The #1 Trusted Grand Rapids Painting Company

Commercial, Industrial, & Residential Painting Services

Serving Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven, Kalamazoo, East Lansing, Muskegon & Beyond

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Your Trusted Painters In Grand Rapids

VanDerKolk Painting has been serving West Michigan since 1991. In that time, we’ve earned a reputation for providing exceptional commercial, industrial, and residential painting services. 

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Expertise.com best painters in grand rapids award for 2023
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About VanDerKolk Painting

VanDerKolk Painting provides superior painting services to the communities of West Michigan through an emphasis on customer service, craftsmanship, and unparalleled professionalism in the painting industry.

Our Guarantee

When the project is complete, you have the peace of mind knowing that we warranty all of our work.

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Grand Rapids Residential Renovation & Painting Services

We offer the following Residential Services to you in the Grand Rapids, MI Area

Grand Rapids Commercial Painting Services

We offer the following commercial services to you in the Grand Rapids, MI Area.

  • Factory Painting
  • Agricultural Painting
  • Churches
  • Office Painting
  • Exterior Painting
  • Concrete Floors

Why Choose Us

Grand Rapids Industrial Painting Services

We offer the following Shop Painting services to you in the Grand Rapids, MI Area

Certifications

VanDerKolk Painting has completed training and certification on many levels of projects. We are certified in the following areas:

●     RRP Lead Paint Removal

●     Lead Paint Abatement

●     Confined Space Entry

●     Fit Tests for respirators

●     Aerial Lift Platform Training

 

Please contact our office for more information.

Benefits Of Choosing VanDerKolk Painting As Your Grand Rapids Painter

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Quality Guarantee

We guarantee your satisfaction with our services by providing a warranty for all of our work. We’ll work hard to ensure you remain satisfied with the job we've performed.

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Certified Professionals

Our painters are not contractors - they are highly-trained full-time employees. Our team is certified in RRP lead paint removal, lead paint abatement, confined space entry, fit tests, and aerial lift platform training. This means you receive quality, professional work.

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Exceptional Service

We'll keep you updated at every step in the project and you'll never have an issue reaching a member of our team.

Serving Homes & Businesses Throughout West Michigan

We are the top-rated local painters near you. While we’re known as Grand Rapids painters and our shop is located in Grand Rapids, we serve much of West Michigan. Cities we regularly paint in, include:

Request Your Free Estimate 

Not all painters in Grand Rapids provide free estimates. VanDerKolk Painting offers free estimates to provide you with an accurate quote for your painting job. We’re painters and not sales professionals. When you schedule a free estimate with us, we’ll come out and review your job, provide you with an estimate, and answer any questions you may have. 


There is no obligation to choose us and there are no pressure sales tactics involved. We believe in providing honest and transparent services and that belief extends to our free estimates. You can request an estimate by clicking the button below. 


Request A Free Estimate

Recent Posts From Our Painting Blog

Interested in learning more about the work that goes into residential or commercial and industrial painting? You can read the latest insights, tips, and industry news straight from our painting blog.

