JC Licht Epco Paint & Decorating Center

JC Licht is an absolute treasure for anyone that wants their house painted correctly but knows little to nothing about paint. I discovered Licht when I moved to the city and needed my entire apartment painted. Although I arrived close to closing the first time I visited the store, the guys were incredibly patient and helpful. They took their time and sent me home with exactly what I needed to have fun testing colors on my walls.
Then, after the contractor whom an acquaintance recommended failed unfortunately (and dishonestly) to prime the walls and used cheap, contractor paint instead of what I showed and told him to use, I called Licht for help. Parnell, an employee there, stayed on the phone with me for about half an hour, explaining the different grades/​brands of paint and why my walls looked so awful after just being painted. He also told me what they should have done/​used and explained how to correct the problem. I now have what I call «Parnell Paint» notes in my decorating file.
I then returned to the store to try to match the color of my fireplace mantel, taking in merely an unlabeled can of paint that the previous owner left for me. Although it was Labor Day weekend (who wants to work?), Parnell patiently offered to find the color and mix it right and there. To give him so time, I said that I’d return the next day, and when I did, the color was perfect — absolutely beautiful! He also provided me with the names of three professional, trustworthy painters since I now have to redo the entire apartment. Because of Parnell, I know more about paint than I even want to. :)
The bad experience with my first painting job taught me that you can’t just rely on a painter to achieve the outcome for which you’re hoping. You need to do your homework and visit a store like Licht — filled with knowledgable, helpful, and patient employees — to which to turn before you start a painting endeavor.
Lincoln Park is lucky to have Licht. Once you visit the store, you’ll never need or want to go anywhere else for your painting needs!

We came here because our new condo originally had benjamin moore paint so we wanted to repair some walls with matching paint and paint a couple of new rooms.
When we originally got there and were looking at colors, a guy named Bill asked if we needed help. He was completely rude and talked at us like we were idiots. He seemed completely annoyed at us for not being expert painters and talked to us like he was exasperated. I almost wanted to leave. Avoid this jerk if you can.
Luckily he left us to pick out paint samples and when we went up for help, Rick helped us out and couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful. He walked us through everything and got us what we needed. He was able to recommend a paint for the trim that the original owners would probably have used 5 — 8 years ago. Very helpful. My boyfriend stopped by the next day for some additional supplies and another man helped him who was very nice.
Overall — very knowledgeable and friendly, just don’t tell Bill you need assistance!

I’m a painting novice and I needed a lot of help. Thankfully, I found it.
Unbelievably helpful and courteous man named Parnell, helped me through my complicated list of old flooring with who knows what kind of existing paint on it, textured walls, multiple colors… man, who knew throwing on paint was so complicated? Well, I can’t say nice enough things for all of his complete attention, well over an hour.
Great experience, very grateful.

Reasons why I prefer this place to a big-​box hardware store:
1. The staff are knowledgeable enough to answer questions, discuss your options, and *mix the paint correctly,* which is an even bigger issue if you’re trying to match a paint color from another brand.
2. Cheap paint saves you maybe $ 15 now, but means you’ll have to repaint much sooner than you otherwise would. And it looks like crap. You really aren’t going to find good paint at an all-​purpose hardware store. Quit torturing yourself and buy something decent from an actual paint retailer.
3. It’s local (for me). If you’re driving, street parking during the day is excellent during the week, and actually not bad on evenings, weekends, and on Cubs game days.
I haven’t price checked the supplies against a hardware store. It seems within the same price range for brushes etc, but even if it’s slightly more expensive, life is short. I’d rather just pay the $.25 more or whatever for a paint brush here than trek to Home Depot.

For someone who knows nothing about paint, this was a great experience for me. The guys who work there were so helpful and I had no idea what they were talking about when they’d ask me simple questions so they walked me through everything and I left with all the supplies I needed to make my apartment beautiful:)