs at his parents' home. This retention pattern suggests the company delivers consistent results across different project types and scales.
How does the wallpaper removal and installation process work, and what separates a specialist from a generalist?
The Highland Commons project on S Highland Avenue illustrates the gap. The client had difficulty finding a specialist who both removes and installs wall covering. Alec Templeton praised his second wallpaper installation experience as top notch, specifically naming Micah and Russell as incredibly professional and willing to make adjustments for a high quality product. hedda sharapan described how Russell did a thorough job removing challenging bathroom wallpaper while being personable and professional throughout.
What is the licensing and business entity status for Markantone Painting in Pennsylvania?
Markantone Painting holds PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration #001565, verified active through the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office. The business operates under fictitious name registration #6877596 filed with the PA Department of State on 4/23/2019, with the principal entity being Lucas Markantone & Associates, Inc. Additional license numbers PA009222 and PA196820 appear on BuildZoom records.
-Verification Sources: PA Attorney General HIC Search, PA Department of State Business Search, BuildZoom