Most Frequently Googled Questions About Commercial Painting

It’s pretty easy for most people to spot a paint job done professionally versus a do-it-yourself. The lines are tight, the coat is even, and there’s no evidence of drips or spills. However, unless you have watched a professional execute a paint job, you may be wondering how such perfection is achieved. Do commercial painters use special tools? Are there industry secrets? This article will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the commercial painting process, from cost estimating, execution, and more.

What is considered commercial painting?

Commercial painting applies to the interior or exterior painting at places of business, such as warehouses, office spaces, restaurants, or shopping centers. However, commercial painting projects can also involve places of worship, apartment complexes, or publicly used structures operated by city ordinances. Commercial painting projects typically involve large spaces, often with complicated layouts, that require extensive planning and careful execution.

Is commercial painting hard?

Commercial painting can be tricky and even dangerous. Unlike residential spaces, painting a place of business typically requires far more than a gallon of paint and a paintbrush. Commercial painters do more than just paint walls, structures, and more – they also carefully prep, clean, and repair surfaces as needed. Furthermore, professional painters are trained and skilled in maneuvering around building interiors and exteriors safely and trained to execute projects with minimal business operations disruption. And finally, when considering how much paint can affect a business’ brand or a company’s safety, the pressure to execute flawlessly is great – and professional commercial painters understand these expectations.

Is commercial painting more expensive than residential?

There’s no clear-cut answer to this question since project size and complexity dictate the cost. On average, the hourly rate for labor when painting residential and commercial spaces differs little. However, commercial spaces tend to be more extensive and include complicated layouts.

For example, if the business is a large warehouse, the project will likely require special equipment, supplies, safety-trained painters, and more – all of which affect the total project cost. So unless you are comparing a 400 sq ft office space to a residential mansion, the cost to paint a commercial area will likely exceed that of a residential project.

What type of paint is used in commercial buildings?

The type of paint depends on the space being painted. Professional commercial painters have the experience to assess what kinds of paint are best for different applications. They will consider the weather exposure, level of foot traffic, lighting, and more when determining the type of paint to recommend. In most cases, professional commercial painters prefer to use a primer and top-quality paints unless specified otherwise.

How much does it cost to paint the interior of a commercial building?

Many factors will dictate the cost of painting a commercial building’s interior, but size is the predominant price driver. The price depends on the square footage of your space, materials used, logistics, workforce and more. Most commercial paint companies will estimate the cost after defining the area size, type of paint, and any additional services needed – such as stenciling, epoxy coating, or line striping.

What does it cost to paint a commercial exterior?

Exterior painting can often be more complicated than interior painting – and, therefore, more costly. Aside from the overall square footage, professional exterior painters often encounter additional factors that can affect the cost, such as the intricacy of trim details, difficulty of prep work tasks, safety concerns, and outdoor obstructions. In addition, exterior commercial painting often requires special equipment, which adds to the final cost.

How do you estimate a commercial painting job?

Professionals typically consider these five things when estimating the cost for commercial paint jobs. First, is it an interior or exterior space? This will determine the type of paint for the job. Second, what is the size of the area needing paint? The size is measured by square footage and will determine how much paint will be required. Next, what kind of paint will you be using? Commercial paint costs will vary. And finally, the timeline and any additional specifics that will factor into the project’s complexity, such as intricate trim work or excessive repairs.

How do you paint a commercial building?

The basics of painting a commercial building are not too different from residential paint jobs in that there is prep work, painting, and clean-up. However, given that commercial buildings are businesses, there is an added element of professional expectations from proprietors, customers, and employees alike. After all, a building’s painted interior and exterior are a reflection of the business.

Commercial painters have a system to their trade that ensures timely completion and minimal impact to business operations – not to mention professional quality work. When considering how to paint your commercial building, it’s wise to seek professional help to get the job done right. Keep in mind that not all commercial painters are equal, so do your research before making a decision that can directly affect your business.

How often should a commercial building be painted?

The standard rule of thumb for painting a commercial building’s exterior is every 3-5 years to keep it looking pristine and professional. However, there are a few factors that could shorten that recommendation. For example, buildings in direct sunlight will likely fade more than those protected by shade. Additionally, buildings exposed to extreme weather conditions may experience a faster color deterioration – especially in cases of bright, vivid paint colors.

How long does it take to paint a commercial building?

The timeline for painting a commercial building is dependent upon the size of the structure and the intricacy of the paint job. For example, if extraneous repairs are required prior to painting, that’s more time. It’s always a good idea to consult with more than one professional commercial painter to estimate a timeline.

The time of year also plays a part in how long it will take to paint a commercial building. Many proprietors choose to take advantage of slower winter months and holiday shutdowns to get the work done. In both cases, foot traffic or business, in general, might be slower, making it easier to knock out the project in less time. Also, most commercial painters offer specials during the winter months, since it’s a slower time of year for their business.

Hopefully, we’ve answered most of your burning questions about commercial painting and provided a better understanding of the process overall. We’ve been in this business for over fifteen years and take great pride in executing professional, high-quality work for businesses in Chicago and Cincinnati.

As experts in commercial interior and exterior painting and commercial floor coatings, we work efficiently and consistently deliver professional and responsive service on every project, no matter the size. Need a quote for your business? Contact us today!

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