By David Kranker July 8, 2025
As the weather starts to warm up and days grow longer, many Michigan residents spend more time outdoors, particularly on their decks. This outdoor space has the potential to become an oasis in your backyard - a serene spot to enjoy your morning coffee or chat with friends and family. But the first step to making a luxurious outdoor setting? Painting your wood deck. It seems like a daunting project, painting your wooden deck. This is especially true if it’s already been painted and you notice it’s starting to chip. But you can give your wood deck new life in just a weekend! If you decide to paint your wood deck, there is a proper process to follow to ensure a long-lasting paint job. It’s hard work, you want it to last as long as possible. That’s why we’re sharing a complete guide about how to paint a wood deck. Or you can get the professionals at VanDerKolk Painting to do it for you, so you can relax and actually enjoy your weekends. We’ll handle everything from prep to paint to clean up, leaving you with a beautifully painted deck. How to Paint a Wood Deck Painting a wood deck is more than just choosing a color and slapping a coat on your wooden boards. It requires preparation, selecting the right paint, and a strategic approach. Step 1: Remove Any Debris As an outdoor space, your deck can get quite dirty. Before you begin your painting project, it’s important to remove any debris, such as bird droppings, leaves, dirt, berries, and more. Step 2: Make Necessary Repairs If your deck is older, you may need to repair or replace rotting or cracked wood. This is also a great time to see if any boards need tightening to keep the integrity of your structure for years to come. Step 3: Sand the Wood Sanding down the wood allows you to remove any rough surfaces and edges that might cause splinters, but also prevents the paint from adhering properly. For newer decks that are in good shape, it’s a good idea to use sandpaper or a sanding block to smooth out edges and remove any old paint. For older decks, you could use a power sander to get a nice, smooth surface while eliminating splinters. Step 4: Wash the Deck Once all of the old paint is removed and the wood is sanded, it’s time to wash the deck and remove any mildew , stains, and dirt. You can do this either with a pressure washer set to a gentle setting or with a wire scrub brush with warm, soapy water. Now, it’s time to wait until the deck fully dries. This could take 24-48 hours, depending on the weather conditions. Step 5: Prepare the Deck to Paint Once the deck is completely dry, use painter’s tape to tape off areas where you do not wish to paint. Cover any plants or furniture in the area to avoid dripping or splashing paint. Step 6: Apply the Primer It’s always a good idea to apply one or two coats of primer to your wood deck, especially if it's new or bare wood, before painting. Primers help paint adhere to the surface better and last longer. Plus, the paint will be more evenly distributed and have a more opaque color. Wait until the primer is dry, usually around one to four hours. Step 7: Apply the Paint Using a paint roller, apply two or three coats of paint to your deck in large areas. For smaller, narrower areas, such as banisters and railings, apply paint with a paintbrush. It’s essential to wait until the previous coat of paint has dried according to the manufacturer’s instructions before applying another coat. This will prevent the paint from bubbling, peeling , or looking uneven. Step 8: Allow Paint to Dry Completely Before you start moving any furniture or plants back onto your freshly painted deck, allow the paint to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours. This will ensure your paint job stays pristine and that all of your hard work pays off for you to enjoy. What Kind of Paint to Use on a Wood Deck The secret to a long-lasting and beautiful painted wooden deck is choosing the right type of paint. Since it’s an outdoor space, you’ll want to choose a paint that can withstand the harsh Michigan weather and direct sunlight. When painting a wood deck, there are two types of paint we would recommend: Acrylic Paint - This water-based paint is excellent for holding its color during extreme weather and sunlight and is also resistant to cracking and peeling. Oil-Based Paint - This type of paint is known for being extremely durable, especially in harsh weather, and creates a strong barrier to prevent moisture from reaching the wood. While we have mentioned the dangers of VOC levels in oil-based paint , using it outside is less harmful than using it indoors. When Is the Best Time to Paint a Deck? The best time to paint your deck is in the late spring or early fall to ensure you have sunny, dry weather. Before you plan to paint, check the weather to ensure rain is not expected for at least 48 hours, allowing the paint to dry properly. The outside temperature should also be between 50°F and 90°F with low humidity. Now, in Michigan, it can be tricky to get a day when the humidity works in your favor. Check out our blog post for insider tips on how to paint in high humidity and make your paint last! Lastly, the best time of day to paint your deck is when the deck is in the shade. If you paint it in direct sunlight, it could cause the paint to dry too quickly. Depending on the position of your home, this could be in the early morning or late afternoon. What is the Best Color for a Deck? The key to choosing a color for your deck is to find one that complements the color of your house exterior . Some of the most popular deck colors include shades of brown, gray, beige, tan, and black (but be cautious if it receives direct sunlight), as well as natural wood colors. How Long Will a Painted Deck Last? It takes a lot of work to paint a wood deck, so you’re probably wondering how long your hard work will last. The answer is 3 to 5 years if you properly