Your commercial property’s exterior is typically the first thing your potential customers, clients, and tenants see. And we all know how important it is to make a good first impression. Discoloration, faded colors, and flaking paint don’t exactly give that inviting vibe you’re looking for, so a fresh coat of paint might be in order.
But painting a commercial building is a lot of work. Whether you’re painting your own building or hiring a capable contractor, these commercial exterior painting tips will help ensure your project meets your standards and looks great.
1. Choose High-Quality Paints
While choosing a color is important for a commercial painting project, what’s actually more important is choosing a high-quality paint. Commercial-grade paints can withstand harsh weather conditions and they’re designed specifically for exterior applications. They might come in acrylic or oil-based paint form, and they’re known for their durability against a variety of conditions, resisting mildew, being easy to maintain, and lasting a long time. While it’s more expensive to purchase up front, purchasing quality paint will save you time and money in the long-run.
2. Thorough Preparation is Key
Like any paint job, good paint preparation is key for. Ensuring that the surface is prepared by making repairs and pressure washing the building will ensure the paint adheres properly to the exterior walls, stairways, handrails, and other exterior features, resulting in a long-lasting paint job.
When it comes to prep work, be sure to keep an eye out for:
- Peeling paint
- Flaking paint
- Loose paint
- Water damage
- Crumbling mortar and brick
- Wood rot
- Rust on metal surfaces
- Oil and grease stains
Taking care of these items before applying commercial paint is key. Make sure to fill any cracks and holes in any of the building’s surfaces, as well. Experienced painting contractors will be able to spot these issues easier, resulting in a more professional finish overall.
3. Timing Your Painting Project
Believe it or not, timing will have a major impact on the quality of your commercial exterior painting project. The goal should be to schedule your project during the dry, mild weather of late spring, early summer, or early fall. Temperatures are typically warm enough to allow the paint to cure quickly without running or dripping, but not so hot that the paint dries before it can cure to the surface. Professional painters can help you choose the best time of year for the project.
4. Consider Colors and Accent Walls
Depending on the neighborhood and your competition, you might consider bold colors and accent walls to help your building stand out. These touches can help your building’s appearance stand out and reflect your business’s personality. Not all commercial space buildings should don bright, bold colors, but a little risk may be worth the reward.
5. Hire Experienced Painting Contractors
Don’t overlook the importance of finding the right painting contractor. A commercial exterior painting project is much different than the average residential paint job, so it takes a contractor that knows what they’re doing. Checking online reviews and looking for recommendations will help, but also, look for companies with proven track records of commercial painting projects to ensure your project is handled properly.
6. Ensure Proper Application Techniques
Proper application techniques are critical for ensuring that your paint job lasts longer. When applying paint, ensure even coverage by using rollers for larger areas and brushes for edges and detailed work. This will help prevent streaks and patches, contributing to a uniform finish. If the color requires it, don’t hesitate to apply a second coat to enhance durability and depth. Just let paint adhere before applying a second coat.
If you’re not sure about how the paint will be applied because you’re using a contractor, talk to them. Ask about their process, how they’ll prepare the building and how they’ll apply the paint. Experienced contractors have handled these questions so many times that they’ll be able to explain their process in great detail.
7. Regular Maintenance and Touch-Ups
Don’t forget about maintenance and touch-ups for your commercial building exterior. Maintaining your building’s perfect finish requires regularly cleaning the exterior surfaces and keeping an eye out for damage and other issues. Touching up any repairs or trouble areas will help keep the building looking great for a long time. If necessary, consider hiring a painting contractor to handle the maintenance.
8. Enhance Curb Appeal with Landscaping
Finally, don’t overlook the impact of landscaping on your building’s overall appearance. A well-maintained landscape can enhance the curb appeal of your commercial property and complement your exterior painting efforts. Consider planting flowers, maintaining shrubs, and keeping pathways clear to create an inviting atmosphere that draws customers in.
TopKey Construction is Your Commercial Painting Expert
Commercial painting projects are time consuming and require knowledge and attention to detail. TopKey Construction has you covered. We have over 30 years of experience with painting commercial buildings, and we know how to deliver the perfect commercial exterior painting project. Contact us today to renew your building’s good looks and curb appeal with our exterior painting expertise and a fresh paint job.