From estimates to wrap-up, and beyond
A commercial or industrial painting project involves more than having a crew show up at your facility with rollers and brushes. Each project should go through several stages, with care and attention to detail given during every phase—whether the project involves a small boutique store or a massive sports arena.
Your commercial painting contractor should handle each stage of a project thoroughly. Planning and preparation are vital for a successful painting project, and your contractor’s dedication to planning will save you both time and money in the long run.
Stage 1: Estimates
The first step for a commercial painting project is the estimate phase. At this time, your commercial painting contractor should conduct a detailed visual inspection of the project area, and sit down with you to discuss the scope of the project in full, as well as your needs, requirements, and ultimately your vision for the project.
Be sure that your contractor offers a full estimate that is broken into detailed cost projections, rather than a “ballpark” estimate which often ends up far short of the actual cost for the project.
Stage 2: Prep work
The painting process is important, but this preceding stage is even more essential to the success of a commercial painting project. During the preparation phase, your contractor will prepare crews and equipment for safety, as well as the surfaces themselves. Proper surface prep is the key to paint adhesion, durability, and longevity.
There are many different types of surface prep used for commercial painting. These methods vary depending on the building material or substrate to be painted, and the type of paint that will be used on the project.
Stage 3: Painting
Even the actual painting phase of a commercial project involves more than simply slapping paint on a wall. A good commercial painting contractor must be familiar with the manufacturer guidelines for the various types of paint, as some require more delicate handling and timing than others.
In addition, the contractor must coordinate the delivery of materials, equipment, and crew to the job site to ensure that everything is on hand when needed, and that the project is completed on schedule.
Stage 4: Completion & Follow-up
The painting process itself is the last work phase for the project area, but on the whole, a good commercial painting project should not end when the crews pack up the job site. Your contractor should walk you through the site and address any questions or concerns you may have once the project is completed, and preferably schedule a final consultation to discuss the overall project.
In addition, you may continue to work with your contractor through a maintenance painting program—which is an affordable way to keep your commercial or industrial facility in prime condition throughout the year, without requiring a complete fresh coat every time.
