The definitive guide to local shopping; methodically researched, updated daily.

April 26, 2024
A paint store employee helps a homeowner pick out new interior paint for his home from paint samples.

How to Find Good Paint Stores in San Francisco

Once you decide to repaint the interior or exterior of your home, you'll need to find good paint stores in San Francisco and all of San Francisco. Remember that cheap paint stores are not always the paint stores. Some good paint stores in San Francisco have a better selection of colors and more paint brands.

The following research by The Prime Buyer's Report identifies the best paint stores in San Francisco and issues related to buying paint and painting supplies.

 

The TOP 10 Paint Stores in San Francisco CA

The TOP 10 Paint Stores in San Francisco CA

Fadeeff Paints & Wallpaper

  • Fadeeff Paints & Wallpaper Profile
  • Fadeeff Paints & Wallpaper Scorecard
  • Fadeeff Paints & Wallpaper Reviews
  • Fadeeff Paints & Wallpaper Photos
  • Fadeeff Paints & Wallpaper Brands
  • Fadeeff Paints & Wallpaper Articles
  • Fadeeff Paints & Wallpaper Offers
(415) 587-3363
4510 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94112

Areas Served: San Francisco CA, Excelsior, Outer Mission, Oceanview, Ingleside, Mission Terrace,…

MacDonald Paint & Design Co

  • MacDonald Paint & Design Co Profile
  • MacDonald Paint & Design Co Scorecard
  • MacDonald Paint & Design Co Reviews
  • MacDonald Paint & Design Co Photos
  • MacDonald Paint & Design Co Brands
  • MacDonald Paint & Design Co Articles
  • MacDonald Paint & Design Co Offers
(415) 863-0955
1200 Howard St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Areas Served: San Francisco CA, South of Market, SoMa, Civic Center, Mission…

Pursel Quality Paints

  • Pursel Quality Paints Profile
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(415) 641-4807
1797 Yosemite Ave
San Francisco, CA 94124

Areas Served: San Francisco CA, Bernal Heights, Dolores Heights, Silver Terrace, Portola…

My Paint Stop

  • My Paint Stop Profile
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  • My Paint Stop Brands
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(415) 566-3638
2900 Judah St
San Francisco, CA 94122

Areas Served: San Francisco CA, Forest Knolls, Sunset District, Ashbury Heights, Eureka…

Creative Paint & Wallpaper Inc

  • Creative Paint & Wallpaper Inc Profile
  • Creative Paint & Wallpaper Inc Scorecard
  • Creative Paint & Wallpaper Inc Reviews
  • Creative Paint & Wallpaper Inc Photos
  • Creative Paint & Wallpaper Inc Brands
  • Creative Paint & Wallpaper Inc Articles
  • Creative Paint & Wallpaper Inc Offers
(415) 666-3380
5435 Geary Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94121

Areas Served: San Francisco CA, Richmond District, Sea Cliff, Vista del Mar,…

CSI Paint

  • CSI Paint Profile
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  • CSI Paint Reviews
  • CSI Paint Photos
  • CSI Paint Brands
  • CSI Paint Articles
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(415) 641-4807
2140 Cesar Chavez
San Francisco, CA 94124

Areas Served: San Francisco CA, Silver Terrace, Portola Place, Bernal Heights, Glen…

California Paint Co

  • California Paint Co Profile
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(415) 467-9483
1833 Egbert Ave
San Francisco, CA 94124

Areas Served: San Francisco CA, Bernal Heights, Dolores Heights, Silver Terrace, Portola…

House of Color

  • House of Color Profile
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  • House of Color Reviews
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  • House of Color Articles
  • House of Color Offers
(415) 647-9189
2850 24th St
San Francisco, CA 94110

Areas Served: San Francisco CA, Mission District, Potrero Hill, Mission Dolores, Design…

How to Find Good Paint Stores in San Francisco

 

There is no state license required for paint sales in San Francisco and so no state standard for competency. This makes it all the more significant that all paint stores bearing The Prime Buyer's Report—TOP 10 designation have been evaluated by our research staff, and have had to pass all the requirements for Prime Buyer's Report—TOP 10 status such as survey phone calls to previous customers to verify high satisfaction, clean complaint record, best business practices, length of time in business, and more.

 

Good Paint Stores in San Francisco Can Walk You Through Your Next Paint Job
Technological progress seems to be affecting everything; it's even made its way into the painting industry. Those good paint stores in San Francisco that have chosen to take the hi-tech route often use virtual computer color consultation to optimize your new paint colors scheme. But don't underestimate the value of simplicity; some good paint stores in San Francisco rely on their supreme natural abilities to match by eye, often met with greater satisfaction than the tech savvy stores!

These best paint stores in San Francisco often employ individuals who are trained in depth on current paint brands and paint products and methods in order to deliver sound advice on paint color matching and design ideas. Employees in good paint stores might be proficient in the mechanics of the paint brands and painting products they sell, so you're likely to find staff members at paint stores in San Francisco who can perform on site evaluations. And since most people want to throw on a simple coat of paint in a single room or other small area, commercial equipment, like airless sprayers and power washers, can be rented instead of purchased.