prepped the surface before painting. To get the most life out of your painted deck, it’s a good idea to keep it clean of debris often, giving it a good sweep to get rid of dirt. With each season, try to give your deck a good washing to remove any mildew that may start to grow. And lastly, check for chipping or peeling at least once a year. You can tell if your deck needs a fresh coat of paint if you notice chipping, cracking, or peeling. Is it Better to Paint or Stain Your Deck? There are two camps when it comes to the painting vs. staining of a wood deck. One school of thought is that paint actually protects the wood of your deck, helping it last longer . You also have a wider variety of colors to choose from, and it lasts longer. The second is that wooden decks should be stained to preserve the natural appearance of the wood. However, the stain only lasts 2-3 years, and you are limited to brown and neutral colors. In reality, the choice is entirely up to you! Both painting and staining your wood deck can enhance your home’s curb appeal and increase your property value over time, which is excellent news if you plan to sell. And don’t worry, VanDerKolk Painting can do both! Enhance Your Curb Appeal with VanDerKolk Painting Adding a coat of paint to your wood deck can make a world of difference when it comes to boosting curb appeal and giving your home’s exterior a desired aesthetic. But you don’t have to spend your weekends crouching down to sand your deck or climbing up on high ladders to paint the railings. That’s what VanDerKolk Painting is here for! Our team of painting professionals has been serving the Grand Rapids area for over 30 years, helping Michigan residents paint the exteriors of their homes. Whether you want to paint or stain your deck, we’re here to give you a pristine and long-lasting paint job that you’ll be proud of. So you can have your weekends back. Request your free estimate for your exterior painting project today!
types of paint primer: which primer is best
By David Kranker June 11, 2025
Not all primers are the same. There are various types of primer to choose from, and selecting the right one can make or break your project.
eggshell vs satin paint
By David Kranker June 5, 2025
Trying to decide between eggshell and satin paint for your next interior project? The right finish can make or break the look of a room.
can you paint vinyl siding
By David Kranker May 14, 2025
It is possible to paint vinyl siding, and painting can be much more affordable than replacing siding.
By David Kranker April 17, 2025
Did you know the right exterior house color can increase your home’s value by 7% in Michigan? But it’s not just about looks; it’s about standing up to snowstorms, humidity, and the blazing summer sun. Michigan homeowners spend a lot of time designing and decorating the inside of their homes, but what about their home’s exterior? Your home’s exterior appearance is just as important as the interior. And just choosing the right color for your home’s exterior can completely elevate your home’s look. There are many factors to consider, including Michigan’s climate and environment, your home’s architectural style, and, of course, the most popular Michigan exterior house colors. Whether you’re looking to highlight the unique architectural details of your home or enhance its curb appeal, painting your Michigan home’s exterior is a game-changer. And there’s no better way to paint your home’s exterior than by working with the professionals at VanDerKolk Painting ! Our experienced painters work with precision and professionalism to ensure your home looks its best. Today, we’re diving into the most popular Michigan exterior house colors and sharing essential tips to help you choose the right one for your home. The Importance of Exterior House Color in Michigan Michigan is known for having some pretty harsh seasons, from bleak and snowy winters to hot and humid summers. And you want your home to look great no matter what the season! Choosing the right exterior house color based on your Michigan surroundings can help enhance curb appeal, keep your home cool during the summer, and help your home withstand extreme weather. Best Exterior Paint Colors for Michigan Homes We get it; you want your home to stand out and not look like every other house on your block. But following popular Michigan exterior house color trends will help your home’s style stand out while also complementing its beautiful surroundings. 
By David Kranker April 7, 2025
The excitement of moving into a newly built home with your most creative customizations is one of the best feelings in the world. But did you know that you can elevate that feeling even further? By painting your new home before move-in day, you can make your new construction house feel less “cookie cutter” and more like home from day one. And here’s the best-kept secret—painting your newly constructed home before everything is finished is a game-changer! You get to walk into your home with walls already painted, setting the stage for you to decorate and really make it feel like yours. VanDerKolk Painting has been helping Michigan residents elevate their new construction homes for more than three decades! We’ll work with your contractors to get in, paint the entire house, and get out in time for them to stay on track with their deadlines. The Process of Painting New Homes When painting new homes, the process looks different than if you were to repaint a room. Let’s dive into the process of painting new homes and some expert tips to ensure the perfect paint job every time. Step 1: Evaluate Surfaces When painting a new home’s interior, there will be a few different surfaces to paint—and this will determine what type of paint you will use. The most common surfaces in new construction include: Sheetrock - Also known as drywall , you’ll want to use 100% latex or acrylic latex paint when painting these