Question 1

What is Riot Renovation?

Accepted Answer

Riot Renovation is a residential painting and finish company in Orange County, California. We do interior, exterior, cabinet refinishing, and specialty finishes including limewash, Roman clay, and Venetian plaster. Founded by a French-certified painter and licensed under California CSLB B-2 #1139813.

Question 2

What makes Riot Renovation different from other painters in Orange County?

Accepted Answer

Our founder trained in France for over a decade and holds three French national painting credentials. The standards on every job (prep, sequence, finish quality) come from that training. We treat painting as a finish, not a coat.

Question 3

What does French-certified painter mean?

Accepted Answer

Our founder holds three formal French national credentials: the CAP Peinture and BEP Peinture (national painting diplomas) and the Mention Complémentaire en Peintures Décoratives (the specialty in decorative finishes: limewash, plaster, Venetian, faux). All three are issued by the French Ministry of Education.

Question 4

What areas does Riot Renovation serve?

Accepted Answer

All of Orange County. Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Tustin, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Yorba Linda, Anaheim Hills, Santa Ana Heights, Orange, Brea, Dana Point, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano.

Question 5

How do I get a painting estimate?

Accepted Answer

Submit a request on the free estimate page or call (949) 381-1555. We schedule a free in-home consultation, inspect the surfaces, discuss scope, and deliver a written itemized quote within 24 hours.

Question 6

What does Riot Renovation's written quote include?

Accepted Answer

Every quote is fully itemized: surfaces, prep method, products, number of coats, timeline, and payment schedule. The price you approve is the price you pay.

Question 7

What is Riot Renovation's payment structure?

Accepted Answer

10% (or $1,000, whichever is greater) to book the project. 50% before work begins. 40% on completion after the final walkthrough. The final payment doesn't come until you've confirmed the work is right.

Question 8

Do I need to move my furniture before painting?

Accepted Answer

Clear personal items and loose belongings from work areas before we arrive. Our crew relocates and protects standard household furniture. Heavy or fragile items (pianos, safes, antiques) should be moved in advance or discussed before the project starts.

Question 9

What happens if I am not happy with the result?

Accepted Answer

We do a final walkthrough together in natural light before presenting the invoice. Any touch-ups or adjustments happen on the spot. If something is not right, we fix it before you pay.

Question 10

What paint brands does Riot Renovation use?

Accepted Answer

Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. We recommend a specific product line based on room use, traffic level, and the sheen you want.

Question 11

How long does a full interior repaint take?

Accepted Answer

Three to seven days depending on scope. Single rooms take one to two days. The timeline is confirmed in your written quote.

Question 12

Does Riot Renovation do exterior painting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Full exterior repaints, stucco, trim, fascia, garage doors, and front doors. UV-resistant and elastomeric coatings rated for Orange County's sun and salt air.

Question 13

Does Riot Renovation refinish cabinets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Kitchen and bathroom. Doors come off the hinges, get sanded, primed, and sprayed for a factory finish. Cabinet boxes are primed and brushed on site. Two coats minimum.

Question 14

What is limewash?

Accepted Answer

Limewash is a mineral wall coating made from slaked limestone. It bonds with the wall surface to create natural variation in tone and texture. The finish is soft and matte, with visible depth that shifts with the light. We hold the French specialty credential in decorative finishes.

→ Learn more: Limewash

Question 15

What is Roman clay?

Accepted Answer

Roman clay is a multi-layer plaster finish built up in three to five trowel-applied coats. Each layer is set and burnished before the next. The finish reads like stone but moves like fabric in light.

Question 16

What is Venetian plaster?

Accepted Answer

Venetian plaster is the highest-skill plaster finish in residential work. Multiple layers, polished to a depth that catches light from across the room. Riot Renovation holds the Mention Faux Finish credential covering Venetian, limewash, and decorative plaster.

Question 17

What accent wall options does Riot Renovation offer?

Accepted Answer

Paint, limewash, textured plaster, wood slats, fluted panels, and board and batten. We help you choose the right material and the right wall during the consultation.

Question 18

How much does interior painting cost in Orange County?

Accepted Answer

A full interior repaint for a 2,000 to 3,500 sq ft home typically runs $8,000 to $14,000 depending on scope, surface condition, and finish level.

Question 19

How much does cabinet refinishing cost in Orange County?

Accepted Answer

Kitchen cabinet refinishing typically runs $4,000 to $9,000 depending on size, door count, and finish. Bathroom cabinets run $1,500 to $3,500.

Question 20

How much does limewash or Venetian plaster cost?

Accepted Answer

Specialty finishes are priced per square foot and per layer count. Limewash typically runs $8 to $14 per sq ft. Roman clay and Venetian plaster run $14 to $30 per sq ft. Sample board approval is included in every quote.

Question 21

Does Riot Renovation offer financing?

Accepted Answer

Not at this time. We accept check, bank transfer, and major credit cards.

Question 22

Is Riot Renovation licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Riot Renovation holds the California B-2 General Contractor License (CSLB #1139813) and carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance on every project. The license can be verified at cslb.ca.gov.

Question 23

What are the CAP Peinture, BEP Peinture, and Mention Faux Finish?

Accepted Answer

They are the three French national credentials in painting and decorative finishes that our founder holds.

CAP Peinture is the Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle, the French national vocational diploma in painting.

BEP Peinture is the Brevet d'Études Professionnelles, the advanced vocational certification.

Mention Complémentaire en Peintures Décoratives is the formal specialty in decorative finishes: limewash, plaster, faux marble, faux wood, and Venetian.

All three are issued by the French Ministry of Education.

Question 24

How do I verify Riot Renovation's California license?

Accepted Answer

Search 1139813 at cslb.ca.gov. The license is active, in good standing, and covers general contracting in California.

Painting FAQ.

Common questions, answered.

About Riot Renovation

Process and Booking

Services and Finishes

Pricing

Credentials and Trust

Still have questions?

Tell us about your project.

Serving Irvine · Newport Beach · Costa Mesa · San Juan Capistrano · Laguna Beach · Dana Point · and all of Orange County

Painting FAQ.

Common questions, answered.

About Riot Renovation

What is Riot Renovation?

What makes you different from other painters in Orange County?

What does "French-certified painter" mean?

What areas do you serve?

Process and Booking

How do I get an estimate?

What does your written quote include?

What is your payment structure?

What happens if I'm not happy with the result?

Do I need to move my furniture?

I have three quotes and I can't tell them apart. How do I compare them?

Can you show me what it will look like before I commit?

Services and Finishes

What paint brands do you use?

How long does a full interior repaint take?

Do you do exterior painting?

Do you refinish cabinets?

What is limewash?

What is Roman clay?

Will limewash or Roman clay survive kids, dogs and real life?

What accent wall options do you offer?

Pricing

How much does cabinet refinishing cost?

How much does limewash or Roman clay cost?

Do you have a minimum project size?

Do you offer financing?

Credentials and Trust

Are you licensed and insured?

What are the CAP Peinture, BEP Peinture, and Mention Faux Finish?

How do I verify your California license?

Still have questions?

Tell us about your project.

Serving Irvine · Newport Beach · Costa Mesa · San Juan Capistrano · Laguna Beach · Dana Point · and all of Orange County