The Best Lil’ Paint Shop in Texas
Our Approach
We combine over 40 years of family-owned dedication with unmatched craftsmanship and customer service. Our skilled and certified staff are committed to guiding you through every step of the repair process, from providing honest estimates to handling insurance details. With our state-of-the-art equipment and a 10-year warranty on all our work, we ensure your vehicle receives the best possible care and quality.
Meet the Team
Ashley De Melo
Co-Owner
Arian De Melo
Production Manager
Rick Gautney
Founder
Tabatha West
Office Manager
They do a wonderful job…..you can’t even tell there was anything wrong! Great people also.
– Kara
What I love most about this place is that they can make a “blemish”/mistake/driver error, etc. look like it never happened. Superb work!
– Joanna
Building a Business, One Paint Job at a Time
In 1981, Rick and his wife Debbie began their journey as business owners. He started small, bartering paint jobs for the tools he needed—his first air compressor came in trade for a job well done. Renting a tiny space off 518, they worked tirelessly to grow the business, eventually saving enough to purchase land and build the shop that stands today. What started as a modest operation has evolved into a two-building establishment on several acres, a staple in the Pearland community.
While custom paintwork was the foundation of the business, their adaptability saw the shop grow into a full-service body shop as trends changed. From repairing cars to handling large contracts for local law enforcement and city vehicles, the business expanded while remaining committed to the quality and craftsmanship that had defined it from the start.
Our Story: A Legacy of Excellence
“I’ll paint a rattlesnake if you hold the head.”
That was Rick’s motto back in the early days, capturing his dedication to custom work and a relentless commitment to quality. As a young artist with a passion for vehicles, Rick started in the 1970s as a custom painter, earning his reputation one intricate design at a time. He painted everything from hot rods and custom vans to sports cars, and his work became so renowned that enthusiasts from as far as California shipped their vehicles to Texas just for his touch. Rick found joy in turning each vehicle into a piece of art, blending meticulous attention to detail with a natural talent.
A Legacy Passed On
Rick’s pride and joy is his daughter, Ashley, who grew up in the body shop, learning the ropes and embracing her father’s values. Starting out by helping with bookkeeping, Ashley’s role has grown as she’s taken on the day-to-day management and the future leadership of the business. Rick’s teachings were more than technical; he instilled in Ashley the importance of doing quality work, knowing that each project carries the family’s reputation. As he steps back, Rick finds confidence in Ashley’s commitment to preserving his legacy of craftsmanship, integrity, and community.
Anchored in the Community
International Paint & Body has always been more than just a body shop; it’s a part of the local fabric. As active members of the Pearland and Friendswood Chambers of Commerce, they sponsor and host an annual car show that Rick founded nearly 20 years ago. International Paint & Body also led restoration work for Friendswood High School’s iconic Mustang mascot, and through partnerships with the Cole Gordon Helping Hand Foundation and Lighthouse Charities, they contribute time and talent to support the local community.
Craftsmanship that’s Out of This World
Throughout the years, International Paint & Body’s reputation as master craftsman reached unexpected heights—literally. When a special project for NASA came along, they were called to custom paint pieces for the International Space Station. This involved using a unique, humidity-sensitive “space paint,” a challenge the company tackled with the same dedication that drove them from the first paint job to the successful business they operate today.
An Ongoing Journey
Today, the shop is a thriving local fixture, recognized for its artistry, quality, and connection to the community. From the humble beginnings of trading paint jobs for tools, to becoming the “Best Little Paint Shop in Texas,” Rick’s vision lives on as Ashley takes the reins. Together, they’re committed to the same values that built the business—knowing that every car they touch is not just a job but a reflection of their family’s legacy.