Looking to paint your way to business success? 

The painting industry is booming right now, with projections showing growth to a $270 billion market by 2025, increasing at over 6.5% annually. 

That's a massive canvas of opportunity for entrepreneurial folks like you.

Franchising offers a "business with training wheels" approach to capitalize on this demand. 

You get to pair up with proven brands and systems while avoiding many of the headaches of starting from scratch. 

The average house painting business makes around $138k in revenue with about 6% profit margin – but with the right franchise backing you, those numbers could look even better.

If you're new to franchising, check out our beginner's guide to top franchises for foundational tips on evaluating franchise investments.

Why Invest in a Painting Franchise?

Before diving into specific options, let's look at why the painting industry and franchising make such a compelling combo right now.

Steady Market Demand

Homeowners and businesses consistently need painting – whether it's new properties, remodels, or maintenance. 

Home improvement spending remains robust as owners renovate to boost curb appeal and value. 

Painting stands out as a recession-resistant niche within home services.

Growth & Profit Potential

The professional painting industry is valued at tens of billions and growing annually.

While average net margins can be modest (6–15%), efficient franchise operations can net 20%+ in mature markets. 

Franchise Advantage

Franchising gives you instant branding, comprehensive training, and marketing support from day one. 

It's like business with training wheels – you get a proven model and ongoing guidance. 

This is perfect if you lack painting experience but want to start quickly with a reliable system. 

Most painting franchises don't require prior painting experience; they train owners in business and sales.

Are painting franchises worth it?

Yes, for many investors. 

You can focus on sales and operations while the franchisor handles branding, tech, and other complex systems. 

But it's not for everyone – finding the right franchise that aligns with your goals is crucial (which is exactly what we'll help you with next).

Top 10 Painting Franchise Opportunities

I've curated this list of the best painting franchise companies based on brand reputation, number of units, investment level, support systems, and unique selling points. 

These options represent the most promising paths to finding the best painting franchise for your specific needs.

1. CertaPro Painters

Overview: The largest painting franchise in North America with 30+ years in business. 

CertaPro Painters consistently ranks among the top painting franchises for its strong brand recognition and comprehensive support system.

Key Facts:

• Founded: 1992

• Franchise units: ~375+

• Initial Investment: ~$150K (typical range $147K–$175K)

• Franchise Fee: ~$57,500

• Royalty: ~5% of revenue (+3% marketing fee)

• Requires ~$75K liquid capital

• 10-year franchise term (renewable)

What Makes It Best: Unmatched brand recognition and a proven track record of high franchisee sales. 

They offer both residential and commercial painting services, tapping multiple revenue streams. 

Their comprehensive training and marketing include a robust launch program and ongoing coaching. 

CertaPro's scale means a big support network with experienced peers and national accounts. 

Worth noting: There's a commercial services certification program (approx. $6K) to unlock larger B2B projects.

Ideal For: Entrepreneurs wanting the security of the market leader and ready for a medium-to-high initial investment. 

Great for those who value a well-oiled corporate system and don't mind following a structured playbook for success.

2. Five Star Painting

Overview: A well-established painting franchise founded in 2002 and now part of the 

Neighborly franchise family (alongside Mr. Handyman and others), which adds extra credibility and resources. 

Five Star Painting focuses on residential and light commercial painting with an emphasis on professionalism.

Key Facts:

• ~190 franchise locations across North America

• Initial Investment: ~$70K–$185K (depending on equipment and working capital)

• Franchise Fee: $45,000

• Royalty: 6%

• Requires $50K liquid capital

• Neighborly offers a 15% veteran discount on the franchise fee

What Makes It Stand Out: Five Star provides robust management systems and a refined operations playbook. 

As a Neighborly brand, franchisees benefit from cross-marketing opportunities and a proven support infrastructure (tech tools, call center, etc.). 

Training is thorough and ongoing. Franchisees can leverage Neighborly's network for referrals from customers of other home services.

Ideal For: Those looking for a mid-priced investment with a well-known brand and strong corporate backing. 

Particularly attractive for military veterans (due to the fee discount and supportive culture). 

If you appreciate having a community of fellow franchisees and cross-promotional opportunities, Five Star's ecosystem is a big plus.

3. Fresh Coat Painters

Overview: Fresh Coat, founded in 2005, is a fast-growing painting franchise known for its relatively low cost and home-based business model.

It's positioned as "America's Painting Company" offering both residential and commercial services with a focus on convenience and quality.