walls. Plaster - While it isn’t as common in new construction, you may still find plaster walls requiring emulsion paint. Wood - Use water-based acrylic paint for interior doors, trim, and baseboards. Choosing the right type of paint for your surfaces will ensure optimal coverage and long-lasting durability. Step 2: Prepare the Surface Painting a newly constructed home while it is still in the construction process means walking into a lot of dust on unfinished surfaces. Before you can start painting, it’s essential to clean and prepare your surfaces to ensure optimal adhesion. Clean up any dust or dirt that may be on the walls or surfaces you plan to paint. If there are any nicks or cracks (there shouldn’t be!, you’ll want to repair them. Since the material is so new, it could still have a fairly rough surface, especially wood and drywall. This will require some light sanding to make the surface as smooth and even as possible. Step 3: Tape Off Windows and Remove Covers Grab some masking tape and start taping off the windows and trim (if it has already been installed). This will protect these surfaces from accidental paint streaks or splashes. It’s also a good idea to remove any outlet or light switch covers to avoid getting paint on them, too. Step 4: Prime the Walls Typically, primer is used to conceal the color of any previous paint. So, you might be tempted to skip this step since you’re working with fresh drywall—but we do not recommend it! Primer does so much more than cover up an underlying color. It helps your paint adhere to the surface and prevents it from peeling , cracking, or flaking over time. For long-lasting paint, primer is essential! Step 5: Apply Paint Once your primer has finished drying, you can apply your first coat of paint . It’s best to use a foam roller to paint large sections of the walls and a brush to get into the small corners for ultimate precision. Remember to read your paint label to see how long you have to wait before applying your second coat . This is important! Pro Tip: When painting new construction, we recommend painting the ceiling first to avoid paint splatter on the walls. Step 6: Paint Interior Doors Once your walls are painted, you can move on to the doors. You could also paint the doors before painting the walls—the decision is yours! You can either remove the doors from their hinges entirely or just the handles and locks. Sand the surface to ensure it is smooth and even before cleaning away any dust or dirt. Once clean and dry, apply a coat of primer. After the primer has dried, apply two coats of water-based acrylic paint and wait until it dries completely before adding the hardware back on the door. Step 7: Touch Up Before you wrap up your paint brushes, inspect your work and identify any places that might require some touching up. A new construction home deserves only the best paint job! When Should You Paint Trim and Baseboards? There are two schools of thought when it comes to when you should paint trim and baseboards in new construction homes. The first believes that you should prime and paint your baseboards and trim before installing them. However, this can lead to damage to the paint. The second believes in priming the trim and baseboards before installing them and then painting after installation. This ensures the paint is not damaged and you can cover any nails or screws showing through. Do You Have to Paint New Construction Homes? Painting a new construction home isn’t always a given. Some homeowners might decide to wait until they have moved in before painting. But one interior decorator warns against this . The builder-grade paint contractors use is not the high-quality paint you need to elevate your home. It’s best to get painting your new home out of the way while the construction process is still taking place. This means no moving furniture around and a minimized risk of ruining floors, windows, or fixtures from splashed paint. When Should You Paint New Construction Homes? The best time to paint new construction homes is after the drywall is installed but before the flooring and other fixtures are put in. This allows you to paint freely without worrying about ruining the new floor or painting around oddly shaped fixtures on the walls or ceilings. Ultimately, if you can paint your new home before moving in, it’s the best decision you can make! Can You Skip Priming New Construction Walls? Unless you have plaster walls, which isn’t commonly used in modern construction projects, you should definitely prime the walls before painting. This ensures the paint bonds to the surface well and enhances durability. Should You Hire Professional Painters for New Construction Painting? Yes, you should definitely hire professional painters (like VanDerKolk Painting !) to paint your newly constructed home. Having a team of professional painters ensures precision and long-lasting paint thanks to their years of expertise and paint knowledge. Plus, with multiple painters working at once, your new home will be painted in no time, meaning your contractors can meet their deadlines and the sooner you can move in! Painting newly constructed homes is much different than painting a home that has been lived in for years. There are more steps and considerations to take into account to ensure the job is done correctly. Make Your New Construction House Feel Like Home from Day One with VanDerKolk Painting Are you ready to walk into your newly built house and have it feel like home from day one? VanDerKolk Painting is here to make your interior design visions come to life! Our team of painting professionals will paint the entirety of your new home—inside and out—to ensure you can start decorating and unpacking instantly. We’ll work with your construction team to get the job done fast and on time with your deadlines. Request a FREE estimate for your new home construction painting project to get started today!