About Varsity Painters
At Varsity Painters, we don’t believe in gimmicks. Instead, we’re committed to offering our best prices and highest quality work at all times. We work closely with you to determine your project’s precise needs – from color selection to number of coats to type of paint.
Our work speaks for itself: Homes that feature our painting have been included in the Parade of Homes, the Luxury Home Tour and the Luxury Remodeling Tour, and several of them received awards within those tours. (See for yourself. View a gallery of our interior painting, exterior painting, or commercial work.
We have long-standing relationships with our insurers – who provide exceptional liability and workers compensation coverage. We’re members of the Minneapolis Builder’s Association, lead paint certified through the EPA, MN pollution control approved, and certified through Hennepin County for the removal of hazardous waste. You can trust us to take care of your property – and your environment.

Owner-Operated
When you work with Varsity Painters, you’ll tap into more than 50 years of owner experience. Joe or Steve will conduct your FREE evaluation, bringing their expertise to your project and helping to decide what you actually need to have done. Then, we’ll plan and quote your project based on their assessment.
Here’s a bit more about them.
Varsity Painters was founded by two Minneapolis painters and friends – Joe Perry and Steve Melander– who started the business in 1995. Since then we’ve grown to be a respected independent business serving the Twin Cities metro area.
Joe Perry

Steve Melander

Professional Team of Expert Painters
When it comes to your painting crew, we believe that you deserve the best. That’s why we hire only professional full-time or seasonal staff. We screen and employ a capable staff who work closely with you to get the job done right. We also provide regular “Toolbox Talks” to ensure that safety remains a top focus.
An experienced crew leader will be at your site whenever work is being done to answer any questions, and Steve or Joe will be in regular contact. We trust our painters and know that they will treat your home and business with the respect it deserves.
The Best Quality Paint and Materials
We work closely with Sherwin Williams and Hirschfield’s to provide the highest quality paint for your project – in the exact color that you want.
Community Focused
As a locally-owned business, we understand that part of creating a great community is giving back. At Varsity Painters, we regularly take part in school and church fundraisers and participate in community restoration projects. In 2004, we were honored to donate labor to restore the iconic Lake Harriet Bandshell in South Minneapolis.

Interior Painting
The colors and textures of your interior spaces play a big part in creating the feel of home. Whether you’re looking to update old kitchen cabinets, get rid of popcorn ceilings, paint a room, or embark on another daunting interior project, we can help!
Exterior Painting
When it comes to the exterior of your home, there are lots of factors to consider: where does the sun hit? What colors will fit with your home and neighborhood’s style? How many coats does your home require?
At Varsity, we don’t just offer exterior painting – we help you plan it. Click here to learn more!
Commercial Painting
Take your business to the next level! Whether you’re looking to create a cohesive look in a chain of restaurants, add beauty and value to your townhome development, or simply put a new coat of paint on the walls of your school or business, we can help.
We’ll do quick, quality work – so that you can get down to business! Learn more here!
Reviews
Dan, Burnsville
Dan, Burnsville
Michele, Edina
Michele, Edina
Heidi, Eagan
Heidi, Eagan
Lauren, Minneapolis
Lauren, Minneapolis
The crew was pleasant, worked hard, and they did what they said they would do and more.
The feedback from the neighbors is very positive!
I'm a tough customer - very few contractors meet my expectations -
Varsity Painters did a great job cleaning the property before the paint crew started.
They caulked, filled and detailed thousands of screw heads and gaps in lap siding.
They sanded and primed tricky surfaces before coating the surfaces with Duration finish coats.
They cleaned up, we walked the property finding only a couple minor items, and they moved on to satisfy the next customer.
I have learned that many folks do not understand the value of proper work until they have had to pay to fix the "race to the bottom" work that is common in the residential industry. Peeling paint would be a burden on our neighborhood for the lifespan of our homes.
I hope other HOA's think long term and choose Varsity.
I am very happy with their work.
Nicollet Plaza Townhomes Association in Burnsville
Nicollet Plaza Townhomes Association in Burnsville
Mike
Mike
Sue
Sue
Janet
Janet
Colleen
Colleen
Kent
Kent
Mike
Mike
Roger
Roger
Helena
Helena
Bob
Bob
Bob and Joan
Bob and Joan
Lauren
Lauren
Mike
Mike
Sue
Sue
Janet
Janet
Colleen
Colleen
Kent
Kent
Christina
Christina
Thank you for your help.
Sharon
Sharon
Mike
Mike
Jim, Plymouth
Jim, Plymouth
Kevin & Jill, Bloomington
Kevin & Jill, Bloomington