There are many things to consider when preparing for your commercial painting project. After you’ve found the right commercial painting contractor, there are several important things you can do to ensure the project goes as smoothly as possible. The right preparation can save time and money since paint crews will be able to begin work as soon as they arrive on site. Here are twelve things to do before the painters arrive:
1. Decide What You Want
Select colors and finishes early in the planning process. Before the crew arrives, you should know what areas you want to be painted and what colors and finishes will be used. Painting a dark wall to a lighter shade requires additional coats of paint or primer and will add to the cost. If you decide to make significant changes after the work begins, both the cost and time it takes to complete the project will increase.
2. Remove and Protect Your Belongings
Although painters will usually move or cover large furniture and equipment, you should handle small or fragile items. Electronics, pictures, and decorative items should be removed from the space to prevent accidental damage.
3. Make Space
Clear the areas to be painted as much as possible. Move cabinets, desks, and other furniture away from walls to the center of the room. Clearing the perimeter makes it easier for the painters to get around and reduces the risk of tripping hazards. If the space is small, you may need to remove most of the furniture to ensure there is enough space to work safely.
4. Make Necessary Repairs
After removing artwork and other objects, you may notice cracks and other blemishes on surfaces to be painted. Either repair them in advance or check with your painting company to see if they can make necessary repairs for an additional fee.
5. Clean
Paint adheres better to clean surfaces so it’s important to remove dust, dirt, and stains that build up on walls over time. The painters you hire will either clean or apply a proper primer to prepare the walls. However, you should take time to sweep, vacuum or mop the floors. This will ensure that dust and any particles left behind from moving furniture are collected and don’t end up in your new paint job.
6. Prepare the Exterior
If the exterior of your commercial building is being painted, it’s important to have it pressure washed and any necessary repairs completed before painting begins. Most commercial painting companies can handle small repairs and pressure washing for an additional fee. If there is significant damage that needs to be repaired, you may need to contact a carpenter or other professional for assistance.
7. Trim Trees and Shrubs
If the exterior of your building is being painted, make sure that shrubs and trees won’t interfere with the work. Overgrown shrubs can make it difficult to paint ground-level areas, while overgrown trees can make working on ladders dangerous. Trimming back shrubs and trees gives painters enough room to work safely and efficiently. It also prevents foliage from hitting the wet paint once it’s applied.
8. Consider Access and Obstructions
Think about access and any potential obstructions that could interfere with a paint crew. Consider ahead of time where they will need to walk, where they will need to place equipment and make sure they have easy access to the areas being painted. Moving bulky furniture out of tight spaces means they will be able to complete the job more quickly which saves valuable time.
9. Limit Exposure
Exposure to paint fumes can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness for certain people. Low- or no-VOC paints can minimize these reactions. Scheduling your painting project after business hours or allowing employees to work from home during the process helps prevent problems if adequate ventilation isn’t available.
10. Vacate the Area
It can take several days for an interior paint job to be completed. If both ceilings and floors are being painted, plan to have employees work in a different area of your property for a few days. If that’s not possible, having some employees work from home may help prevent delays.
11. Discuss Health and Safety Issues
Professional painting companies have strict safety guidelines and procedures in place to protect their employees and their customers. A company representative should provide information about licenses, insurance, warranties, and the painting products being used. They’ll also be able to advise you of the best way to complete the job with minimal interruptions to your business and your employees.
12. Ask Questions
Most painting contractors will do preparation and repair work but some clients prefer to save money and do some of it on their own. When you contract with a professional painting company, make sure to ask exactly what you need to do in the way of site preparation. These details should be in writing so that you have plenty of time to prepare your property and employees before the painters arrive.
Leave Commercial Painting to the Pros
When it’s time to update your commercial property, call Adam Roe Painting to discuss your needs. Our team of painting professionals has tackled projects large and small, and we’re ready to help you transform your property with a high-quality paint job.
In business since 1985, Adam Roe Painting provides high-quality results and the best customer service in the industry. We offer custom color matching, a residential exterior warranty of 5 years, and a one-year warranty on commercial and industrial projects. We look forward to working with you.
