Get the best result from a commercial painting project: Giving your business interior a fresh coat of paint can transform the look and feel of your commercial space. But to get the best possible results from your painting project, it takes careful planning and preparation. Don’t just slap some paint on the walls and call it done! The following key steps will help ensure your professional paint job checks all the right boxes for quality, efficiency, and budget.
In this article, we’ll walk you through top tips for success based on years of experience managing commercial painting projects. With the proper prep work and painters, you can achieve a polished, pulled-together look that enhances your branding and delights your customers. Let’s get painting!
Research potential contractors thoroughly
Before selecting a commercial painter, research them thoroughly to ensure they have the skills and experience to handle your specific project. Check their website for before and after photos of past commercial projects similar to yours. Do they showcase office buildings, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, or other commercial spaces? Read through online reviews to see consistent feedback praising their professionalism, attention to detail, and quality craft.
Get the best result from a commercial painting project: Request references and follow-up.
Any painter eager for your business should provide a list of references from past commercial clients. Call those references and ask questions like:
- Were they satisfied with the finished product?
- Was the crew professional, prompt, and courteous?
- Were there any issues regarding damaged property, improperly prepped surfaces, or cleanup?
- Would they hire the company again for future projects?
Getting candid insight from other business owners will help you feel confident in your choice.
Verify licensing, insurance, and bonding
Never hire a commercial painter without verifying they are correctly licensed in your state, carry liability insurance, and are bonded to protect you against property damages or theft. Ask for documentation as proof, and follow up with the licensing bureau, insurance agent, and bonding agent to authenticate. This protects you from liability and gives you recourse if something goes wrong.
Get the best result from a commercial painting project: Clearly define the scope and specifications.
Before requesting bids, define the scope and specifications for your project, including:
- Type of surfaces to be painted (drywall, masonry, metal, etc)
- Total square footage of walls, trim, doors, etc
- Whether ceilings, baseboards, and crown molding will be painted
- How many coats of paint are required
- Brands and colors of paint to be used
- Preparation required (patching, sanding, caulking, masking, etc.)
- Cleanup process
- Any other details particular to your building
This allows contractors to provide accurate quotes apples-to-apples.
Get the best result from a commercial painting project: Compare bids and check references.
Once you have detailed quotes from at least three contractors, compare not just their bids but their listed scope of work. Ensure all contractors understand your specifications correctly and that one proposal isn’t drastically lower due to missing items.
Also, verify they included the high-quality paint brands you specified, not cheap substitutes. Then, double-check their references to understand how each contractor handles commercial projects.
Conduct thorough walkthroughs
Schedule a pre-project walkthrough so the foreman can examine all surfaces, ask clarifying questions, identify any problem areas, and determine if any special equipment is needed. Discuss the start date, expected duration, crew size, work hours, access issues, and project timeline.
Then, after the project, conduct a final walkthrough to ensure all work meets your expectations. Address any missed or unsatisfactory items before making the final payment.
Get the best result from a commercial painting project: Establish clear payment terms upfront.
Commercial painting projects often require progress payments as work is completed in phases. Discuss payment terms in advance to avoid misunderstandings later. Get payment terms in the contract, along with lien waivers releasing your property from any claims.
Hire a company with commercial expertise.
Residential painters lack the equipment, expertise, and experience for large commercial projects. They may struggle with high ceilings, textured walls, large expanses, and intricate trim work. Commercial painting requires special access to equipment, techniques, and skills. Partnering with a company like Link Solutions Painting that specializes in commercial work ensures your project is handled efficiently by experts.
Get the best result from a commercial painting project: Choose eco-friendly paint products.
Today’s environmentally friendly commercial paints deliver vivid colors, maximum durability, and easy cleanup with low VOCs and fewer fumes. Discuss options like:
- Low-VOC latex paints
- Recycled paints
- Milk-based paints
- Paints containing clay and minerals instead of plastics
- Paints without added preservatives or biocides
An eco-friendly paint job is safer for people and the planet.
Prioritize safety and protection.
A professional commercial painting crew takes precautions to protect your property, inventory, equipment, landscaping, and more while work is underway. They rope off work areas, drape, ask surfaces not being painted, and place drop cloths to catch drips and splatter. Discuss any special protection needs for your commercial space.
Get the best result from a commercial painting project: Allow adequate drying and curing times.
New paint requires drying between coats and curing time after the final coat before resuming normal use of the space. Drying takes a few hours while curing can take several days to a week. Rushing back into the space can ruin the paint job. Discuss timeframes so you can schedule accordingly.
Get guarantees on labor and materials.
Reputable commercial painters stand behind their workmanship and paint products. Make sure your contract includes guarantees covering both labor and materials—typical warranties run from 2 to 5 years. More extended warranties indicate greater confidence in their work.
Choose durable paints for high-traffic areas.
For spaces like lobbies, hallways, restrooms, and cafeterias that see heavy foot traffic, select commercial-grade paints designed to withstand frequent cleaning and scrubbing. Eggshell or semi-gloss sheens also resist stains better than flat finishes. Discuss the right sheens for each area.
Get the best result from a commercial painting project: Schedule around your operating hours.
To minimize disruption to your business, the crew can work evenings or weekends when your building is unoccupied. Or they may be able to complete preparatory work like power washing or priming when you’re open, then do painting during closed hours. Discuss the best schedule for your operations.
Partner with the best Commercial Painting Company
As a business owner, you know that upgrading your commercial space with a fresh coat of paint can completely transform its look and feel. But landing an incredible paint job takes more than just hiring any painting crew. The key is partnering with a contractor who specializes in commercial work and has the skills to handle your unique project. For companies across Boston Metro West and New England seeking a stunning painting transformation, Link Solutions Painting should be your first call. Our unrivaled expertise in commercial spaces consistently delivers incredible results you’ll love. And with our meticulous, customer-focused approach, you’ll get a paint job that makes your business shine. Get the best result with us today. Contact us right now.