Key Facts:

• ~130 franchise units nationwide

• Initial Investment: ~$54K–$76K (one of the lowest in this sector)

• Franchise Fee: $44,900

• Royalty: 6%

• Home-based business (no office required), which keeps overhead low

• Unique "Winner's Circle" incentive – franchisees can earn back a portion of fees by hitting growth targets

Why It's a Top Contender: Low barrier to entry – perfect for first-time business owners with limited capital.

Fresh Coat provides a full marketing toolkit (including a proprietary lead generation system) and multiple revenue streams (residential, commercial, government contracts, etc.).

They emphasize their "paint now, pay later" consumer financing options which help franchisees close more sales.

Ideal For: Budget-conscious entrepreneurs or those who prefer a home-based franchise.

If you want a painting business without the expense of a retail location and with flexibility to start part-time, Fresh Coat's model is designed for you.

It's also appealing if you like the idea of a tight-knit, newer franchise system where you can be one of the early growth stories.

4. WOW 1 Day Painting

Overview: A painting franchise that markets itself on speed and efficiency – "fast and high-quality painting in one day."

WOW 1 Day Painting was founded in 2010 by the creator of 1-800-GOT-JUNK and started franchising in 2011.

As part of the O2E Brands family, it brings a flashy brand and proven systems from its sister companies.

Key Facts:

• ~40+ franchises (and growing) across the U.S. and Canada

• Initial Investment: ~$64K–$154K

• Franchise Fee: ~$32K (plus additional territory fees if expanding)

• Royalty: 6% of gross sales

• Requires multiple territories in many cases – each territory is ~150,000 population (smaller than competitors), so franchisees often purchase 2–3 territories for larger metro coverage

Why It Stands Out: Unique selling proposition – completes most paint jobs in a single day without sacrificing quality.

This is a major marketing differentiator that draws customer interest. Backed by O2E Brands, franchisees get world-class marketing (remember, this team built a $300M junk removal franchise).

Training includes not just painting operations but also entrepreneurial coaching from a seasoned team.

Considerations: Because territories are small, expansion can be costlier if you want to grow (but it allows starting in a modest market and scaling up).

WOW 1 Day ranks high in franchisee satisfaction in many surveys (fast ramp-up, strong support).

Ideal For: Energetic, marketing-savvy owners who love a bold brand.

If you want to stand out in your local market with a unique promise (paint in one day) and are comfortable managing multiple crews to make that happen, WOW 1 Day's model could be the best painting franchise for you.

5. 360° Painting

Overview: 360° Painting (franchising since 2006) is part of Premium Service Brands (a franchisor of several home-service brands).

It offers comprehensive interior and exterior painting services with a focus on quality workmanship.

Key Facts:

• ~130+ locations across the U.S.

• Initial Investment: ~$90K–$140K (mid-range)

• Franchise Fee: $60,000

• Royalty: 6%

• Extensive initial training: a 2-week franchisee training program covering marketing, estimating, hiring, etc. – touted as one of the most in-depth in the industry

What's Notable: Strong training and support – 360° Painting prides itself on "covering all angles" for new owners.

They provide on-site launch assistance and ongoing business coaching.

Being in a family of other service franchises means you get cross-brand expertise and can even expand into related services down the road (some 360° franchisees add sister brands like handyman services).

The brand name implies full-circle service, which resonates with customers seeking a one-stop solution.

Ideal For: Owners who value top-notch training and might be interested in multi-brand ownership eventually.

If you want a structured ramp-up and a franchisor that will hold your hand through finding painters, marketing locally, and more, 360° delivers that support.

Also a good fit for those in markets where having a broader corporate presence helps with credibility.

6. Painter1

Overview: Painter1 is a newer entrant (franchising since 2016) but has been rapidly expanding in the residential and commercial painting space.

It was founded by industry veterans aiming to create a more franchisee-centric model.

Notably, franchisees have an equity stake in the overall franchise system (a unique cooperative approach).

Key Facts:

• ~35–40 franchise units as of 2022 (and growing quickly)

• Initial Investment: ~$71K–$153K

• Franchise Fee: $49,500

• Royalty: 5% (slightly lower than industry standard)

• Lower ongoing fees help franchisees reinvest locally

• Emphasizes cutting-edge marketing, software, and a culture of franchisee collaboration (franchisees share best practices openly)

Why It's Promising: As a modern, upstart franchise, Painter1 offers fresh branding and flexibility.

They boast some of the fastest growth rates – 1,066% system growth over 3 years (with new locations and some company-owned units).

Their focus on technology and marketing appeals to next-gen owners (think robust CRM, digital marketing playbook, etc.).

