Commercial painting is the process of painting the interiors and exteriors of large businesses like schools, hospitals, office buildings, shopping malls, and airports. These projects require medium to large-sized teams of painting contractors to complete these extremely large surfaces while using specialized tools and equipment. Commercial painting is typically done on a tighter schedule to prevent any interruption to the business. The primary focus of commercial painting is to increase the property’s aesthetic appeal to make a great impression on customers or students that visit the business.
What’s the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Painting?
At first glance, commercial painting and residential painting may seem almost identical, but there are a number of differences that make commercial painting projects more challenging. Commercial painting requires large teams of professional painters, different types of high-quality paint, and specialized painting equipment. Unlike painting a home, commercial painting involves painting large amounts of square footage, and takes place where employees, customers, and inventory may be present. These key differences make commercial painting more difficult, more time-consuming, and more expensive than residential painting.
The Cost
The overall cost of commercial painting is higher than residential painting. The cost of labor is a large factor. Hiring large crews of experienced painters, rental of special equipment and tools, and purchasing large amounts of high-quality paint to complete the job all factor into the cost. On average, a commercial painting project will cost around 30% more than residential painting.
Project Size
Commercial painting projects include large businesses like big box stores, schools, restaurants, churches, or an entire shopping mall. The surface area that needs to be painted is significantly larger than a single house. For commercial projects the total area to be painted can range anywhere from 35k to 600k square feet.
Number of Painters
Residential painting can often be completed by one or two people. Commercial painting projects on the other hand are much larger in scale and require bigger teams to completely paint the structure by the deadline. A commercial painting team can include anywhere from three to twenty painters based on the size of the project. The number of painting contractors required is reflected in the cost.
Painting Experience
Commercial painting projects can be complex and difficult. Completing a large scale project successfully – and without incident – requires skilled painting contractors. Commercial painters must have a minimum of five to seven years of comparable field experience to work on a commercial painting site. These skilled tradesmen will have the ability to safely operate aerial work platforms, lifts, and handle high-powered paint sprayers and other tools.
Types of Paint Required
Commercial painting projects can involve a number of different types of surfaces to be painted. These include concrete, wood, steel, and reinforced plastic to name a few. Commercial painters need long-term finishes to withstand the elements, which is why they use durable epoxies, urethanes, and high-end acrylic paints for great-looking results.
Types of Equipment Required
The equipment required for a commercial painting project is more sophisticated and much more expensive than what you’d need for residential painting. Depending on the project, contractors may use ladders, scaffolding, aerial work platforms to get to hard-to-reach areas. For their painting equipment they’ll use paint sprayers, rollers, power washers, and personal protective equipment.
Additional Services
Commercial painters also offer additional services that aren’t painting, but are important to a building’s upkeep. These services can include logo painting, sandblasting, surface preparation, epoxy flooring, and waterproofing. When consulting with a commercial painter you can discuss any site issues that may require additional services.
Scheduling and Timelines
Commercial painting projects are extremely time-sensitive. The goal is to not interrupt the business happening at the property, which is why many commercial painting projects are scheduled outside of business hours – or at a minimum – during slow periods. Painting schedules are mapped out down to the smallest fixture, and the work is completed in sections to avoid inconveniencing the customers and employees at the business.
Regulations and Safety
Safety is always our top priority, and with the complexity and risk involved in large-scale commercial painting projects, strictly following OSHA regulations is critical. With high-powered painting equipment and aerial work platforms personal protective equipment is mandatory to avoid injury. Many of our contractors have OSHA-30 certification, meaning they have completed a thirty-hour training course. Nothing is worth risking the safety of painters or employees at the business, which is why safety always comes first.
Benefits of Commercial Painting
Having a fresh coat of paint goes beyond just improving how your business looks. From increased property value to elevating the mood of your employees, a new commercial paint job can enhance your business in a number of different ways.
Protects Your Investment
Did you know that a durable coat of paint actually protects the building underneath? High-quality commercial paint can help you preserve your property’s value, and avoid expensive repairs. Cracked and chipped paint can let in bugs, pests, dirt, moisture, and mold. Unwittingly allowing these elements into your warehouse or business can damage merchandise, cause metal equipment to rust, or corrode the building itself.
A new coat of paint keeps out moisture and insects by creating a solid barrier between your site’s interior and the outdoors. Safeguarding against the elements can increase your property’s longevity, and cut down on costly hassles like hiring pest control or having to replace rusted metal.
Improves Customer Perception
First impressions count which is why having a freshly-painted business is crucial for retail, restaurants, schools, or other high-visibility operations. When potential customers arrive for the first time, do you want them to see a drab exterior with cracked and peeling paint? A well-maintained appearance can be a deciding factor when customers choose where to shop and eat, which is why a recently-painted interior or exterior is important for a business to be successful.
Boosts Employee Morale
Showing up for work each day to a building with dull, faded, and cracking paint can negatively impact employee morale. A well-painted workplace lifts the spirits of everyone who visits, and shows that you take your business seriously. In the commercial space, your reputation
Increases Property Value
For commercial properties with tenants like office buildings, retail units, and shopping malls, having a well-painted property can increase the perceived value to tenants. Dissatisfied renters are going to point to the appearance of the property when discussing rent increases. Curb appeal is also important in real estate, so in the event that you put your property up for sale, the new paint job can make your property more attractive to buyers.
Easy Maintenance
A recent paint job can simplify regular cleaning and maintenance.. A solid coat of paint seals surfaces, preventing the accumulation of dust and mold. A smooth, well-painted surface is easier to wipe down and clean, while preventing the buildup of moisture and debris. Paint also protects metal surfaces from rust and corrosion, helping you avoid costly repairs down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will My Commercial Paint Job Last?
It depends on the environment around your building, the surface preparation, and the types of paints being used, but in general a high-quality commercial paint job will last between five and ten years.
What Should I Consider When Hiring a Commercial Painter?
Find an experienced local painting contractor that’s completed projects similar to yours. You’ll be able to see photographs of their finished work and decide if their ability is up to par. Also, check out their reviews. A painting contractor with consistently negative reviews will likely disappoint you as well. Whenever possible, get a bid from two or more commercial painters to make sure you get the best possible deal.
How Soon Can You Start Painting?
After a customer has approved their estimate, we’ll begin their project as soon as possible. This is dependent on the number of painters needed, and how many projects we have in progress. We’ll discuss our current project workload and inform you of any potential delays along with providing an estimated start date.
Start Your Commercial Painting Project Today
Are you ready to hire experienced professionals for your commercial painting project? Get the job done right the first time by contacting Alpine Painting & Restoration today. Our experienced teams of painting contractors are ready to tackle even the largest commercial painting projects. We’ve been proudly serving Pennsylvania and Philadelphia-area businesses for more than thirty years, and we’re ready to serve you. Contact us today via phone or email for a free quote.
