Finishes & Surfaces

Painting & Decorative Finishes

From premium brush work to complex multi-layer decorative applications — every surface finished with purpose and care.

The Craft

Done Right,
Every Time

Paint is the first thing you notice in a room and the last thing you forget. After 30+ years of professional painting, Paul Alvarez treats every wall, ceiling, cabinet, and trim line as finish work — because it is. From single accent walls to whole-house repaints, interior and exterior, every project starts with real surface prep: cleaning, patching, sanding, caulking, and priming, so the final coat has something worth holding onto.

Beyond standard painting, Alvarez Home Designs specializes in decorative finishes most painters won't touch — layered lime washes, old-world antiquing, tinted glazes, and sprayed lacquer that lays down like glass. These are the finishes that turn builder-grade rooms into custom spaces.

Full Scope

Everything We Handle

  • Professional Interior Painting

    Walls, ceilings, trim, and doors — cut lines sharp enough to skip the tape.

  • Exterior Painting

    Full prep, prime, and premium coatings that stand up to Texas sun and storms.

  • Lime Washes

    Layered mineral finishes with soft, cloudy depth — applied by hand, one veil at a time.

  • Faux Finishes

    Custom decorative effects from subtle texture to full old-world character.

  • Glazing

    Translucent tinted layers that add depth and warmth to cabinetry and walls.

  • Antiquing

    Aged, hand-rubbed finishes that make new millwork feel like it has history.

  • Lacquers

    Sprayed lacquer for cabinets, built-ins, and doors — a furniture-grade surface.

  • All Types of Spraying

    Airless and HVLP spray systems for flawless large-surface coverage.

How We Work

The Process

  1. Surface Assessment

    Every substrate is inspected — existing coatings, damage, moisture, and texture — before a color ever gets discussed.

  2. Real Preparation

    Patching, sanding, caulking, masking, and priming. Prep is 70% of a paint job done right.

  3. Finish Application

    Brush, roll, or spray — whichever the surface demands — in controlled coats with proper dry time.

  4. Detail Walkthrough

    Cut lines, sheen consistency, and touch-ups reviewed together in natural and artificial light.

Good Questions

Frequently Asked

What is a lime wash finish?

Lime wash is a mineral-based paint applied in thin, layered veils that create a soft, weathered, cloud-like depth you cannot get from flat latex paint. It's ideal for feature walls, fireplaces, and whole-room old-world looks.

Do you spray or brush cabinets?

Cabinets are sprayed with fine-finish equipment after thorough cleaning, sanding, and priming — producing a smooth, factory-grade lacquer surface that brushing cannot match.

How do you protect my home during painting?

Floors, furniture, and fixtures are masked and covered, work areas are contained, and every space is left clean at the end of each day.

How long does interior painting take?

A typical room runs one to two days including prep and dry time between coats. Whole-house repaints are scheduled room by room so your home stays livable throughout.

What sheen should I use where?

Matte or eggshell for living areas and bedrooms, satin for hallways and kids' rooms, semi-gloss for trim, doors, kitchens, and baths. You'll get a recommendation for every surface before a gallon is ordered.

Can you paint exteriors year-round in Texas?

Mostly, yes. Quality exterior coatings need the right temperature and humidity window, so scheduling works around weather — spring and fall are ideal, summer starts happen early in the day.

Ready to Start?

Let's Make Something
Worth Looking At.

Get a detailed quote — no obligation, no pressure, just a real conversation about what you need and what it'll take.

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