So the next time you undertake a painting project in your home, consult paint stores in San Francisco first and you can rely on the skillful advice and wide selection available at the best paint stores in San Francisco locally.

Paint Stores in San Francisco Sell Everything You'll Need
You can always find basic paint brands and disposable painting tools at a big-box store, but they can never match the paint selection you'll find at specialized paint stores. Some good paint stores in San Francisco boast as many as 1,400 standard and custom paint colors, and carry a much larger selection of wall coverings and professional painting tools. So if you're looking for a better variety of paint colors or paint  finishes, local paint stores in San Francisco carry latex and oil paints in flat finish paint, satin finish paint, semi-gloss paint and high gloss finish paints.

Beyond basic interior and exterior paints, some paint stores  in San Francisco sell industrial coatings, marine coatings, architectural coatings, ceiling flats, deck stains, several types of paint removers, and even automotive paints. But before you start your painting project, you'll need more than just a few cans of paints in the right paint colors. Paint stores in San Francisco can provide all of the necessary painting supplies for your painting project as well. Paint stores in San Francisco listed here carry basic painting tools, like paint brushes and paint rollers, but they also supply primer, sealant, caulk, airless and power washers.

In recent years, local paint stores in San Francisco have also increased their awareness of your sensitivities and environmental concerns. That's why many of them sell odor free paints, environmentally friendly paints, low VOC paints, lead free paints, and antifouling paints. These painting products, of course, are only a small sample of those offered by local paint stores in San Francisco and throughout San Francisco, so check out our list of paint stores in San Francisco. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Some Paint Stores in San Francisco CA Are Much Better Than Others
 The Prime Buyer's Report lists these paint stores in San Francisco: San Francisco Paint Source San Francisco CA, Pursel Quality Paints San Francisco CA, My Paint Stop San Francisco CA, MacDonald Paint & Design Co San Francisco CA, Fadeeff Paints & Wallpaper San Francisco CA, House of Color San Francisco CA, California Paint Co San Francisco CA, Creative Paint & Wallpaper Inc San Francisco CA, CSI Paint San Francisco CA. Other paint stores in San Francisco CA that might still be in business include: G&R Paint Co San Francisco CA, Kelly-Moore Paint Co San Francisco CA.

 

How to Shop at Good Paint Stores in San Francisco

How to choose among all the paint stores in San Francisco? These steps can help you narrow down the list and find the good paint stores in San Francisco from which to make your purchase of paints.

Step 1: Make Preliminary Decisions Before You Hit the Paint Stores
Have a general idea of your project preferences before you consult paint stores in San Francisco. Collect some sample paint swatches that come near the paint colors and paint finishes you like. Perhaps bring samples of fabrics or other materials that will be a part of the room to be painted. With more information, well-trained employees at local paint stores in San Francisco can help you refine your choice.

Step 2: Call the Paint Stores in San Francisco
To better utilize your time, call the paint stores in San Francisco before visiting and get some basic business qualifications out of the way. The questions listed below can help you narrow down that long list of prospective paint stores and move forward with your purchase of paints. Try to speak to the manager or the owner of the paint stores.

• How long have the paint stores been in business in San Francisco?

• Do the paint stores train your employees?

• Are the paint stores certified dealers of any particular paint brands?

• What paint brands do the paint stores sell?

• How much should I expect to pay to supply the whole project at each of the paint stores?

• Can the paint stores help with design and paint color consultation?

• Do the paint stores provide warranties for the painting products? How long are they?

• Can the paint stores repair your painting equipment?

• Do the paint stores rent any painting equipment?


Step 3: Scan the Selection at the Paint Stores in San Francisco

If you already have an idea of which paint brands and painting tools you'll want, take a look at the inventory at the paint stores to make sure they carry those paint brands or painting products. Since your chosen paint store should be an all-in-one project, you'll want to be sure you can get everything you need in one trip. Don't be afraid to branch out either - grabbing a few more paint samples now can give you a better idea of what you want from the paint stores.

Step 4: Consult Staff Members at the Paint Stores in San Francisco
Hardware stores usually hire employees with general home improvement knowledge, but since paint stores in San Francisco usually only carry paint brands and painting supplies for a narrow specialty, employees at local paint stores should have more experience with the paint brands and painting products they sell in San Francisco. Make sure the paint stores employees are capable so that you can later use their in-depth advice about paint color schemes and painting product details.

Step 5: Final Research of Paint Stores in San Francisco
After you've found the best paint stores in San Francisco, check for any quality certifications. Diamond Certification is a mark of great customer service for paint stores in San Francisco, and Better Business Bureau information addresses overall complaint status.

Tips for Buying Paint at San Francisco Paint Stores

Initial Research into the Paint Stores in San Francisco.
Don't just wander into paint stores in San Francisco hoping for the best. Before you start shopping for paints, research paint brands, paint colors and paint finishes you might like. If you're painting the exterior of your home, you might drive around the neighborhood for some ideas.