Because the system is smaller, new franchisees often get more personalized attention from the founders.

Ideal For: Entrepreneurs who want a younger brand where they can have a voice and potentially benefit from system-wide growth (equity program).

If you prefer a family-like franchise culture and are comfortable being a pioneer in a newer system, Painter1 could be the best franchise for painting in terms of future upside.

7. LIME Painting

Overview: LIME Painting (franchising since 2018) is a specialty painting franchise targeting the high-end, luxury market.

They not only do standard painting but also offer upscale services like custom coatings, high-end restoration, and even ancillary services (e.g., masonry, gutter work) for affluent clients.

Key Facts:

• 33 franchise units (as of 2022) plus 35 company-owned locations – showing extremely rapid expansion

• Initial Investment: ~$125K–$200K (higher side, due to focus on quality and training)

• Franchise Fee: ~$50K (exact fee not given, but likely in that range)

• Royalty: ~6%

• LIME's franchise growth rate is remarkable (over 1,000% increase in 3 years), indicating strong market demand for its niche

What Makes LIME Different: Luxury niche specialization – they focus on high-margin projects (think million-dollar homes, premium materials).

Franchisees are trained to become "certified restoration and painting advisors" for clients, not just painters.

This can mean higher tickets and profit per job (the average revenue per franchise unit was cited around $799K, well above many competitors).

LIME also diversifies services (epoxy floors, deck restoration, etc.) to be a one-stop luxury solution.

Ideal For: Someone looking to target an affluent customer base with a refined service.

If you have sales/consultative skills and enjoy delivering premium experiences (and can handle a bigger initial investment), LIME Painting stands out.

It's great for markets with luxury homes or booming real estate where clients pay a premium for quality and trust.

8. Spray-Net

Overview: Spray-Net is an innovative franchise that revolutionized exterior painting with proprietary technology.

Founded in 2014 in Canada, franchising since 2015, it offers a unique spray-on siding and surface refinishing service that gives a factory-quality finish on exteriors.

Essentially, Spray-Net's model is closer to "high-tech painting" and is hugely popular for revamping home exteriors quickly.

Key Facts:

• ~25–30 franchise units (plus numerous corporate-run locations, especially in Canada)

• Initial Investment: ~$176K–$237K (includes specialized equipment and vehicles)

• Franchise Fee: $54,500

• Royalty: 7%

• Services focus on exterior: siding, stucco, brick, front doors, even kitchen cabinets – using Spray-Net's patented coatings

Why It's a Top Opportunity: Differentiation through technology – Spray-Net has a strong UV-resistant paint formula and spraying system that other painters don't offer.

This means franchisees can deliver a unique value (10-year warranty, "looks like new siding" results).

The market for exterior refinishing is large and growing with homeowners seeking cost-effective alternatives to replacement. Spray-Net's item 19 in the FDD shows solid financials, and overall demand for its service is projected to grow alongside home improvement trends.

The home improvement industry is booming and exterior renovations are expected to see continued growth (IFPG notes major metro demand rising ~6.5%).

Ideal For: Owners who are comfortable with a slightly higher upfront investment in exchange for a unique market niche.

If you like the idea of offering a high-tech service rather than traditional brush-and-roller painting, and you want to dominate the exterior transformation segment, Spray-Net is compelling.

It's also great for analytical types – you'll manage crews using specialized processes, and franchisor support is strong on the technical side.

9. Other Notable Painting Franchise Brands

Color World Housepainting: A smaller franchise (Founded 1997, franchising 2016) with ~20+ units.

Offers painting plus additional services like holiday lighting. Initial Investment: ~$72K+.

Appeals to those who want multiple revenue streams (painting, minor carpentry, etc.) with a single franchise.

Unique angle: owners don't need painting experience – they manage subcontractors to do the work.

That 1 Painter: A newer regional franchise out of Texas (est. 2016) gaining traction.

Known for a strong community presence and offering a subscription painting service.

Klappenberger & Son: Established 1989, a combo painting & handyman franchise.

They emphasize large territories and low royalties (they often compare franchise terms side-by-side).

Good for owners who want to offer broader home maintenance services in addition to painting.

Wise Coatings (Floor Coatings): A niche franchise focusing on epoxy floor and garage floor coatings, included in some "best painting franchise" lists.

While not traditional wall painting, it targets the booming garage upgrade market.

Consider this if your interest skews toward concrete/floor services rather than walls. Investment: ~$100K+.

EverLine Coatings: Another niche – specializes in parking lot line painting and asphalt maintenance (B2B focus).

