While it’s important that businesses give their customers their best products and services, keeping an attractive front to entice them is also important. That’s where you need exterior commercial painting.

If the exterior of your structure suffers fading, peeling, and cracking paint, it might turn off potential customers. That’s why it needs a good look for its exteriors; only a coat of new paint will change all that.

But of course, you have to ensure the brand-new, good-looking paint job will look its best for a long time. After all, you don’t want to undergo the hassles and expenses of repainting again after just a few years. So, you need to make sure that your paint job will last long:

Choose the right paint

The foundation of a long-lasting exterior paint job is the right type of paint. The best choices for commercial buildings usually include high-quality paints with acrylic or latex bases because they are durable and resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. These paints can also withstand harsh weather conditions, which is crucial in areas with fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels.

These are the things to consider when choosing the right paint:

• Quality: Higher-quality paints contain better pigments and resins, providing greater durability and better coverage. Investing in premium paints means fewer touch-ups and a longer-lasting finish.
• Paint color: Darker colors absorb more UV radiation, which can cause them to fade faster than lighter shades. Choosing lighter colors can help reduce the frequency of repainting due to fading.
• Building material: Different building materials react differently to paint. For instance, wood expands and contracts with temperature changes, which can cause paint to crack. Masonry can retain moisture, leading to potential peeling. Selecting paint that is compatible with the building material is essential for longevity.
• Local climate: The local climate is one of the most significant factors. UV rays from the sun, extreme temperatures, humidity, and precipitation can all degrade paint over time. Choosing a paint that can withstand these conditions is crucial in areas like Pleasant Hill, where the weather can change.
• UV resistance: Opt for paints specifically formulated to resist ultraviolet (UV) light, which can significantly reduce fading and degradation over time.
• Moisture resistance: In regions with high humidity or frequent rain, choose paints designed to resist moisture penetration.
• Adhesion qualities: High-quality paints that adhere well to a variety of surfaces ensure longer-lasting results and less frequent touch-ups.

Prepare the surface properly

Proper surface preparation ensures that exterior paint adheres well and lasts longer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing the walls of a commercial building before painting:

1. Clean the Surface

Start by thoroughly cleaning the walls to remove any dirt, dust, or grime. Use a pressure washer for the most effective cleaning, especially on large surfaces. This helps to ensure that the new paint will stick properly and evenly.

2. Remove Loose Paint

Scrape off any flaking or peeling paint from previous paint jobs. A paint scraper or a stiff brush works well for this task. It’s important to have a smooth, uniform surface when applying new paint.

3. Repair Damages

Inspect the surface for any cracks, holes, or imperfections. Use appropriate fillers or caulking to repair these defects. This step is crucial because it prevents moisture from seeping under the new paint, which can cause it to peel or bubble.

4. Sand

After filling, sand the areas to make sure they are even and smooth. Sanding helps to create a better surface for the paint to adhere to, improving the paint’s finish and durability.

5. Address Mildew and Mold

Treat the surface with a mold-killing solution in areas with high humidity or if there are signs of mold or mildew. This step is critical to prevent future growth under the new paint, which can degrade the paint and damage the walls.

Use primer

After cleaning, apply primer. Using a quality primer is crucial in exterior painting, especially for commercial buildings. 

Here’s why primer is essential:

1. It serves as the foundation for paint

Primer creates a smooth, uniform base that helps the topcoat of paint adhere better. This is particularly important on exterior surfaces exposed to varying weather conditions, which need extra protection to ensure longevity.

2. It enhances durability

A good primer seals the pores in the building material, reducing the amount of topcoat needed and providing additional protection against environmental factors like moisture and UV rays. This can prevent issues like blistering, peeling, and fading.

3. It blocks stains

Primers are especially effective at blocking stains from bleeding through the final paint layer. This is crucial for maintaining consistent color and finish, particularly when painting over dark, stained, or variegated surfaces.

4. It improves the paint’s appearance

Using primer helps to achieve a more vibrant and uniform finish. It ensures that the paint color looks true to its intended shade and reduces the number of coats needed, saving time and resources in the painting process.

5. It can be formulated for different types of surfaces 

There are primers specifically formulated for different types of surfaces and conditions. For example, there are moisture-resistant primers for high-humidity areas, rust-inhibitive primers for metal surfaces, and stain-blocking primers for previously painted or stained wood.

Use the right techniques and tools

The application technique and tools used can significantly impact the longevity of exterior paint. Professional painters often recommend using sprayers for a more even and efficient application, especially on large commercial surfaces. However, brushes and rollers are essential for achieving precision in edges and smaller areas. Ensuring an even coat and proper thickness can prevent issues like dripping or uneven drying, which can compromise the paint’s durability.

Paint at the right time 

The timing of a paint job can greatly affect its longevity. Ideally, exterior painting should be performed in mild weather conditions, with temperatures between 40 °F and 90 °F. Since the paint job can last  several days or even weeks, it’s best to do it without rain or snow in the forecast.

Extreme temperatures can affect the paint’s drying process and final finish. For Pleasant Hill, it’s best to plan painting projects during spring or fall when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is minimal.

Use sealants for enhanced paint protection

Sealants play a critical role in prolonging the life of exterior paint, especially in commercial applications where durability is important. A sealant is applied after the paint job to provide an additional layer of protection against moisture, dirt, and different environmental pollutants. Also, may sealants include UV blockers that help reduce the fading and wearing effects of the sun’s rays. This is especially beneficial for buildings in sunny areas or surfaces regularly exposed to direct sunlight.

Maintain it regularly

Regular maintenance is the key to prolonging the life of an exterior paint job. Conduct annual inspections to check for signs of wear or damage and address them promptly. Clean the building’s exterior regularly to remove dirt and pollutants, preserve the paint’s appearance, and prevent degradation.

Get professionals to do it

Finally, hiring experienced professionals for your commercial painting needs can make a significant difference. Skilled painters use high-quality materials and the right techniques and understand local climate factors that might affect the paint job. They can help ensure that the paint job lasts longer. 

The combination of good surface cleaning and preparation and the use of top-of-the-line quality paints, primers, and sealants makes for a good and long-lasting finish. However, in order to maintain much of its clean and brand-new look, you still need to have the surface washed and cleaned regularly. Some commercial painting companies also offer other services, such as power washing on exterior surfaces.

Custom Painting, Inc. can cater to your exterior painting needs if you have a commercial building in the Pleasant Hill Bay Area. Our expertise in the area can help you ensure that you will get paint that will last long and is customized to the needs of your location and type of business. Call us at 925-686-0903 or message us to schedule an appointment.