Consider the Color Scheme of Your Home Before Hitting the Paint Stores.
Before selecting paint colors on a whim, take into account the existing paint colors and textures in the rooms to be painted. You'll be happier with new paint colors if they highlight a paint scheme you've already started to develop. And remember, the staff at good paint stores in San Francisco can match the color of nearly anything, from your couch to your paintings.

Take Time Choosing Among Paint Stores in San Francisco.
Since you're putting so much effort into the new paint color and paint brand selection, do the same for paint stores you will be purchasing from. Paint stores in San Francisco may vary in quality, selection, and price, and the best paint stores in San Francisco can work with you to steer you in the right direction.

Go To the Paint Stores Prepared.
When you consult the technicians at the local paint stores about the ideas you have in mind, bring photos of the area to be painted or a piece of fabric or other material you would like matched or complimented.

Test a Sample at the Paint Stores.
Many paint stores can give you a sample of new paints you're considering so that you may experiment before you dedicate yourself to a color. There may be a small cost, but it's in your best interest to take advantage of this service provided by most good paint stores in San Francisco. The lighting in your home is probably drastically different from that in the paint stores, and colors never look exactly the same as the swatch. Make sure the area in which you test the paint is inconspicuous, unless it's one of the lighter paint shades that can be covered easily.

Make Sure You're Prepared to "Do-it-Yourself" Before Spending at the Paint Stores
Seriously consider the work involved. If you want to paint the entire exterior of your home, it's a big job. You'll need expensive painting tools and a lot of time, patience, dexterity, and stamina. Just prepping a house to be painted can take days. You may want to hire a professional instead.

Inspect the Potential Paint Stores in San Francisco.
Before you make a purchase from any of the paint stores in San Francisco or San Francisco, check licenses, sales history, and employee credentials. While you're at it, look for any information on discount paints, special offers, and warranties.



Know Your Rights With Paint Stores in San Francisco.

As a consumer, you're often vulnerable to the whims of a dishonest business. That's why you are protected by government-regulated consumer advocacy groups. Since you live in San Francisco, you can read about the local standards at the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Properly Dispose of Any Leftover Paint Bought at San Francisco Paint Stores
New paint is actually a very caustic pollutant, and disposal is regulated by the EPA. So the portion that you don't save for future touch-ups and color matching should be disposed of properly. Approved discarding entails letting the new paints dry in a safe place (away from pets and children) and then leaving for regular garbage pickup. You may also let the new paints dry and recycle the can. But above all, NEVER pour paints down storm drains!! This water is returned to the water table and our potable water supply without being filtered.

Paint Stores in San Francisco Carry the Best Paint Brands

Paint Stores in San Francisco stock more well known brands than most hardware or building supply stores. The following list is only a small portion of the paint brands carried by local paint stores: Antonina Vella, Behr, Benjamin Moore, Dunn-Edwards, DuPont, 3M, Kelly-Moore, Dutch Boy, Bradbury & Bradbury, California Paints, Coronado Paint, Country Life, Duro By Classic Revivals, First Editions, Hamilton, Heritage Village Colors, Hines And Company, J.R. Burrows & Co, Maya Romanoff, Olde Century Colors, Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company, Pratt & Lambert, Sherwin Williams, and Smith & Fong.

Resources About Paint Stores in San Francisco

Regulatory Bodies & Trade Associations for Paint Stores in San Francisco CA
BBB Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.com/)
CAUS the Color Association of The United States (http://www.colorassociation.com/)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
IPPIC International Paint & Ink Council (http://www.ippic.org/)
NPCA National Paint and Coatings Association (http://www.paint.org/)
PDRA Paint and Decorating Retailers Association (http://www.pdra.org/)
SSPC The Society for Protective Coatings (http://www.sspc.org/)


Media Regarding Paint Sales in San Francisco

Paint and Coatings Industry Magazine
Paint Dealer Magazine
Paint & Decorating Retailer Monthly

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the TOP 10 Paint Stores in San Francisco within the following zip codes:

94188, 94158, 94101, 94119, 94120, 94125, 94126, 94140, 94141, 94142, 94146, 94147, 94157, 94159, 94164, 94165, 94166, 94167, 94168, 94169, 94170, 94172, 94133, 94134, 94132, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94114, 94115, 94116, 94117, 94118, 94121, 94122, 94123, 94124, 94127, 94130, 94131, 94129, 94103 and 94102

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the TOP 10 Paint Stores in San Francisco within the following cities:

Presidio, San Francisco, Bernal Heights, Cow Hollow, Diamond Heights, Duboce Triangle, Eureka Valley, Fisherman's Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, Inner Sunset, Japantown, Laurel Heights, Marina District, Mission District, Nob Hill, Noe Valley, North Beach, Pacific Heights, The Presidio, Rincon Hill, Russian Hill, Sea Cliff, Sunset District, Telegraph Hill, Treasure Island, Twin Peaks, Western Addition, Outer Sunset and Union Square