When your business needs a fresh look, hiring commercial painters is a smart move. Be it updating faded walls or changing hues to embrace your brand; proper preparation can help the painting go quicker and easier. A well-prepared job site allows painters to do their job and minimises the disruption to your business.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare your business before the painters show up.
Plan Around Business Operations
The first thing to think about is how the painting work will impact your business. Commercial painting is more than a look; it requires time, coordination, and planning to minimize wasted effort.
- Decide Whether to Stay Open or Close
If the work is related to a small office or just one part of your building, you might be able to keep operations running with a little fine-tuning. But for big projects, a few days closed may be worth it. Consider your employees, customers , and day-to-day workflow before long on a decision.
- Schedule During Off-Peak Hours
If there’s no option to close, schedule work for quieter times. For offices, the evenings or weekends may work best.” For shops, early morning before opening hours might be possible.
- Inform Employees and Customers in Advance
No one likes scheduling surprises. Inform employees, tenants, or customers in advance that painting will be occurring. Confusion crops up way too easily, and clear communication allows everyone to adapt accordingly.
Choose the Right Paint and Finishes
You could finalise the colour choices and finishes before the painters arrive. Painters can make suggestions, but if you have an idea in advance of what you would like, it makes the process much quicker.
- Think About Durability
High-traffic areas, such as hallways, reception areas, and restaurants, require durable, easy-to-clean paint. Satin or semi-gloss finishes are usually a better choice than matte because they will resist marks and stains.
- Match the Paint to Your Business Type
The right paint can complete the atmosphere. For example:
- Soft, neutral tones are especially nice for offices to have a calming effect.
- Warm colours are often used in cafés and restaurants to create an inviting space.
- Retail shops might require bright or unique colours to highlight their identity.
Ask About Low-VOC or Odour-Free Paint
If your business stays open during the painting, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or odour-free paints minimise strong fumes, making it more pleasant for employees and customers to be there.
Move or Protect Furniture and Equipment
Painters require clear passage to walls, ceilings, and trim. The more barriers in their path, the slower they’ll go.”
- Remove Small and Fragile Items
Remove any wall art, posters, mirrors, or decorations. Transfer valuable or delicate items such as glassware, electronics, and office supplies to a safe space.
- Shift Large Furniture If Possible
If you’re housed in desks, shelving unit,s or machinery that can be transferred, move them to a different area. If moving is not possible, push them to the center of the room and cover them with plastic sheets.
- Cover Flooring and Fixtures
For added protection, cover carpets, tiles and wooden floors with plastic sheeting or cardboard before professional painters arrive; they will likely lay down drop cloths.
Check for Repairs Before Painting Starts
If your walls are damaged, painting over them will not produce a smooth finish. Well, if you see any cracks, peeling paint, or moist spots anywhere, have them repaired first.
- Look for Wall and Ceiling Damage
You can fill small holes from nails or screws with putty, but larger cracks and dents may require a professional repair. If there is water damage, repair the leak that caused the water damage before painting.
- Inspect Skirting Boards and Trims
When painting trims, look for chips or scratches. Doing so will help the paint stick better on top of them.
- Consider a Deep Clean
Suppose paint cannot stick properly because of dirt and grease. A quick wipe-down of walls, particularly in kitchens, break rooms | or industrial settings, can help significantly.
Arrange for Proper Ventilation
And painted fumes can be heavy, especially when in enclosed areas. Even if you opt for low-VOC paint, it’s a good idea to ventilate.
- Open Windows and Doors
When possible, open windows and doors to bring in fresh air if the weather allows. This also helps the paint dry faster with less odour.
- Use Fans If Necessary
In windowless areas, fans can help circulate air. If you have an HVAC system in your building, see if it can help with ventilation.
Coordinate With the Painting Crew
The job goes smoothly if you do proper coordination with the painters. Review key details with the crew before work starts.
- Confirm the Schedule
Verify start and finish dates, as well as working hours per day. If painters require access after business hours, provide them with the necessary keys or security codes.
- Discuss Specific Requests
If particular areas require further attention or touch-ups, inform the painters ahead of time. Also, ask whether they will take care of prep work, such as sanding or priming, or whether you need to do this before they arrive.
- Ask About Clean-Up
Professional painters will often clean up after themselves, but it’s still wise to clarify expectations. Will they take paint cans and plastic sheets with them, or will you have to deal with that?
Plan for Drying Time
After the paintwork is complete, the area may take minutes, hours, or even days to completely dry before normal business activities can resume.
- Check Drying Times for Your Paint Type
Some types of paint are dryer than others. Water-based paints tend to dry in a couple of hours, while oil-based paints require longer.
- Avoid Touching Freshly Painted Walls
A wall may feel dry to the touch but may still be curing underneath. Resist putting furniture back in its place or hanging decorations immediately.
- Give the Space a Final Inspection
Before you sign off on the job, go through the space and check for any missed spots or uneven areas. If touch-ups are appropriate, tell the painters before they load their gear.
Conclusion
Preparing for commercial painters isn’t only about getting out of the way; it’s about ensuring the work is done without drastically impacting your operations. A bit of foresight can help make the process seamless. By aligning schedules, covering furniture, and selecting the right paint, you’ll end up with a workspace that appears clean and professional without excessive hang-ups.
