Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by Jose Villegas Jr.
Hiring a Professional for Your Commercial Property’s Painting Needs
As a business owner or property manager, you understand the importance of maintaining your commercial property’s upkeep. The appearance of your establishment is the first thing customers notice when visiting, and a shabby or outdated paint job on the interior or exterior walls and trim can give off the impression of negligence and poor maintenance.
The most practical solution is to give your property a fresh coat of paint. However, before deciding to take on the job yourself or have a friend or family member handle it to save on costs, it is essential to understand the risks involved in not hiring a professional. Below are three common mistakes that could occur when you opt out of hiring a professional for your commercial painting project.
Failure to Protect the Area
Painting a room or office involves much more than just buying a can of paint, a brush, and a roller. If you’re painting a space that is in use, such as a store or office, you can’t shut down your business during the painting process. Therefore, the painting must be done in sections, one room or area at a time.
To ensure minimal disruption to others during the painting process, you must cordon off the area to control noise and fumes. Move any furniture to a location outside of the painting area if possible. Any items that cannot be moved, such as heavy machinery or furniture, should be covered with tarps to prevent paint from getting on them.
Cover the floors and carpeting with drop cloths. It’s important to note that plastic tarps should never be used on floors, as they can be slippery and cause accidents.
When painting, it’s necessary to remove the electrical outlets and switch covers. If you’re painting the ceiling, you’ll also need to protect any fans or lights. Remove the ceiling fan blades and slide the cover plates down. If the ceiling has recessed lighting, remove the bulbs and release the outer trim. If the entire room is lit by recessed lighting, set up temporary work lights.
Finally, tape off any trim, hardware, or other items that will not be painted. Even the steadiest of hands can’t avoid slips. For better results, use painter’s tape rather than masking or duct tape. Make sure to seal the tape tightly around baseboards and windows to prevent bleeding.
Remove the tape before the paint dries completely. If you wait, the dried paint might peel off. Cover door knobs with plastic bags to prevent them from getting painted
The Importance of Proper Surface Preparation
When it comes to painting a wall, simply slapping paint onto an unprepared surface won’t yield satisfactory or long-lasting results. Proper surface preparation is essential to ensure that the paint adheres well and looks good for a long time.
If there is the wallpaper on the wall, it must be removed using the appropriate tools, and any paste or glue residue must be thoroughly cleaned off. If the paint is flaking or peeling, it should be scraped off, but if the building was constructed before 1978, it is possible that the paint contains lead. It is essential to use a testing kit to identify the presence of lead-based paint and take necessary precautions to avoid health hazards while dealing with it. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced professional to handle lead-based paint.
Small nail holes can be repaired by spackling and smoothing with a putty knife, while larger holes may require drywall repair. If the surface has rough patches, sanding may be necessary. Industrial sanders can be used to expedite the process for larger areas.
Once the surface is smooth, it must be thoroughly cleaned. Even small amounts of dust can negatively impact the finished product. Use a vacuum along baseboards and moldings, and if there is any oil or grease residue on the walls, wash them with TSP and rinse them with warm water. If there is no residue, simply wiping the walls with a sponge and warm water will suffice. The surface must be allowed to dry completely.
Finally, applying a primer to the clean, dry surface is crucial. Although some paints claim to contain both paint and primer, it is recommended to use primer separately, especially for new drywall or wood surfaces. Primer ensures that the paint adheres well to the surface, which is particularly important when painting over a darker color or covering stains on the wall that cannot be removed.
Avoiding the Wrong Paint and Tools
Paint
To ensure that your painting job is a success, using the right paint and tools is crucial. Opting for cheap paint may seem like a cost-effective solution, but it can significantly impact the final outcome. Inexpensive paint may require additional coats to achieve full coverage, or it may result in streaking and bleeding. It is also less durable and may chip or fade more quickly than premium paint.
It’s important to choose the right type of paint for your project. Many beginners may not know the difference between oil-based and latex paints. Using latex paint to cover a surface that was previously painted with oil-based paint can lead to cracking and peeling. In such a case, the oil-based surface must be sanded completely before applying the latex paint.
It’s essential to read the label of the paint to ensure that you use it correctly. While some paints can be used for both interior and exterior surfaces, others are specially designed for a specific purpose.
Brushes and Rollers
The tools you choose for your painting project are equally as important as the paint. Deciding between a brush and a roller is crucial. Rollers are generally faster, but they may not reach corners and edges as effectively as brushes. When using either, it’s important to use high-quality tools. Otherwise, brush bristles may fall out onto the painted surface or the roller may fail to spread the paint evenly.
It’s also important to choose the appropriate type of paintbrush or roller for the type of paint being used. Brushes and rollers are available in two types: synthetic and natural. Here’s how to determine which one to use:
Paint Brushes
Synthetic brushes are made of nylon, polyester, or a combination of both. If you’re using latex paint, always choose synthetic brushes.
Natural bristles are made of animal hair and work best with oil-based or alkyd paints.
Rollers
Synthetic rollers are made of nylon, polyester, or a combination of both. They are used for latex and water-based paints.
Natural roller materials, such as mohair or lambswool, work best with oil or alkyd paints.
Avoid Hiring Just Any Professional Painter
If you decide to entrust your commercial painting project to professionals, you can avoid making the mistakes discussed earlier. However, it’s important to choose the RIGHT professional for the job. With numerous painting companies available in the Silicon Valley area, it can be challenging to identify the best one for your needs.
Here are some tips to help you find a reliable and trustworthy painting professional who can deliver the best results:
- Insured and bonded: Accidents can happen, and if the company you hire is not insured, you may be held liable for any injuries or damages. Make sure to hire a painting company that is properly insured and bonded.
- Established business: Although start-up companies may have potential, it’s safer to choose a professional painting company that has been in business for some time. Experience and knowledge can make a significant difference in the quality of the results.
- Reviews: Research review sites to see what previous customers are saying about the company and their services. Websites such as Angie’s List, Google, Yelp, HomeAdvisor, and Yahoo are great sources of information. You should also check the company’s status on the Better Business Bureau site.
- References: Ask the painting companies for a list of their previous customers and their contact information. Then, reach out to them to inquire about their satisfaction with the results. Ask questions about communication, responsiveness, cleanliness, quality, and any other relevant factors.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you hire a reputable and trustworthy professional painter who can deliver high-quality and long-lasting results.
tag: # Avoiding Common Mistakes in Commercial Painting