Ep # 149 A Charlotte Painter Redefines The Trade

Ready for a contractor who shows up on time, keeps a clean site, and treats your home like a heirloom instead of a canvas for chaos? Meet Charlotte native Zach Bowen, the owner of Fine Finishes Custom Painting, whose path from drummer and retail pro to meticulous painting contractor reveals how service, craft, and character can rebuild a trade’s reputation from the ground up.

We explore the roots of his standards—long days learning alongside his firefighter stepfather—and how that early training shaped a company obsessed with prep, communication, and predictable outcomes. Zach explains why “custom” isn’t a buzzword: it’s the discipline that spans residential interiors and exteriors, cabinet refinishing, staining, pressure washing, popcorn ceiling removal, furniture restoration, and even one-off projects like commercial props. Yes, there’s a giant Chiquita banana story, and an oversized recycling can build that tested technique and timing in equal measure.

The standout segment centers on the Mint Hill Historic Village, where Zach balanced preservation with protection. He walks through the hard choices behind historic restoration painting: saving wood where possible, selecting period-appropriate colors and sheens, and delivering a finish that looks authentic without sacrificing durability. We also get practical about choosing the right painter, from red flags to watch for to why fit matters more than the lowest bid. Zach shares the neighborhoods where his team works best, his approach to training and vetting crews, and how he collaborates with a top-tier decorative painter for murals and specialty finishes to ensure clients get the exact skill set their project needs.

If you’ve been burned by missed appointments or messy work, this conversation will recalibrate your expectations. You’ll leave with a sharper eye for quality, a checklist for vetting pros, and a better sense of how thoughtful paint choices can protect, beautify, and even preserve history. If the episode resonated, subscribe, share it with a neighbor planning a project, and leave a quick review so more locals can find trusted help.

Fine Finishes Custom Painting
Zach Bowen
518 Boyce Rd Charlotte, NC 28211
(980) 291-7510
[email protected]
finefinishescustompainting.com