Featured among top painting franchises due to overlap in the painting industry.

Good for entrepreneurs interested in commercial clients and maintenance contracts (think malls, municipalities).

Tip: The above niche options can be great add-ons or specialized opportunities.

For example, an ambitious entrepreneur might own a general painting franchise plus a floor coating franchise to maximize local market share in home improvement.

What to Look for in the Best Painting Franchise

Even though I've listed the top brands, the "best" franchise depends on your individual goals and circumstances. Here are the key factors to consider when making your choice:

Initial Investment vs. Budget

Make sure the franchise's total startup cost (franchise fee + equipment + working capital) aligns with your budget.

Painting franchises range from ~$15K (small home-based) up to $200K+.

Don't just choose the cheapest – consider what you get for the investment (e.g., larger franchises might cost more but have higher earning potential).

Territory Size and Rights

Compare territory policies. A larger exclusive territory offers more growth potential.

Some franchises (e.g. WOW 1 Day) have smaller territories and require buying multiple for expansion, whereas others like CertaPro allow big areas but might charge more for additional units.

Consider your market – if you're in a dense city, a single territory might suffice, but in spread-out regions you'll want room to grow.

Ongoing Fees (Royalties & Marketing)

These directly impact your profits.

Standard royalties are ~5–7% of sales for painting franchises.

A lower royalty (e.g. Painter1's 5% or less) means you keep more per job, but weigh that against the support level.

Also note marketing fees (usually 1-3%). Over 5-10 years, a 1-2% difference in fees adds up.

Choose a model that offers good value for the fees – i.e., strong marketing support or national leads can justify higher royalties.

Training & Support

This is crucial, especially if you're new to the industry.

Look for franchisors that offer comprehensive initial training (both classroom and in-territory coaching) and ongoing support (dedicated franchise business coaches, marketing assistance, peer groups).

For example, 360° Painting's two-week training and on-site launch help is a gold standard.

Make sure you ask will the franchisor help with painter recruitment, lead generation, software, etc.?

The best franchises have turnkey systems to get you up to speed.

Brand Reputation & Marketing

A known brand (like CertaPro or Five Star) can give you instant credibility and customer trust.

Check each franchise's online presence – do they have strong reviews, recognizable trademarks, and national advertising?

Also, consider how they handle local marketing: e.g., do they provide a website, Google Business Profile setup, digital ad templates, etc.

Franchise marketing support can massively aid your ramp-up, so prioritize brands with a proven marketing playbook.

Our Franchise Marketing Guide covers how franchisors and franchisees split marketing roles.

Service Offerings (Residential vs Commercial, Extras)

Some franchises are strictly residential repaint specialists, while others do commercial projects or offer add-on services (pressure washing, floor coating, etc.).

Think about your market opportunity: if commercial painting (offices, schools) is big in your area, a franchise like CertaPro (with commercial expertise) might fit.

If you prefer residential only, brands like Wow 1 Day or Five Star excel there. Also consider if upsells like drywall repair, deck staining are encouraged – those can boost profits.

Franchisor Culture and Freedom

A subtle but important factor: does the franchisor's philosophy match yours?

Some are very hands-on, with strict systems and frequent check-ins, others allow more owner autonomy.

For example, older franchises might have more rules (and longer contracts, e.g. 10-year terms).

Newer ones like Painter1 might be more flexible/innovative. Investigate franchisee satisfaction if possible, and definitely speak to current franchise owners during your research (many franchisors will connect you as part of the process).

Costs and Earnings: Understanding the Financials

Let's talk money – what it costs to start and what you can expect to make.

Franchise Costs Breakdown

Here's what makes up your initial investment:

• Franchise Fee: Usually $20K–$60K for painting franchises (e.g., $10K for a small consultant franchise, up to $57K for CertaPro)

• Initial Investment: Including the fee, total investment can range from ~$50K on the low end to $200K+ for a larger operation. Most of our top 10 fall in the ~$60K–$150K range.

• Example: Fresh Coat is ~$60–$75K total (low-cost home-based), whereas Spray-Net can be $175K+ (due to trucks and specialized gear)

Financing Options

Many franchisees use SBA loans, home equity, or financing programs.

Painting franchises often qualify for SBA 7(a) loans since they're proven models.

Having a franchise on the SBA Franchise Directory can streamline loan approval.

Some franchisors offer in-house financing or discounts (like the veterans' discounts we noted).

Prepare to have ~20-30% of the total investment in cash and a solid credit score (~680+) if seeking loans.

Earnings Potential

Revenues vary by region and effort.

