Marin County Towns We Paint: A Local Guide from CertaPro Painters

Marin County fits ocean beaches, redwood canyons, bayfront hillsides, and sunny inland valleys between the Golden Gate and the Sonoma line. A paint job that holds up in Novato’s summer heat can struggle in the fog and salt air of Stinson Beach or the deep shade of a Mill Valley canyon. CertaPro Painters® of Marin County works out of Mill Valley and plans every project around the town, the lot, and the weather it sits in.

Here’s a look at the areas we serve and what homes in each one tend to need.

The Bay Waterfront: Sausalito, Tiburon, Belvedere, and Marin City

Homes along Richardson Bay and the Tiburon Peninsula get big views along with wind, salt air, and plenty of sun reflecting off the water. Many sit on steep hillside lots where access takes planning.

• Sausalito: Hillside homes stacked above the water, with salt air that’s hard on paint and metal railings.
• Tiburon: Exposed peninsula homes that take wind and afternoon sun head-on.
• Belvedere: Waterfront and hillside homes on narrow, winding streets.
• Marin City: Homes and multi-family buildings near the bay at the foot of the headlands.

Redwood Canyons Under Mt. Tam: Mill Valley, Larkspur, and Corte Madera

In the shade of Mount Tamalpais, wood-sided and shingled homes sit under tall trees where surfaces stay damp for long stretches. Mildew, moss, and moisture in the wood are the main concerns, so washing and careful prep matter as much as the finish.

• Mill Valley: Canyon homes among the redwoods, many with natural wood siding and big decks.
• Larkspur: Older homes in wooded canyons, plus a historic downtown.
• Corte Madera: A mix of hillside homes and flatland neighborhoods near the bay.

Decks take a beating in these canyons. Our deck staining and power washing services keep wood protected and clean.

The Ross Valley: Kentfield, Greenbrae, Ross, San Anselmo, and Fairfax

The Ross Valley is known for older, character-filled homes on tree-lined streets. Detailed trim, wood siding, and decades of earlier paint layers call for patient prep and a well-chosen color scheme.

• Ross: Stately older homes on large, wooded lots.
• Kentfield: Established homes at the base of Mt. Tam.
• Greenbrae: Hillside homes with sun and bay exposure.
• San Anselmo: Bungalows and older family homes close to a busy downtown.
• Fairfax: Hillside cottages and wooded lots at the edge of open space.

Many homes here were built well before 1978, so lead-based paint is a real possibility. We’re EPA Lead Certified and follow lead-safe work practices on older homes. A color consultation can help you choose a palette that suits the home’s era.

The Sunny Inland Side: San Rafael, Terra Linda, and Novato

Central and northern Marin run warmer and drier, with far less fog. More sun means more UV, so south- and west-facing walls fade and dry out sooner, and stucco and wood trim need regular attention.

• San Rafael: The county’s largest city, with everything from older downtown homes to hillside neighborhoods.
• Terra Linda: Home to many mid-century modern houses, where clean lines make color and finish choices stand out.
• Novato: Suburban neighborhoods with some of the warmest summers in Marin.

For stucco homes, our stucco painting and repair service patches cracks before they let water in.

The Coast and West Marin: Stinson Beach, Bolinas, Muir Beach, Point Reyes, and Nicasio

Out on the coast, fog, wind, and salt spray work on a house every day. Paint and stain wear faster here than anywhere else in the county, and metal hardware corrodes quickly.

• Stinson Beach: Beach houses a short walk from the surf.
• Bolinas: Weathered coastal homes on the mesa and the lagoon.
• Muir Beach: A small community of hillside homes above the cove.
• Point Reyes: Homes and buildings near Tomales Bay and the national seashore.
• Nicasio: Ranch properties and country homes in the inland hills.

We also travel farther out to northwest Marin County.

What We Do in Every Town

• Exterior painting with prep suited to your home’s exposure
• Interior painting for single rooms or the whole house
• Cabinet refinishing and repainting
• Drywall repair
• Commercial painting, including HOA communities and condos

See the full list of house painting services, or browse finished projects in our portfolio.

Get a Free Estimate in Your Town

CertaPro Painters of Marin County is a licensed California contractor (Lic# 837312), and we warranty our work. Wherever you are in Marin, call 415-661-8400 to schedule a free estimate with our local team. Check our current special offers and read our reviews before you book.