Jonathan Burkholder is a master painting and construction contractor with over 30 years of experience, known for his craftsmanship, creative approach, and commitment to historical preservation. Originally from the Midwest and now based on the Carolina Coast, he began his career in high school doing trim and siding work, eventually transitioning from art school into painting full-time in the mid-1990s. Entirely self-taught, Jonathan quickly built a thriving business by combining technical skill with an artisan’s eye for detail, tackling everything from new construction to high-end renovations for homes and businesses.
Over the years, he expanded into faux finishes, custom furniture repair, and Victorian restoration—work that demanded both precision and creativity. His ability to manage large-scale, complex projects with a customized, design-forward mindset set him apart. At the height of his Chicago operation, he ran a 10-person crew and served multiple builders, developing a reputation for craftsmanship, reliability, and distinctive flair in both residential and commercial spaces.
Since relocating to Wilmington, NC in 2017, Jonathan has focused primarily on the city’s downtown historic district, specializing in Victorian-era home restorations. Burkholder Painting embraces each project with a creative spirit and deep respect for detail, often navigating challenges like lead paint remediation and historical society guidelines. These intricate restorations—often avoided by others—are where Jonathan thrives, delivering results that marry function, beauty, and a lasting sense of character.
Start by contacting Burkholder Painting and telling us about your property and the work you’re considering. Because many of our projects are customized, we’ll discuss the scope and specific needs of the property before determining the appropriate next steps and providing an estimate.
Yes. Jonathan brings an artist’s eye and decades of experience working with color, specialty finishes, architectural details, and restoration. We can collaborate with homeowners, designers, builders, and other project partners to determine an approach that complements the architecture and overall vision for the space.
Our approach is rooted in craftsmanship rather than simply completing a paint job. Jonathan brings more than three decades of hands-on experience along with a strong design sensibility and an ability to solve unusual construction and restoration challenges. We pay close attention to the details that determine how a project looks, performs, and ages over time.
Yes. Burkholder Painting works with both homeowners and commercial clients. Jonathan’s experience ranges from individual home renovations and historic restorations to large-scale commercial painting and construction projects.
Absolutely. Some of our best work involves projects that don’t fit neatly into a standard painting scope. Jonathan’s background combines construction experience with an artist’s approach to color, materials, finishes, and detail, making Burkholder Painting particularly well suited for custom, complex, and design-driven projects.
No. While painting is at the core of our work, our capabilities extend well beyond paint. Depending on the project, we can handle drywall, siding, staining, faux finishes, custom woodwork, millwork and repair, power washing, and restoration-related work.
Yes. Burkholder Painting is a lead-certified business, an important consideration when renovating or painting older homes where lead-based paint may be present.
Yes. We have experience navigating the unique requirements that can come with historic properties, including preservation guidelines, aging materials, intricate architectural details, and lead paint. Our goal is to preserve the character of the property while delivering a durable, high-quality finished result.
Yes. Historic restoration is one of our specialties. Since relocating to Wilmington in 2017, Jonathan has worked extensively on Victorian-era homes and other properties in Wilmington’s historic districts, where projects often require specialized techniques and careful attention to original architectural details.
Burkholder Painting specializes in residential and commercial painting, historic and Victorian restoration, drywall, siding, staining, faux finishes, custom woodwork and millwork repair, and other detailed renovation projects. We’re particularly well suited for challenging projects where craftsmanship, precision, and creative problem-solving matter.
Burkholder Painting is based in the Wilmington, North Carolina area and works throughout Wilmington and surrounding communities. The company has particular experience working on historic homes in downtown Wilmington.
Jonathan Burkholder has more than 30 years of experience in painting, renovation, and restoration. He began working in trim and siding while still in high school and transitioned into painting full-time in the mid-1990s. Over the years, his work has expanded to include high-end residential and commercial painting, custom finishes, millwork and repair, and historic restoration.