The average independent painting business does ~$139K/year in sales with ~6% profit.

However, franchisees often exceed this due to strong marketing – e.g., 360° Painting's average revenue is ~$470K/year per unit, and LIME Painting's average is ~$799K thanks to high-end jobs.

Profit margins after royalties typically net out in the 10-20% range for efficient operators.

Some franchisees grow to multi-million revenues by expanding territories or doing commercial projects.

Time to Profitability

Most painting franchises are home-based with lower overhead, so break-even can often occur within the first year or two if goals are met.

Many franchisors share average time-to-profit or breakeven in their Item 19 (earnings disclosure).

Generally, it takes building a customer base over ~12+ months; the ramp-up is faster if you leverage franchisor marketing and if your territory has strong demand (spring and summer are peak seasons, so a new franchise opened in spring might achieve profitability by end of year one, whereas one opened in winter might take longer).

FAQs About Painting Franchises

How much does a painting franchise cost?

It varies widely.

Low-cost painting franchises can start around $10K–$20K franchise fee (e.g. a small home-based model) with total investments as low as ~$50K.

Larger, well-established franchises may require $150K+ total investment.

Most fall in the $60K–$150K range for initial investment. Always factor in working capital for at least 6+ months of expenses as you ramp up.

Are painting franchises profitable?

Yes, many franchise owners earn healthy profits.

Profitability depends on your sales volume and how well you manage costs.

On average, net profit margins for a painting franchise might be around 10–20%.

For example, one analysis found well-run painting companies net 13–27% profit after expenses.

As your business grows and you get repeat customers, profits can increase.

Keep in mind you will pay royalties and marketing fees, which affect your net margin, but those also help drive more business.

Do I need painting experience to own a painting franchise?

No, in most cases.

The majority of painting franchises do not require prior painting or contracting experience.

Franchisors provide training on the painting process, or you can hire trained painters and crews.

Your role as franchise owner is usually to manage the business – marketing, customer service, estimates, and hiring painters.

For instance, Color World Housepainting explicitly states franchisees don't need painting experience and instead focus on managing subcontractors.

A knack for business and people-management is far more important than painting skills.

What is the #1 painting franchise?

There isn't a single "#1" that fits everyone – it depends on what you value.

CertaPro Painters is the largest and often considered a top franchise due to its brand and support.

Five Star Painting and Fresh Coat are also frequently top-ranked (they're part of larger franchise systems and have many units).

If you want fastest growth and premium market, LIME Painting is making waves.

And for niche services, Spray-Net or WOW 1 Day Painting might be "#1" in their unique categories.

We listed 10+ of the best painting franchise opportunities above – the best one for you will depend on your budget, market, and whether you prefer a big brand or a newer concept.

How big is the demand for painting services?

Very big and steady.

Every building eventually needs painting! In the U.S., the house painting and coatings industry is worth tens of billions and growing.

One franchise industry report projected the painting market (and related services) to reach $270 billion by 2025.

Homeowners regularly repaint every 5-10 years, and businesses even more frequently for maintenance or rebranding.

This consistent demand is a key reason painting franchises are attractive – there's a built-in need, and often repeat business from property managers, realtors, etc.

Local marketing can tap into seasonal spikes (spring and summer see surges in painting jobs).

Next Steps for Potential Franchisees

Research Deeper

Download franchise brochures or request Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) from your top 2-3 choices.

Reading the FDD is crucial – it contains detailed financial performance representations and obligations.

Contact Franchisors

Reach out to franchise development representatives for brands you're interested in. Schedule calls or discovery days to learn about their process.

Speak to Existing Franchisees

This is one of the best ways to gauge a franchise.

Current owners can share their experiences, earnings, and challenges.

Ask the franchisor to connect you, and prepare questions (e.g., "How long to profitability? What support is most valuable? Would you invest again?").

Compare FDD Item 19s

Compare the earnings claims of each franchise's Item 19 (financial performance) side by side.

For example, see which franchise reports higher average sales or how many franchisees meet certain revenue benchmarks.

Consult Advisors

Before signing, talk to a franchise attorney to review the contract (franchise agreement) – this is a significant commitment, often 5-10 years.

Also, consult with an accountant or financial advisor to make sure the unit economics make sense for you.

Plan for Marketing

Once you choose a franchise, success will also depend on local marketing.

Plan to hustle in your community (networking with realtors, using digital marketing, etc.). The franchisor will help, but local effort is key. 

Check out our SEO for Franchises guide for tips to hit the ground running with local search marketing.

Have questions? Drop a comment below – we'd love to help!