By Parker If you own or manage a commercial property, keeping the exterior and interior paint looking fresh is important for aesthetics, branding, and maintenance. Faded, chipped paint not only looks unappealing – it can also lead to deterioration and costly repairs down the road.
Painting a commercial building is very different than painting a home. With larger surfaces and heights to cover, more durable paints and application methods are required. If you’re planning to take on commercial painting services for your business’s property, keep these tips in mind:
Choose Exterior Paints Wisely
When painting the exterior of a commercial building, you’ll need to use paints that can withstand weather, sun exposure, temperature swings, and consistent foot and vehicle traffic. Exterior grade acrylic latex or oil-based alkyd paints are good choices for roof painting Melbourne as they adhere well and are more flexible and fade-resistant than standard latex paints. For example, a flat or matte exterior latex paint will better disguise surface imperfections but will be more prone to early fading and moisture damage over time. A satin or semi-gloss acrylic latex will stand up better for your building’s exterior and give a nice finished look.
Consider Specialty Coatings
Some surfaces, like metal window frames, external railings, and pipes, may require specialty coatings designed specifically to prevent rust and corrosion. Make sure to use industrial grade metal and masonry paints where they are needed to get maximum durability. These tend to have acrylic and urethane resins added for extra weatherproofing. Galvanized metal also requires a bonding primer so paint will adhere properly.
Wash Surfaces Thoroughly
Pressure washing prior to painting is a must for concrete painting in Melbourne. Be sure to use degreasers on any oil stained areas around entrances, external vents, or drive-thrus where car exhaust leads to considerable grime build up over the years. Also pay attention to areas that always seem to grow mildew quickly due to moisture exposure or inadequate previous paint coverage. Remove loose paint chips, dirt, grime and salts that can interfere with paint adhesion.
Scrape and Sand
Scraping peeling sections and sanding down high gloss surfaces will help the new paint stick better. Use a paint scraper to remove any paint that is already separating from exterior wood or stucco. Then use medium grit sandpaper to feather out any rough edges around old paint. Spot prime any bare wood or metal, especially iron railings and galvanized gutters, with a suitable primer since the new paint won’t bond as effectively otherwise.
Caulk Gaps
Walk around the entire perimeter and look for any gaps wider than 1⁄4 inch around windows, trim, joints in vertical panels or clapboard siding, and anywhere exterior materials meet. Caulking them properly prevents moisture from penetrating behind the fresh paint. Silicone and polyurethane caulks hold up best to weather extremes. Test suspicious areas with a garden hose to find any overlooked gaps. The goal is to caulk thoroughly so water sits on the surface of the newly painted finish rather than penetrating behind.
Cut In the Trim
When rolling large flat exterior walls, you’ll save a lot of time if you cut in all the edges and trim by hand with an angled sash brush first, then quickly roll the larger middle sections. Cutting in means painting a narrow strip where different surfaces meet, like where the siding meets the windows, doors, rafters, and fascia boards. This will provide crisp clean lines and prevent smearing the trim and creating more work later.
Use Spray Equipment for Big Surfaces
While brushing and rolling works fine for interior rooms and small jobs, renting a commercial grade paint spray rig is recommended for covering big exterior surfaces on commercial buildings accurately and efficiently. There is definitely technique involved to get the nozzle pressure, angle, speed, and distance from the wall right. Practice first on scrap material or back walls to ensure the sprayer doesn’t leave uneven coverage, drips, or have excessive overspray.
Address Lighting Issues
When tackling interiors, having ample working light is critical whether natural or artificial. Position lighting directly on surfaces being painted. Also do the work only during daylight hours if possibleinstead of overnight shifts with temporary lighting. Additionally, using lighter, brighter, reflective colors especially in spaces without natural light can help maximise ambient light and make interiors feel clean and airy rather than dark and cramped.
Apply Finish Coats
Gloss, eggshell, and semi-gloss interior sheens better resist dirt, grime, condensation, and repeated cleaning between tenants or in common areas. Satin sheens are a good compromise in medium to low traffic areas. Use satin or matte finishes only in private offices or conference rooms. Make sure to apply two finish coats over properly primed and sealed drywall or masonry and reinforced corners for best durability. This will provide 5-10 years of wear in most cases before needing touch ups. The right paint schedule along with using quality application tools like microfiber mini rollers reduces the frequency of commercial paint jobs.
Plan and Budget Accordingly
Choosing the right types of commercial grade paints and finish coats combined with proper surface inspection, cleaning, small repairs, caulking, and application by commercial painting services will provide long-lasting, professional results. Protect your property investment with paints designed for commercial use. Also factor in potential overtime wages, equipment rentals, boom trucks, scaffolding etc. if attempting a large exterior project in-house instead of using an experienced commercial painting contractor. Their expertise can prove more efficient and cost effective in the long run.
Final Words
Does your commercial building need commercial painting services? Keep these expanded tips in mind for a successful, lasting project. Careful prepwork, small repairs, and using durable coatings extends the protection and aesthetic boost quality painting provides. Your building will keep looking its best for years down the road.